When do you first start to show while pregnant?
First-time mothers typically begin to show between 12 and 18 weeks. Most women who were having their first child said they began to show between 12 and 18 weeks, closely followed by those who claimed their bump first appeared between 18 and 24 weeks, according to a BabyCenter poll.
You won’t know exactly when you’ll start “showing,” which is what happens when your expanding uterus starts to protrude above the pubic bone, because every woman and every baby bump is unique. The uterus normally stays inside the pelvis and isn’t usually visible until you’re about 12 weeks pregnant, when this usually starts.
Any “lump” you start to notice in your abdomen even at 12 weeks of pregnancy
First Prenatal Appointment (First Trimester)
The most thorough prenatal checkup is the first one. To evaluate the health of both you and your unborn child, a thorough medical history is gathered, a physical examination is completed, and several tests and procedures are carried out. Your initial prenatal appointment can include:
personal history of illness. Any of the following may be recorded as part of this:
both past and present medical issues, such as diabetes, hypertension, anaemia, and/or allergies
modern medications (prescription, over-the-counter and nutritional supplements)
Second Prenatal Visit (Second Trimester)
The second trimester of pregnancy, which lasts from 14 weeks to 27 weeks, is frequently regarded as the finest time of pregnancy. Many people experience a reduction in morning sickness and exhaustion at this stage of the pregnancy. During this trimester, the fetus continues to grow, gaining weight and assuming the characteristics of a newborn. During the second trimester, an ultrasound will be performed to check on the fetus’ development and to determine its gender.
Pregnancy typically lasts for 40 weeks. The first, second, and third trimesters make up its three divisions. An average trimester lasts 14 weeks. You are about 14 weeks pregnant when your second trimester begins. From week 14 to the end of week 27, this middle trimester will take place.
You’ll start to feel and appear more pregnant during your second trimester of pregnancy. Because the morning sickness and fatigue of their first trimester vanish, for many women, this is the finest phase of pregnancy. At this point, your first trimester’s anxiousness frequently starts to fade as well.
What happens to my body during the second trimester of pregnancy?
The second trimester of your pregnancy is a time of growth and change for you as well. During this time, you’ll notice a number of changes in your own body. Your uterus, where the fetus develops throughout pregnancy, keeps expanding. As the fetus becomes bigger, this organ will enlarge during your pregnancy. Your uterus will shrink after giving birth to its pre-pregnancy size (picture an upside-down pear).
The second trimester is not solely a time of growth for your uterus, though. You’ll begin putting on weight, and you might even start to show the classic signs of pregnancy, like an expanded tummy. It’s okay if it takes a while for things to grow. Everyone is unique, thus no two pregnant bodies will appear exactly alike.
You might also feel or develop a few new symptoms of pregnancy during your second trimester, including:
- An increased appetite.
- An achy body.
- Some swelling in your hands, feet and ankles.
- Some stretch marks.
What should I be doing during the second trimester of pregnancy to stay healthy?
You should keep up your healthy lifestyle during your second trimester. Aim to work out for 20 minutes per day. Your developing fetus and you both benefit from regular exercise. Although there are many other possibilities you can try, walking and swimming are two of the safest forms of exercise. To be safe, discuss the type of activity you intend to do beforehand with your healthcare professional. Avoid falling-prone hobbies and contact sports because they could put your pregnancy in danger.
Kegel exercises should be performed the entire time you are pregnant. Your pelvic floor muscles will become stronger as a result of these activities.
You should keep up your good diet, prenatal vitamin regimen, and attendance at all of your visits in addition to exercising.
How does my baby develop during the second trimester of pregnancy?
During the second trimester of your pregnancy, your fetus will experience a lot of changes. The fetus begins to resemble a child during this trimester as its facial features align and its fingers and toes develop clearly. The fetus will actually have eyelids, eyebrows, eyelashes, nails, and hair by the fourth month. Also capable of stretching, making faces, and even sucking on its thumb, the fetus will be. Usually at 20 weeks into the pregnancy, an ultrasound will allow you to identify the fetus’ gender.
You might also begin to feel the fetus move at this point. The motion is frequently compared to a flutter or the sensation of having butterflies in your tummy. The fetus will be doing flips and movements throughout your second trimester.
What tests will I have during the second trimester of pregnancy?
Your doctor will prescribe a number of tests throughout your pregnancy to monitor both your health and the health of your growing fetus. You will normally have screenings for a number of conditions throughout your second trimester, including gestational diabetes and the Rh factor of your blood. In the second trimester, an ultrasound will also be performed on you. Although the sex of the fetus can be determined using this ultrasound, it is primarily used to examine their anatomy.
Your Rh factor is one of the things your doctor will check for in the second trimester. The majority of people’s red blood cells contain an antigen protein called rh factor. You are Rh- if you don’t have the protein (negative). Rhogam®, or Rh immune globulin, will be injected into you during the 28th week of your pregnancy to stop the growth of antibodies that could harm the developing fetus. If your fetus has Rh+ (positive) blood, you will additionally receive an injection of Rhogam® after delivery.
You may also get this injection if you are Rh- and:
being subjected to an intensive procedure (such as amniocentesis).
Had stomach injuries
Had any significant bleeding during pregnancy.
Need to have the fetus turned in your uterus (due to breech presentation).
When should I call my doctor during the second trimester of pregnancy?
You’re the person who knows your body the best. If you ever feel like something is wrong, it’s completely OK to reach out to your healthcare provider. It’s also a good idea to call your healthcare provider right away if you have:
- Unusual or severe cramping or abdominal pain.
- Noticeable changes in how much the fetus moves (after 28 weeks of gestation). If you don’t count six to 10 movements in one hour or less, call your provider.
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath that seems to be getting worse over time.
- Regular tightening or pain in your lower abdomen or back that occurs more than four times in an hour.
- Any bleeding in your second or third trimester of pregnancy.
- Any fluid leakage. Vaginal discharge often increases as part of the hormonal changes in pregnancy.
- Pressure in your pelvis or vagina.
Third Prenatal Visit (Third Trimester)
In the last three months of pregnancy, your baby is packing on the pounds, growing finger- and toenails, and opening and closing their eyes. You’re likely feeling pretty tired and might find yourself short of breath. This is completely normal. You should also be feeling more movement from baby.
By week 37, your baby can be born and considered early-term. The longer they stay put, the healthier they’ll be at birth.
If your pregnancy is healthy and low-risk, you should be attending prenatal appointments every two to four weeks up until 36 weeks. Then it will be time for weekly checkups until you deliver.
Your doctor will weigh you and take your blood pressure when you visit for an appointment. Your doctor might request a urine sample from you so they can examine it for infection, protein, or sugar. In the third trimester, the presence of protein in the urine may indicate preeclampsia. Urine sugar levels may be a sign of gestational diabetes.
For growth monitoring, your doctor will take a measurement of your belly. They might check for dilatation of your cervix. In addition, they might administer a blood test to see if you have anemia, particularly if you did earlier in your pregnancy. You don’t have enough healthy red blood cells if you have this illness.
Ultrasounds
You may get ultrasounds, just as you have in previous weeks, to confirm the baby’s position, growth, and health. Electronic fetal heart rate monitoring checks to make sure the baby’s heart is beating properly. You’ve likely had some of these tests by now.
Group B Streptococcus Screening
Many of us carry group B strep bacteria in our bowel, rectum, bladder, vagina, or throat. It usually doesn’t cause a problem for adults, but it can cause serious and potentially fatal infections in newborns. Your doctor will test you for group B strep in weeks 36 to 37 to make sure your baby isn’t exposed to it.
They’ll swab your vagina and rectum, and then examine the swabs for the bacteria. If the test is positive for bacteria, they’ll give you antibiotics before delivery so your baby isn’t exposed to group B strep.
STI Tests
During the third trimester, your doctor might also check for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Depending on your risk factors, your doctor might test for:
- chlamydia
- HIV
- syphilis
- gonorrhea
These could infect your baby during delivery.