Understanding Prenatal Care

The second trimester is often referred to as the "golden stage" of pregnancy due to the fact that many women find relief from some of the most unpleasant of first-trimester pregnancy symptoms (like morning sickness and fatigue) during this time. Still, for many pregnant women, the second trimester is still not a walk in the park by any means. Fortunately, there are some simple steps all women can take as they gear up for the second trimester to make the next few months go more smoothly.

Invest in a Full Body Pillow

By the second trimester, most women are beginning to "show," and that growing baby bump can seriously throw off your body's natural center of gravity. This can make it difficult to sleep comfortably, so now is a great time to invest in a full body pillow that will provide you (and your belly) with needed support for comfortable side sleeping!

Shop Secondhand Maternity Clothes

The second trimester is also the time when most women have started to outgrow their regular clothing--especially jeans and pants. At the same time, investing in an all-new maternity wardrobe can be pricey! Save yourself some money and frustration by shopping for secondhand maternity clothes, which you may be able to find at local thrift stores, consignment stores, and even some used baby goods stores.

Stock Up on Calcium Tablets

Heartburn and acid reflux are very common complaints of the second trimester, so make sure you've got a stockpile of calcium bicarbonate tablets on-hand. Most pregnant women can safely take several of these tablets per day as a means of fighting acid reflux and heartburn, but it's always a good idea to check with your doctor first.

Stay as Active as Possible

While it becomes increasingly difficult to remain active as your belly grows, it's still important to get as much healthy exercise as possible during the second trimester (ideally around 30 minutes per day). Some low-impact exercises to consider include elliptical workouts, walking, and even yoga. By staying more active, you can avoid excessive weight gain, boost your activity levels, and keep yourself nimble/flexible (which will come in hand during labor and delivery).

While the second trimester is a wonderful time for many pregnant women, it certainly doesn't come without its challenges. By following these tips, you can better enjoy these months of pregnancy and gear up for the final trimester as well!

To learn more, contact a business that offers Healthcare for Women Only.