Second trimester - 13th to 24th week of gestation

During the second trimester, which includes the 13th to the 24th week of gestation, the risk of spontaneous abortion decreases to 1%, as well as the risk of malformation of the nervous system, so it is now normal for the woman to be more calm and can enjoy your pregnancy more.

The 13th week is one of the most chosen by parents to give the good news of pregnancy to all family and friends, because at this stage the baby develops very fast the baby goes from 5 to 28 cm approximately, and the belly begins to be noticed .

Often the second trimester is called the pregnancy honeymoon because the belly is not small so no one notices that there is a baby there, but also is not so great to the point of becoming uncomfortable.

Exams and care of the 2nd quarter

One of the most important tests of this phase is the nuchal translucency to know if the baby has Down Syndrome or other genetic diseases. Ultrasound and blood tests are the most sought after and help identify gestational diabetes, and how the baby is developing. But the sample of chorionic villi and Amniocentesis are other tests that can also be ordered if the doctor suspects that there is some alteration that should be investigated.

Visiting the dentist is also important to check for gum disease, which is a very common situation in pregnancy, which consists of bleeding gums when brushing your teeth or flossing. In addition, the dentist will assess if there are cavities or other dental problems that need treatment because they may interfere with the pregnancy.

See the full list of all second trimester exams.

Warning signs to go to the doctor

It is important to call the obstetrician or go directly to the hospital emergency room if you experience any of these symptoms:

• Fever above 37.5 ° C;
• Severe or constant abdominal pain, which does not relieve with rest;
• Bleeding from the vagina;
• Headache and blurred vision;
• Vomiting;
• Vaginal discharge that is not clear;
• Burning or pain when urinating;
• Itching in the vagina;
• Stop feeling the baby move.

These signs and symptoms can indicate candidiasis, urinary tract infection or the presence of complications such as illnesses, pre-eclampsia or problems in the placenta and so one should seek medical help to know how to deal with each situation.

How to relieve the most common discomforts of the 2nd trimester

Although the discomfort of early pregnancy become less obvious, there are still some situations that the woman must face such as:

• Itching in the belly: It happens due to the growth of the baby. The most appropriate is to moisturize very well the skin of the breasts, thighs and belly to prevent the formation of stretch marks and dry skin. Moisturizing creams or vegetable oils may be used to maintain the health and integrity of the skin.

• Willingness to urinate: Increases urge to urinate due to pressure of the uterus on the bladder. At this stage go to the bathroom whenever you feel the need, because holding the urine increases the risk of urinary tract infection.

• Abdominal discomfort: As the baby grows, the belly muscles distend, which can cause pain and feeling of weight. To improve well-being, rest and use a strap to support belly weight. Know what to do when you experience abdominal pain in pregnancy.

• Nasal congestion: Hormonal changes and increased blood volume can cause a stuffy nose. Use to relieve saline or even saline solution in the nostrils.

• Heat and perspiration: The body temperature of the pregnant woman is higher than normal. To get around the heat, you prefer light clothing and drink plenty of liquid. See what is the best clothes for the pregnant to stay beautiful and comfortable.

Check out these and other tips in the following video:

How to prepare for the baby's arrival

When you are past 20 weeks of gestation, you can begin to prepare for birth and therefore you can go to childbirth classes, where pelvic exercises are performed that help in both normal delivery and recovery from caesarean section. In addition, you can read books and magazines on how to take care of the baby, how to bathe, how to breastfeed and put the baby to sleep.

This is also a good time to prepare the baby's room, because at the end of the pregnancy, the weight of the belly can make it harder to go to the stores to buy the products that the baby will need when it is born.

You can also start preparing for baby shower and decide if you will ask for only diapers or other items needed for your family and close friends. This is a special date, which the pregnant women keep with great affection. If you choose to have baby shower, use our calculator to know how many diapers you can order, and which sizes are best for each phase: