Your Body
What to expect
You are feeling tired and need naps during the day. You could also be feeling quite short-tempered and outspoken. Worrying a lot more about what’s best for you and your baby. Your feet are swelling up and you will find putting on your shoes difficult. Your skin around your belly feels stretched, dry and itchy.For more tips on what to expect in the second trimester click here.
Baby size
What to expect
Your baby is the size of a Cabbage (roughly 36 cms long and 840 gms in weight).
Your Baby
What to expect
Many developments have taken place. Baby’s lungs are capable of breathing. Baby’s organs are maturing and his or her skin is not as wrinkly. Baby is nearly a foot long and two pounds in weight – double of what it was four weeks ago. Baby can now recognise your husband’s voice. Ask him to speak to baby. Baby responds to your eating too spicy food by hiccupping!
Taking care
Tips
- Sleep on your sides and not on your back. Some recommend sleeping on your left side. Sleeping on the back can double the risk of stillbirth.
- Sleep with your feet elevated.
- Avoid sitting or standing for a long time. If your feet are swelling excessively consult your doctor.
- Use a cool damp compress to relieve heat rash.
- Place cool cucumber slices under your eyes for puffiness under the eyes, especially when you wake up in the morning.
- Look on the bright side of things – most of the discomfort you are experiencing will pass off after delivery!
Ask your doctor
Questions
- During any activity I feel quite breathless and can’t talk at the same time. I feel my heart pounding too. Is that normal?
- My feet are swollen to the point that I can’t squeeze my feet into my shoes. Is that normal?
- Have I gained enough weight? Should I be doing anything more for a healthy pregnancy?
- Should I be attending special classes in preparation for delivery?
Your to do list
Action points
- Make sure you sleep on your sides.
- Support your bump with a pillow and another pillow between your knees when you go to sleep.
- Record your weight and blood pressure.
- Learn some soothing yoga based relaxation techniques.
- Ask your husband to put his ears against my belly to hear baby’s heartbeat.