The second trimester often feels like a breath of fresh air after the emotional and physical whirlwind of the first trimester. For me, this was when I started to feel like myself again—well, almost. The morning sickness faded, energy levels improved, and emotionally, I felt lighter and more positive. My appetite returned and I could finally enjoy normal food again (though my aversion to garlic stuck around!). But of course, new challenges also emerged.
What Got Better in the second trimester
- Morning Sickness Faded: By around week 13, the constant nausea was gone.
- Energy Spurt: I finally felt like getting out of bed in the morning and even managed short evening walks.
- Improved Appetite: I could eat full meals again, and my body craved nourishment.
- Emotional Positivity: The fog of fear and anxiety started to lift, replaced by growing excitement.
New and Common Second Trimester Symptoms
1. Heartburn and indigestion
One of the most persistent symptoms I faced was heartburn. As the uterus grows, it presses against the stomach, causing acid reflux. Hormonal changes also slow overall digestion process.
What helped: A 15–20 minute walk after meals, eating healthy home-cooked food on time, and an antacid – Pan 40 prescribed by my doctor for SOS use. A wedge pillow at night was a game changer.
2. Stretch marks and other skin changes:
Due to the increased blood flow during pregnancy, you might notice a natural glow or a blush on your face—a beautiful perk often called the ‘pregnancy glow.’ However, along with this, certain other skin changes may also appear
Stretch marks : As the skin stretches rapidly to accommodate your growing baby, stretch marks may develop, especially on the belly, breasts, thighs, and hips.
Stretch marks are extremely common during pregnancy and are nothing to be ashamed of. However, if you’d prefer to try minimizing them, that’s completely valid too—taking care of your skin is a personal choice, and you should do whatever helps you feel most comfortable and confident. Consistent moisturization and maintaining healthy weight gain can help support skin elasticity and even then – genetics play a major role.
Dry and itchy skin: During pregnancy, hormonal changes combined with the stretching of your growing body can cause your skin to become dry, tight, and itchy. Again, a rich moisturizer twice daily can help manage these.
If the itching becomes severe, especially on your palms or soles (particularly at night), speak to your doctor, as it could be a sign of cholestasis—a liver condition that can be identified through a simple blood test.
Hyper-pigmentation: Hormonal changes can cause dark patches to appear on the skin (known as melasma), commonly around the face, armpits, inner thighs, and nipples. You might notice a dark vertical line running down your belly, called Linea Nigra. These changes are usually temporary and fade a few months after delivery
3. Low Blood Pressure
Throughout my first and second trimesters, I often experienced dizziness and fatigue, both classic signs of low blood pressure during pregnancy.
What helped: Keeping a BP monitor at home helped us track readings whenever I felt dizzy. Drinking ORS (oral rehydration solution) and salty lemon water also gave quick relief by boosting my sodium levels.
4. Back pain
Back pain is another common second-trimester complaint, often caused by a combination of weight gain, hormonal changes, and the natural shift in posture as your belly grows.
However, if you maintain good posture, incorporate gentle prenatal stretches, and take regular breaks from prolonged sitting or standing, you may be able to avoid significant back discomfort altogether Specialized pregnancy pillows can help with better sleep posture and make you feel more supported at night- my wedge pillow worked well here.
5. Hemorrhoids and Varicose Veins
They are common symptoms during pregnancy, especially later in the second and third trimesters.
- Why they happen: Increased blood volume and pressure from the growing uterus can lead to swollen veins around the rectal area (hemorrhoids) or in the legs (varicose veins).
- Managing them: Sitz baths, staying active, avoiding long periods of standing or sitting, staying hydrated, and elevating the legs can provide relief.
- Most cases tend to improve after childbirth
6. Gum Sensitivity and Nosebleeds
Pregnancy hormones can also affect oral and nasal health.
Gum health- maintain a very good oral hygiene. There are also special toothpastes available to support gum health during pregnancy which you may discuss with your doctor.
Nosebleed: likely due to increased blood volume and delicate nasal vessels. Staying hydrated and using a humidifier can reduce their frequency.
Embracing the Bump and Everything Else
In the second trimester, gradual weight gain is expected and I started gaining weight from my 14th week onward gaining almost 12 kgs by the end of the trimester.
- Remember, weight gain is just one part of the picture. It’s not the sole indicator of your or your baby’s health. More important than numbers on the scale are your medical scans and your doctor’s assessments. Always rely on their advice rather than stressing over weight charts.
- As for the bump—mine wasn’t obvious to others until the very end of the second trimester. And that’s perfectly normal too. Baby bump visibility varies widely based on your body type, baby’s position, and whether it’s your first or subsequent pregnancy. An early or late-showing bump says nothing about the baby’s growth or health.
- I found myself naturally shifting toward wearing more comfortable, loose-fitting clothes as tight pants and jeans became uncomfortable. I opted for flowy dresses and comfortable Indian wear for long office hours.
Pregnancy brings about profound changes, both visible and invisible. Your body is undergoing incredible transformations, many of which are invisible to others but monumental for you.
Do whatever feels right for you—whether it’s flaunting your bump or keeping it private, taking steps to minimize stretch marks or proudly owning them. There’s no one ‘right’ way to experience these changes. What matters most is that you feel comfortable and empowered in your journey
