Last updated on September 4th, 2019 at 02:39 pm

Welcome to your Second Trimester!

I hope you’re feeling much better now. The shock of this life changing situation have probably subside and you are more in control of your emotions and may have gone into parenting mindset.

The second trimester which is often refer to as the “honeymoon period” of pregnancy is the more relaxed time. It’s also when your baby’s development takes the big leap.

On this post, we will discuss the following:

• Ultimate Second Trimester Checklist
• Healthy Foods to Eat When Pregnant
• What Not To Eat While Pregnant
• The Do’s and Don’ts of Baby Naming

What To Expect On Your Second Trimester

1. Increased Energy Level

You may have less morning sickness now giving you a boost in energy, making you ready for more exercises to prepare you for the big day. 

Why not do the easiest of them all? Walking.

Put on your good shoes and comfortable clothing. Don’t forget your water bottle, towel and happy music then off you go. Make sure to walk in a comfortable phase and not to over-do it.

With this energy rebound, now is also the best time to do a…

2. Hospital Tour

Find the best birthing hospital for you. Location and services are the top factors to consider in your selection.

Get your questions ready for the hospital personnel that will assist with your tour. Ask for the birth package, room inclusions and requirements on their billing so you can use your health card and insurance.

Read about our Clinica Antipolo Hospital Tour here.

Start Nesting and Prepare for your Labor with this Pregnancy Checklist.

10 Must-Do Things for First Time Moms Before Labor

3. Healthy Snacking

Since your energy has returned and maybe your morning sickness is not as it used to. Your appetite and cravings may have become more demanding.

Healthy Foods to Eat When Pregnant

Foods Rich in Folate

This is much needed to keep your baby safe from birth defects.

• Avocado
• Asparagus
• Broccoli
• Banana
• Cauliflower
• Brussels
• Papaya
• Okra
• Citrus Fruits

Foods Rich in Calcium

To help for your bones and teeth to become stronger and for your baby’s bone development.

• Yogurt
• Low Fat Milk
• Kale
• Tofu
• Oranges
• Almonds and Nuts
• Cheese

Foods Rich in Water for Hydration

Aside from water, you can take these foods to make sure your amniotic fluid is intact.

• Cucumber
• Watermelon
• Melon
• Pineapple
• Strawberries
• Peaches
• Blueberries

Foods Rich in Fiber and Iron

To avoid constipation, make sure to eat dark leafy green vegetables and lean meats.

What Not To Eat While Pregnant

• Raw or partially cooked eggs and meat
• Alcohol
• Raw fish and sushi
• Excessive Caffeine
• Seafood with high mercury
• Unpasturized anything

4. Your Bump Shows

You stop looking like you always just had lunch and yet you are not in the about to pop look. Just the perfect bump to get you to priority lanes and look cute in that feminine maternity dress.

As mentioned in the Ultimate First Trimester Checklist, Maternity bra, clothes and pillow are needs. Make yourself comfortable and relax!

And along side the bump show is some lower abdominal pain since your muscles are being pulled and stretched to accommodate the bump, There’s a change in your navel too as it may start to protrude and yes, the Linea Nigra and unwelcome stretchmarks are starting to show too.

5. Baby’s Gender Reveal

By 16-20 weeks, your baby’s sex can be identified. This depends on the baby’s position during ultrasound. Some can be seen clearly while other babies are shy, making the gender recognition not 100% accurate at the time.

For longer baby exposure, you can do a Congenital Anomaly Scan (CAS).

Try this fun although confusing Baby Gender Prediction: Methods and Myths

6. Congenital Anomaly Scan (CAS)

This is a more thorough look in your baby as a whole. I had it done on my 24th week and since the procedure takes a long time. The baby’s position can change, so his genitals can be seen clearly and longer for confirmation.

Read about My Congenital Anomaly Scan Experience here.

7. Fetal Movement

Your baby’s organs has fully developed by now and he may be doing some hiccups, sucking of thumb and kicks inside you but it is only on the 21st week onward that you may actually feel the movement.

Depending on your food intake and time of the day, the baby may become more active too. Back then, sweets and an hour after dinner is when I most feel my baby.

8. The Baby Can Hear Sounds Now

Nurture that special bond between you two by talking, singing and playing songs to your baby. Create a secure, loving and calm environment to your little one.

I remember telling my baby not to give mommy a hard time during labor as mommy fears that it might hurt too much. And true enough, I have a very normal and smooth delivery. It may not be painless but its not traumatizing either.

Talk to your baby, they can hear you and find your voice soothing.

9. Think of Baby Names

Plan ahead and do your research of what a certain name means or ask for suggestions. I hope you’re a parent who put their child’s future into consideration. 

The Do’s and Don’ts of Baby Naming

Do not give a child with 3 or more names

Then you will give them a 3 lettered nickname? Come on! Imagine having to fill out official forms, the allotted boxes are minimal and too much effort to write them in.

Try giving one name yet a classic or two at most. They will never get to be used anyway. In a very rare occasion maybe…

Check the Initials

This may become a bullying factor someday in school and you don’t want that. A.S.S. Anyone?

Make sure that the name is easy to read and pronounce

You don’t want them to keep correcting people and settling for sound alike names instead. Yes, you may want to be unique and original but please let it be readable enough.

Easy to spell

Please veer away from the trend of no vowels in names. It might be too weird that even your child may misspell his own name. You don’t want the hassle of correcting official government forms because of a typo.

Yes, its your child, your rules. But please be practical, do your kid a favor and choose a name wisely.

10. Spend Quality Time with your Partner

Take a trip with your spouse and savor your times as husband and wife before becoming parents. Thank and appreciate your husband on the things he does to help you with your pregnancy. After all, he is on the process of something life-changing too which is becoming a father.

Learn more about your upcoming Third Trimester here!

Good luck on your pregnancy and happy second trimester!

For the veteran and more experienced moms, Is there anything I should add on this list? Let me know in the comments below.

If you find this Ultimate Second Trimester Checklist helpful, please share.

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