Best Way to Deal with Aches and Pains during the Pregnancy Second Trimester

The most exciting thing that happens during the second trimester is that you’ll begin to feel your baby move. The movement will be subtle at first. Some describe it as feeling as though butterfly wings are brush­ing the inside of the belly. As the baby grows larger and stronger, its movements will become more obvious. Feeling flutters, pokes, and jabs will confirm that you are indeed carrying another human being.

Note the date you first feel your baby move and what it’s like. This is a turning point in your pregnancy. It will be a sensation you’ll prob­ably never forget, but it’s worth putting your thoughts down on paper. Let your doctor or midwife know about it. Later in pregnancy they’ll ask you to keep track of how often your baby moves, but for now it’s just exciting to feel this other being moving inside you.

Another exciting moment is the first time your partner also feels the baby move, which he might not be able to feel for a few days or even a week after you do. At this stage of your pregnancy, your baby can make significant movements, like flipping over, having hiccups, and even sucking its thumb. Usually your baby’s activity will be recogniz­able to both you and your partner by the end of the second trimester. Feeling the baby move amazes everyone.

Aches and Pains

You may have little discomfort in the second trimester, but a few things could very well begin to bother you. Occasional leg cramps might well occur, due to a change in the way your body uses calcium while you’re pregnant. These cramps can be eased by gently flexing the foot while putting weight on it. A heating pad may also help.

Veins in your legs may become more visible. These are varicose veins. The increased weight of the uterus during pregnancy causes blood to return from the legs more slowly, swelling the veins. If you indeed notice that your leg veins are more pronounced, avoid wearing tight clothing, and put your feet up as often as possible. Do not cross your legs while sitting in a chair. And when standing in one place for any length of time, move, at least slightly, by shifting your weight from foot to foot.

Increased nasal congestion is another discomfort of pregnancy. It’s caused, once again, by your changing hormones increasing blood in the veins of your nose. If you have frequent nosebleeds, tell yourOBprovider. Otherwise, it’s probably safe to keep drinking lots of water and blowing your nose gently.

Finally, your partner, while wildly excited about becoming a parent, may find your ballooning figure a reason to decrease intimacy. He may be fearful of harming the baby. You may or may not be interested in having sex, but if you want more physical intimacy, it’s important to let your part­ner know this. You can encourage him to express his changed feelings. Hopefully, whatever the situation is, you can both make adjustments and eventually laugh about the changes you’re both going through.

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P? ?? partner notices that you’re unhappy or blue, try the following:

•  Let your partner and others know what’s going on with you and when you have these feelings.
•  Get more rest. This may mean letting the housecleaning go, being late on thank-you notes for the baby gifts, and eating fro­zen dinners or takeout food more often. If letting things go adds to your stress, try telling yourself that this lowering of your stan­dards is temporary or get help from family and friends.
•  Eat healthy meals, without alcohol or other depressants, or stim­ulants.
•  Get out of the house at least once a day and be around others.
•  Take time for yourself. Even a half an hour to soak in the tub or polish your nails will refresh you.
•  Watch a comedy on TV or listen to one on the radio—laughter is a great mood enhancer.
•  Contact hotlines and support groups to get the help you need.
•  Let your doctor know if you’re not getting better or if you’re feel­ing worse.