I'm writing this well into my third trimester, so I can attest the second trimester is indeed the best! Annoying symptoms like nausea, tender boobs, and exhaustion eased up. Plus, the belly bloat died off and a true baby bump made its presence.
The second trimester (weeks 13-28) is an exciting time because most mamas feel comfortable telling people about the pregnancy. We announced it on Instagram and in this blog post at 19 weeks. The second trimester is also when you can start to feel the baby moving -- which is definitely the coolest part of pregnancy!
Highlight: Feeling Baby!
I started feeling the baby moving in my belly pretty early, at around 16 weeks. It was so special to feel him wiggling in there! My doctor said because my placenta is positioned closer to my back rather than the front of my belly, it's easier to feel baby's movements. (Not everyone feels baby so early on and that's normal too.) I felt our baby move the most when I laid down at night and in the mornings, so those became very special times between our little man and me. Kam was able to feel him move for the first time a couple weeks later. It's honestly the coolest thing!
Preparing the Nursery
We made great progress on the nursery during the second trimester. I got really into planning it! You can see the nursery vision here. My dad and I painted the room, then Kam and I added a funky accent wall with blue geometric removable wallpaper. I'm excited to get his closet set up with his itty bitty clothes and complete his room!
26 weeks pregnant 
Painting the nursery with my dad!
Cravings
"Why did you buy cow's milk?!" My husband was pretty weirded out by my second trimester craving. Fair enough. I had been drinking almond milk for years and years, so buying 2% cow's milk (what I grew up drinking) was indeed a random purchase!
However, it turns out it's not that unusual of a pregnancy craving because your body craves calcium. I've continued to buy 2% milk throughout the pregnancy and have been loving it in a foamy latte at home (I'm obsessed with our latte maker!)
Weight Gain
By the end of my second trimester, I gained about 18 pounds total. Although, I had a little baby bump around 19 weeks (as you can see from the photos from our babymoon), my belly really made itself known closer to the end of the second trimester. The second trimester bump is the cutest. I miss it!
Black dress (similar) // Pink eyeglasses (Warby Parker)
Exercising During the Second Trimester
I continued to jog until around 21 weeks or so. Then it became uncomfortable and I heard it puts a lot of pressure on your pelvic floor, so I stopped.
I continued to do Body Pump (weight lifting), barre, prenatal pilates, and walking on the track while listening to books on audible and podcasts. I listened to Where the Crawdad Sings, My Friend Anna, and The Birth Hour Podcast during the second trimester.
Finally, I bought the third trimester pdf workout guide from Expecting and Empowered (I love watching their informative instastories), and got a head start on that.
Hiring a Doula
Prior to getting pregnant, I've had what I consider abnormal anxiety around pregnancy and birth. I've always wanted kids, but the journey to get there terrifies me. When my friend told me about a doula, I knew hiring one would be the best move! We hired 312 Doulas to help guide us through the pregnancy, prepare us for the birth, and provide support during the actual labor and delivery.
Already, this has been the best investment. Through our conversations with our doulas and taking the Evidence Based Birth course with them, my husband and I feel so much more prepared and comfortable with the craziness that is pregnancy and birth. Interestingly enough, I now feel confident enough to labor without an epidural for as long as possible. Before engaging 312 Doulas, I was Team Epidural ASAP!
Second Trimester Symptoms
My pregnancy has been relatively smooth, which is such a blessing. I have the typical pregnancy symptoms, but nothing has been too challenging. This trimester I had round ligament pain, back pain, insomnia, and my lingering stuffy nose! So much fun. 🙂
Products I've Loved
- These maternity performance leggings
- This top-rated body oil. I apply it every night and morning.
- Clothes from this retailer for mamas-to-be. I'm telling you, giving into wearing maternity clothes feels so good!
- These prenatal vitamins.
20 & 28 Week Ultrasounds
At the halfway mark, you get to do an anatomy ultrasound, giving a glimpse of the baby's cute little features. Of course, we were nervous before the appointment because we wanted to make sure that our baby was healthy with all his fingers and toes. We are so grateful that everything has been looking good so far this pregnancy.
At the 20 week ultrasound we thought the baby looked more like me. At 28 weeks, he resembled his dad more. It's always fun to get to see him and we can't wait to meet him in January! Who do you think he will look like?
Thanks so much for sharing in our excitement for our first baby!
XOXO
Lizzy
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