Pregnancy Second Trimester

The second trimester (13-28 Weeks) is the most physically enjoyable for most women. While some symptoms, such as a morning sickness and nausea can abate, new ones can begin. If you're one of the women whose morning sickness is still in full swing, using nausea tapes can help ease your symptoms and make it easier to deal with the new ones that occur during the second trimester. What follows is a list of changes that you may see in your body during this trimester.

Quickening and Fetal Movement

The mother may be able to feel the movement of the fetus for the first time. This is a phenomenon called quickening, and is typically felt by the end of the 5th month. On average, quickening is felt first between the 18th and 22nd weeks. Variations are normal, and women who have had a baby before are likely to experience movement earlier. This is probably because she knows what to expect and because her uterine muscles are more lax, making it easier to feel a kick. This fluttering will give way to actual movement and kicking, which is normally felt by the end of the 7th month.

Skin Changes, Stretch Marks and Increasing Belly Size

The uterus has grown to the height of the belly button, making the pregnancy visible. You may notice that skin pigmentation may change on the face or abdomen due to the pregnancy hormones. Due to the stretching of the skin some woman may develop stretch marks. Stretch marks occur in approximately half of all pregnancies and appear in the second half of pregnancy as the belly expands. Expectant mother's who have good, elastic skin tone may not even get any stretch marks. If you do, don't worry too much about these since most stretch marks fade away after delivery and are barely noticeable.

Here are some tips to help minimize or prevent stretch marks:

• keep your weight gain steady and under control
  
• promote elasticity in your skin by nourishing it with a good diet
  
• drink plenty of fluids
  
• use a stretch mark cream or a prevention cream
  

The increased secretion of oils brought about by hormonal changes can result in acne breakouts. By following a proper diet, drinking plenty of water and making sure you wash your face regularly while using an oil-free moisturizer to keep the skin hydrated, will help to keep your complexion problems at a minimum.

Abdominal and Low Back Pain

As your uterus and abdomen expands, you might feel pains in your abdomen, groin area or thighs. You may feel backaches due to your increasing weight. You'll also experiencing aching near your pelvic bone from the pressure of the baby's head, your increased weight, and the loosening joints in these areas. The lower abdomen may ache as ligaments stretch to support the uterus. Lying down, resting or applying heat can help resolve some of these aches and pains. If pains do not get better after rest, it is best to call your chiropractor or other health care provider.