Congratulations! You are officially in the second trimester of your pregnancy. This is the trimester that women typically enjoy the most. Morning sickness and tiredness normally go away, and you aren’t so big yet that pregnancy is uncomfortable. You may get a burst of energy and get to enjoy the “pregnancy glow” that people talk about.

This is also a time when many expecting parents breathe a big sigh of relief. Because most miscarriages occur during the first trimester, your chances of losing your pregnancy significantly decrease. The second trimester is the perfect time to tackle a lot of your baby “to-dos” as you have the energy to do so. This checklist will help you learn what to expect these next three months and what you can do to prepare for your new little one.

Month Four

Changes in You

Before pregnancy, your uterus was about the size of an orange or a pear. By month four, it’s grown significantly to accommodate the growing fetus and placenta (though you may still not be showing yet). It now fills up your pelvis and will soon stretch up into your abdomen.

The placenta takes over hormone production, which means that you will start feeling better if you’ve been experiencing morning sickness. The pregnancy hormones are also responsible for the better skin and the longer, thicker hair you may have.

Changes in Baby

Your little one is starting to look more like a baby. His or her eyes and ears are moving into their proper position, their chin becomes more prominent and their neck begins to lengthen. Fine hair called lanugo forms and covers the baby’s entire body; this hair is typically shed during the baby’s first week of life. The bones begin to harden, and eyebrows and hair are beginning to grow on your baby’s head.

What to Do

  • Shop for maternity clothes. If your pants aren’t too tight yet to button, they soon will be. Save money by asking friends for their previously used clothes and check out thrift stores.
  • Eat a healthy diet that includes approximately 300 extra calories a day.
  • Modify your workout plan as your uterus begins to show. Don’t do exercises where you have to lay on your stomach or on your back.
  • Schedule your appointments for your prenatal tests that must be done between 16 and 20 weeks. These typically include an amniocentesis if you are choosing to get one, a triple marker screen and an ultrasound.
  • Begin sleeping on your left side to promote healthy circulation.

Month Five

Changes in You

Somewhere between 16 and 20 weeks, you will feel the first flutters of your little one’s kicks for the first time. If you’ve been pregnant before, you are more likely to feel them earlier. Many women find that feeling their baby move is one of the best parts of pregnancy.

Your uterus has now made its way toward your navel, so maternity clothes are a must. As your baby grows, more weight will be placed on your bladder, which can make you have to urinate more often. You may be starting to feel an increase in your appetite; it’s okay to give in to the occasional craving, but try to snack on healthy foods.

Changes in Baby

Your baby is on a growth spurt and has doubled their weight during the past few weeks. He or she can make different facial expressions, suck their thumb, yawn and stretch. His or her taste buds are beginning to form, and he or she can distinguish between sweet and bitter. The baby’s skin is still developing and is translucent at this point; a white, thick coating, known as vernix, forms over the baby’s skin in order to protect it.

What to Do

  • If you are planning on painting your little one’s nursery or installing new carpet or flooring, it’s a good idea to do it now. This will give the room plenty of time to air out before your baby arrives.
  • Eat fiber-rich foods, drink plenty of water and ask your doctor about pregnancy-safe solutions to constipation if you are uncomfortable.
  • Decide if you want to find out the sex of your little one at your anatomical ultrasound.
  • If you want to go on a “babymoon” with your partner, it’s best to do it soon. Your doctor won’t want you to be too far from home during the third trimester.

Month Six

Changes in You

As your uterus and baby continue to grow, you may begin to feel uncomfortable. Heartburn, mild dizziness, leg cramps, lower abdominal aches, back aches and mild ankle and foot swelling may occur. Take the time to rest and put up your feet. Your abdomen is continuing to grow, and most people will be able to tell that you are pregnant by this point.

Changes in Baby

Your little one’s ears and hearing are developed and he or she can recognize the sound of your voice. Your baby may even move and respond to the different sounds he or she hears. White blood cells, which will help your little one fight illness, are also beginning to form. His or her eyes can open and shut. Your little one is spending more of his or her time sleeping.

What to Do

  • Make a baby registry. Family and friends will want to help out with supplies for your little one; a baby registry can help them get the perfect gift.
  • Schedule your glucose screening. This test checks for gestational diabetes, which is diabetes that occurs during pregnancy.
  • Begin looking into child care if you are planning on returning to work after birth.
  • If you are planning on nursing, talk with your insurance company or fill out Ameda’s three-step form to instantly see if you qualify for a free, insurance-provided breast pump.
  • Schedule any childbirth, breastfeeding or child caregiving classes that you want to take now. These tend to fill up quickly.
  • Read and sing to your little one with your partner. This will help your partner to feel more involved in the pregnancy.
  • Eat foods rich in potassium and calcium to help curb any uncomfortable leg cramps you are experiencing.

With the end of the sixth month, you have officially ended the second trimester and are into the home stretch: the third trimester. Preparing now for your little one will ensure that everything is ready should he or she decide to come early and will let you relax during the end of your pregnancy.

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