How to take Care during Second Trimester of Pregnancy – Instructions

The second trimester is from week 14 through week 27 (month 4 through 6). This is often the time in pregnancy that you feel your best. Often times, morning sickness has lessened or quit. You may have more energy, and you may get hungry more often. Your unborn baby is growing rapidly. At the end of the sixth month, he or she is about 9 inches long and weighs about 1½ pounds. You will likely feel the baby move between 18 and 20 weeks of pregnancy.

Follow these instructions at home:

Medicines

• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your doctor. Some medicines are safe and some medicines are not safe during pregnancy.
• Take a prenatal vitamin that contains at least 600 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid.
• If you have trouble pooping (constipation), take medicine that will make your stool soft (stool softener) if your doctor approves.

Eating and drinking

• Eat regular, healthy meals.
• Avoid raw meat and uncooked cheese.
• If you get low calcium from the food you eat, talk to your doctor about taking a daily calcium supplement.
• Avoid foods that are high in fat and sugars, such as fried and sweet foods.
• If you feel sick to your stomach (nauseous) or throw up (vomit):
  • Eat 4 or 5 small meals a day instead of 3 large meals.
  • Try eating a few soda crackers.
  • Drink liquids between meals instead of during meals.
• To prevent constipation:
  • Eat foods that are high in fiber, like fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and beans.
  • Drink enough fluids to keep your pee (urine) clear or pale yellow.

Activity

• Exercise only as told by your doctor. Stop exercising if you start to have cramps.
• Do not exercise if it is too hot, too humid, or if you are in a place of great height (high altitude).
• Avoid heavy lifting.
• Wear low-heeled shoes. Sit and stand up straight.
• You can continue to have sex unless your doctor tells you not to.

Relieving pain and discomfort

• Wear a good support bra if your breasts are tender.
• Take warm water baths (sitz baths) to soothe pain or discomfort caused by hemorrhoids. Use hemorrhoid cream if your doctor approves.
• Rest with your legs raised if you have leg cramps or low back pain.
• If you develop puffy, bulging veins (varicose veins) in your legs:
  • Wear support hose or compression stockings as told by your doctor.
  • Raise (elevate) your feet for 15 minutes, 3–4 times a day.
  • Limit salt in your food.

Prenatal care

• Write down your questions. Take them to your prenatal visits.
• Keep all your prenatal visits as told by your doctor. This is important.

Safety

• Wear your seat belt when driving.
• Make a list of emergency phone numbers, including numbers for family, friends, the hospital, and police and fire departments.

General instructions

• Ask your doctor about the right foods to eat or for help finding a counselor, if you need these services.
• Ask your doctor about local prenatal classes. Begin classes before month 6 of your pregnancy.
• Do not use hot tubs, steam rooms, or saunas.
• Do not douche or use tampons or scented sanitary pads.
• Do not cross your legs for long periods of time.
• Visit your dentist if you have not done so. Use a soft toothbrush to brush your teeth. Floss gently.
• Avoid all smoking, herbs, and alcohol. Avoid drugs that are not approved by your doctor.
• Do not use any products that contain nicotine or tobacco, such as cigarettes and e-cigarettes. If you need help quitting, ask your doctor.
• Avoid cat litter boxes and soil used by cats. These carry germs that can cause birth defects in the baby and can cause a loss of your baby (miscarriage) or stillbirth.

Contact a doctor if:

• You have mild cramps or pressure in your lower belly.
• You have pain when you pee (urinate).
• You have bad smelling fluid coming from your vagina.
• You continue to feel sick to your stomach (nauseous), throw up (vomit), or have watery poop (diarrhea).
• You have a nagging pain in your belly area.
• You feel dizzy.

Get help right away if:

• You have a fever.
• You are leaking fluid from your vagina.
• You have spotting or bleeding from your vagina.
• You have severe belly cramping or pain.
• You lose or gain weight rapidly.
• You have trouble catching your breath and have chest pain.
• You notice sudden or extreme puffiness (swelling) of your face, hands, ankles, feet, or legs.
• You have not felt the baby move in over an hour.
• You have severe headaches that do not go away when you take medicine.
• You have trouble seeing.

Summary

• The second trimester is from week 14 through week 27 (months 4 through 6). This is often the time in pregnancy that you feel your best.
• To take care of yourself and your unborn baby, you will need to eat healthy meals, take medicines only if your doctor tells you to do so, and do activities that are safe for you and your baby.
• Call your doctor if you get sick or if you notice anything unusual about your pregnancy. Also, call your doctor if you need help with the right food to eat, or if you want to know what activities are safe for you.