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You are now entering your second trimester. With your increasing girth, now is when you will really begin looking pregnant. You may also begin enjoying your pregnancy more.
• Reaches a length of about 15cm and weighs roughly 150g*
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Has clearer facial features
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Hair, eyebrows, eyelashes are forming
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Fingers and toes become more distinguishable
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Sucks thumb
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Teeth begin to form under the gums
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Develops reflex movements that allow bending of elbows, kicking etc.
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Heart rate of 120 to 160 beats per minute
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External genitals more obvious, allowing gender prediction
• More alert senses — may shield eyes if bright light shines into uterus; may become reassured by your voice and heartbeat.
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• Morning sickness should have diminished
• May feel “quickening” — slight fluttering or bubbling sensations in the belly — which is actually your baby moving! (If this is your first pregnancy, you may not realise that you are feeling movements at this stage)
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Bulge becomes more prominent
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You may become constipated
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You may sweat more
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Your placenta begins releasing hormones that will soften your joints and muscles in preparation for delivery
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Your energy level should improve
• You may begin getting food cravings.
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• Let your doctor know when you begin feeling baby move. This can help confirm that your pregnancy is on track
• Share your joys with your partner and other children. Allow them to place their hand on your belly — they may not be able to feel the movements yet, so try describing the movements instead
• Talk to the baby — play him/her soft, soothing music or read him/her a story. Studies prove that this strengthens the mother-child bond and may also enhance cognitive development
• Do Kegel exercises to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles — squeeze tight as if stopping the flow of urine then release. Repeat several times a day.
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Add more fibre into your diet (e.g. prunes, cereals, whole wheat bread) and drink lots of water to prevent constipation
• Don’t unbuckle your car seat belt because it feels tight. Adjust the belt between your breasts and fasten the waist restraint below your bulging belly.
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Congratulations! You are at the halfway point of your pregnancy. Keep a look out for more changes to come, especially the exciting moment when you start feeling stronger kicks and turns!
• Experiences a growth spurt. Will reach about 20cm by the end of the month*
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Muscles and bones continue to strengthen
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Organs continue to grow and develop
• Is more active, and may even do some “somersaulting”
• May hiccup
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Has a stronger sucking reflex
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Has a regular sleep-wake routine
• Heartbeat is clearer and can be detected easily.
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• Your weight will steadily increase by about 0.5kg a week*
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Your breasts will grow larger and softer with veins starting to show
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You may begin noticing varicose veins. Do not be overly worried by them as they are common during pregnancy
• You may feel kicks (and sometimes accompanying pain) all over the belly.
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• Buy well-fitting maternity bras (a nursing bra, while comfortable, may not fit you well by the end of your pregnancy because your breasts may continue to grow larger)
• Avoid standing or sitting for long periods and keep your legs up whenever possible - this improves blood circulation
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Avoid sudden movements as they could worsen the pain from an enlarging, stretching uterus
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Ask your doctor about minimizing varicose veins if these worry you
• If a little white liquid (called colostrum) leaks from your breasts, minimise the discomfort by using breast pads sold at maternity stores
• Keep eating healthily — add more milk to your diet to compensate for the calcium your baby takes from you
• Rest as much as possible.
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You are now nearing the end of your second trimester. The increasing blood flow throughout your body gives you a radiant, pregnancy “glow” so get ready for those compliments coming your way!
• Weighs almost 1kg*
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Able to respond to sounds heard inside you with a frown or squint
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Has developed unique fingerprint patterns
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Has more acute hearing
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Coughs and hiccups (you might feel it as little gurgles)
• Large enough to be felt when your belly is examined by the doctor.
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• You may begin noticing stretch marks — around your belly, breasts and thighs
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Your uterus rises slightly, reducing pressure on the bladder. Your urge to urinate frequently will thus, decrease
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You may feel tightening, contraction-like pains in your uterus. These are called Braxton-Hicks contractions, normally felt from around now till your ninth month
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You may begin getting heartburn, especially after eating fried, greasy food
• Your sense of balance may get less steady.
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• Consult your doctor if you have any worries about Braxton-Hicks contractions
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If you are feeling unsteady on your feet, watch out for precarious situations e.g. climbing in and out of bath tubs or standing on footstools
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Register with a childbirth class
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When resting, lie on your left side to reduce pressure on your back and belly
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Start making a list of baby names
• Start making a shopping list for baby items and nursery furniture.
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*Please note that all measurements given in this guide are approximations only and will differ from one mother/ child to another.
This information is for educational purposes only. For more specific medical advice, diagnosis and treatment, we strongly suggest that you consult your doctor. If possible, review this information with your doctor before use. |
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