Trimester 1,2,3,4,5- Pregnancy and Beyond, You can Survive INTRO The second trimester starts in week 14 of pregnancy and lasts through the end of week 27.   THE CHANGING BODY Growing belly and breasts Braxton Hicks Contractions Skin changes- linea nigra, melasma Congestion→ nosebleed due to the increase in hormones (estrogen and progesterone) and blood flow that affect the mucous membranes and blood vessels in the nose. Swelling Gum health → gum bleeding to the increase in hormones (estrogen and progesterone) and blood flow that affect the mucous membranes and blood vessels in the mouth Round ligament pain Hemorrhoids Varicose veins Fatigue Weight gain-Expect to gain about 12 pounds in the second trimester UTI Vaginal discharge-white-colored vaginal discharge called leukorrhea Quickening   WARNING SIGNS Heavy vaginal bleeding, Vomiting that is preventing fluid intake for more than 24 hours. Severe abdominal pain Fever over 101.5 F. Gestational Diabetes   OBGYN VISITS Multiple Marker Screening-Screens for Down syndrome and other chromosomal abnormalities, as well as neural-tube defects, such as spina bifida. 15-18 weeks Amniocentesis- screens for Down syndrome, trisomy 18 and other chromosomal abnormalities. Also identifies the baby’s gender.--> Women who will be 35 or older when they deliver, who test positive on multiple marker screenings, or who are at risk of having a baby with a genetic disease or chromosomal abnormality. Rhogam: If your blood type is RH negative you will receive a shot of Rhogam at about 28 weeks. Glucose screening→ Screens for gestational diabetes, which affects about 5 percent of pregnant women. Women who are over 30, overweight, have had a large baby previously or have a family history of diabetes are at higher risk.25- 28 weeks. Blood test one hour after drinking a sugar solution. About 15 percent of all test results are deemed abnormal; if yours are, you’ll take a lengthier glucose-tolerance test at a later date. Approximately 85 percent of women with elevated blood sugar in the screening test turn out to have normal levels Urine test. This is done to find albumin, a protein that may indicate pre-eclampsia or toxemia, and glucose Growth, size and development of the fetusA detailed ultrasound of the baby’s anatomy will be scheduled as a separate appointment between 20-22 weeks, at which time we can usually see the sex of the baby (this ultrasound is covered by most insurance). Size of the uterus. After approximately 12 weeks of gestation, the uterus can be felt through the abdominal wall. Height of the fundus (top of the uterus), starting at 20 weeks of gestation   TO DO Schedule childbirth classes Baby Registry Pelvic Floor Choose a pediatrician Cord blood and tissue banking Circumcision discussions Schedule maternity shoot   Take it one day at a time mama, you've got this. Please leave a review and reach out with any questions. See you next week!