1. Monitor Your Baby’s Growth:

   • Mid-Pregnancy Ultrasound: Schedule a mid-pregnancy ultrasound between 18 to 22 weeks. This is also referred to as an “Anatomy scan”. It will assess fetal growth and development, but most importantly aim detect any structural abnormalities. This is also when you can find out the gender on ultrasound, if you are keen on knowing.
   • Kick Counts: Start monitoring your baby’s movements regularly. Baby will start moving at 12 weeks, but you won’t be able to feel it just yet. By 20 weeks, you should feel distinct kicks and movements. They might start of as light flutters and some first time moms might mistake them for gas. For women that have been pregnant before they can feel baby moving as early as 16 weeks. Movement can serve as a great indicator of your baby’s well-being. If you do note that baby is less active than usual or has stopped moving all together for a significant amount of time, checking in with your healthcare providers will probably be best, just to ensure that baby is still doing okay.

2. Continued Prenatal Care:

   • Regular Check-ups: Continue attending regular prenatal appointments with your healthcare provider. These appointments are crucial for monitoring your health, tracking fetal growth, and addressing any concerns or questions you may have.
   • Glucose Screening: Around 24 to 28 weeks, you’ll undergo a glucose screening test to assess your risk of gestational diabetes. Based on the results of the initial test you might have to do a follow up test.

3. Nutrition and Supplements:

   • Calcium and Magnesium: Ensure adequate intake of calcium and magnesium to support your baby’s bone development and prevent muscle cramps. Consider incorporating dairy products, leafy greens, and fortified foods into your diet.
   • Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Include omega-3 fatty acids from sources such as fatty fish, flaxseeds, eggs (which are also a great source of choline) and walnuts to support your baby’s brain and eye development.

4. Dietary Adjustments:

   • Healthy Weight Gain: Aim for steady and gradual weight gain during the second trimester. Consult with your healthcare provider to determine the appropriate weight gain for your individual circumstances. You may have to either gain, maintain or lose weight depending on your nutritional status.
   • Hydration: Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Aim for at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water daily to support your body’s increased fluid needs.

5. Exercise and Physical Activity:

 

• • Stay Active: Continue engaging in regular physical activity unless advised otherwise by your healthcare provider. Moderate-intensity exercises such as walking, swimming, and prenatal yoga can help alleviate discomfort and improve overall well-being.
  • Pelvic Floor Exercises: Practice pelvic floor exercises, to strengthen the muscles that support your pelvic organs and prepare for childbirth. Incorporating deep core exercises into your routine will help strengthen your abdominal muscles as well as support your pelvic organs.

 

6. Emotional Well-being:

• • • Bonding with Your Baby: Take time to bond with your baby by talking, singing, and reading to them. Consider playing music or using a prenatal heartbeat monitor to connect with your baby.
    • Self-care: Prioritize self-care activities that help reduce stress and promote relaxation, such as prenatal massage, meditation, and deep breathing exercises. Now would also be the perfect time to go on that baby moon, if that is something you were planning.

Getting Baby ready:

 

• Set up a baby registry
• Start buying your “baby essentials”
• Gender reveal if you wish to have one
• Baby shower, you don’t have to plan this one, but it will be something to look forward to
• Start looking into antenatal classes in your area towards the end of your second trimester.

 

This second-trimester checklist is not extensive, but covers enough to help you stay proactive about your health and well-being as you can continue to nurture your pregnancy and prepare for the exciting journey ahead. Remember to communicate openly with your healthcare provider and seek support whenever needed. This would also be a lovely time to start looking for a doula as it gives you plenty of time to find someone you are comfortable with.

Godspeed!