Second Trimester Changes

 

Now that your first trimester is behind you, some of the symptoms you've been feeling may be, too. Still, your changing body may present you with some new ones. Here's what you can do to help:

Heartburn

Those extra hormones in your body can cause the muscle separating your esophagus from your stomach to relax. This can cause digestive juices to back up and irritate your esophagus lining, leading to heartburn.

Hemorrhoids
Remember how hormones can slow down your digestive tract and cause constipation? They can also cause hemorrhoids, the painful, swollen veins around the rectum that often itch and bleed.

Skin Changes
Your body is now producing extra oils, which can give you the "glow" of pregnancy. Or cause you to break out. You may also develop spidery red lines on your face, neck, arms and chest, when the extra blood flow in your body causes tiny blood vessels to swell.

Vaginal Discharge
You can expect a thin, whitish discharge to start now and increase throughout your pregnancy. You may also experience some itching.

Varicose Veins

Though mainly hereditary, varicose veins are aggravated by pregnancy factors like weight gain, decreased blood circulation, and the weight of the baby in your pelvic region.

Try Some Safe Exercise Techniques

Frequent Urination
As your uterus increases in size, it puts more pressure on your bladder.

Breast Tenderness
The surge of hormones in your body may cause tenderness in your breasts.

Tip: 
Eat small meals and snacks. Avoid greasy or highly seasoned foods, as well as coffee and carbonated drinks. Do not lie down after eating. Also, try elevating your head at bedtime. Drink fluids between meals, rather than with meals. Check with your doctor before taking antacids.
Tip: 
Avoid standing or sitting for long periods of time. Eat lots of fiber, drink water and exercise to keep yourself regular.
Tip: 
Be sure to wash your face often, and treat breakouts as you normally would. And know for better or worse, your skin will return to normal after your pregnancy.
Tip: 
Wear cotton-crotch underwear and wash daily with water.
Tip: 
Put your feet up as much as possible. Don't cross your legs. Try exercise if it's okay with your doctor. And consider wearing support pantyhose.
Tip: 
Stop drinking fluids a few hours before bedtime.
Tip: 
Wear a supportive bra, like an athletic bra, even at night if necessary.
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