Celebrating the Second Trimester

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This post is sponsored by Roper St. Francis Healthcare, however, all opinions expressed are our own.

Yipee! You’ve made it past the first twelve weeks of pregnancy! Now what? Maybe you’re ready to tell everyone the news of your pregnancy and start planning the nursery! But where should you start? What should you know about these next week 14 weeks of pregnancy? As a mom of two I’m here to fill you in on all details, and our friends at Roper St. Francis Healthcare are also giving us some helpful insight into the second trimester!

Celebrating your second trimester

First things first, it’s announcement time! It’s time for the sentimental gifts to be sent to the grandparents and the caught-off-guard Facetime announcements. Grab the megaphone and share the good news. Make sure you have a list of people you want to personally tell before the big social media reveal. There’s no wrong way to announce it. Jump on Pinterest and find something to create a special memory for your family.

Speaking of that growing bundle…

When should you expect to feel those first flutters? According to Dr. Lauren Hamilton at Roper St. Francis Healthcare, you should start feeling those little kicks, also known as “quickening,” between 17 and 20 weeks. At first, it may feel like butterflies, but Dr. Hamilton says, “Over this trimester, baby’s movement will progress to kicking, elbowing, and squirming, as much as 100 times a day.”

When the day comes and you officially can’t button your jeans, it’s time to go shopping. That’s right…you need maternity clothes. Trust me, you will be more comfortable when you commit to those maternity jeans. And let’s be honest….maternity fashion has come a LONG way in the last few years. Try to embrace your changing body and remember you are growing a little human!

Okay, so now that you are officially looking the part, let’s talk about those second-trimester doctor visits. You’ll have some pretty important ones after all. Want to find out the gender of your baby? Now’s the time. You will have the level 2 ultrasound/anatomy scan around 20 weeks. An Ultrasound Technician at Roper St. Francis Healthcare filled us in on the details.

“Although differentiation of sex characteristics is complete by week 14, sex is not always identifiable on an ultrasound for another few weeks. The second ultrasound of a healthy pregnancy is scheduled between 18-22 weeks and usually provides a reliable confirmation of baby’s sex.”

Be sure to let your ultrasound tech know if/how you want to find out the sex of your baby. They can write it in an envelope for you to take home to open together as a couple. Or maybe you take the envelope to your local bakery for that sweet cupcake reveal. The power is in your hands.

Towards the end of your second trimester, you will receive your glucose testing. Dr. Hamilton notes the glucose screening “may be done earlier in cases of maternal obesity, advanced age (35 or older), family history of diabetes or previous gestational diabetes.” Be sure to follow your doctor’s orders on what (if anything) to eat prior to your appointment. Dr. Hamilton says the test is administered by having the mom-to-be drink a liquid containing glucose drawing their blood an hour later. If your glucose level comes back high, your doctor will have you take the test again. Just remember to stay calm and take it day by day.

While you’re waiting for your glucose test, now is a great time to schedule your expectant family classes. It’s a good idea to take an infant CPR course, baby boot camp, breastfeeding basics, etc. These classes are offered virtually through Roper St. Francis Healthcare and will provide you a wealth of knowledge and a chance to ask questions. Are you thinking about breastfeeding? Breastfeeding basics cover everything from positions and techniques to local and professional resources. Have you ever changed a diaper? I hadn’t! Check out Baby Boot Camp to learn more about swaddling, diapering, bathing and safety. These classes are designed to teach you the basics, empower you as a parent-to-be, and equip you with the tools you need in case of emergency.

To access all of Roper St. Francis’ classes and pregnancy resources, download the My RSFH Baby app! This handy app has a kick-counter, journal for pregnancy notes, and health tracker in addition to their articles helping you prepare for baby.

Now is a good time to start thinking about your birth plan. Will you try to deliver naturally or opt for an epidural? Will you use a midwife? Make sure to talk to your doctor or midwife about your pain management options and when you need to decide. And while it’s always great to have a plan, just remember to be flexible. At the end of the day, babies are ALWAYS unpredictable, and it’s our job to adapt.

Hang in there mama! You’re doing great, and that little bundle of joy will be here before you know it!

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Katie Finch
Katie Finch is an Alabama native who spent the past nine years living in sunny Jupiter, Florida where she co-owned three Uptown Art (think wine and painting) studios with her sister for seven years. She graduated from Auburn with a degree in Marketing, so her role was all things marketing, cross promotion, advertising, social media, and event planning. After selling the studios, she and her husband relocated to the Charleston area with their two children (David who is 3 1/2 and Selwin Mae who is 1 1/2) in April, and she can honestly say they are loving every day here! They love the Southern hospitality, scrumptious food, and exploring this great city. In her free time Katie enjoy walking, listening to worship music, a (stereotypical) bubble bath, and watching the Bachelor. She also loves a strong cup of coffee, anything with chocolate, and a well-rounded glass of Pinot Noir.