Pregnancy: the second trimester when slowly, the feet disappear!
So there's a lot that happening to your body right through pregnancy - but the second trimester is when you can possibly enjoy the experience the most and also feel multiple changes. My
earlier blog on the second trimester covered eating, shopping and music - basically indulging in anything that you love! Here, you will also prepare for what is to come next - the third trimester.
Enjoying the moment and the movement: So we are watching and learning from the baby's movements now, is it a quieter day, or is the baby excited and really mobile? Or maybe sometimes, just very hungry! So how do you respond? Often, actually, just eating helps. Through both my pregnancies, I found that the movements actually increased closer to a mealtime or when I had slightly delayed eating a meal. Actually, the movements are just supposed to be a reflection of the mother's hunger, that the baby reflects. Sugar levels probably dropped and yes, they too might be hungry. So the big point to remember here is - your baby depends on you for health and feeding. It's not about 'Your' food or meal. Do make an extra effort to have regular meals with smaller meals in between to ensure that there is a constant supply going out. No you don't eat junk food or extra-fat food. Just regular, healthy, diverse meals.
What not to eat: And while on the subject of food, there's a long list of what NOT to eat. I quit practically all junk food - aerated drinks, extruded snacks, highly processed foods etc. for two whole years - during pregnancy and nursing (yes, I know, it was terrible) but somehow after that phase, I never really felt that same level of craving for junk. So it all worked out well in the end. The other bit is about sweets. In any case, some women can't stand the sight of sweets during their pregnancy, but there are some who develop a sweet tooth along with gestational diabetes. I would just recommend to stay off sweets and chocolate. When you do have a craving, maybe a small portion of whatever you crave just to ward off stress, but that can't be a pattern. There are conflicting studies on eating small amounts of chocolate etc. but frankly, I would just stay - keep your hands tied. I was a confirmed chocoholic before my pregnancy, but stayed away for two years - for each baby! By the end of that phase, I had kinda been deaddicted! So even now, it's just an occasional chocolate once in a very long time for me - although I'm a mom of two teenage boys now! And oh, zero tobacco, alcohol or drugs please.
Pack those bags: It was my gynecologist who literally drove us when we were expecting our first child. Go away, she said, and take a trip somewhere. She then added wisely, that's the one bit of travel and personal time you will get in a loong time!
When the baby comes, be prepared. And yes, this is in a very nice way. Life does change when you have a child in your midst.
But you do have more flexibility of picking destinations and itineraries at this time. Find a place with relatively easy access - flights, trains, short drives are all recommended. Also, places where the weather is not too different from your regular hometown. Pack in also a slow, relaxed schedule, late mornings, lazy walks and basically a lot of peace and quiet. Later with kids in tow -
travel will be very different as I note in my blog on travelling with children!
Again, pack those hospital bags: The third trimester is now coming up fast, so will recommend putting together what you need for that hospital trip. Yes, it does seem a little early now, but now's when you are a bit more mobile, you can also get it out of the way because by the time you hit the third trimester, you would be happier with rather less to do.Also you might want to shop just that little bit for the baby-to-be including for things you need at home and yes, you would much rather do it yourself. Adds a little bit of pleasure and expectancy and you can pick things up the way you like them. Some people do feel a little sentimental about doing this in advance, which is ok, so you might want to postpone it till after. I would still recommend, however, at least organizing or putting together your things so you mentally also start getting ready.
Friends & family: Every woman's experience is a bit different when it comes to pregnancy. However, there's a lot you can learn by talking to different people. Run from the pessimists and those who constantly spring horror stories on you. Experience and personal stories, can help a lot however. More than anything, you might just want to hang out with people who make you feel positive, yes pamper you, maybe and also those who can help you out with some of your essential activities and plans. You cannot do everything yourself and you must keep that in mind as you rope in a support group. Listen also to meditative or soothing music and positive sounds - all of these have a huge role in your and your baby's preparation for the life ahead.
In the meanwhile, hope you are going through your regular medical check-ups including any recommended tests and vaccinations, besides additional iron or other supplements as required. Stay healthy, stay happy as you step into the third trimester,
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