Since I just started the third trimester, I figured I would share a little bit about what the second trimester was like for me. For a lot of moms-to-be, the second trimester is golden time. They don’t have as many of the physical symptoms from the first trimester, and aren’t big enough to be uncomfortable. Many people talk about getting a surge of energy during the second trimester…I was not one of those people. I did have more days when I felt better, and some when I had whole chunks of time with more energy. We went on our babymoon, which was so much fun. Overall, I would say the second trimester was okay. And, the important part is that baby boy has remained healthy and is growing well. Here’s a little second trimester recap:
Symptoms
I was still exhausted most of the time. Sleeping became less comfortable, even with a pregnancy pillow. But, I didn’t feel like I needed to nap every day to make up for it…only some days. I started getting some back pain and was grateful for the heating pad. Later on, I developed a little bit of restless leg syndrome, and in the last couple of weeks, I got my first bouts of heartburn. I’ve been very thirsty (my seltzer consumption is quite high!), and my lips are dry all of the time. As the baby grows, I’m starting to feel more pressure in my belly, which leads to more frequent bathroom breaks. The flip side is that he’s also kicking a lot more, which is really fun!
Mental Health
My anxiety was better-ish in the second trimester. There’s less risk when you’re farther along, but there are still a lot of things to worry about and consider. Before the baby was kicking a lot, I would get anxious if I didn’t feel him “enough.” Now, I’m starting to think about labor and breastfeeding, which are both intimidating. I’m trying to set flexible and realistic expectations and educate myself without getting overwhelmed. Something that helps me manage my anxiety is being able to plan, and that’s just not possible for a lot of this. I can’t visit the hospital before I’m admitted because of Covid restrictions, which is hard, but there’s nothing I can do about it. My therapist often reminds me that I can handle a lot more than I give myself credit for, and I think that’s going to be my mantra going forward.
The Nursery
When we moved to a two-bedroom apartment in August, we knew that the second bedroom would eventually be a nursery. Until then, it’s been Rob’s office. Since he works a lot, often early in the morning and at night, it’s been nice for him to have a separate space (with a door). He will be working up until the baby comes, so we’re downsizing his desk, but keeping it in there for a bit. We have a bassinet, crib, dresser/changing table and glider picked out (among many other things), and they’re showing up gradually over the next couple of months. Baby things are so fun, and I could look at them for hours. It’s also very easy to overthink these decisions, even though they’re important. Fortunately, I’ve gotten a lot of great advice from friends who are already moms. I’ll share our registry must-haves soon!
Things I’m Looking Forward To
My mom is planning two virtual celebrations for us, one for family and one for friends (with the help of my best friend, Elena). I’m a little sad that we won’t be able to be with people in person, but so many more people from all over the country will be able to attend because it’s virtual. A couple of days before the first celebration, I’m getting my hair cut and colored for the first time since last summer, so that will be exciting. I’ve also been embracing spring maternity style with lots of flowy dresses.
While there is still a very small part of me that wonders what I’m getting myself into, I’m also starting to get excited for the baby to be here. I know that life is going to change drastically, and we’re going to be in over our heads sometimes. But, we also get to shape this little person and watch him grow…and that’s pretty amazing. It has also been so fun to see our best friends with their baby, and I can’t wait for the two little guys to finally meet!
PS In my continued effort to show all sides of pregnancy, I shared an Instagram Reel with some pretty pictures, and some not so pretty ones. I’m proud to say it was one of my most viewed posts, and I’m already planning another one!
