Bodily Changes in 2nd Trimester

By now, your body will have adjusted to many of the changes caused by pregnancy. It’s time to start enjoying the journey.

Baby Bump

Feel free to flaunt that sexy bump! By 12 weeks, your uterus begins to rise out of your pelvis and the top of your uterus will reach the same level as your belly button towards your 20th week. By the 16th week, your baby bump will make its appearance although this varies with individuals.

Forget Me Not

You’ve heard pregnant women grumble about being forgetful. There’s some truth to pregnancy-induced brain fog. Help yourself remember appointments and tasks by making a To-do list or keeping a notebook. Get as much rest as possible to deal with fatigue.

Skin Discolouration

Another consequence of pregnancy hormones is skin discolouration. Darker skinned women may find the linea nigra  -- a dark line -- showing up on the lower abdomen, running from the pubic bone to the navel. Other forms of skin discolouration may show up on the forehead, cheeks, nose and upper lips -- this is known as chloasma or the mask of pregnancy. Don’t forget your sunscreen when you go outdoors as sun exposure will worsen the situation. The good news is it should fade away after you give birth.

Hair Affair

You may find friends admiring the thickness and fast growth of your hair and nails. This is a positive outcome of hormonal changes. Unfortunately, unwanted hair may sprout on the face and stomach. You can wax or thread them but avoid depilatories or hair removal creams as their effects on your unborn baby have yet to be proven.