Second Trimester - What to Expect and How to Prepare
Second Trimester Overview from the Midwives at Colorado Birth and Wellness
The second trimester is often referred to as the "golden period" of pregnancy, and for good reason. For many women, it's a time of relief and celebration as the early symptoms of pregnancy, like nausea and fatigue, start to fade. At this stage, you begin to share the exciting news with friends and family, feel the first flutters of movement, and watch your baby bump grow. If you're planning to deliver with the support of a Denver midwifery care team, like the one at Colorado Birth & Wellness, this is also a time to start preparing for the journey ahead.
Enjoying the Golden Weeks
During the second trimester, you’re likely to feel more energized and comfortable, making it an ideal time to focus on enjoying the moment. Whether it’s planning a relaxing babymoon or simply basking in the joy of your pregnancy, now is the time to take it all in before the more intense preparations of the third trimester begin.
What to Watch Out For
While the second trimester is often a smooth ride, there are still some important things to keep an eye on:
Preeclampsia: This condition can develop later in pregnancy but sometimes begins in the second trimester. Be vigilant about symptoms like severe headaches, blurred vision, or abdominal pain, and report them to your care provider immediately.
Mood Issues: It's important to remember that mood disorders can occur at any point during or after pregnancy. If you’re feeling unusually anxious, down, or experiencing thoughts of self-harm, contact your healthcare provider for support.
Important Appointments and Tests
Throughout the second trimester, you'll have several key appointments and tests to ensure both you and your baby are doing well:
16 Weeks: This check-up will likely focus on your vitals and overall health. You may also be offered the alpha-fetoprotein test (AFP) at this time. This test is a screening test for certain birth defects and genetic disorders.
20-Week Scan: This is the big anatomy scan where you'll get a detailed look at your baby. It’s also the time for a gender reveal if you haven’t already learned the sex of your baby through other testing. If you want to wait to find out the sex of your baby at birth, that is ok too, just let the sonographer know when you go in for your appointment.
28 Weeks: The glucose test will check for gestational diabetes, ensuring you can manage any potential issues early.
Preparing for the Next Steps
Later in the second trimester, you'll want to start building your baby registry and make reservations for childbirth classes. If you’re delivering with Colorado Birth & Wellness, we offer a variety of classes and resources to help you prepare for the big day. Denver midwifery care provides a unique, personalized experience that allows you to take control of your birthing journey.
Recommended Reading
The second trimester is also a great time to dive into some reading. Here are some of our top picks:
Like a Mother by Angela Garbes
Expecting Better by Emily Oster
Bountiful, Beautiful, Blissful by Gurmukh Kaur Khalsa
The Whole Brain Child by Daniel J. Siegel
No Drama Discipline by Daniel J. Siegel
Books by Janet Lansbury
Bringing Up Bebe by Paula Druckerman
Cribsheet by Emily Oster
At Colorado Birth & Wellness, we’re here to support you through every stage of your pregnancy. Whether you’re looking for a Denver birth center that feels like home or personalized midwifery care, our team is ready to guide you through the journey with the expertise and compassion you deserve! Please fill out this form with questions or book a tour of our space. We accept transfers for low-risk pregnancies up to 32 weeks!
