Physical and Emotional Changes During The Second Trimester Of Pregnancy

Many women say the second trimester of pregnancy (from weeks 13 to 27) are the best. You are hopefully past the nausea and tiredness stages, everyone now knows you are pregnant and don't just think you ate all the pies, you can snooze at your desk in your lunch break without anyone thinking you've been on the gin and you are not too big so you can still wear much of existing wardrobe, drive your car comfortably and continue with most activities.

But more importantly than all of that, you have settled into your pregnancy and hopefully feel happy and healthy.

So what physical and emotional changes can you expect during this second trimester of pregnancy?

Bigger breasts: The milk-producing glands in your breasts will now be stimulated by oestrogen and progesterone hormones to enlarge in readiness for feeding your baby. Make sure you wear a good, supportive bra.

Bigger belly: As your uterus expands and your baby grows you will gain up to four pounds a month now until baby is born. Gain too much weight now and you may struggle to lose it after the birth.

Skin changes: The increase in blood circulation can result in skin in certain areas getting darker in the second trimester of pregnancy. This most commonly occurs on the face, the areola around the nipples and the Linea Negra (the line running from your tummy to the pubic bone). It's temporary.

Stretch marks: Some women don't get any stretch marks during pregnancy, others get loads even if they moisturise. It all depends on your genes and skin. Applying moisturising lotions and oils regularly can lessen their severity.

Stuffy nose: The increased blood circulation can cause the mucus membranes in the nose to become swelled resulting in a stuffy nose.

Bleeding gums: The increasing blood circulation can also affect gums and you may notice some blood when brushing your teeth. It's very important to have regular dental and hygienist check-ups while pregnant. These are free for you so there is no excuse to skip them.

Dizziness: Dizziness is the result of blood vessels dilating to accommodate the excess hormones in the body during pregnancy. If you are prone to dizziness make sure you always get up slowly from a sitting or lying position and try sleeping on your left side to help restore your blood pressure to normal.

Breathlessness: A pregnant woman's lungs work harder to process the additional oxygen in the increased bloodstream which can result in her getting out of breath. Try to slow down a little.

Anxiousness: All mums-to-be feel anxious at one stage of pregnancy or another. This is perfectly natural but do mention any major concerns or worries to your GP.

Feeling great: Not all pregnancy symptoms are negative! Many women report that throughout their second trimester of pregnancy they feel energised and have great hair and nails - one very positive side effect caused by hormones!

Debra Aspinall is an experienced journalist and the editor and leading writer for the Emma's Diary website, one of the UKs foremost pregnancy and baby websites. Debra writes on pregnancy related topics such as second trimester of pregnancy, stages of pregnancy, trimesters of pregnancy and etc. She also writes on women's health and beauty issues and contributes travel articles to glossy magazines in London and the Home Counties.