Your energy is coming back: a week-by-week guide to the middle months

One morning you wake up and realise you are hungry for breakfast instead of dreading it. You make it to the evening without falling asleep in your clothes. For many women the second trimester brings this welcome lift, which is why it is sometimes called the honeymoon of pregnancy. Not everyone feels it, and that is fine too. Here is a rough, week-by-week look at these middle months, with ideas for making the most of them.

Weeks 14 to 17: the fog begins to lift

As the placenta takes over more of the work of supporting your baby, many women find nausea and tiredness ease. Your appetite may return, sometimes with enthusiasm. Your bump may begin to show, especially if this is not your first baby.

• Try: rebuilding simple routines, such as regular meals, a short daily walk and a sensible bedtime.
• Eat well: aim for balanced meals with vegetables, protein, whole grains and iron-rich foods. You may need a little more food later in pregnancy, but there is no need to eat for two.
• Watch for: if sickness has not eased at all, or you still cannot keep food down, talk to your midwife or doctor.

Weeks 18 to 21: settling into your stride

Many women feel their baby move for the first time somewhere in this window, often as tiny flutters. If this is your first pregnancy it may come a little later. Your anatomy scan is usually around 18 to 21 weeks.

• Try: pregnancy-friendly exercise such as walking, swimming, aquanatal or antenatal yoga classes, if your midwife is happy for you to.
• Think about: booking antenatal classes, which can fill up early in some areas.
• Watch for: dizziness when standing quickly. Get up slowly and keep drinking water.

Weeks 22 to 24: growing and glowing (or sweating)

Your bump is now more obvious, and your baby is growing fast. You may notice heartburn, leg cramps, a blocked nose or bleeding gums. These are common, but mention anything that bothers you at your next appointment.

• Try: sleeping with a pillow between your knees and supporting your back as you get comfortable.
• Plan: a few special moments, such as a day out, a babymoon nearby or simply a quiet evening with your husband, partner or a friend.
• Watch for: once your baby's movements are established, tell your midwife if you notice them slowing down or changing.

Weeks 25 to 27: preparing for the final stretch

Your energy may still be good, but you might start to feel heavier by the end of the day. Many clinics check your blood pressure, urine and growth more regularly from now on, and some offer a glucose test around this time.

• Try: starting a simple list of things to sort before baby comes, and tackling one item a week.
• Rest: keep putting your feet up, even when you feel well.

Do not spend all your energy at once

When you finally feel like yourself again, it is tempting to catch up on everything at once: the deep clean, the extra shifts, the visitors, the church event and the nursery. Feeling better is a gift, but your body is still working hard. Pace yourself. Keep a day each week that is lighter. In Mark 6:31, Jesus invites His tired disciples to come away to a quiet place and rest a while. That invitation is for you as well.

Warning signs not to ignore

Feeling well does not mean you should ignore symptoms. Contact your midwife, doctor or maternity unit straight away if you have:

• any vaginal bleeding, or fluid leaking from your vagina
• regular tightenings or period-like pains
• a severe headache, problems with your vision, or sudden swelling of your face, hands or feet
• severe tummy pain, a fever, or pain when passing urine
• your baby moving less than usual once you have felt regular movements

Joy as strength

When Nehemiah spoke to a weary people who had been rebuilding their city, he told them not to be sorrowful, “for the joy of the LORD is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10). It is a lovely word for this season. The returning energy you feel is a good gift, and joy, even small, ordinary joy, is a kind of strength in itself. Notice it. Thank God for it. Let it carry you into the months ahead.

A prayer for these brighter days

Thank You, Lord, for the energy returning to my body and the life growing within me. Help me to use these weeks wisely, to rest even when I feel well, and to notice Your joy in ordinary days. Strengthen me for all that is ahead. Amen.