What I wish I had known about my body in the second trimester
Round ligament twinges, a dark line on your tummy, heartburn and leg cramps: honest notes on common second-trimester body changes and when to get them checked.
By PreggieLover 3 min read
Nobody warned me that I would sneeze and feel a sharp pull low in my tummy. Or that a dark line would appear down the middle of my bump. Or that my favourite shoes would suddenly pinch. The second trimester is full of changes, most of them completely normal, a few worth a call to the midwife. Here is what many mums say they wish they had known.
1. Sharp twinges can be ligaments stretching
As your womb grows, the ligaments supporting it stretch. This can cause a brief, sharp or pulling pain in your lower tummy or groin, often on one side, especially when you stand up quickly, cough, sneeze or roll over. It is often called round ligament pain.
What helps: move slowly, bend your knees and support your bump when you cough or sneeze, and rest. Call your midwife if pain is severe, does not go away, comes in a regular pattern, or comes with bleeding, fever or pain when passing urine.
2. Your skin may change colour
Pregnancy hormones can cause a dark line down the middle of your tummy, darker nipples and patches of darker skin on your face, sometimes called the mask of pregnancy. These changes can be more noticeable on darker skin. They usually fade after birth. Using sun protection on your face can help.
3. Stretch marks are common and not a failure
Many women get stretch marks on the tummy, breasts, hips or thighs. They are largely down to your skin type and genes. Moisturising may help your skin feel comfortable, though no cream has been shown to reliably prevent them. Over time they usually fade to lighter lines.
4. Heartburn may become a regular visitor
Hormones relax the valve at the top of your stomach, and your growing baby takes up space. Try smaller meals, avoid eating late at night, notice which foods make it worse and prop yourself up a little in bed. Ask your midwife or pharmacist before taking any remedy.
5. Leg cramps can wake you at night
Gently stretching your calves before bed and staying active in the day can help. If a cramp hits, flex your foot upwards towards you. Get help straight away if one leg becomes painful, swollen, red or warm, as this can be a sign of a blood clot.
6. Your nose and gums might misbehave
Extra blood flow can cause a blocked nose, nosebleeds and gums that bleed when you brush. Keep up with brushing and see a dentist; in some countries dental care is free during pregnancy.
7. Some swelling is normal, but sudden swelling is not
Mild swelling of the ankles and feet, especially at the end of the day, is common. Put your feet up and avoid standing for long periods. Call your midwife or maternity unit urgently if you have sudden swelling of your face, hands or feet, especially with a severe headache, problems with your vision such as blurring or flashing lights, or pain just below your ribs. These can be signs of pre-eclampsia, which needs checking quickly.
8. You may feel out of breath or dizzy
Your heart and lungs are working harder. Stand up slowly and keep drinking. Seek help if you are very breathless, have chest pain or faint.
9. Your body is not a project to fix
It is easy to look in the mirror and see only what has changed. Comments from others, even kind ones, can sting. Try to look at your body with gratitude: these changes are signs of a body doing hard, holy work. Wear clothes that feel comfortable. Unfollow accounts that make you feel small.
The God who gives strength
David once wrote:
“It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect.” (Psalm 18:32)
To gird is to wrap around and support, like a belt for the body. On days when your back aches and your skin feels unfamiliar, God wraps His strength around you. And Zephaniah 3:17 gives a picture of the Lord rejoicing over His people with singing. He does not look at your changing body with disappointment. He delights in you.
A prayer for my changing body
Father, thank You for this body that is carrying my child. When I feel uncomfortable or unsure of myself, wrap me in Your strength. Help me to notice what needs checking, to rest when I need to, and to see myself the way You do. Amen.
Frequently asked questions
Is sharp pain in the side normal in the second trimester?
Brief sharp pulling pains, often called round ligament pain, are common as the womb grows. Call your midwife if pain is severe, constant, regular or comes with bleeding or fever.
When is swelling in pregnancy a concern?
Mild ankle swelling is common, but sudden swelling of the face, hands or feet, especially with a headache or vision changes, needs urgent checking by your midwife or maternity unit.
This article is for general information and encouragement, not medical advice. Please talk to your doctor or midwife about your own health and your baby's.
