You know how everyone says morning sickness is a first trimester symptom? Yeah, that’s a lie. My morning sickness carried over into the second trimester, which all in all didn’t feel that much different to the first. However, there were a whole slew of new symptoms and experiences, some of which are kiiind of hilarious, in a sad sort of way LOL.
*This post is not sponsored and may contain affiliate links. All content and opinions expressed are my own.*
Second Trimester - what's all the hype about?
Contrary to the photo below, the second trimester DID NOT make me want to jump off a rooftop lol. To break down my experience, I really have to break up the trimester into halves. The first half of my second trimester was much like my first, excessive sleepiness and feeling hungover were the predominant symptoms I experienced between weeks 14-20. I also started experiencing a few new things during this time as well:
- Weight gain – during the first trimester I only gained something like 5 lbs…during the second, I gained about 20 #HolyShit
- Hunger – one of the reasons for me gaining 20 lbs during the second trimester was probably due to the fact I was hungry literally all. the. time.
- Little baby kicks – I felt my first “flutter” at about 14 weeks, and at around 16 weeks I was feeling baby girl kick daily. For any of you who’ve never been pregnant…this is probably one of the most amazing feelings in the entire world!
Between weeks 17-27, my pregnancy started to get a little easier. The nausea started to go away and the most annoying symptom was the weight gain. When I went to my first prenatal appointment, they told me I should gain between 25-30 lbs total throughout my pregnancy, so when I had already gained 20 lbs at 24 weeks, I was a liiiittle freaked lol. Turns out they were wrong on their estimates based on my BMI, and I’m actually supposed to gain between 30-40 lbs (thank God cause I’m 30 weeks now and I’ve gained 30 lbs).
I also started to get a cute little bump during this part of my pregnancy (in this picture I was 20 weeks pregnant). It’s funny how each stage of my pregnancy I thought to myself “wow, I’m HUGE,” but looking back it’s like “wow…I was so small” LOL.
Second Trimester Symptoms
- Back pain – as the bump grows it puts strain on your back. Totally normal but not all that enjoyable! Working out more regularly really helped though.
- Increased energy – around the end of the second trimester I started feeling way more energized. This might also have something to do with maintaining a regular workout schedule as well, but it was definitely a welcome change!
- Luscious locks – I don’t know what it is about this pregnancy, but I magically only have to wash my hair 2-3 times a week now…
- Clear skin – the second trimester also brought the clearest skin I’ve had since the age of 13 *knocks on wood*
Overall, my second trimester was much like the first, with a few welcome improvements (the hair and skin for one). The best part of the second trimester though was definitely feeling baby girl kicking and rolling around 🙂 And getting to see her in our 20 week anatomy ultrasound was amazing as well! I also really enjoyed the fact that people started to notice I was pregnant, especially towards the end. During the first trimester and first half of the second, I would notice people looking at my bump, but they wouldn’t say anything. I imagine they weren’t sure if I was pregnant or if I’d just eaten a big meal LOL. Anywho, towards the mid-end of the second trimester, people actually started commenting, which is super fun 🙂
Shop the Bump Style
What questions do you have about pregnancy or the second trimester? Let me know in the comments below!
xo,
B
Photography by: Karya Shanilec Photography
Outfit Details: Knit Sweater (bought second-hand at Lavenda’s Closet blogger sale! Similar here) | Maternity Jeggings (Ross, similar here) | Guess Sneakers (Ross, similar here) | White Crossbody (Target, similar here)
Invisible Lioness says
This might sound weird, but: Does it really feel good when something is kicking inside of you? I’ve never been pregnant, so I can only imagine. But the thought of that freaks me out a little bit, to be completely honest. Does it feel like your body doing that or is it distinctively “someone else”?
Brittany Nicole says
OMG love this comment! Honestly it doesn’t feel weird at all, maybe cause biology kicks in when you’re pregnant so it feels totally natural? I’m not sure…It can be annoying though, especially when you’re trying to sleep and it feels like there’s a bouncy ball in your uterus lol. Also it can hurt sometimes if they kick you in a sensitive spot (bladder, cervix, rib, etc). But overall it’s pretty darn fun and cute 🙂 Thanks so much for commenting!! xoxo
Nina @waveforwellness.com says
My hair and skin magically stayed fantastic even after giving birth. Hope they do for you too!
Brittany Nicole says
Oh my gosh, I seriously hope so! Thanks for reading Nina! xoxo
Rachel Cossette says
Girl I remember the first time I saw your belly moving and felt it and at first I was like “omg cool!” and “I want to feel it again!” then it was like “holy shit wtf was that?!?!”as I jerk my hand away LOL Also you are the cutest prego lady ever lol your bump now is basically making all your outfits Haha!
Brittany Nicole says
Eihab STILL pulls his hands away if she does a weird or super strong jab lol. The other night we were laying in bed and we could see her rolling around, he was like “this is some “Alien” type shit” hahaha
Tasia b says
These pictures are SO SWEET! What a beautiful way to document your journey ❤️ it’ll be so fun to go back over these posts when she is older and to remember these moments. Congratulations on your little bundle ❤️
Brittany Nicole says
Thank you so much Tasia! <3
Marcie says
I always love the energy boost in 2nd trimester. That and I usually crave ice cream everyday!
Brittany Nicole says
Haha for me it’s been Reese’s Peanut Butter cups!
Rukh AZ says
Awww! Your bump looks so cute! You reminded me of my pregnancy. Damn, pregnancy is a really tough time but I miss it at times. The feeling of growing a human being inside myself was so beautiful.
My daughter is 8 months old now and I’m so proud of myself.
I loved your pictures. You look beautiful and you have the glow on your face! ❤️ Keep shining!
You might like one of my posts about being a mom. Check it out, if you want! xoxo
Rukh AZ,
https://lifewithrukhaz.com/
Brittany Nicole says
Thank you so much for your sweet comment, Ruth! I will definitely check out your posts 😉 xoxo
Julia says
You look so great! My favorite part from the second trimester was feeling the baby move and kick around too! Such a special feeling 🙂
Brittany Nicole says
It really is, I can imagine the only thing better will be holding her!