What's Happening with You:
Second Trimester

• The linea nigra may form.     • Abdomen ligaments will stretch to support the uterus.     • You may experience leg cramps, especially at night.     • You’ll feel your baby move (usually during the fourth month)!

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ou'll start to actually “look” pregnant this trimester, and hopefully feel less of any nausea that you might have felt during the past few months.

WHAT YOU MIGHT BE EXPERIENCING THIS TRIMESTER:

Even though you may be feeling all kinds of physical changes, this is commonly known as the feel-good trimester: Energy is up, you’re glowing — enjoy it! Get organized, nest, decorate the nursery, take hikes, and see lots of movies.

• If you had morning sickness during the first trimester, it may ease up this trimester.

• You may have an increase in appetite and feel more energetic.

• Your breasts continue to get larger since the milk-producing glands are growing, although (thankfully) they may feel less tender than in the first trimester.

• As your abdomen and breasts continue to swell, your skin will stretch and tighten - it may start to itch.

• The linea nigra may form. (It’s that dark line that runs from the middle of your stomach down to the pubic bone.)

• If your areolas haven’t started to darken, you may notice it this trimester.

• You might have swelling in your hands, ankles, feet or face due to fluid retention. 
  Note: While swelling is common, excessive swelling (especially in the hands or face) mixed with high blood pressure could be a sign of preeclampsia. Contact your practitioner if you are concerned.

• With pregnancy hormones relaxing parts of your digestive system – and your growing uterus putting pressure on your stomach and intestines, you may start to feel (or continue to experience) indigestion, heartburn, bloating, gassiness and/or constipation.

• You may experience occasional nosebleeds, clogged ears, bleeding gums and nasal congestion due to an increase in blood flowing to your mucous membranes.

• Hemorrhoids and/or varicose veins could develop due to the increase in blood circulation, coupled with the growing weight of your midsection puts pressure on these areas of the body.

• Since your center of gravity is shifting, you may feel clumsier.