#Second trimester prenatal visits skin#

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Frequently asked questions: Labor, delivery and postpartum care FAQ004.Maternal adaptations to pregnancy: Musculoskeletal changes and pain. Prenatal care: Second and third trimesters. Frequently asked questions: Gynecologic problems FAQ050.Frequently asked questions: Pregnancy FAQ169.American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists 2015. Your Pregnancy and Childbirth Month to Month. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Talking to your health care provider is likely to put your mind at ease. To make the most of any virtual visits, prepare a list of questions ahead of time and take detailed notes.īe sure to mention any signs or symptoms that concern you. If you and your health care provider opt for virtual prenatal visits, ask if there are any tools that might be helpful to have at home, such as a blood pressure monitor. In some cases, virtual prenatal care may be an option if you don't have certain high-risk conditions. You might also find out your baby's sex - if you choose. Your health care provider might suggest an ultrasound or other screening tests this trimester. Your provider might measure the size of your uterus by checking your fundal height - the distance from your pubic bone to the top of your uterus (fundus).Īt this stage, the highlight of your prenatal visits might be listening to your baby's heartbeat. Your health care provider will begin by checking your weight and blood pressure. Your prenatal appointments will focus on your baby's growth and detecting any health problems during the second trimester of pregnancy. Left untreated, urinary tract infections can become severe and result in a kidney infection. Contact your health care provider if you have a strong urge to urinate that can't be delayed, sharp pain when you urinate, urine that is cloudy or has a strong smell or you have a fever or backache. These infections are common during pregnancy. Contact your health care provider if the discharge becomes strong smelling, unusual in color, or if it's accompanied by pain, soreness or itching in your vaginal area. You might notice a sticky, clear or white vaginal discharge. A hot shower, warm bath or ice massage also might help. If a leg cramp strikes, stretch the calf muscle on the affected side. Choose shoes with comfort, support and utility in mind. To prevent them, stretch your calf muscles before bed, stay physically active, and drink plenty of fluids. Leg cramps are common as pregnancy progresses, often striking at night. When you feel dizzy, lie down on your side. If you're having trouble with dizziness, drink plenty of fluids, avoid standing for long periods, and move slowly when you stand up or change position. Pregnancy causes changes in circulation that might leave you dizzy. Be sure to keep up your dental care during pregnancy. Frequent vomiting could also affect your tooth enamel and make you more susceptible to cavities.

Rinsing with salt water and switching to a softer toothbrush can decrease irritation. Pregnancy can cause your gums to become more sensitive to flossing and brushing, resulting in minor bleeding. Also, drink plenty of fluids, use a humidifier, and dab petroleum jelly around the edges of your nostrils to help moisten skin. Saline drops or a saline rinse can help relieve congestion. This can cause your mucous membranes to swell and bleed easily, resulting in stuffiness and nosebleeds. During pregnancy, your hormone levels increase and your body makes more blood. Although stretch marks can't be prevented, most eventually fade in intensity. You might also notice reddish-brown, black, silver or purple lines along your abdomen, breasts, buttocks or thighs (stretch marks). Sun exposure, however, can aggravate the issue.

#Second trimester prenatal visits skin#

These skin changes are common and usually fade after delivery. You might also see a dark line down your abdomen (linea nigra). As a result, you might notice brown patches on your face (melasma). Hormonal changes during pregnancy stimulate an increase in pigment-bearing cells (melanin) in your skin. Contact your health care provider if the contractions become regular and steadily increase in strength. They're more likely to occur in the afternoon or evening, after physical activity or after sex. You might feel these mild, irregular contractions as a slight tightness in your abdomen.

A supportive bra with wide straps or a sports bra is a must. Your breasts will also gradually continue to increase in size. As your uterus expands to make room for the baby, your belly grows. Calf stretches can help prevent and provide relief from leg cramps during pregnancy.ĭuring the second trimester of pregnancy, you might experience physical changes, including: