Ok I’m a little late in posting this, but here it is none the less! My second trimester was definitely better than the first (you can read about my first trimester here)! I felt more myself and didn’t have many uncomfortable symptoms. My acne was getting better by the day and I wasn’t nauseous anymore. You can check out my first trimester recap here.

Its definitely true when they say the second trimester is the best- you feel great and your bump isn’t too big yet.

Back Pain

This was probably the worst thing to happen to me this trimester. I will be the first to admit that I do not have the best core strength, so this probably contributed to my back issue. As my belly was growing, I think it started not shift my weight and muscles and in turn, tweaked my back. The first episode I think I was in bed for 3 days, and could barely move. I could only lay on my sides and it took me 5 minutes to get out of bed and walk to the toilet. When I was able to get up and sit in the car, I went to the chiropractor to get an adjustment, which helped. My back was still sore and I took it really easy- no more lifting anything heavy. I had a couple more episodes again, but not nearly as bad.

I have started stretching and working on some core exercises to strengthen my back muscles. Also, I am very concious of what I am lifting and how I am moving my body. I can still feel a tightness in my back everyday, but it does not hurt like it used to. During the worst of it, my OB prescribed a muscle relaxant to use only at night to help me sleep since the pain was so bad. I only took this one night that the pain was the worst. I didn’t want to take too many drugs if not absolutely necessary. You can also use IcyHot patches and Tylenol safely while pregnant. I also bought this massager from Amazon which has been amazing!

Acne

My acne pretty much disappeared this trimester. In my first trimester, I had terrible hormonal acne flare ups, and there was nothing that helped. Plus, you are limited in the products you can use while pregnant. Once I hit the 14 week mark I noticed my acne immediately start to get better. I still have some red marks from the acne, but they should disappear over the coming months. I definitely did not have that pregnancy glow so many talk about- but I am glad the acne did not last my whole pregnancy!

Swelling

I’ve had a little swelling, but nothing too major. It mostly appears at the end of the day. I am going to two walks a day to keep my blood moving and trying to limit my sodium intake as well.

Gestational Diabetes

I had my Gestational Diabetes test at 28 weeks. I was a little worried since I do like my sugar and was worried I was going to have to give it up! Thankfully I passed and didn’t have to do the 3 hour test. The initial test is one hour. You will get a super sugary drink that you must drink within 5 minutes. Then you wait one hour and go get your blood drawn. Your doctor will call with results typically wishing a day.

I know there are some mixed opinions on what to eat (or fast) before your test, but my doctor said to just limit my carb intake the day before and the morning of. I didn’t eat any processed sugar the day before, but I think I still had some complex carbs. And the morning of my test, I didn’t have ANY carbs or sugars. I ate avocado, bacon and tomato on GG crackers (Low carb fiber cracker) for breakfast before my test.

Stretch Marks

Thankfully I have not noticed any stretch marks yet, but I am religiously lathering my belly and boobs with multiple products! Here is what I’m using:
–Bio Oil
–Burts Bees Mama Bee Lotion
–Belli Elasticity Belly Oil
–Bumpology Bump Butter

Sleeping

Sleeping hasn’t been too bad, but I am definitely getting hotter at night than normal. Sometimes I wake up very warm and then have a hard time falling back asleep, so I am keeping the house cooler at night. Unfortunately, I’m freezing my husband out, but I need it the cold so I can stay asleep! haha. Plus I am waking up like 3 or 4 times at night to pee, but I can usually fall right back asleep (if it’s cold enough and I’m not overheating). Also, because of my back issues, I have to keep a pillow between my legs. I ordered one of the maternity body pillows, but I found that it was making me too hot at night, so I just use a regular pillow.

Cravings

I feel like I haven’t been having too many cravings this trimester, but usually is something sweet and chocolatey! Chocolate is my weakness. I didn’t have any desire for chocolate my first trimester, but I have definitely regained my love for it the second trimester!

Caffine

I was not a big caffeine person to being with, because I am pretty sensitive to it. If I drink any caffeine after 3pm, I have trouble sleeping. But I will have a cappuccino 3-4 times a week in the morning from our machine at home. I don’t drink a ton of soda either, but when I do, I always drink caffeine free- and I find I’ve been really loving Root Beer when I do drink it. So I get the Caffeine Free Diet A&W Root Beer!

Overall, the second trimester hasn’t been that bad, but I hear the third trimester can be the hardest! Stay tuned for my third trimester recap!