For most women, the second trimester of pregnancy is the BEST trimester. The second trimester can bring about some feelings of 'your old self' and even bursts of 'a functioning and productive member of society.' In the second trimester, you've gotten a little pregnancy under your belt (perhaps over your belt too!). The first trimester, with its constant nausea and overwhelming fatigue, is over. Doctors’ appointments have been attended. Vitamins have been taken. Your body has had a little time to get into the groove of the upheaval it takes to grow another human inside your body.
More energy. Now, in the second trimester, expect to have more energy than you had six weeks ago. When I say more energy I do not mean bucketfuls of energy, but it's likely that you'll feel a little more capable of cooking dinner, stepping on the elliptical or taking the dog out for long walk on a sunny day. Remember how that just sounded like an insurmountable feat when you considered it in the first trimester? Now you may have energy to do one of those things…possibly two but I highly doubt anyone could take on all three, pregnant or not.
Brilliant brain activity. The second trimester has brought about some of my best ideas. Your body really knows what it's doing here because this is a great time to have ideas, now that your body can keep up. Challenge your friends to a game of trivia, break out the crosswords and give yourself a pat on the back, Miss smarty-pants!
Bathroom breaks. Expect to still need to use the bathroom pretty much every 2.5 minutes. And wake up in the middle of the night with a seemingly full bladder, even when your bed feels super soft and cozy and you REALLY don’t want to get up.
Stretchier yoga pants. Now is the time when you can really appreciate that wide elastic waistband. Who needs pesky buttons and zippers gathering up and making skin indentations around your new curves?
Sound sleep. Albeit interrupted by bathroom trips, but otherwise very sound and restful sleep, especially when compared to the first and third trimester. The second trimester definitely offers the best in sleep. Enjoy it! (On your left side and with a body pillow, of course).
Pregnancy glow. If you’re going to be one of those women who glows during her pregnancy, the second trimester is when it will be most noticeable. A glowing complexion, full shiny hair – enjoy it! It’s a gift from Mother Nature.
PS- Try not to gloat about how good you feel among all the 1st and 3rd trimester women in your labor classes and hospital tours. Don't you just love the second trimester?!