- Second trimester: Weeks 14-26
Your belly is growing, and your life is shifting to accommodate lots of changes. Maternity clothing is entering the picture, but it's also a great time to start shopping for your baby – before you're too tired and big-bellied to want to spend much time in stores. Our handy second-trimester checklist will help you figure out what to buy and plan for now. And don't forget to move on to our third-trimester checklist when it's time.
Maternity wear
Your belly is expanding, but your pants aren't. Now's the time to explore the world of maternity clothes, but that doesn't mean sacrificing style. A nice pair of bootcut or skinny jeans, a tunic top, or a pretty wrap dress flatters almost every blossoming body type.
Sleep aids
By now you may need some extra help getting a good night's sleep. Fans, noise machines, earplugs, and body pillows are all useful aids for helping pregnant women get their zzz's.
A good stretch mark lotion or Oil
Your skin may start feeling drier, especially on your belly as it grows and your skin stretches. For Maximum Stretch Mark Prevention our Tummy Butter and Bump Gloss are recommended to be used together (each contain oils proven to help aid in stretch mark prevention and the fading of existing scars and stretch marks).
Classes
Register for childbirth education classes (if you are planning on taking one). No matter what style of class you choose, check the instructor’s certification and credentials in advance. Before you sign up, find out what topics the class will cover. Topics include instruction on comfort, support, relaxation and positioning for labor, epidurals and other pain meds, possible complications and interventions during delivery, and birth plan options. Also look for postpartum topics like breastfeeding, parenting and your own recovery.
Babymoon
Go on a vacation or a "babymoon." (Talk to your practitioner about their recommended travel guidelines. Some suggest not traveling too far after your second trimester; others extend their "travel deadline" to 32 weeks.) We LOVE The Bundle of Joy Babymoon Package at The Westin Kierland Resort in Scottsdale, Az!!
Preparing for Baby
If you’re working and no one has yet noticed your expanding waistline, tell your employer and co-workers about your pregnancy. If you are going to paint the nursery, consider zero or low V.O.C. options. Otherwise paint the room as early as possible and air out the room to dissipate any odors or fumes. |
