WeMoms
2 Apr 2024

Belly and Breasts in the Second Trimester

Pregnancy
Pregnancy symptoms
Belly and Breasts in the Second Trimester
The second trimester often marks significant physical changes, most notably in your growing belly and enlarging breasts.
This period is a time of rapid growth and transformation as your body prepares to nurture and accommodate your developing baby.
The Growth of Your Belly
Understanding Uterine Expansion
  • Size and Shape: By the end of the second trimester, the top of your uterus is about as high as your belly button, contributing to a more noticeable belly.
  • Rate of Growth: Expect to gain around 1-2 pounds per week, though this can vary. Regular prenatal checkups will include measuring your abdomen to track the baby's growth.
Sensations and Movements
  • Feeling the Baby Move: Often described as flutters or butterflies, fetal movements become more noticeable.
  • Stretching Sensations: As your uterus grows, you might feel stretching or pulling sensations around your abdomen.
Changes in Breast Size and Sensitivity
Preparing for Breastfeeding
  • Growth: Breasts may increase by one or more cup sizes. Investing in supportive, non-restrictive maternity bras can provide comfort.
  • Sensitivity: Tenderness usually decreases, but breasts may remain sensitive to touch.
Visible Changes
  • Areolas and Nipples: Darkening and enlargement of the areolas, along with more prominent nipples, are common.
  • Veins and Bumps: Increased blood flow can make veins more visible. Small bumps (Montgomery glands) may also appear on the areolas.
Managing Discomfort and Skin Care
Comfort Measures
  • Supportive Clothing: Maternity clothes should accommodate your growing belly and breasts comfortably. Look for breathable, stretchy fabrics.
  • Skin Care: Use hypoallergenic moisturizers to alleviate itchiness. Hydration is key for skin elasticity and can help with stretch marks.
Health Monitoring
  • Stretch Marks: These are common and vary in severity. While they can't always be prevented, keeping your skin moisturized can help reduce their appearance.
  • Prenatal Visits: Discuss any concerns about your changing body with your healthcare provider.
Q&As
  1. When should I expect to see my belly start to grow noticeably? Most women start to show a pronounced belly between 14 and 20 weeks.
  2. How can I track if my belly growth is on track? Your healthcare provider will measure your fundal height (distance from the pubic bone to the top of the uterus) during prenatal visits.
  3. What kind of maternity bra is best for breast changes? Look for bras that offer good support without underwires, have adjustable straps, and are made from breathable fabrics.
  4. Is it normal to feel itchy as my belly grows? Yes, itching is common due to skin stretching. Moisturize regularly and avoid hot showers which can dry out the skin.
  5. How can I sleep comfortably with these changes? Use pregnancy pillows to support your belly and back. Sleeping on your side, especially the left side, can also increase comfort and blood flow.
By understanding and embracing these changes, you can navigate the second trimester with confidence and comfort, preparing for the exciting journey ahead.
All I Need to Know
Your Second Trimester Symptoms
1 min read
L
Lyndora Williams
15 Aug 2023

Hello Mamas! 🥰 Have you guys been cramping off and on in the second trimester?

Pregnancy Pregnancy symptoms
5 comments
U
Uneike ❤️
Yesssssss I be Like ohhhh nòoo don't ever start
27 Mar 2024

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Lyndora Williams
Yessss! Girlll I was like what the heck is this??? lol
27 Mar 2024

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Tiffany
7 Jul 2023

Is or has anyone experienced discomfort in the belly during the second trimester? I’ve been having some dull pains and some cramps and just feeling uncomfortable especially at night.

Pregnancy Pregnancy symptoms
6 comments
B
BecTRex
Yes, I have had a few rough days especially at night within the last 2-3 Wks and I’m 24 wks today. My ob chalks it up to either ligament pain or Braxton hicks. She said as long as I’m not leaking fluids, bleeding etc I’m ok. Look up pubis symphasis and see if ur pain if there, also check round ligament pain to see if that’s more the location and lastly look up Braxton hicks. ALWAYS talk to ur dr too about anything that comes up. Even if they think you’re being dramatic bc honestly who cares what they think, this is ur baby Luv. Double check with them and just confirm it’s ok.
27 Mar 2024

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Tiffany
Thanks I will. Have a appointment on Monday so I will mention it to the dr
27 Mar 2024

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M
Mkk
2 Jul 2023

Question mamas: I am pregnant with my first baby and in my 1st trimester. I noticed this morning I have knots and lumps in my breasts. Is this normal ?? #worried

Pregnancy Pregnancy symptoms
1 comments
J
Jasmine
23 Apr 2023

 I am 19 weeks today and my breasts don’t hurt or as tender as they were in my first trimester is anybody else has anybody else experience that

Pregnancy Pregnancy symptoms
8 comments
D
Danni Baby 🧚🏽‍♀️
That’s normal … they say the 2nd trimester is the easiest as far as symptoms
27 Mar 2024

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Jasmine
Omg that’s so good to hear I been driving myself crazy this is my first pregnancy, and I feel like Google is literally my best friend
27 Mar 2024

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K
Kai
12 Jan 2023

Anyone else struggling during first trimester? This is my second baby and my symptoms are worse this time around. I’m so tired and just want to nap all the time, so nauseous and bloated and have a weird taste in my mouth. Hoping second trimester will get easier 😔

Pregnancy Pregnancy symptoms
5 comments
A
Alisa💘
Yess my first trimester I felt soo horrible! Couldn’t eat and when I did I would just throw it up☹️ but it gets wayyy better!! And don’t feel so bad about napping so much you deserve it! You’re creating a human🥰🥰 what helped with my nausea was mint candys, I also would get a weird taste in my mouth so it helped so much! You will feel better in no time. I wish nothing but the best for you during this journey ♥️♥️
27 Mar 2024

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C
Christina
This is also my second pregnancy I'm 6 weeks and I haven't had a baby in 13 years 😥 ..I don't remember it being this way. I sleep at night I sleep during the day. I feel like all my body wants is sleep. I also have had a headache for a couple of days now. I still haven't told my son we are expecting.. He told me the other day ..Mom you always have a headache 😩
27 Mar 2024

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K
Kelly
30 Dec 2022

14 weeks today . Officially in my second trimester and feel like I’m the size of a whale 🤣

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1 comments
🍹
🍹Jenni
Yay!! I can’t wait to get to 2nd tri.. everybody says it’s so much easier! I’m happy for you girl🦋
27 Mar 2024

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Lydia Zavala
9 Dec 2022

In the last few days of my second trimester and the pressure and heavy feeling I get in my belly when I need to pee OMG I be waddling trying not to pee myself lmao

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4 comments
M
Mary
Same here! Ugh it's the worst lol.
27 Mar 2024

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Lydia Zavala
Yes lol especially when I get up at night or after eating
27 Mar 2024

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Samira Brisco
1 Dec 2022

Second trimester hittin differently and I’m loving it 🥹🥹 hungry energized and noooo morning/evening sickness 😩🙏🏽

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1 comments
E
Eyeaware1111
That’s good I was going through it with that I’m 31wks
27 Mar 2024

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Elantra
28 Nov 2022

I’m at the end of my second trimester and I be having muscle pain ig I would say with my vagina and tight cramping of the belly?!?! Can somebody tell me what’s that about?

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3 comments
b
brianna
When I turn over in bed my vagina hurts soo bad like sore and it js hurts to turn 😩and on my right side of my lower belly hurts feels like if I pulled something my body is tireddd lol I’m so ready for my bby to b here
27 Mar 2024

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Elantra
I’m ready too but it looks like your almost there
27 Mar 2024

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N
Nicole
12 Jun 2022

Second trimester moms, do you usually feel baby kicking below your belly button or above? Mine is always below and I'm wondering if that's normal

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15 comments
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Martesia
Below my belly button
27 Mar 2024

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Ashley
My son has been kicking below or around. But he's currently breech and found his hands to use
27 Mar 2024

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