second trimester Content | Baby Billy

Emergency medical symptoms during the second trimester

During the second trimester, you should pay attention to differences between normal pregnancy problems and medical concerns. Stay alert, don't hesitate to call your doctor, seek emergency care immediately if you notice anything abnormal.Medical symptoms during the second trimester🤰Abdominal painAbdominal pain😣 can signal preterm labor or ectopic pregnancy. When you feel pain in your abdomen, it's usually a symptom of ligament and muscles in the pelvis stretching to accommodate the growth of the uterus.👶 Sometimes, abdominal pain is related to past surgeries.💉 If you've had any abdominal surgery, you may experience pain due to the expanse of remnants of surgical scars. Infections can also occur but they are harder to diagnose because the exact locations of infections may have been shifted while the uterus is growing.🙂 🤰Back painBack pain is very common during pregnancy. As your uterus is growing, your center of gravity also changes. The way you walk🚶 or sit🪑 also alters to endure the added weight. However, if you're experiencing lower back pain with painful urination🚽, you may have a bladder or kidney infection. Low, dull and consistent back pain may signal preterm labor and other serious problems so you have to call doctors immediately.👩‍⚕️🤰HeadachesHeadaches🤕 during pregnancy are normally caused by hormonal changes, tension, fatigue, hunger and stress and last for a short period of time if you stay well rested. However, if the headache is particularly severe or lasts for a few more hours, you also notice a fever, swelling in the face and hands✋, you have to call doctors immediately because these may be signs of preeclampsia or other complications.👩‍⚕️  🤰Leg crampsLeg cramps🦵 are unknowingly common in the second trimester. You may lack calcium or have too much phosphorus in your diet, or are tired.😫 However, if the cramps elongate for hours, cause swelling and excruciating pain, change the skin color of your leg, you may have thrombosis🩸 in a leg vein that requires immediate treatment.👩‍⚕️  Other medical symptoms during the second trimester🤰BleedingAs your blood volume increases🩸, pregnancy hormones cause blood vessels to dilate and expand. However, bleeding is a scary symptom that indicates serious problems during pregnancy. Especially vaginal bleeding with lots of clots of blood may signal miscarriage.😟 Rectal bleeding which is usually a sign of either hemorrhoids or anal fissure can also be related to ectopic pregnancy or other problems. Seek medical care immediately if you're bleeding heavily.👩‍⚕️   🤰Vaginal DischargeAs pregnancy progresses, slightly odourous and silky white vaginal discharge is common. However, any thick, cheese-like discharge associated with painful urination, irritation may signal yeast infection.🦠 A rush of watery discharge may be a sign of premature labor or a tear in the amniotic sac that requires treatment immediately.👩‍⚕️ 🤰Rectal dischargeRectal discharge is often caused by STIs, physical wounds in the rectum or bowel and gastrointestinal problems. STIs can be detected by foul-smelling, green or yellow, and thick discharge.💧 Bowel problems are usually identified by mucus and watery discharge from the anus. If you notice any strange discharge, you have to report to your doctors immediately for further checkups.👩‍⚕️🤰Nipple dischargeWhen you prepare for breastfeeding🤱, your nipple may release colostrum which is a precursor to breast milk. If you notice any sign of nipples becoming inverted, dry, cracked, nipples having rash, bumps and strange smells, you need to visit doctors to discuss your symptoms.👩‍⚕️  

Ultrasound During Pregnancy

Why should I take the test?💡An ultrasound uses sound waves to create images of your baby inside your tummy. All pregnant moms should receive at least one ultrasound to confirm your health and the health of the baby.If you have any spotting during pregnancy or carry multiples, ultrasounds during pregnancy are highly recommended to monitor the baby's growth. If you are at risk of preterm labor, the doctor will need to check for changes in the cervix, the position of the baby, and the necessity of cesarean surgery by ultrasound test.  How is the test done?💉Different kinds of ultrasound are available in each trimester of pregnancy. There are two main types of ultrasound which are transvaginal and transabdominal ultrasounds. Both types are painless and quickly done. Transvaginal ultrasound: A small, long transducer is wrapped in a sterile condom-like cover and inserted into the vagina. Then, your healthcare practitioner will move the transducer around your vaginal cavity and scan your uterus. The sound waves produced by the transducer bounce off of the baby's structures to create an image on a computer screen.Transabdominal ultrasound: After lying down, your practitioner applies gel on your tummy to help the sound waves move more easily. Then, the transducer is rubbed over your stomach to produce images of your baby on the computer screen. TMI from Baby Billy👩‍⚕️: How to prepare for your first ultrasoundIf you are getting transabdominal ultrasound, you should arrive at your appointment with a full bladder because it will give you much better image quality. To time it right, some practitioners suggest emptying your bladder about 90 minutes before your exam, then drinking an 8 ounce beverage that you like.Eating something sweet before your exam is also considered a stimulus for your baby to actively move around. The sonographer can take better pictures and you might see some actual movements of your baby inside your tummy.  Risks of the procedureUltrasounds are noninvasive and very low-risk when performed by professional healthcare providers. Although they are relatively accurate at estimating the baby's size, they might exaggerate numbers if they are overused. Miscalculation of baby's weight occasionally leads to unnecessary C-sections or premature labor.

Common pregnancy aches and pains

Growing a new person in your body takes a toll on your body. You should expect some body aches and pains along the way. Causes of body aches during pregnancy😩Hormonal changesSurges of relaxin and progesterone hormones relax your ligaments and joints to prepare your body for labor.🤰 Your body then feels all the aching and pain😫 as these unstable ligaments slightly move.😩Weight gainYou're gaining weight and putting extra pressure on your joints. Your growing uterus👶 also shifts your center of gravity and stretches abdominal muscles, causing inevitable pain to your back and spine.Relieving body aches in pregnancy😩HeatYou can apply heating pads, a hot water bottle on your abdomen. However, don't apply heat to your body for longer than ten minutes because you don't want to heat up your baby.👶😩ExercisesOne of the best remedies to reduce pain is to stay physically active.🚶 Pregnancy safe exercises help keep weight gain in check, strengthen muscles, support your blood circulation🩸 and reduce swelling. Common body aches in pregnancy😩HeadachesFeeling a squeezing pain on both sides of your head is a sign of tension headache.🤕 It's usually a harmless symptom due to hormonal changes and increased blood flow.😩HemorrhoidsHemorrhoids are swollen blood vessels🩸 in the rectal area due to straining during bowel movements. The growth of the uterus puts pressure on your rectal veins, making you feel downright painful.😩 😩Heartburn  Burning sensation in your chest strikes you after you eat. During pregnancy, progesterone hormone relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter, allowing the stomach acid🍲 to travel up your throat. Your baby👶 also contributes to pushing on the stomach and adding to the burn.😩Leg crampsLeg cramps🦵 can be rooted from vitamin deficiency, electrolyte shortage or other reasons. Changes in your body🤰 during pregnancy can cause unprecedented pains in your body.😩Carpal tunnel syndromeDuring pregnancy🤰, you experience tingling pain in your hands✋, wrists and arms. Extra fluid and swelling are the main culprits causing these symptoms. 

Amniocentesis

Why should I take the test?💡Amniocentesis is a procedure in which the amniotic fluid is removed from the uterus for testing. Not only does amniotic fluid protect the fetus from injury, allow the baby to develop healthily, and control the temperature of the fetus, but it also helps check fetal well-being and diagnose problems. If you have a family history of genetic disorder or receive abnormal prenatal screening test results, the test is recommended to identify any chromosomal abnormalities. If preterm labor occurs, amniocentesis may be done to check for uterine infection, fetal lung maturity and determine whether the baby's lung is mature enough for birth. If you accumulate too much amniotic fluid, the test alerts the necessity of draining out excess fluid from your uterus.The test can also evaluate the severity of anemia in babies who have Rh sensitization, a rare condition in which the baby's and mother's blood are mixed up and the mother's immune system produces antibodies against Rh protein on the surface of the baby's red blood cells. If you carry any risk of a sex-linked genetic disease, or risk of open neural tube defects in the second trimester, you are recomended to take the test.How is the test done?💉Amniocentesis is usually done between week 15 and 20 of pregnancy. If you have amniocentesis before week 20 of pregnancy, having a full bladder during the procedure is beneficial. You should check with your provider how much fluid that you should drink before your appointment. On the other hand, after 20 weeks of pregnancy, your bladder should be empty to lower the risk of puncture with the needle. After locating your baby using ultrasound, you will lie on your back, expose your abdomen while the doctor cleans your abdomen with antiseptic and inserts a thin, hollow needle through your abdominal wall and into the placenta. Then, a small amount of amniotic fluid is suctioned into a syringe and the needle is removed. The specific amount of fluid withdrawn depends on how the pregnancy has progressed. TMI from Baby Billy👩‍⚕️: Before the procedureYou will be given a consent form before the doctor conducts the procedure. Generally, there is no restriction on diet or activity before an amniocentesis.If you are allergic to latex or sensitive to any medication such as anesthetic agents, you should notify your doctor immediately. Tell the doctor if you have a history of bleeding disorders, or take anticoagulant medications, aspirin or other medications that affect blood clotting. During the procedure, your blood and the baby's blood can be mixed up so make sure you already inform your doctor if your blood type is Rh negative. Finally, be ready!After the procedureAfter the procedure, your vital signs and the baby's heart rate will be monitored for a while. You can continue your activities throughout the day but avoid strenuous activities for at least 24 hours. You may feel some cramping, a bit lightheaded or dizzy. Tell your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any bleeding or leaking of amniotic fluid at the puncture site, fever or chills, severe belly pain, or any changes in the baby's activities. Risks of the procedureAmniocentesis is associated with various risks, including miscarriage, needle injury, Rh sensitization, infection or amniotic fluid leakage. The risk of pregnancy loss is higher if you do the test before 15 weeks of pregnancy. During the procedure, the baby might slightly move around into the path of the needle, causing mild injuries. The test rarely triggers infection. The decision to have an amniocentesis is totally up to you. Your healthcare provider will help you weigh all your options before you make this important decision. 

3D and 4D Ultrasounds

Why should I take the test?💡Are you anxious to see your growing baby in your belly? 3D and 4D ultrasounds allow you to see your unborn baby in depth and detail which you could not see in a standard 2D ultrasound. Your midwife may offer you an ultrasound if your baby is at risk of complications. Depending on the trimester and your needs. If you have any existing medical conditions or experiences of eclampsia, you are the right candidate for ultrasounds. Ultrasounds in 3D and 4D are performed only to closely examine fetal demise or monitor something specific. These are usually not included in routine prenatal exams. How is the test done?💉A sonographer will put some gel on your tummy and move a transducer over your skin. 3D ultrasoundsMultiple two-dimensional images are taken at various angels and put together to create a three-dimensional rendering. 4D ultrasounds4D ultrasounds provide you with baby's movements in real time. You can see your baby opening and closing his eyes or even sucking his thumbs. TMI from Baby Billy👩‍⚕️: Risks of the procedureThere are no known risks of ultrasounds for pregnant moms. However, ultrasounds should only be performed by qualified medical professionals when necessary. 

Glucose Tolerance Test

Why should I take the test?💡When you are pregnant, growth hormones are released to help the baby grow. These hormones may block the action of insulin, causing your body to be unable to cope with extra demand for insulin. Your blood glucose level ends up being too high, and you are at higher risk of developing gestational diabetes. The glucose tolerance test identifies abnormalities in the way your body processes glucose after a meal. How is the test done?💉All moms-to-be are recommended to get tested for gestational diabetes at 24 to 28 weeks of pregnancy. It is important to eat and drink normally leading up to the d-day of the test. Let your doctors know if you are ill or taking any medications as these can affect the results of the test.Before the procedureYou will be fasting for at least 8 hours. You can fast overnight and schedule the appointment early in the following morning.During the procedureWhen you arrive at a hospital, clinic, doctor's office or lab, a sample of blood will be taken from a vein in your arm. The blood sample will be used to measure your fasting blood glucose level.Type 2 diabetesIf you are tested for type 2 diabetes, you will drink 8 ounces (237 milliliters) of a special sugary beverage containing 2.6 ounces (75 grams) of sugar. Two hours later, your blood glucose level is measured again to confirm or rule out the diagnosis. Gestational diabetesWhen you are tested for gestational diabetes, if your blood glucose level is higher than 140mg/dL after the one-hour test, the doctor will recommend the three-hour test. If your blood glucose level is higher than 190mg/dL after the one-hour-test, the doctor diagnoses you with gestational diabetes.To be considered normal for the three-hour-test, a normal fasting blood glucose level is lower than 95 mg/dL (5.3 mmol/L). One hour after drinking the glucose solution, a normal blood glucose level should be lower than 180 mg/dL (10 mmol/L). Two hours after drinking the glucose solution, a normal blood glucose level is lower than 155 mg/dL (8.6 mmol/L). Three hours after drinking the glucose solution, a normal level is lower than 140 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L).Your glucose level is measured once every hour. If one of the results is higher than normal, you will be required to test again in four weeks. If two of three results are higher than normal, you will be immediately diagnosed with gestational diabetes. TMI from Baby Billy👩‍⚕️:Risk factors associated with gestational diabetesIf you are over the age of 35 years, have a family history of diabetes or gestational diabetes in your previous pregnancy, you are at higher risk of developing gestational diabetes again.If you are above the healthy weight range or gaining too much weight during pregnancy, there is a likelihood that your baby is also big. Polycystic ovary syndrome and antipsychotic or steroid medications are also red flags for a possible diagnosis of gestational diabetes.Risks of the procedureThe risks associated with drawing blood samples are slight. You may feel dizzy or lightheaded because of loss of blood. Although infection is rare, it is possible in some cases.Monitoring your blood glucose levelsManaging gestational diabetes will be no difficulty if you follow a healthy diet and exercise regularly. If your blood sugar levels remain high despite all your efforts and exercise regime, you may need medication to lower the level. Just a reminder, your chubby baby will need special monitoring to keep your baby's glucose level at a safe level after the birth since it may be too low for a while. Always consult with the medical team to protect you and your little one most effectively. 

Pregnancy brain

Are you becoming more forgetful recently? You don't remember where you put your phone? Don't worry, you're just having a pregnancy brain!Pregnancy brain🧠What is pregnancy brain?Pregnancy brain refers to the forgetfulness and brain fog that you might be expecting during pregnancy.🤰 You may find yourself struggling to remember details or focus on anything. Some symptoms that are easily noticeable are memory problems🥴, forgetfulness, poor concentration, disorientation, and trouble recalling words or names.😕🧠When does pregnancy brain start?There is no scientific research on when pregnancy brain starts.🤰 According to surveys, pregnancy brain can start as early as the first trimester and get worse during the third trimester of pregnancy.⏰Causes of pregnancy brain🧠HormonesA fluctuating hormones throughout your body when you're pregnant are the culprit to blame. They may trigger some physical reactions and make changes in your body that affect your brain and memory.☹️🧠Trouble sleepingSleep😴 is necessary to consolidate a memory and help you remember details in the past to recall in the future. A consistent lack of sleep impairs your cognitive functions and ability to focus and remember.☹️ 🧠Stress and anxietyAren't you anxious about this new journey that you're going? You may be distracted by worry or excitement so much that you can't seem to concentrate on your work.🖨️ Everything will be just fine.😃🧠Changes in brain structure Some theories suggest that the brain structure has been slightly modified to get rid of unnecessary neural networks and license itself to fit your new job, being a mother👩‍👧 and effectively responding to your baby.👶 Changes in brain structure might be associated with impaired memory.How to cope with pregnancy brain🧠Set alarms and notificationsSchedule alerts⏰ will definitely help you remember things to do within a day. You can also keep memos on your desk or stick them on your computer.💻🧠Take snapshotsNow you tend to forget everything easily. Try to use your smart phone📱 to take snapshots of where you park your car so you can find it easily. You can also use photos as visual notes🤳 to remind you throughout the day.🧠ExerciseWorking out🏃‍♀️ regularly keeps you healthy during pregnancy. It can also boost your memory and help you sleep better at night, increasing your consciousness and alertness in the day.😃🧠Try to get good sleepA good night's sleep😴 always makes you feel better, giving you time to recharge and rest. It will also refresh your memory and make all memories stick to your brain longer.😃🧠SimplifyTake a break from multitasking and start doing one work at a time. Decide your priorities so you can feel less overwhelmed.😃 

Varicose veins during pregnancy

It is more likely that varicose veins will develop if other members in your family also have had them. Varicose veins will improve and disappear after you give birth.Varicose veins during pregnancy🩸What are varicose veins?Varicose veins are swollen veins🩸 that appear near the surface of the skin. Blue, red, or purple veins sometimes look ropelike and often conspicuously show up on your legs.🦵You may experience some discomfort from varicose veins as they may make you feel itchy. The symptoms deteriorate if you stand on your feet all day.🧍🏼 🩸Causes of varicose veinsAs your uterus keeps growing, it puts pressure on the pelvic blood vessels and further increases pressure in your leg veins.🦵 The extra volume of blood🩸 required for two healthy bodies also puts forces on the blood vessels in your legs, which are already working hard to fight against gravity to return blood to your heart. A high level of progesterone hormone relaxes the walls of blood vessels, contributing to the formation of varicose veins. They may improve or disappear after you give birth.😃 How to prevent varicose veins🩸ExercisesKeep yourself moving🚶. Exercise is key in preventing varicose veins. Take a walk or two each day. Do some low-key and gentle exercises to help increase blood circulation.😃 🩸Watch your weightAlthough you need to gain weight to provide nutritions for your baby, keep your weight down to what doctors recommend.⚖️ Extra weight means extra work for your overworked circulatory system.🩸Don't sit or stand for too longYou shouldn't stand on your legs for the entire day. Take frequent breaks and move around.🚶🩸Change your postureElevate your legs and feet to the level of the heart or higher by putting pillows below when you're lying down.🛏️ Rest your legs on another chair or a box to make you feel more comfortable. Don't cross your legs or ankles when sitting.🙅‍♀️

Carpal tunnel during pregnancy

Carpal tunnel during pregnancy refers to tingling pains in the fingers, wrist, hands and arms. It is a common symptom because of all the swelling you're expecting.Carpal tunnel during pregnancy👋What is carpal tunnel?Carpal tunnel is a common syndrome when you're pregnant.🤰 You experience numbness or a dull ache in your fingers, hands, wrists and arms.✋ You also have swollen fingers and go through trouble grabbing objects and performing simple motor skills in daily routines.👋Causes of carpal tunnelFluid retention collected in your tissue of the hands and wrists and increase in blood volume🩸 compress the median nerve, causing throbbing pain. You may feel more uncomfortable at night since the wrist is usually bent when you sleep.👌There's not much you can do to prevent the syndrome because eventually all the natural changes will find you when you're pregnant.🤘 You can mitigate the pain by making minor changes in your daily life and get used to it.🤟  How to relieve carpal tunnel👋Limit activities involving hands movementFigure out which activities cause you the most pain and avoid doing them. Try to limit them as much as you can, especially the ones where your wrists are mostly immobilized like working on computers.✍️👋Breaks when workingTake breaks to move your arms and stretch your hands. Moving around increases blood flow and relieves the pain.🤘 You can also use wrist stretches, such as wrist extension and wrist flexion.🤟  👋Sleep positionAvoid sleeping🛏️😴 on your hands and try to keep your wrists straight instead of bending them. If you wake up with pain, shaking your hands and doing a little stretching might help you.👋Pain relieversIf none of those methods work, you should consult with your doctor to ask for anti-inflammatory pain medications that are safe for pregnancy. They don't cure the pain but can only temporarily alleviate it.🤘✌️   

Lower back pain during pregnancy

Are you having lower back pain these days that makes walking difficult? The pain might get more serious as the uterus is growing. You can't cure it right away but definitely we will help you relieve your discomfort.😃 Lower back pain during pregnancy😩Posterior pelvic painThis is one of the most common types of lower back pain.😩 You will feel pain in the back of your pelvis either on one side or both sides of your buttocks or at the back of your thighs. Simple daily tasks such as climbing stairs, standing can cause discomfort.☹️😩Lumbar back painLumbar pain happens in the lumbar vertebrae in your lower back which is higher than the posterior pelvic.☹️ You will feel it over and around your spine approximately at waist level. Sitting💺 or standing🚶 for a long period of time deteriorates your pain and it tends to get more severe at the end of the day.😩SciaticaSciatica is not a common type of back pain that occurs during pregnancy. True sciatica appears when a herniated disc puts pressure on the sciatic nerve. If you have sciatica, your leg pain🦵 is more severe than your back pain. It even radiates to your foot🦶 and toes, creating a tingling sensation or numbness in your legs. Causes of lower back pain😩Your uterusAs the uterus👶 is getting bigger and bigger everyday, it shifts your center of gravity and also stretches out your abdominal muscles to accommodate its weight. Since it presses on surrounding nerves and increases stress on your joints, your back keeps being in pain throughout the day.☹️ 😩Hormonal changesWhen you're pregnant🤰, a surge of progesterone and relaxin hormones relax your joints and ligaments that attach your pelvic bones to your spine. Since muscles in your back are not stable, their mobility causes pain when you walk🚶, stand, sit💺 for long periods, lift things, or get out of bed🛏️. Ways to relieve your lower back pain😩ExerciseWhen your back hurts, exercise may actually be just what you need. Some stretching exercises, walking, prenatal yoga🧘 are helpful in gaining muscle strength and staying healthy. Swimming🏊‍♀️ is another great exercise because the buoyancy of the water relieves pressure off your joints and ligaments while you become a pregnant mermaid. 😩Pay attention to your postureAlways stand up straight and sit up straight.😃 As your center of gravity changes, it's hard to do at the beginning but you have to try to keep your posture correct. It's equally important to avoid standing for too long or lifting heavy things.🙅‍♀️ Take breaks, wear comfortable shoes to make sure your shoes have good arch support.👟