Congratulations, you’ve made it to your second trimester of pregnancy, whoo hoo! Ready to check off a few fun things off of your second trimester to-do list? I know that the first trimester can take a toll on your body, hello morning sickness, nausea, fatigue and food aversions. But, I have great news for you, the second trimester is totally the opposite, well for the most part. Since you are ready to tackle your second trimester pregnancy checklist like a boss, I put together this helpful list of 15 things you should do during your second trimester.
Now that you have the energy to get things done, you should take advantage of it. Make a list of the things that you want to accomplish during your second trimester. Include your partner every chance that you get, this way you feel like you’re not alone in your pregnancy journey. Remember to enjoy your pregnancy and make the most of it by doing the things on this essential second trimester to do list!
Happy second trimester mama!
Ultimate second trimester to do list
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1.Ultrasound and knowing the gender of your baby
During your second trimester, you will have your 20-week ultrasound appointment. The sonogram scan checks to see if your baby is growing and developing normally. During this ultrasound you will be able to know if you’re having a baby boy or girl. How exciting! I suggest you try these fun gender prediction games 🙂
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2.Plan gender reveal party
If you decide to know the gender of your baby, then you might want to plan a cute gender reveal party for your family and friends. You can even have a virtual gender reveal party! Gender reveal parties are a fun way to include your family in a special way. You can go big and do an extravagant gender reveal or you can have a simple get together, like I did. Your choice 🙂
Read this 11 gender reveal party supplies and decorations for an unforgettable day!
3.Buy maternity clothes
Your pregnant belly will start showing now and that’s something to be excited about. This is the time when you want to start buying maternity clothes to accommodate your growing belly. From maternity jeans, bras and cute dresses. Happy shopping!
4.Plan your baby-moon
Your risk of having a miscarriage is significantly reduced during your second trimester, you’re gaining your energy back and you’re feeling more like yourself again. This is the time that doctors recommend for you to travel if you have to, so go on a baby-moon! You deserve a mini vacation with your partner, so why not enjoy one.
5.Inform your boss
Since by this time you are more comfortable telling people that you are pregnant, then I suggest for you to inform your boss. This way you can start planning and thinking about your maternity leave and if you will want to take extra time off. Informing your boss is a great tip because he or she can accommodate you according to your needs. Also, your boss will not be wondering why you go to the bathroom every 10 seconds!
6.Start your baby registry
A fun way to welcome your second trimester is by starting your baby registry. You can go in-store to Target or Buy Buy Baby to sign up for your registry or you can sign up online on Amazon! Super easy, fun and this will distract your mind in a positive and fun way. Remember to include your partner in your baby registry process.
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7.Plan your baby shower
If you are planning on having a baby shower, now it’s the time to start planning it. Start thinking about your color scheme or baby shower theme, order your party decorations and have your family and friends help you. Having a baby shower is a great way to spend time with your family and friends all while celebrating the arrival of your new baby.
8.Start prenatal exercises
Now’s the time to start prenatal exercises, but before you do make sure to consult with your doctor. Exercising during your pregnancy can help you by reducing any discomfort that you may have. It also helps to strengthen your muscles which helps you deal with the aches and pain associated by being pregnant. You can also start slowly by walking around your neighborhood, since walking is a great way to improve your circulation.
9.Enjoy food again
Yay! You can finally enjoy food again. In your second trimester, your food aversions will ease a bit and food will sound delicious again. Eat healthy and enjoy it. Check out this guide of what not to eat during your pregnancy.
10.Daily moisturize your belly
You may want to start daily moisturizing your growing baby bump to help prevent stretch marks. Moisturizing with creams, oils and lotions help your belly stay hydrated and soft.
Favorite stretch mark lotions:
11.Prepare your older child/children
If you have an older child or children, now it’s the time to make sure that they ease into the idea of being a big sister or brother. Talk to them about all the great things that entails being a big sister/brother. Include your child in your pregnancy, take him to your doctor’s appointment so he can see his new baby sibling. Little things like that can help your older child get excited about the new addition to the family.
12.Enjoy sex
You can now enjoy sex if you feel like you’re ready to enjoy it again of course! I know that in your first trimester having sex with your spouse was out of the question and I do not blame you! So here’s the thing, now that you are starting to feel like yourself again and if you feel like being romantic with your partner, go for it!
13.Schedule your glucose screening test
During your second trimester, you’ll be visiting your doctor once every 4 weeks. Unless you have complications or condition that requires you to more frequent doctor visits. Your doctor will offer you to take a glucose screening test which checks for gestational diabetes.
Must read:
4 warning signs you should never ignore when you are pregnant.
14.Call your insurance
It’s very important that you are in communication with your insurance. They need to know that you are pregnant and that you wish to have your baby added to your insurance. You need to do this in order for your baby’s insurance can pay for the hospital expenses that are billed for your baby. Right after you give birth, you will need to send proof of your baby’s birth certificate and things like that. It’s always safe to be prepared and to have your insurance be on the know.
15.Prenatal class
Is taking a prenatal class for you? I will say this, taking a prenatal class is not mandatory but I do think it’s helpful, specially for first time parents. I love that this free prenatal class is online! Which means you can get beneficial information about the birthing and labor process on your own time!
If you want to get an epidural, this class is for you!
Going the more natural route? Check this helpful childbirth class!
Having a C-section? Prepare right now with this amazing class!
Last thing I will recommend for you to do is to make a dentist appointment. This is the time where you can get anything you need to get in the dentist done. You will start to feel your gums being sensitive to the touch and maybe bleed, this can be normal during pregnancy.
Rest and relax as much as you can. Take it easy, take a nap in you want to and re-charge, it’s totally okay. You do not need to do everything at once because then you’ll be on the verge of exhaustion. Breathe and relax.
Quick recap:
The second trimester of your pregnancy is definitely the easiest one of the three, in my opinion anyway. You have more energy, your morning sickness is starting to fade away (for most pregnant women) and you can enjoy food again! There are so many things that you need to tackle during this trimester, like starting your baby registry and planning your baby shower. You also get the chance to know the sex of your baby (my favorite part of being pregnant). So many fun things to look forward to during these months.
Remember to enjoy your pregnancy every chance that you get by checking off this second trimester to do list. I hope you find this second trimester checklist helpful and good luck mama!
