What you need to know: Second Trimester

Congratulations, you have made it to the Second Trimester.
I loved being pregnant at this stage. I had a round belly that I could show off and the level of well being I felt was lovely. I had more energy and many people spoke nice words at how radiant I looked. It was true, second trimester is great.

You may begin to start your antenatal classes now. For me, it was really reassuring to have my husband come to these classes. More so for support and also allowed him to ask as many questions as he wanted to.

You may also have the 'triple test' blood test, which will check again for any neural tube and chromosomal problems. The test will pick any of these problems 60 to 70 percent of all these types of defects.

Progress tests
At 18 to 20 weeks you will also have an anatomy scan to check the growth and development of your baby as well as the placenta.

At 26 to 28 weeks all pregnant women are screened for 'gestational diabetes'. This test is conducted drinking 'glucose syrup', and an hour wait before your blood test is taken. In my case, I was also advised to slow down on eating lots of sugary cakes.

During this time I really craved slices of chocolate cake, at one stage eating a big slice every day. I stopped doing this, as I had known a friend who had eaten a whole cake and got gestational diabetes. I was in the clear, but I also realized that maintaining good eating habits was best for myself and baby.

I kept up my walking and returned to eating healthy. By the end of the second trimester all I felt like eating was healthy things anyway.

3D screening!
Another most exciting ultrasound is the latest 3D viewing, were you can see your baby in 3D. It is amazing, it makes it all so real and life like. You feel like you could almost touch your baby. It is definitely amazing technology.

Normal Weight Gain
Between 10-14 kgs in total is considered safe and normal. However, you need to begin by being in the normal weight range for your height and age. It is also recommended that you only put on 1-2 kgs in the first three months, then only 1kg every two weeks. Average being 10-14kgs in total.

The most wonderful feeling!
Another reason why I loved being pregnant in the second trimester, was the most magical moment of feeling your baby kick for the first time. I also experienced movements like flutters in my tummy, with all the moving around. It's  great moment to share with your husband and family.

It's also time were you can bond with your baby doing things like reading to your baby or playing soft classical music, placing the head phones on your belly.