10 Ways to Celebrate Your Second Trimester
There are so many things to look forward to in the second trimester: You’ll likely have more energy and less nausea, those uncomfortable late pregnancy symptoms are a few months off and your baby bump will still be a mangeable size. And now that you’re over the first trimester hump, those nagging worries about miscarriage will start to fade away. No wonder people call it the “honeymoon phase” of pregnancy! In our book, this major milestone calls for celebration. Here, 10 fun ways to revel in your progress.
If you haven’t told the world you’re expecting, now’s the time to consider cute pregnancy announcements. After baby’s heartbeat was first detected, your miscarriage risk was just 3 percent; by your 16-week ultrasound, it drops to a mere 1 percent. Wondering how to break the news to your boss, direct reports or coworkers? Read up on tips for how to broach the subject.
Maybe you found out you’re having a boy or girl in your first trimester and have been doing your best to keep mum. Or maybe you discover baby’s sex at the mid-pregnancy ultrasound, somewhere between 18 and 22 weeks. Either way, sharing the news with family and friends is a thrilling point in your pregnancy! Some couples go all out and plan a gender reveal party, where they cut into a pink or blue cake, release pink or blue balloons, or crack open fortune cookies to reveal baby’s gender.
Because you can! No more morning sickness means you’ll have the tall stack of pancakes, thank you very much.
As your energy surges—thanks in part to your hormones starting to stabilize—tackle bigger projects like putting together the nursery. Have fun with colors, bedding styles and even DIY crafts.
Warning: Picking out adorable baby gear might sound like a blast, but when faced with endless diaper pail and car seat options, it’s easy to get a little overwhelmed. So take it slow. Figure out what your must-haves are (using our handy baby registry checklist) and give yourself plenty of time to research the best baby gear for your family’s needs. (Are you an urbanite? Check out our guide for city moms. Live an eco-friendly lifestyle? See our suggestions. Expecting multiples? We’ve got you covered.) Aim to finalize your registry before your baby shower invitations are sent out.
Finally, your bump is showing! Strangers are (hopefully) giving up their seat on the train or offering to carry your groceries. Say yes.
A changing body demands a new wardrobe—and we’re not talking about frumpy dresses and baggy pants. These days, there are plenty of fashion-forward maternity lines offering cute, affordable items, like H&M and ASOS. And how about some shoe shopping? Your swollen feet deserve it.
Don’t wait until the last minute to take a childbirth class, an infant care class or a breastfeeding class. True, you won’t need to know all that info until the very end, but you’ll feel much more confident heading into the third trimester with a preview of what’s in store for you—and the know-how to handle it. (Plus, sitting through an hours-long class will be more bearable now.) Make new mom-to-be friends while you’re there.
As long as your doctor has given you the go-ahead, having sex is perfectly safe. That’s true for any point in your pregnancy, but now that you’re feeling less queasy and more frisky, and your curves are really coming in, now’s a great time to spend between the sheets. Get it girl.
Think of a babymoon as your chance to spend some quality time with your partner before baby arrives (and maybe go to a chic non-kid-friendly resort!). Your second trimester is the ideal time to travel, since you’ll want to take it easier and stay closer to home later in pregnancy. Plus, you know, #9.
Updated February 2018
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