Helpful Tips for the Second Trimester

Tips and recommendations for the 2nd trimester

The period from the 13th to the 27th week, or the 2nd trimester of pregnancy, is considered interesting. Nausea subsides. The baby begins to move but doesn’t yet press on the organs. The pregnant woman has many questions. How to sleep without harming the baby or yourself? Is it safe to travel by plane? Can you get massages and take baths? Let’s explore this.

Sleeping positions for pregnant women in the 2nd trimester

After the 12th week, sleeping on the stomach is prohibited. This can affect the fetus. Sleeping on the stomach disrupts blood flow to the placenta due to pressure, leading to oxygen deprivation and developmental defects.

It is recommended to sleep on your left side. It’s impossible to sleep in the same position all the time. Doctors recommend turning from side to side. If you really want to lie on your back, you should put a pillow under your lower back, place your legs on an ottoman, and take a semi-sitting position.

There is no need to worry too much about sleeping positions. The body naturally chooses a comfortable position in which you can sleep peacefully. It’s important to keep calm and get enough sleep.

Water Treatments

Taking a shower during pregnancy is necessary for hygiene purposes. What about a bath? It used to be thought that bathing was contraindicated for pregnant women, including in the second trimester. Now doctors say it’s a myth and prejudice.

There are a number of contraindications:

• Gynecological diseases.
• Uterine tone. In this case, there is a risk of miscarriage.
• Infections and inflammatory processes. Complications are possible.
• Diabetes. When relaxing, there is a chance that blood sugar may drop.
• Hypertension. Hot water increases blood flow. Stress on the cardiovascular system can lead to a hypertensive crisis and stroke.
• Hypotension. Warm water relaxes and dilates blood vessels. Fainting is possible.
• Hemorrhoids and varicose veins. Hot water puts additional strain on the veins and overburdens them. This leads to a worsening of the condition.

Proper Bath

If your doctor has allowed you to take a bath, there are some features to consider:

• Hygiene and disinfection. To relax and soak peacefully, you should take a shower in advance. Clean the bath with hypoallergenic products.
• The water temperature should not exceed 38 degrees. It is important not to overheat.
• Safe immersion involves using a non-slip mat. This applies to showers too.

Hypoallergenic bath salts and foams are allowed.

Flying on a Plane

It is better to refrain from flying in case of complications, as there are no specialists on board to provide assistance.

By the 15th week, the body is in an optimal state for flights.

• Business class tickets. This allows you to stretch your legs comfortably, and the atmosphere will be calmer.
• Tickets in the nose section – there’s more turbulence felt in the tail.
• Move your legs and walk around the cabin if possible.
• Fasten the seatbelt comfortably – below the belly, so it doesn’t press.

Concerns:

• Developmental deviations. Often this happens due to genetics or the parents’ lifestyle, but not from a few flights.
• Radiation exposure. This is considered in aircraft design. There’s nothing to fear.
• Respiratory diseases. The journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences published research findings by American scientists conducted during an outbreak. Airplane filters do their job. It’s better to take a mask with you if a neighbor turns out to be sick.

Massage and Pregnancy

Gentle, soft, delicate, smooth, and tender strokes are allowed – manual massage. Trust a specialist. They can relieve pain and tension from troubling areas. Massage can only be done after consulting a doctor.

Manual lymphatic drainage massage of the arms and legs relaxes, prevents swelling, removes fluid, relieves pain, and improves skin condition.

Cosmetic face, neck, and head massage reduces swelling, fatigue, and provides relaxation.

Prohibitions:

• Vigorous, hard rubbing, strikes, vibrations, and tissue kneading.
• Hot stone massage.
• Machine massage, electromyostimulators, vibro massagers.
• Hydromassage and high temperatures, jacuzzis.
• Apparatus lymphatic drainage massage.

You can also perform self-massage or let your husband provide a light and gentle massage of the hands, feet, neck, and head. The procedure from a loved one comes with psychological comfort.