PREGNANCY
Month Six (23 to 27 weeks)
Step into the exhilarating heart of your pregnancy journey—the second trimester! Spanning weeks 13 to 27, this phase is where the magic truly unfolds. It's a pivotal moment for both you and your baby, as you start to feel a newfound sense of vitality and your bump becomes a beautiful badge of motherhood. Within you, your little one is busy blossoming, with all organs and systems now fully formed, ready to start on a rapid journey of growth in both length and weight.
How is your baby developing?
At this stage, your baby enters a phase of rapid growth, with all organs formed and the primary focus now on expansion. Already weighing between 1 to 2.6 pounds (500-750 grams) and measuring 11-15 inches in length, your little one is steadily packing on the ounces. Over the next four weeks, expect your baby to gain around a pound as bone, muscle, brain, and lung tissues undergo significant development, with brown fat reserves also starting to accumulate.
As your baby grows, their skin may appear wrinkled and red, adorned with a protective layer of vernix, an oily substance that shields their delicate skin. They'll also begin to practice breathing by inhaling and swallowing amniotic fluid, which kickstarts the formation of their first bowel movement, known as meconium.
Week 24 marks a significant milestone, particularly in many states where it's considered viability week—an exciting step forward in your baby's journey towards independent life.
What are the changes happening to you?
Emotional and Hormonal
Hormonally, fluctuations continue, with estrogen and progesterone levels remaining elevated to support the developing fetus. These hormonal shifts can contribute to emotional turbulence, ranging from moments of euphoria to periods of heightened sensitivity. Expectant mothers need to prioritize self-care during this time, seeking support from loved ones and healthcare professionals to navigate the emotional ups and downs of pregnancy.
Physical
As your baby undergoes rapid growth in the coming months, your body will naturally adapt to accommodate these changes, leading to noticeable shifts in your physique. Expect an increase in body weight as your baby grows, accompanied by increased elasticity in your ligaments, particularly in your lower back and pelvic areas, which may result in discomfort. To alleviate any pain, consider incorporating gentle massage, chiropractic care, and a tailored exercise regimen into your routine. Paying attention to your posture when lifting and sitting can also help mitigate discomfort.
Additionally, as your baby begins to press down on your bladder, you may experience urine leakage, while constipation may arise due to pressure on your lower bowel. These are common occurrences during pregnancy, but staying hydrated and consuming fiber-rich foods can help alleviate these symptoms.
Furthermore, your heart and lungs are working tirelessly, expending approximately 50% more effort than before pregnancy. As a result, you may experience increased fatigue and shortness of breath. Remember to listen to your body and take breaks when needed, prioritizing rest and relaxation whenever possible.
What do you need to do?
During your second trimester, you will want to increase your daily calories by around 300-350 beyond what you normally eat. Take the guesswork out and head to our blog for healthy recipe ideas.
Childbirth, exercise, and movement classes are encouraged.
Ensure that you are taking probiotics (head to our Fullscript to see the top brand we recommend to prevent GBS) to support the gut and vaginal passage with beneficial bacteria.
Mothers2B Nutritional and Supplement Support
For a comprehensive list of supplements we recommend during this time and to order, see our Mothers2B Pregnancy protocol in our shop.
PREGNANCY
Your highlight nutrients for this month are:
Amino acids: valine, isoleucine, and leucine
Inositol
Choline
Zinc
To download Understanding Nutrients, purchase our ebook by clicking here.
PREGNANCY
Mothers2B FREE recipe of the month
This is one of the easiest and most flavorful meals you'll ever make. Wild-caught shrimp are an excellent source of zinc and paired with healthy fats such as avocado and full-fat coconut milk, as well as vitamin C-rich bell peppers, make for a healthy meal for this month.
Avocado Lime Shrimp with Coconut Rice
