I’m excited to share my comprehensive recap of the second trimester of my first pregnancy! This detailed post delves into everything from my evolving diet and persistent symptoms to crucial health management strategies and the beautiful milestones of this incredible journey.

Navigating the Second Trimester: A Journey of Growth, Change, and Deepening Connection

It feels surreal to admit that I’m now deep into my third trimester, with our baby’s arrival anticipated in April! While it still feels like a distant dream, the reality is that the countdown has truly begun. The past three months of the second trimester have been a whirlwind of transformation and profound experiences. With each passing day, my love for our unborn child deepens, and my body continues to achieve incredible feats I never imagined possible. Our little one has grown exponentially, and my day-to-day life has already shifted dramatically from pre-pregnancy norms. This update is a deep dive into my second trimester, sharing what has worked wonders for me, the challenges I’ve faced, the myriad symptoms experienced, and so much more!

Before We Dive In: Essential Notes

For those just joining my pregnancy journey, I highly recommend reading my first-trimester recap first. That post covers significant ground, including our fertility journey, conception, and the early symptoms like intense nausea and profound food aversions, which I won’t be covering as extensively here.
Pregnancy can be a deeply personal and, for many, a challenging topic due to various circumstances. If you find yourself needing to protect your energy, please feel free to skip any pregnancy-related content. Your well-being is paramount.
It’s crucial to understand that I am not a medical professional or a pregnancy expert. All insights shared here are based purely on my personal experience and journey. This information should never be taken as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified doctor or healthcare provider for your individual needs and medical concerns.

Medical Milestones: Anatomy Scan & Gestational Diabetes Test

The second trimester brought with it some incredibly reassuring medical milestones. At 18 weeks, we underwent our anatomy scan, a thorough examination that checks the baby’s development from head to toe. The relief and joy were immense when all results came back indicating our baby was healthy and developing perfectly. This scan provided a profound sense of peace and a clearer glimpse into the miracle growing within me.

Later, around 26 and a half weeks, I completed the gestational diabetes test. I was particularly grateful for the approach taken by my birth center, which offered a refreshing alternative to the standard glucose drink. Instead, I was allowed to choose a fruit juice, making the experience far more palatable and comfortable. Passing this test was another significant weight lifted, allowing us to continue our pregnancy journey with confidence.

Discovering Our Baby’s Gender: A Boy Mom’s Dream

The anticipation of knowing our baby’s gender was a unique chapter. We had initially tried the Sneak Peek gender test around 10 weeks. However, I admittedly wasn’t the most skilled at administering the test, leaving me somewhat skeptical about the initial results. The definitive confirmation came during our 18-week anatomy scan: we are having a boy! This news filled me with an indescribable joy, as I’ve always envisioned myself as a boy mom and felt a strong intuition that I would have sons. It truly felt like a dream come true. While our baby boy already has a name chosen, we’ve decided to keep it a cherished secret until his grand arrival.

Embracing Travel: Our Second Trimester Babymoon

One of the highlights of my second trimester was our babymoon trip to Leavenworth, WA, when I was 22 weeks pregnant. It was an absolute dream escape! The flight itself was surprisingly comfortable, a testament to booking better seats thanks to affordable ticket prices. Traveling with Daniel during this period felt like the perfect timing. My severe first-trimester nausea had largely subsided, and I had a decent level of energy that allowed us to comfortably explore the town on foot without feeling overwhelmed.

For those planning their own babymoon, I’ve gathered a few invaluable tips from my experience:

Timing is Everything: 22 Weeks was My Sweet Spot! I discovered that 22 weeks hit a perfect balance between comfort and mobility. Later, when I joined Daniel on a business trip to Key West at 27 weeks, the experience was markedly different and far more uncomfortable. Sleeping became a challenge, moving around was more arduous, and even the weather took a greater toll on my body. The sweet spot truly allows for maximum enjoyment.
Choose a Walkable, Serene Destination. Opt for a location where you can enjoy leisurely strolls without excessive crowds. Leavenworth was ideal for this, offering charming paths and gentle terrain that allowed me to maintain my walking routine without overexertion. The goal is to stay active and keep the pelvis moving, not engage in strenuous activities like skiing, so a tranquil, walkable environment is crucial.
Prioritize Culinary Convenience. While we booked a room with a full kitchen, the truth is, a babymoon is a time for relaxation, not extensive cooking. My usual travel staples like canned tuna or deli meats weren’t appealing during pregnancy. Therefore, having abundant options for eating out was a huge blessing. Researching the local food scene beforehand, especially for healthy and appealing choices, proved invaluable. Destinations like Austin or Portland, known for their vibrant culinary landscapes, would also be excellent choices.

Proactive Health Management: Living with Hashimoto’s During Pregnancy

Managing Hashimoto’s thyroiditis during pregnancy has been a significant aspect of my health journey. While not universally true for everyone, I’ve been incredibly fortunate that my condition has remained remarkably manageable throughout this pregnancy. This stability is largely due to a proactive and collaborative approach with my healthcare team.

Here’s how I’ve been navigating my Hashimoto’s:

Collaborative Care with My Medical Team. My midwives at the birthing center are exceptional, but thyroid management requires specialized attention from an endocrinologist or a doctor well-versed in autoimmune conditions. I’ve maintained continuous communication with my doctor, ensuring they are always in the loop regarding my pregnancy progress and any necessary adjustments.
Frequent Monitoring Through Testing. As per my doctor’s recommendation, I’ve been undergoing blood tests approximately every 6-8 weeks. This regular monitoring has been key to ensuring my thyroid hormone levels remain within optimal ranges. Thankfully, I’ve encountered no issues, and my numbers have actually shown a trend towards normalization as my pregnancy has progressed.
Adhering to Prescribed Medication. I conscientiously take my prescribed thyroid medication. I intentionally avoid detailing the specific medication or dosage here, as every individual’s journey with Hashimoto’s is unique, and medication needs vary significantly. It’s paramount that individuals consult their own doctors for personalized advice rather than adopting someone else’s regimen as a standard. My path is personal and, by no means, perfect, but medication forms a crucial part of my management strategy.
Maintaining a Nourishing Diet. Beyond medication, a nutrient-dense diet plays an indispensable role in supporting my overall health and managing Hashimoto’s. I delve deeper into the specifics of my pregnancy diet in a dedicated section below, highlighting how it contributes to my well-being during this special time.

Confronting Mental Health: Managing Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) in Pregnancy

My journey with mental health includes a diagnosis of obsessive-compulsive disorder, a condition I’ve openly discussed in my OCD story post. Through years of therapy, I found significant healing and developed coping mechanisms. However, pregnancy, with its profound responsibility for nurturing a new life, unexpectedly brought forth a new wave of triggers and anxieties that I initially struggled to recognize.

My OCD predominantly manifests through “checking” compulsions. During pregnancy, this evolved into a constant cycle of re-checking expiration dates on food, meticulously verifying meat temperatures multiple times, and incessantly scouring the internet for pregnancy advice. New fears emerged, particularly around contamination, leading to additional compulsions. This behavior was deeply unsettling, and at first, I didn’t fully grasp its root cause. It was my observant husband who gently pointed out my struggles, prompting me to connect the dots and revisit the therapeutic tools I had learned. The self-awareness of my mental illness, combined with these learned strategies, has been instrumental in making these anxieties more manageable over the past several weeks.

Yet, I understand this is an ongoing process. I anticipate that the actual arrival of our baby boy may very well reintroduce new triggers and challenges. I am incredibly grateful to have a trusted therapist (whose information is linked in the post mentioned above) whom I can turn to for continued support as and when needed, especially as I navigate the postpartum period.

My Evolving Exercise Routine During Pregnancy

Before pregnancy, I was in a fantastic workout rhythm, enjoying high-intensity classes like kickboxing and boot camps that significantly elevated my heart rate. Then, the first trimester hit with full force, leaving me utterly incapacitated. I literally couldn’t walk around the house without experiencing severe nausea and vomiting.

As I began to feel better in the second trimester, my midwife expressed a slight concern about immediately returning to such high-energy workouts, suggesting they might not align with my pregnancy goals. Consequently, I shifted gears. I briefly tried Pilates but found myself needing to modify almost every move, making the cost feel unjustified. My current focus, recommended by my midwives, centers on light hand-weight and bodyweight exercises performed at home—think squats, lunges, and other functional movements. Crucially, I’ve incorporated lots of walking. My midwives emphasized the importance of keeping my pelvis moving and building strength and stamina specifically for childbirth. This modified routine has proven incredibly effective, allowing me to stay active and prepare my body for labor without overdoing it.

My Second Trimester Diet: Nourishment and Adaptability

A common question I’ve received is whether I’m maintaining an Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) diet while pregnant. The answer is no, I’m not. I had completed many reintroductions before pregnancy, and I’ve found that my body tolerates a wider range of foods since becoming pregnant. It’s a fascinating phenomenon, as many women (though certainly not all) experience a temporary remission of autoimmune symptoms during pregnancy, allowing for greater dietary flexibility. I’ve truly listened to my body’s cues to determine what I can and cannot tolerate. Foods like grains and dairy, which I had previously restricted, began to call my name, and since I hadn’t experienced severe issues with them in the distant past, I felt it was worth cautiously reintroducing them.

However, it’s vital to emphasize that my diet, while more flexible, remains largely similar to my pre-pregnancy approach. I am keenly aware that autoimmune issues can significantly flare postpartum, so I am not indulging indiscriminately. I understand my body’s limits and aim to maintain a balanced, nourishing diet.

Here’s a snapshot of my current dietary boundaries:

Foods I’ve Been Able to Tolerate (Less Common for Me):

Cheese: Particularly Gouda and Babybel cheese. My obsession knows no bounds; I enjoy them daily!
Seeds: While not a staple before, I now regularly incorporate flax and chia seeds into my meals.
More Grains: This has been the most significant shift, opening up possibilities for gluten-free breads and other grain-based options, offering welcome variety.

Foods I Still Actively Avoid:

Gluten: This remains a non-negotiable avoidance for my overall health.
Cow’s Milk & Yogurt: These still cause digestive issues for me, so I opt for alternatives.
Egg Whites: Interestingly, I tolerate egg yolks well and consume them often, but egg whites remain an irritant.
Soy: I continue to avoid soy products.
Canola Oil and Other Seed Oils: These are generally inflammatory for me and are excluded from my diet.
Nightshades: This category, including tomatoes and bell peppers, is still off-limits.
Many Tree Nuts: I have allergies to most nuts, with almonds being the notable exception that I can enjoy.
Excessive Caffeine: I primarily stick to decaf coffee and only occasionally enjoy a caffeinated tea.

My Go-To Meals and Snacks:

Breakfasts: I often adapt lunch or dinner options for breakfast, but my absolute favorite “breakfast” meal is a satisfying breakfast sandwich. This typically features Bread Srsly sourdough sandwich buns, scrambled egg yolks, a generous dollop of sauerkraut, crispy bacon, and a smear of pesto, all complemented by a side of fresh fruit—pure delight!

Frequent Lunches & Dinners:

Ground beef with rice and steamed broccoli has been a comforting and incredibly satisfying combination throughout the second trimester.
Shrimp tacos are a regular treat. I conscientiously weigh my fish portions each week to ensure I stay within recommended pregnancy guidelines for seafood intake.
Salads featuring sardines offer a nutrient-dense and flavorful meal.
My cookbook’s butternut bison chili is a hearty and beloved staple.
Delicious and healthy Italian chicken nuggets and tenders served with my signature nomato sauce.
A flavorful chicken teriyaki stir-fry.

Reliable Snacks:

Gouda and Babybel cheese are my current obsession.
Bread Srsly or Siete tortillas topped with almond butter and a touch of jam.
Simple Mills crunchy cookies for a guilt-free sweet treat.

My Core Dietary Focus:

Hydration: Ensuring ample water intake throughout the day is a top priority for overall health and pregnancy well-being.
Protein Goals: I aim for a minimum daily protein intake of 80g, crucial for both my health and the baby’s growth.
Daily Veggies: Incorporating a wide array of vegetables daily provides essential vitamins and fiber.
Embracing Grace: Most importantly, I allow myself grace and encourage enjoying food without unnecessary stress, fostering a positive relationship with eating during pregnancy.

Unpacking Second Trimester Symptoms: What it Really Felt Like

The second trimester brought its own unique array of symptoms, some fading, others intensifying, and new ones emerging. Here’s an honest look at what I experienced:

Nausea: A Persistent Battle

As I detailed in my first-trimester recap, my nausea was incredibly severe. It began to taper off somewhat around 18-20 weeks, but I still carried significant nausea into the early part of the second trimester, experiencing frequent episodes of vomiting. My decision to take doctor-recommended anti-nausea medication was born out of necessity; there were days in early pregnancy when I couldn’t keep down any food or water, putting me on a fast track to dehydration and potential hospitalization. One particularly harrowing day involved severe hunger cramps and dizziness. The medication, while not a complete cure (I still vomited about twice a day), made a crucial difference, allowing me to retain enough food and water to maintain some stability, even after losing 10 lbs in the first trimester. I was deeply concerned about still needing it as the second trimester progressed.

Around 15 weeks, with my doctor’s support, I attempted to taper off the medication, only to find myself bedridden the next day, unable to move or eat. My midwife offered invaluable reassurance, emphasizing that prioritizing movement and a healthy diet was far more important than solely focusing on being medication-free. She reminded me that many women require nausea support throughout their entire pregnancies and still deliver healthy babies. This perspective was a huge relief, allowing me to continue the support I needed until the 18-20 week mark. While the path remained rocky for several weeks, the fog eventually lifted. Now, nausea is a rare occurrence, mostly triggered by prolonged car rides.

Fatigue and Sleep Challenges: The Unsung Realities

The common advice, “Enjoy sleeping now!” always makes me chuckle, as consistent, restful sleep became a distant memory even before pregnancy. While I did experience a few weeks of truly great sleep in the second trimester, these were often interspersed with bouts of insomnia and frequent nighttime trips to the bathroom. Many people speak of a sudden, powerful burst of energy in the second trimester; for me, this was never a consistent or significant reality. Instead, fatigue began to steadily intensify towards the end of the second trimester, hitting me hard again as I entered the third. Our baby is incredibly active at night, often waking me with his energetic movements – a topic for the next post!

My strategy has been to simply take it easy and avoid pushing myself. Growing a human is an immense undertaking, and I am committed to honoring my body’s needs, prioritizing rest, while still striving to be as productive as possible with my work as I prepare for maternity leave.

Mood Swings: An Emotional Rollercoaster

Pregnancy hormones are a powerful force. Some days, I find myself unexpectedly tearful, while others bring waves of pure euphoria. Overall, my predominant state is one of profound happiness and excitement, but the emotional landscape is definitely an up-and-down journey.

Feeling the Baby Move: The Ultimate Connection

While not a “symptom,” feeling the baby move is, without a doubt, my absolute favorite aspect of pregnancy and a common source of inquiry. I experienced those first, faint flutters surprisingly early, around 13 weeks. It felt like a gentle roll, a tiny tap against my belly, distinctly different from gas, assuring me it was indeed the baby. By 15 weeks, these tiny taps became more frequent and discernible. The true wonder began around 18 weeks when I could actually see my belly move from the outside!

Every week, the movements grow stronger and more varied. Initially, they were mostly distinct kicks, but they’ve evolved into delightful stretches, wiggles, head bumps, and rolls. Our baby boy is incredibly active, and he consistently responds when I drink Topo Chico or sometimes even when I’m listening to podcasts. By 26-27 weeks, he had grown large enough to respond to belly rubs. Now, I can gently rub my belly, and he’ll wiggle or kick back, which is simply the most magical feeling in the world. During the second trimester, his most active periods were typically at night, but he consistently moved throughout the day as well. There were many nights I delayed going to sleep, simply because I didn’t want to miss feeling him move!

Round Ligament Pain: A Lingering Discomfort

The round ligaments stretch significantly to accommodate the growing uterus and baby during pregnancy. I first noticed this pain in my first trimester, but it definitely intensified in the second, leading to a few particularly bad days and episodes of sharp discomfort. Thankfully, I discovered effective remedies:

Wearing a Belly Band: This has been a game-changer. Wearing it around the house occasionally provides crucial support and relief.
Regular Chiropractic Care: I began seeing Dr. Tara, a Webster-certified chiropractor at my birthing center. Her adjustments have been incredibly beneficial in alleviating my round ligament pain, as well as addressing neck discomfort and the shifts in my ever-changing pelvis.

Heartburn: The Unavoidable Burn

Pregnancy heartburn is in a league of its own; it bears little resemblance to regular heartburn. The underlying causes are different, the typical remedies often ineffective, and for me, the pain is significantly more intense. The anatomical changes occurring within the body during pregnancy mean that some degree of heartburn can be virtually unavoidable for many expectant mothers. It’s certainly not as simple as “just avoid tomatoes!”—I wish it were, as I’d be symptom-free. It doesn’t seem to matter what I eat, or when I eat it; some days, the burn is simply relentless. Since cornstarch in Tums doesn’t agree with me, diluting apple cider vinegar in water has been my go-to, offering some relief by taking the edge off the intensity. Despite the challenges, I remind myself that this, too, is temporary.

Dry and Bloodshot Eyes: An Unexpected Symptom

Around 20-23 weeks, I developed a troubling bloodshot spot in my eye that caused significant alarm. As a food photographer, my eye health is paramount—I absolutely need these eyes! I immediately scheduled an appointment with an eye doctor. He reassured me that it was minor irritation and dryness, nothing serious. His simple suggestion—to wear my contact lenses less often—proved to be the perfect solution. This made sense to me, as I often experience similar contact lens issues during my period, which I’ve always attributed to hormonal fluctuations. This led me to purchase new glasses from Warby Parker, a much-needed self-care “pregnancy gift” given how battered my old pair had become. Investing in stylish, clear glasses felt like a self-care move of the decade!

The good news is my eyes were fine, and dry eyes are a common, albeit unexpected, pregnancy symptom. Luckily, it was an easy fix.

Bleeding Gums and Nosebleeds: Hormonal Effects

Bleeding gums are a fairly common pregnancy symptom, often attributed to increased blood volume and hormonal changes. I also experienced nosebleeds as a teenager when my hormones were more volatile. While my pregnancy nosebleeds aren’t as severe or out of control as they were in my youth, they are noticeably light, yet still present.

Stuffy Nose: Another Common Nuisance

Another classic pregnancy symptom: the perpetually stuffy nose. I find myself reaching for tissues constantly these days!

Anticipating the Third Trimester: Milestones and Preparations

As I embark on the final stretch of pregnancy, the third trimester is brimming with exciting milestones and crucial preparations:

My Baby Shower! I am so looking forward to celebrating with loved ones. I’ll be sharing a comprehensive registry post very soon.
Maternity Photos. You all know I love a good photo session, and I’m eager to capture this special time with some truly killer maternity photos. My hope is to find some beautiful vintage pieces that fit perfectly!
Finishing the Nursery. We are almost there! The nursery is coming together beautifully, and I’ll be sharing more details about its completion in an upcoming post.
Birthing Classes and CPR. We’ve already begun our birthing classes, which are incredibly informative, and we also completed a vital CPR class to feel prepared.
Interviewing Doulas. Initially, I wasn’t set on having a doula, mainly because I wasn’t fully informed about their role. However, after starting our birthing classes, Daniel and I both realized the immense value of having extra support, especially as first-time parents planning a natural birth at a birthing center.
Prepping the Blog for Maternity Leave. The average recipe blog post takes me 6-8 hours from conception to publication, and I typically post around three times a week. Maintaining this schedule with a newborn will be impossible. Therefore, I’m diligently preparing several weeks’ worth of content in advance, ensuring the blog won’t miss a beat while I take much-needed maternity leave.
Stocking My Freezer. “Freezer meal week” is just around the corner! Preparing a stash of nutritious freezer meals will be a lifesaver during the early postpartum period.
Deepening Our Bond. I’m looking forward to feeling more of our baby’s kicks, rolls, wiggles, and even hiccups, and continuing to bond with him more and more each day.
Finally, Meeting Our Sweet Baby! My official due date is April 16th, but ultimately, it’s up to him to decide his birthday! Of course, unless he decides to stay put for too long and my midwives need to induce, but we’ll cross that bridge when we get there.

Thank you for taking the time to read through my detailed second-trimester recap. I’m excited to continue sharing more of this incredible journey with you!