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What happens in the second trimester?
When you are pregnant, it is important to have a well-balanced diet, with variable nutritious foods that include fruit and vegetables. Fruits that are the most important to eat during the second trimester include bananas, apples, berries and other fruits.
Pregnancy is an amazing time. Your body is changing, your emotions are wild, and in a few months, a little one will be in your home. For now, it is important to have a well-balanced diet, with variable nutritious foods that include fruit and vegetables. There are several fruits that you should eat in your second trimester to aid in a healthy, successful pregnancy.
The second-trimester pregnancy is very monumental for mom and baby. Moms began to feel better and the pregnancy begins to show. The baby is steadily growing and becoming a recognizable person. The umbilical cord thickens, and it continues to serve as the nutritious exchange point for nourishment.
As the body grows more and the sickness in mom begins to fade, there are several important changes that mom goes through:
- Quickening occurs, which is the ability to feel the baby move for the first time
- The appetite increases
- The skin on the belly grows and may itch
- The uterus will grow to the height of the belly button
- Skin changes may occur
At this time, all of the major organs will be formed in the baby. The remainder of the time will be spent growing. During this trimester, the baby will weigh up to three pounds and could get to be 16 inches long. These important milestones take place during the second trimester:
- The eyes move to the front of the face, and the ears move in place.
- The baby can hear you.
- Kicks, movement, and side to side turning.
- A creamy covering called vernix grows to protect the developing skin.
- The placenta is fully developed.
- Fingernails and toenails grow.
- Fingers and toes separate.
- The brain grows.
- Reflexes like swallowing and sucking develop.
- Fat begins to develop.
- Hair begins growing on the head.
- The fetus responds to stimuli.
- The placenta is completely developed.
- The fetus has cycles of sleep and wakefulness.
- Fingerprints and toeprints form.
- Eyelids open, and eyelashes and brows are able to be seen.
- You reach the halfway point of the pregnancy.
If a baby is born at the end of the second trimester, it could possibly survive in the NICU. So, we can see why diet and nutrition are so important at this time.
What fruits are important during the second trimester?
There are several fruits essential for nutrition for both mom and baby.
Bananas: Potassium is a key ingredient found in bananas. Potassium aids in regulating blood pressure and fluid in the body. This helps to prevent pain and leg cramping during the pregnancy.
Citrus fruits: Vitamin C is very abundant in lemons and oranges. Vitamin C helps the baby’s bones to grow correctly. It can also help with digestion and get rid of the symptoms of morning sickness.
Apples: Apples contain large amounts of fiber. Fiber helps to regulate digestion. It also helps to prevent hemorrhoids, which are common in pregnant women.
Berries: Berries have large amounts of antioxidants. This includes raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries. Antioxidants aid in preventing severe disease in mom and baby.
Watermelon: Watermelon is a very nutritious fruit. It contains high levels of vitamins A, B6, and C. It also has potassium which helps cramps. It contains magnesium which relaxes muscles and can help in the prevention of premature contractions. Morning sickness, dehydration, and heartburn symptoms can all be helped by eating watermelon.
Dried Fruit: Dates, figs, and apricots are dried fruit that contains iron and calcium. They can be stored in your pocket or purse. They can be added to yogurt.
Fruit and yogurt smoothies: Yogurt smoothies are rich and cold. It is a good source of calcium which is needed for the baby's bones and teeth. Calcium also is good for nerve, heart, and muscle function. Add fruit for more calcium and vitamins. Calcium is needed, and if enough is not eaten, it will be taken from your bones during pregnancy.
Other fruits include cantaloupe, cherries, pomegranates, apricots, and mangoes.
What other foods are important during the second trimester?
Other foods that should be on the second-semester food chart include:
Milk: Milk is packed with magnesium and calcium. Some people cannot drink whole milk, or fear gaining weight. So, skim milk is also an option. People who do not like dairy products can substitute soy products. In addition to calcium, milk provides vitamin D to help absorb calcium and strengthen bones.
Canned sardines: Sardines can be mashed on a piece of toast. Or, they can be mixed with spaghetti or salads. Canned sardines have calcium, long-chain omega-3 oils, and magnesium. The oils are important for the brain development of the baby.
Pumpkin and sunflower seeds: Pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds by the handful will give a growing baby iron, magnesium, and omega-3. They can be eaten alone, or added to salads and yogurt.
Brown rice/risotto: Brown and wholegrain rice contain fiber, vitamin D, magnesium, and calcium. Both rice and risotto are usually prepared as a side dish. Fiber is essential for baby health and helps to prevent constipation during pregnancy.
Dark chocolate: As a treat, dark chocolate is good during the second trimester. Dark chocolate has potassium, iron, magnesium, and some calcium. A few squares will be ok occasionally.
During second-trimester doctor visits, they may verify that you have been eating correctly by an exam. This includes testing your weight, blood pressure, urine, and any current problems. They will also access the size and growth of the baby. After12 weeks, they can feel the uterus through the wall of the abdomen.
Eating healthy during pregnancy helps to make sure that mom and baby stay strong before the baby enters the world. Eating fruit, whether frozen, fresh, or canned, is a very good option.