5 Essential Items in Your Second Trimester

Are you ready for your second trimester? Weeks 13 to 27 of pregnancy mark an exciting time, one even called the “golden period” for mums!

This is when first-trimester fatigue and morning sickness usually ease up and mums start recovering energy. It’s also when the baby bump starts to show!

If you want some help getting ready for this part of your pregnancy journey, we’ll help. Our second trimester pregnancy essentials list will help you prepare for this phase.

Why the Second Trimester Matters

The second trimester brings quite a few physical and emotional changes for first-time parents. This is when your baby is developing rapidly, which means your body will also start to change quickly to accommodate that growth. 

That can lead to certain discomforts, such as backaches, leg cramps, heartburn, and even some skin changes. However, this can be paired with a newfound sense of emotional well-being for most mums as they start to feel more in touch with their growing baby. 

On the medical front, this is when you will likely start seeing more frequent prenatal checkups. Key screening tests like the anomaly scan (typically done between 18 and 21 weeks) may be performed during this trimester as well.

To help you go through all of these with grace and confidence, you should have a good pregnancy essentials list. That’s what we can offer here, along with pregnancy tips for your second trimester.

5 Essential Items for the Second Trimester

1. Maternity Clothes and Supportive Bras

A blossoming bump means your regular clothes will start to get more restrictive. Invest in a small but versatile maternity wardrobe now, so you can feel comfortable while looking good.

Look for pieces that grow with you, as they offer the most utility. Stretchy leggings, soft-waisted maternity trousers, loose and flowy tops, breathable maxi dresses, etc. 

Don’t forget about your bra too. You need maternity or nursing bras with wider straps and non-wired cups, try to opt for breathable and comfy fabrics as well. 

The bras should provide the support your expanding breasts will need while still ensuring healthy circulation by not being overly tight.

2. A Pregnancy Pillow for Better Sleep

Sleep disturbances are fairly common in the second trimester. This is usually due to restless legs, growing bump discomfort, and more frequent trips to the bathroom.

The solution? A pregnancy pillow. It can improve sleep quality in remarkable ways, especially if you use the full-body support options like the U-shaped or C-shaped ones. 

A smaller wedge pillow can still help if you can’t use the full-body ones. It may offer targeted support under your bump or for your back, for example, if you tend to side-sleep. 

In either case, the pillows can help you reduce hip and back strain along with making your sleep better and more restful. Consider pairing them with other sleep-improving items or techniques, e.g. calming bedtime rituals and blackout curtains.

3. Prenatal Vitamins and Hydration Essentials

The second trimester is a period of intense growth for both your body and your baby. That’s why you should try to support that growth with key supplements.

Do consult your doctor first for recommendations and clearance. If you do get your doctor’s blessing, you’ll very likely need these supplements: 

• Folic acid, for neural tube development

• Iron, to prevent anaemia

• Calcium, for bone health

• Vitamin D, for bone health

• DHA, for brain and eye development

Don’t forget to stay hydrated as well. This is a non-negotiable for expecting mums, who should carry reusable water bottles everywhere at this phase of their pregnancy journey! 

Staying hydrated will support your digestion, circulation, and energy levels. Try to set phone reminders if you find yourself forgetting to drink water. 

Here’s a tip if you want an extra boost in the Singapore heat: consider adding refreshing flavours like some lemon or mint to your water!

4. Skincare and Stretch Mark Creams

Your skin will stretch quickly at this stage to accommodate your growing baby bump. That can lead to some dryness, itchiness, and the potential for stretch marks. 

Creams can help with the first two, even if they may not completely prevent the third. But they may be able to help you improve skin elasticity to minimise those. 

Look for rich, moisturising options – ones containing ingredients such as shea butter, almond oil, and cocoa butter are good options for most people. 

And on the topic of skincare: use sunscreen daily. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can make a woman’s skin more sensitive to the sun, so you may as well take steps to protect it.

Regardless of which products you use, ensure that they don’t irritate your skin and are certified pregnancy-safe!

5. Comfortable Footwear and Back Support

As the body gains weight and ligaments loosen due to pregnancy hormones, you may start to experience swelling in your feet and ankles. Lower back pain may also strike at this time. 

You can minimise it by investing in the right footwear. Look for shoes that provide excellent arch support and shock absorption. Avoid high heels at this stage.

You may also want to look into a fitting maternity support belt. It can relieve pelvic and back pain caused by the bump. Pair it with gentle posture exercises to strengthen your core as well.

Extra Pregnancy Tips for the Second Trimester

Here are some more tips that can help during the second trimester:

• Ensure adequate nutrition. Eat small and balanced meals throughout the day that can help you better manage sugar and sustain energy.

• Incorporate safe exercise into your routine. Your doctor may give you advice on this. Good options are walking, prenatal yoga, or swimming.

• Consider mental wellness. This is a key part of your health. Make sure you tend to it with sufficient downtime and techniques like meditation.

• Do meal prep. Even as you start recovering some of your energy levels, there will be days you'll still find draining. Try cooking in bulk or freezing healthy meals for those days in dance.

Get More Pregnancy and Mummy Tips

Now you know how to prepare for your second trimester. If you follow these tips and our pregnancy essentials list, you should be able to get everything you need ahead of time.

For more pregnancy essentials and mummy tips, join the Mummy Guru community, your trusted guide from bump to baby. We’d love to share knowledge with even more mums!