Now that you are a few weeks into the second trimester, you'll likely be feeling a little more like yourself. You may find that you are no longer feeling queasy, and your sex drive has returned. Unfortunately, the renewed you can also come with an increase in allergies, heightened emotions, and an increase in vaginal discharge (leukorrhea).
Now that you don't feel like tossing your cookies into the toilet every moment, you might feel like your appetite has increased dramatically and you're sidling up for second or thirds at the buffet. While you should increase your caloric intake at this point, and you may need to catch up on weight gain if you didn't gain enough during the first trimester, you still can't "eat for two," or you could end up the size of two which isn't the best idea nor the goal. The best plan is to eat small frequent meals and aim to increase your calories by 250-500 calories per day. This increase will ensure that you get what is necessary for the baby to grow properly and keep your blood sugar stable without causing excessive weight gain.
Your changing hormones could cause potential upticks in allergies. You probably won't be allowed to take over-the-counter medication for your symptoms like you might have done before pregnancy; if you can cope without medication, it will be better for you and your baby. Your trusty humidifier can come in handy with the help of some saline to irrigate your nasal passageways. Your symptoms should subside once your body gets used to the new hormones.
If you haven't started them already, don't put off practicing your Kegels. These exercises help strengthen pelvic floor muscles that support your uterus, bladder, and urethra, which will help you during childbirth and after to help prevent incontinence.
Reference Sources
- American Pregnancy Association - Pregnancy Week 17
