You are starting to gain pregnancy weight
These days, you will really start to feel pregnant. You will begin to gain more weight, and your waistline will start to broaden. This is completely normal and indicates that your baby is actively growing and developing!
Your body needs additional resources to provide everything your baby needs; therefore, you should be gaining 0.6-1.1 lb (300-500 g) every week, depending on your body mass index before pregnancy [1].
At this point, you will most likely have a very healthy appetite. Try to eat a balanced and nutritious diet [2].
During the second trimester, some pregnant women develop preeclampsia, which is a potentially dangerous condition characterized by high blood pressure usually accompanied by fluid retention. Doctors will check for these signs, as well as for swelling of the feet, ankles, face, and hands, as well as increased protein in the urine.
The exact cause of preeclampsia is unknown, but it is thought that thinner than normal blood vessels develop in the placenta, which interferes with the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the baby.
Regular visits to the doctor can help to exclude preeclampsia and associated complications [3, 4].
If you are expecting twins
Preeclampsia in a multiple pregnancy is 2 to 5 times more common than in single pregnancies. Women expecting twins are also at a higher risk of gestational diabetes. But if this condition is detected promptly, it can be properly managed and in most cases it will pass after childbirth [5]. Therefore, it is especially important for you to monitor your blood pressure and take regular tests.
Discharge
During this stage of pregnancy, it is normal to present sticky, white discharge. Yellow or greenish discharge with a strong odor indicates infection, especially if there is inflammation, itching, and pain, in which case you will need to see a doctor [6]. If you notice bloody discharge, seek immediate help [7].
