What a ride it has been! They say every pregnancy is different and as I’m writing I’m currently in my third trimester looking back at all three trimesters realizing that each trimester feels like a different pregnancy. The human body is so fascinating and each day I’m so surprised to see and feel all of the changes that come with pregnancy.
In the 2nd trimester, the highlight was all about feeling movement for the first time. It was really subtle to start as if there were little butterflies fluttering around in my stomach. I started to feel movement at week 22 and from my understanding in your first pregnancy, it can take a little longer to feel the movement because you aren’t aware that that’s what you’re feeling. Often people will mistake the movements as gas or indigestion.
The second trimester also involved a lotttttt of resting. I was tired often and sleeping wasn’t always comfortable but my pregnancy pillow helped out a lot. I started to exercise after having a difficult first trimester and being unable to move much at all. However, this was the trimester that made me feel like I was starting to feel like myself again. It was as the clouds were parting and I could see a glimpse of myself again.
Throughout this trimester, there were a few products that really stuck out for me and made the trimester a lot easier, more comfortable and enjoyable. Check them out below and let me know in the comments if you’ve used them too, or if you have other favourites for the second trimester!
Please note that this post contains affiliate links.
BODY CARE
The PharMeDoc pillow is the only thing I use to get comfortable in bed. I nestle part of it under my belly so that the belly is supported and feels less heavy or like it’s hanging. Because I have a large fibroid on the left side of my belly, having support under the belly was necessary to get comfortable. It was in the second trimester that the pregnancy pillow became necessary (I got away with not using one in my first trimester because my belly hadn’t grown large enough to need it yet).
As pelvic pain increased from pressure on the pubic symphysis (a small joint at the front of the pelvis), creating space between the legs by having the top knee rest on the pillow really helps with staying comfortable.
I love this PharMeDoc pillow because it has a detachable part of the pillow which you can use between your feet, if need, or as another pillow for your head.
2. Pai The Gemini
Pai The Gemini is a body cream and body oil duo designed to help reduce the appearance of stretch marks and keep skin soft. One thing I started to notice in my second trimester was that my skin felt so ITCHY and part of it was because of the skin stretching! I kept on top of my water as best as I could but this cream and oil duo really helped to keep my skin in soft shape and helped reduce the itchiness that comes from stretching skin. This duo contains vitamins E and C, plus omegas 3, 5, 6, 7, and 9, making it super nourishing for the skin.
3. Magnesium Spray
Aches and pains definitely started to pop up near the end of my second trimester and magnesium spray totally did the trick to help ease muscle tension. This magnesium spray contains magnesium, of course, as well as other trace minerals. I love that you can spray it anywhere you feel tension. I spray my lower back, hips and shoulders if needed. I found that my hip flexors were particularly sore as well as the round ligament (which connects the uterus to the pelvis) so those spots got extra attention.
Equipment
4. Bowflex C6 Bike
The C6 bike was my saviour during the pandemic months when the gyms were closed and it came through again during my second trimester. This bike helped me ease back in to exercise after the first trimester and allowed me to exercise in the comfort of my home. When pregnant, walking can get uncomfortable so the bike offers a low-impact form of cardio. This bike was honestly one of the best investments that we made over the last year! Plus, Bowflex is a Canadian company, so even more reason to support them!
Food
5. Genuine Health Protein Powder
This isn’t the first time you’ve heard me talk about this protein powder, is it? In case you didn’t know, protein is an important macronutrient in pregnancy and can help ward off nausea if you’re still suffering from it in your second trimester. My favourite is the Genuine Health Fermented Vegan Organic Protein Powder in chocolate. It is delish and doesn’t cause any bloating. I love how versatile it is and how it doesn’t have that chalky texture to it like most protein powders do. Throw it in a smoothie or your oatmeal; bake it in some cookies or have it on its own with water. You choose!
Thanks so much for checking out my list of second trimester favourites! Stay tuned for my third trimester favourites and don’t be surprised if you see banana bread and chicken wings on the list. 😉
Are any of these products your favourites too? What were your favourites for your second trimester? What should I try in my third trimester? Let me know below!
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