Can you believe it? Just a couple more weeks and you'll be in your second trimester of pregnancy. Though there is some debate as to when the second trimester actually begins, even among doctors and midwives. You will hear conflicting information that it begins anywhere from 12-14 weeks. Either way, you are close!

This week, your hormones are still changing quite rapidly, working to sustain your baby. This dramatic increase in hormones can cause some discomforts, such as headaches, mood swings, and fatigue. Digestion can also be disrupted, leading to diarrhea or constipation.

If you are constipated, make sure you are drinking plenty of water and getting at least a minimal amount of exercise daily. Increase your consumption of natural fiber by eating raw or lightly cooked vegetables, fresh fruit, fruit juice, and vegetable juices. Avoid refined carbohydrates, as they can make constipation worse.

Make sure you contact your doctor before taking any over-the-counter medications, as some of them are not safe during pregnancy.

Your Baby’s Development

At just a little over 2 inches long and about the size of a prune, your baby is building bones and cartilage. Teeth buds are forming, and the stomach and kidneys will begin functioning this week. Also, all four chambers of the heart are formed.

Telling Others You're Pregnant

Have you told your family and friends that you're pregnant yet? It can be a difficult decision when and how to tell them. Some women prefer to tell others as soon as they find out they are pregnant, because the secret is just too hard to keep. Others prefer to plan carefully how and when (as well as who) they will tell.

If you need some ideas, read: 7 Fun Ways to Announce Your Pregnancy

First Trimester Fatigue

The first trimester is notorious for bringing on fatigue. Food aversions and morning sickness, combined with major hormone fluctuations, take their toll on the body. Most women find that they cannot keep up with their usual high-energy schedule. You will need to plan on lots of rest. It's also important that you try to incorporate as many high-nutrition foods into your diet as possible.

There are some things that you can have that will help to boost your energy level during the day. Here are some drinks that are a natural source of energy (and nutrients):

• Herbal Coffee
• Green Tea
• Red Raspberry Leaf Tea
• Nettle Leaf Tea
• Kombucha
• Kefir

If you're still battling food aversions, try eating 6 small high-nutrient meals a day instead of 3 large meals, and keep healthy snacks on hand at all times.

Portable Healthy Snack Ideas:

• Dried fruit
• Nuts
• Homemade granola or granola bars
• Oatmeal breakfast cookies
• Homemade larabars
• Homemade fruit leather
• Fresh fruit and vegetables
• Homemade beef jerky

Also, try Bellybar Prenatal Nutrition products. They taste amazing!

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Vanessa Pruitt, PLMHP, MS

Vanessa is a Provisionally Licensed Mental Health Practitioner in Nebraska and holds an MS in Clinical Psychology. She is a certified trauma professional with a special interest in helping people heal from trauma and complex trauma.

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