Your pregnancy – month by month
Your
second trimester
During these months it is very
important that you:
•Get your prenatal checkups on time even if you feel great.
•Continue to eat a healthy diet and drink at least 6 to 8 glasses
of water each day.
•Keep taking your prenatal vitamins if prescribed by your doctor.
•Get some physical activity every day.
•Avoid alcohol, smoking and secondhand smoke and illegal
drugs. Talk to your doctor about any prescription or over-thecounter drugs you are taking, including herbal supplements.
•Avoid eating raw or under-cooked meat.
•Avoid handling cat litter.
•Avoid X-rays, dangerous chemicals and lead.
•Ask your doctor about any questions you may have.
•Give yourself plenty of rest time.
Have you heard
the news?
If you are pregnant, or thinking of becoming pregnant, “New
Arrivals” is a free program for all Community Health Plan members
and includes:
•Access to BabyLine, a toll-free telephone number you can use to
ask a maternity nurse questions. Available to you 24 hours a day,
and even up to six weeks after you have your baby.
•Information about what you can do to have a healthy pregnancy
and focused on meeting your needs.
Enroll today! 1.800.395.BABY (2229)
Car seat program
Are you pregnant and a Community Health Plan member? If so,
you could be eligible to receive a free car seat for your new baby.
Call 1.800.440.1561 for more information!
sources:
Stewart D. Deborah. Baby & Me, The essential guide to pregnancy.
Seattle, USA, 1993.
Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Baby Book, fourth edition, 1997.
9 Months to Get Ready. DOH Pub 961-144 6/97.
©2006 Community Health Plan
720 Olive Way, Suite 300
Seattle, WA 98101
1.800.440.1561
www.chpw.org
This brochure explains what happens to you and your unborn
baby and what to expect during the second trimester of your
pregnancy. Many women find the second trimester of pregnancy
to be quieter and easier than the first trimester.
This is a good time to find out about childbirth education classes
in your area. Sign up to learn breathing and relaxation exercises
for labor. Decide who will be your labor coach and decide the
type of delivery you would prefer.
Month 4
Month 5
•Measures about 10 inches long and weighs about 3/4 of a pound.
•You may be able to feel some of your baby’s kicks.
•Eyelashes and eyebrows are starting to grow.
•A fine hair, called lanugo, begins to appear on your baby’s body.
•Your baby is now about 12 inches long and weighs about
1-1/2 pounds.
•You will be able to feel your baby move.
•Hair starts to grow on your baby’s head.
•Your baby’s skin is covered by a thick white coating called “vernix.”
•The skin is very wrinkly.
Your baby
Your body
•You are starting to gain weight more quickly – maybe 3 or
4 pounds this month.
•You may feel less nausea.
•You may be hungry more often and crave certain foods.
•Your nipples and the area around them may become darker
than usual.
•You may have backaches and light-colored discharge from your
vagina. This is normal.
•You may have more energy again.
•Your pregnancy is beginning to show.
Your baby
Your body
•You will continue to gain about 3/4 pound per week or about
3 to 4 pounds per month.
•The top of your uterus may be as high as your belly button.
•Your breasts are growing larger and softer. Your body is getting
ready for breastfeeding. Pre-milk may leak from your breasts.
•You may have changes in your bowel movements.
Month 6
Your baby
•Your baby is about 15 inches long and weighs about
2 to 2-1/2 pounds.
•The eyes are almost completely developed. Eyelids open
and close.
•Your baby can kick, cry and hiccup.
•Your baby reacts to noises from the outside by moving
or becoming quiet.
Your body
•You will keep gaining 3 to 4 pounds per month.
•The top of your uterus is now above your belly button.
•You may feel your uterus getting hard and tight then relaxing.
Don’t worry, these are harmless “Braxton-Hicks” contractions. They mean your uterus is getting ready for labor.
•You may have stretch marks in the skin of your tummy, breast
and hips.
•Your sex drive may increase or decrease. It may change from
week to week.
•You will probably have a good appetite now.
•You may have leg cramps at night and your ankles may swell.
www.chpw.org
1.800.440.1561
206.521.8833