fbpx

Managing Your Second Trimester’s Pregnancy Symptoms 

Second Trimester

The second trimester of pregnancy, spanning from week 13 to week 28, is often considered the most comfortable phase. Many women experience relief from the more severe symptoms of the first trimester, but new challenges can arise. Understanding these symptoms and knowing how to manage them can make this period smoother and more enjoyable.

TCM Perspective of Second Trimester

The second trimester, often referred to as the “Golden Period” of pregnancy, is a time when many women experience relief from early pregnancy symptoms and increased energy. TCM focuses on nurturing and supporting the mother’s body to ensure the healthy development of the fetus during this stage.

TCM focus during Second Trimester

  1. Qi and Blood Circulation
  2. Preventing and Alleviating Discomforts

Concept of 养胎 (Yang Tai) in Pregnancy

养胎 (Yang Tai), meaning “nourishing the fetus,” is a central concept in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) aimed at promoting the health and development of the fetus throughout pregnancy. 养胎 involves comprehensive care that includes physical well-being, proper nutrition, and emotional stability to ensure a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby.

Common Symptoms in the Second Trimester

During the second trimester, you may experience symptoms such as back pain, leg cramps, constipation, heartburn, and nasal congestion. While these symptoms can be uncomfortable, they are generally manageable with the right care and attention. Do note that there are some pregnancy symptoms you might continue to experience since your First Trimester, so don’t be alarmed but you can find out what you can do to help ease or relieve the symptoms.

Back Pain

As your baby grows, the additional weight can put strain on your back, causing discomfort and pain. TCM attributes these discomforts to muscle straining and stagnant Qi and Blood circulation in the lower back and hips. This can affect your daily activities and quality of sleep.

Physical Care

  • Maintain good posture and use a supportive chair when sitting.
  • Engage in prenatal exercises and stretches that strengthen your back muscles.
  • Use a pregnancy pillow to support your back while sleeping.

Dietary Recommendation

  • Ensure adequate intake of calcium and magnesium to support bone health.
  • Consuming foods that strengthen the kidneys and bones, such as black beans and walnuts

TCM Solutions for Back Pain

You can start your Pre-Partum massage after 20 weeks to help you relieve your back pain. If you have severe back pain that affects your daily routine, you can consult your TCM Physician to see if they can provide any TCM treatment to help you overcome your severe back pain.

Leg Cramps

Leg cramps, especially at night, are common during the second trimester due to increased pressure on the blood vessels and nerves in your legs. You can strengthen your calf muscles with light exercising and regular stretching can help relieve the tension.

Physical Care

  • Stretch your legs before bed and stay active during the day to improve circulation.
  • Elevate your legs when resting to reduce swelling and pressure.
  • Keeping your legs warm during your sleep also ensures ample blood circulation to prevent leg cramps.
  • Ensure you get adequate rest throughout the day or when needed.

Dietary Recommendation

  • Increase your intake of potassium, calcium, and magnesium through foods like bananas, oranges, dairy products, and leafy greens.
  • Stay hydrated to prevent cramps.

TCM Solutions for Leg Cramps

TCM treatments such as Acupuncture and TCM herbal foot bath can help alleviate leg cramps. Acupuncture helps improve circulation and relieve muscle tension, while soaking your feet and legs with Epsom salts bath or TCM herbal baths can relax the muscles.

* do note that not all TCM herbs are suitable for pregnant mothers to use for their foot bath, so do check with your TCM Physician for the suitability of the TCM herbs



Constipation

Hormonal changes and the growing uterus pressing on the intestines can lead to constipation, which can cause discomfort and bloating. Consuming  fiber-rich foods together with ample hydration can help to promote regular bowel movements.

Physical Care

  • Stay active with regular exercise to promote healthy bowel movements.

Dietary Recommendation

  • Increase your intake of fiber-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes.
  • Probiotics, found in yogurt and fermented foods, can also support digestive health.
  • Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
  • Consuming warm, cooked foods that are easy to digest, such as congee with vegetables
  • Avoiding greasy and spicy foods
  • Teas such as 陈皮 (Chen Yi) tea can soothe the digestive system and reduce bloating.
  • Virgin coconut oil can help with constipation.

TCM Solutions for Constipation

TCM treatments such as TCM Herbal Prescription, Acupuncture and Tuina Massage can help regulate bowel movements. Acupuncture can stimulate digestive function, while TCM Herbal Formulas can help relieve constipation and Tuina Massage to boost bowel movement.

Heartburn

The relaxing effect of pregnancy hormones on the lower esophageal sphincter can lead to heartburn, causing a burning sensation in the chest and throat. Other than that, as the uterus expands, it can put pressure on the stomach, can lead to heartburn and indigestion. TCM considers these symptoms to be due to Qi moving in the wrong direction and stomach heat.

Physical Care

  • Eat smaller, more frequent meals and avoid lying down immediately after eating.
  • Elevate your upper body slightly  to prevent nighttime heartburn

Dietary Recommendation

  • Avoid spicy, fatty, sugary, and acidic foods that can trigger heartburn.
  • Include soothing foods like oatmeal, yogurt, and bananas in your diet.
  • Teas such as ginger or 陈皮 (Chen Pi) can help soothe the digestive system and regulate Qi flow.

TCM Solutions for Heartburn

TCM treatments such as acupuncture and TCM herbal prescription can help alleviate heartburn. Acupuncture can help regulate digestive function and reduce acid reflux. TCM herbal prescription can help soothe the digestive tract.

Understanding your Second Trimester

The second trimester of pregnancy brings a new set of symptoms that can affect your daily routine. However, if you are able to understand these symptoms, you can find a solution to help you ride through them. Traditional Chinese Medicine provides a holistic approach to alleviating these symptoms, promoting overall well-being through natural and safe methods. Always consult with your healthcare provider if you are unsure or if you need a second opinion, and make sure the treatment is safe for you and your baby.

By addressing these common symptoms with both conventional advice and TCM practices, you can navigate the second trimester with greater ease and confidence. Enjoy your Second Trimester and get yourself ready for the final  lap of your pregnancy. See you there.

Other topics

Newsletter

Madam Partum Newsletter

Ask Madam Partum provides guideline for mommies on topics that is commonly asked. Topics from Pre-Partum Care to Post-Partum Recuperation.

Subscribe now and receive the latest notification

Need help?