If you're pregnant with twins, there's a chance your morning sickness and exhaustion will stick around for a while longer. For expectant moms carrying only one baby and experiencing a decrease in many of those first trimester symptoms, here's a list of some symptoms you can look forward to this week.
Increased energy: a most welcome symptom– the second trimester is known for providing a “boost” of increased energy. This is most likely due to the fact that nausea is decreasing and the placenta is taking over a lot of the heavy lifting for processing nutrients for your growing baby. Enjoy the surge of energy and take advantage of it to do some nesting or fun things you may have to take a break from once the baby arrives.
Increased mood: it’s amazing how much better you feel when your face isn’t stuck in a toilet bowl. Lessened morning sickness and increased energy will likely result in an increased mood.
Increased sex drive: pregnancy can have a direct effect on libido in both directions. If you are experiencing a heightened sex drive, this may be in response to increased blood flow causing heightened sensitivity, paired with a boost of energy and positive mood. Communicate with your partner so they can be supportive and enjoy!
Visible veins: increased blood flow may result in more pronounced veins. Some individuals will even experience what are known as varicose or spider veins, which may be unsightly, itchy, or even painful. Changing positions frequently, avoiding sitting or standing for long periods of time, and not crossing your legs may all help avoid the formation of varicose veins.
Round ligament pain: As your uterus begins to stretch to accommodate your growing baby, surrounding ligaments will also stretch. This may result in short, sharp pain. Rest is the best solution for round ligament pain, but talk to your healthcare provider if you are experiencing continuous pain that is not stopping.
Nausea: While morning sickness may be fading, nausea could continue to linger– rearing its ugly head from time to time in response to triggers such as foul odors, hunger, or sometimes… no known reason at all.
Heartburn and/or indigestion: Increased levels of progesterone cause your digestive system to slow down so nutrients can be more easily absorbed, but this can result in digestive discomfort including heartburn and indigestion. Talk to your medical care provider about options for relief if you’re feeling too uncomfortable.
