8 Things to Do in Your Second Trimester

Welcome to the sweet spot of pregnancy! The second trimester, spanning weeks 13-27, often brings a welcome shift from the exhaustion and nausea of early pregnancy. Your energy returns, your bump starts to show and you might finally feel like yourself again (or at least a version of yourself that can keep food down).

This phase is often called the "honeymoon period" of pregnancy, and for good reason. Many parents-to-be find these middle months more comfortable and manageable. That said, every pregnancy is beautifully unique. If you're still feeling tired or dealing with uncomfortable symptoms, that's completely normal too.

The second trimester offers a special window of opportunity. You're past the intense early weeks but not yet in the more physically demanding final stretch. It's the perfect time to prepare for what's ahead while savoring the milestones along the way.

Your second trimester brings some of pregnancy's most exciting medical milestones, and staying consistent with prenatal care helps ensure everything progresses smoothly.

The anatomy scan, typically scheduled around 20 weeks, is one of the highlights of prenatal care. During this detailed ultrasound, your healthcare provider will check your baby's development, measure growth and examine major organs and systems. Many parents choose to learn their baby's sex during this appointment, though you can certainly keep it a surprise if you prefer.

Beyond the anatomy scan, you'll continue with regular prenatal visits throughout these weeks. This is also the time for important screenings, including glucose testing for gestational diabetes, which typically happens between 24-28 weeks. Come prepared with questions about anything that's on your mind, whether it's nutrition, exercise or second trimester symptoms you're experiencing.

Your body is doing incredible work right now, and the right nutrition supports both your health and your baby's development in meaningful ways.

Focus on nutrient-dense foods that provide sustained energy throughout the day. Iron becomes increasingly important during the second trimester as your blood volume expands. Calcium supports your baby's developing bones and teeth (as well as your own!), so include dairy products or fortified plant-based alternatives in your daily meals. Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly DHA, play a crucial role in your baby's brain and eye development.

Staying hydrated becomes more important as your pregnancy progresses. Aim for at least eight to ten glasses of water daily and continue taking your prenatal vitamin as recommended by your healthcare provider. This will help fill any gaps in your diet and ensure you're getting adequate folic acid, iron and other essential nutrients.

Physical activity during pregnancy offers tremendous benefits, from easing common discomforts to improving your mood and preparing your body for labor. The second trimester, when energy levels typically return, is an ideal time to establish or maintain a gentle movement routine.

Walking remains one of the safest and most accessible forms of exercise throughout pregnancy. Swimming and water aerobics provide excellent low-impact workouts that support your changing body while taking pressure off your joints and back. Prenatal yoga combines gentle stretching, strengthening and breathwork in ways specifically designed for pregnant bodies.

Whatever activities you choose, listen to your body and honor what it needs each day. Always check with your healthcare provider before starting a new exercise routine.

In the midst of preparing for your baby's arrival, it's easy to forget that you deserve care and attention too. The second trimester, when you're typically feeling better, is the ideal time to prioritize yourself and your mental health.

Consider booking a prenatal massage with a therapist trained in pregnancy care. The right touch can ease aching muscles, reduce swelling and provide much-needed relaxation. Even if massage isn't accessible, simple daily moments of quiet can be deeply restorative. This might look like sitting peacefully with a cup of herbal tea, taking a lukewarm bath or simply closing your eyes and breathing deeply for a few minutes.

Rest whenever you need it, even during this "easier" trimester. Your body is performing the extraordinary work of growing a human being. Some days you'll feel energized and productive, while other days call for an afternoon nap or an early bedtime.

Creating your baby's sleep space is one of the most enjoyable parts of preparing for your little one's arrival, and the second trimester offers the perfect window to start this exciting project.

Begin with the essential foundation pieces. Your baby will spend countless hours in their crib during the first year, making the crib and mattress your most important nursery investments. Focus on safety first: look for cribs that meet current safety standards and choose a breathable, nontoxic crib mattress that provides the firm, flat surface recommended for infant sleep. At Lullaby Earth, our breathable crib mattresses are designed with both safety and convenience in mind, giving you peace of mind while supporting healthier sleep from day one.

Once you have your crib selected, you'll need fitted sheets (having multiple sets makes life easier), a safe sleep space free from pillows, blankets and bumpers, and adequate storage for clothing and diapers. Before filling your cart with adorable décor, take time to research safe sleep guidelines. Remember that nursery planning should be enjoyable, not stressful.

Pregnancy and parenthood are never meant to be solo journeys, and the second trimester is an excellent time to nurture the relationships that will sustain you in the months ahead.

If you have a partner, now is the time for open conversations about shared expectations and roles. Talk about how you'll divide nighttime feedings, who will handle which household responsibilities and how you'll support each other through the postpartum transition. Establishing shared understanding before your baby arrives prevents confusion and resentment later.

Joining a pregnancy community, whether online or in person, connects you with others who understand exactly what you're experiencing. These relationships often extend beyond pregnancy, becoming sources of friendship and support throughout early parenthood.

Don't hesitate to lean on friends and family members who offer help or encouragement. Most people genuinely want to support you but need guidance about what would be most helpful.

Knowledge is one of the most valuable tools you can gather during pregnancy, and the second trimester offers mental space to learn without the fog of early pregnancy or the physical intensity of the third trimester.

Childbirth education classes provide practical information about labor, delivery and immediate postpartum care. Whether you attend in-person classes or participate in online sessions, this education helps you feel more prepared and confident about the birth experience ahead.

Start exploring your options for where you'll give birth and what kind of experience you envision. Touring facilities and meeting with providers helps you understand which setting aligns best with your preferences and needs. Don't forget to educate yourself about the postpartum period and newborn care. Understanding what recovery looks like and learning about newborn sleep patterns will serve you well in those first weeks.

Pregnancy passes in a strange blur of slow days and fast months, and taking time to document this journey helps you remember and celebrate it later.

Bump photos don't need to be professional or perfectly styled to be meaningful. Even simple mirror selfies create a visual record of how your body changes throughout these weeks. Consider starting a pregnancy journal where you record your thoughts, feelings and experiences. Write about your cravings, the first time you felt your baby kick or simply how you're feeling each week.

Document the little details you think you'll never forget but probably will: specific food aversions, funny pregnancy moments or milestones like hearing the heartbeat. Celebrate the journey you're on, not just the destination.

The second trimester offers a beautiful balance of excitement and calm. This is your time to find your rhythm, to take care of yourself while preparing for your baby and to savor the experience of pregnancy when you're likely feeling your best.

Enjoy this special season of anticipation and give yourself grace as you navigate all that comes with it. Before you know it, you'll be holding your little one in your arms, and these weeks of waiting will feel like a beautiful dream.