Entering the Second Trimester

Today mark’s my baby’s 14th week. My baby bump is slowly showing too. Technically, this would be the start of my second trimester as discussed by my ob-gyne. The general notion is that first trimester ends on the third month as it is supposed to be the third quarter but the OB said, medically it is after the 14th week. 

At this stage, it is said that the morning sickness, nausea and other discomforts associated with first trimester normally ends for most women and returns on the third trimester. During the second trimester, a little less fatigue and more energy comes back to the pregnant woman. Food cravings also replaces food aversions normally experienced during such period. 

Well for me, my morning sickness a.k.a vomiting almost entirely stopped after my 10th week. I had crazy episodes of vomiting between morning to noon and when I get bloated or gets hungry. Worst, I suffered from acute cystitis on my 9th week. This is a sudden inflammation of the bladder. Most of the time, a bacterial infection causes it. This infection is commonly referred to as a urinary tract infection (UTI). Irritating hygiene products, a complication of certain diseases, or a reaction to certain drugs can be causes of this sickness (https://www.healthline.com/health/cystitis-acute). 

My OB said that pregnant women are susceptible to infections considering that the female organ is near to the anus which is prone to certain bacteria. She also looked at my history of kidney stones which before caused similar symptoms of painful burning-like urination accompanied by blood on my urine. My OB had me underwent kidney ultrasound and a small blur-like thing was found on my left kidney. But she said I needed to undergo further tests which is not advisable in my present condition considering that my baby is still a few weeks old. She said that the kidney issue can be addressed postpartum.

I was admitted for two days at the hospital so they can administer antibiotics thru IV including fluid since I had difficulty consuming the recommended 8 glasses of water a day which may have also contributed to the infection. Afterwards, I was allowed to go home but was required complete bed rest for seven days. 

All throughout this period, my husband tended to me giving me all the TLCs. He also quickly learned how to cook so I can get my much needed sustenance. He was used to his parents and helpers preparing for his meal before we got married. But oh boy, he was forced to domesticate himself since it was only two of us here and I needed all the help I can get. 

This period in my life is a both a learning experience and a real bonding time for my husband and I. We often talk of what the baby may look like, the gender, and which attributes will the baby get from us. We also discussed several names and have shortlisted already depending if our baby’s a girl or a boy. 

At first, my husband did not want to know the baby’s gender right away. He wants to be old school about it and be surprised of the gender once the baby comes out of my womb. Lately though, he changed his mind and decided to know the gender which we will soon find out on our next check up in December. My husband really wants a baby boy and has thought already of so many bonding activities he will have with him like sports, movies, and music. I pray also for a boy so that my husband will be very pleased but ultimately I want God’s will to prevail. Our Father simply knows what baby is best for us.

May this second trimester bring so much joy, good health and blessings to our baby and our little family.