Second Trimester

With the onset of the second trimester, you are almost half way through your pregnancy. This trimester is a time of pleasant changes for you and your baby as it is a period of rapid growth and development of the fetus. During this time, the fetus can move, kick and even hear your voice.

Your appetite will get better as your morning sickness will soon begin to disappear. This is also the time you may crave to eat spicy dishes, sour foods or even sweets.
Dosa, Idli, Mexican Rice, Tomato Soup... may be some of these foods you may keep craving for.
Enjoy the foods you long to eat, but eat them in moderation. Don't binge on pickles and spicy foods. You need to increase your energy and protein levels by eating a healthy nutritious diet. Have the Spinach Malfatti for a nourishing and delicious meal.

Remember to include iodine in your diet as it is essential for your baby's growth during this trimester. The best way to ensure this is to use a good quality brand of iodized salt in your daily cooking.
Despite being extra cautious of all that you eat, you may face digestive disorders like loose motions and constipation. These are but normal changes that can occur during your pregnancy as a result of hormonal imbalances. Both constipation and diahrroea are relieved by the same natural cure i.e. adding fibre to your diet. Paradoxically, fibre binds the stools during loose motions and flushes the system, by adding bulk in case of constipation. Have plenty of fruits, vegetables, buckwheat, dates, prunes, apricots and dried figs as these foods are rich in fibre.

During this trimester, you will also feel the urge to urinate more frequently. This is because your uterus is enlarging and thus compresses the urinary bladder. It is a natural change that will occur and you will have to answer nature's calls more frequently, which will deplete your body fluids. Drink at least 2 litres of fluid every day to supplement this loss of fluids.
Relieve yourself as often as you feel the urge to, so that you do not burden your bladder. Many a times, you tend to drink less water so as not to visit the toilet frequently. But remember that drinking less water won't help you and will cause you more discomfort. It may even cause water retention (oedema) as all the toxins present in your body will not be flushed out.
Leg cramps can also occur during this trimester, primarily because of over exertion and deficiency of calcium in your diet. Dairy products as well as green leafy vegetables provide you with plenty of calcium. Try and include a combination of these foods in your daily diet.
Do remember to visit your gynaecologist more frequently this trimester onwards, as you do need to be monitored more carefully now.