Second Trimester Pregnancy Recap: Must-Have Essentials & Real-Life Insights

Here’s my comprehensive second trimester recap, diving into all the emotions, reflections, and invaluable pregnancy must-haves for any other expecting mothers out there!

As I write this, we are officially nearing the completion of the second trimester, with just over a week left! It feels absolutely surreal how quickly this pregnancy is progressing. Some days, the wait to meet our baby boy seems endless, yet on others, the weeks speed by in a blur, making it hard to keep up. This phase has been a whirlwind of preparation, anticipation, and a fair share of physical adjustments.

Our home has transformed into a hub of activity as we enter full “nesting” mode. The nursery is finally taking shape, with essential furniture pieces, including a new, incredibly comfortable chair that I find myself drawn to every spare moment. Little decorative touches are starting to make it feel like a truly special space. The excitement is palpable as we envision our baby boy’s arrival and picture him in this cozy room.

In a strategic move to accommodate the nursery, my home office has been relocated. Surprisingly, I’m genuinely enjoying this new setup. It offers a fresh perspective and has allowed me to consolidate my workspace, making it more efficient and organized. Plus, the added bonus of being closer to my snack stash is an undeniably convenient perk for this always-hungry mama-to-be!

Beyond the ongoing house preparations, this month holds several reasons to celebrate. Our baby shower is just around the corner, coinciding perfectly with my birthday! While we’re planning a socially distanced shower to ensure everyone’s safety, my main goal is to have the nursery completely finished. This way, friends and family can get a sneak peek into our baby’s new room through the window, sharing in our excitement even from a distance.

I’m incredibly grateful to my husband, “The Man,” whose unwavering support and hard work have made all this preparation possible. His commitment to getting the nursery done as soon as possible has been a huge relief. I can already imagine the immense peace of mind we’ll have, knowing this significant task is complete long before we need to think about labor and delivery. It’s already become a beloved, cozy spot for Mochi (our pet) and me to relax and spend time together, a testament to the warmth we’ve infused into it.

The second trimester, often hailed as the “golden trimester,” has indeed brought its share of wonderful moments, but it hasn’t been without its challenges. Towards the end of this phase, I’ve definitely started to hit a wall. The energy boost I initially experienced has waned, and I find myself getting exhausted much more quickly. Sleeping has become a considerable hurdle, with comfort becoming increasingly elusive, and my back has started to ache persistently. Even a simple flight of stairs can leave me feeling winded, which is a stark reminder of the incredible changes my body is undergoing.

Recognizing the profound physical and mental transformations that accompany pregnancy, I’ve compiled a list of my current pregnancy must-haves, much like I did for my first trimester recap. These are the items and resources that have truly made a difference for me over the past few months, offering comfort, convenience, and peace of mind. Let’s dive into everything I’ve been absolutely loving!

Apps for Pregnancy & Beyond

Navigating pregnancy in the digital age means there are some fantastic apps designed to support expecting parents. For creating our baby registry, I opted for Babylist, and I honestly can’t recommend it enough. Its user-friendly interface makes it incredibly simple to add items from any website, allowing for a truly personalized registry. The ability to categorize items, and even create custom categories, keeps everything organized and stress-free.

Staying on top of important prenatal exercises is crucial, and that includes Kegel exercises. To ensure I maintain consistency, I’ve been using PFM. This discreet app sends daily reminders and guides me through quick, one-minute exercise sessions. It’s an effortless way to strengthen my pelvic floor, which is vital for both pregnancy and postpartum recovery.

As we gear up for the third trimester, preparation is key. I’ve already downloaded two essential apps: Count The Kicks and BabyConnect. While I haven’t had extensive use of them yet, I’m already impressed by the simplicity of the kick counter. It provides a straightforward way to monitor baby’s movements, offering reassurance as we approach the final stretch.

BabyConnect, though it comes with a small one-time fee ($4.99), appears to be a comprehensive powerhouse for post-baby life. As someone who appreciates organization, this app seems to have everything I could possibly need to track feedings, diaper changes, sleep patterns, pumping sessions, and so much more. For a Type A personality like mine, this small investment is absolutely worth it to have all our baby’s essential data conveniently centralized in one place.

Essential Reads & Audiobooks

Between reorganizing our entire house and trying to get ahead on meal prepping, audiobooks have become my constant companions. They allow me to immerse myself in captivating stories while keeping my hands free for other tasks, making them definite pregnancy must-haves for my entertainment and mental well-being. Here are some of my favorite reads that have made this trimester fly by:

• The Goldfinch – This novel is truly extraordinary. I decided to pick it up on Audible after learning it had been adapted into a movie on Amazon Prime, and I’m so glad I did. Donna Tartt’s storytelling is masterful, creating a vivid and intricate world. I haven’t watched the movie yet, but it’s definitely on my list once I’ve savored every moment of the book!

• Stillhouse Lake – I’ve just begun this thrilling series by Rachel Caine, and it’s absolutely fantastic. As a huge fan of psychological thrillers, this one immediately captivated me with its intense plot and compelling characters. It’s the perfect escape for when you need a dose of suspense.

• City of Girls – I finally had the chance to delve into Elizabeth Gilbert’s novel, and it certainly did not disappoint. Her magical storytelling transported me to another era, filled with vibrant characters and a unique narrative voice. The narrator for the audio version was particularly exceptional, truly bringing the story to life.

• Tell Me Lies – This shorter, Audible-exclusive book is a fabulous psychological thriller. If you enjoy quick, gripping listens that keep you on the edge of your seat, this is an excellent choice for a compelling and intense narrative.

• The Perfect Nanny – Another thriller rounds out my list! Are you sensing a theme from the beginning of my second trimester? Perhaps not the most ideal choice while pregnant and beginning to contemplate childcare post-birth, but it’s an incredibly well-crafted and suspenseful read nonetheless. It kept me completely engrossed!

Maternity Fashion & Comfort Essentials

Comfort and ease have become my top priorities when it comes to clothing during this trimester. As much as I’d love to have the energy to style my hair meticulously every day, that’s simply not my reality right now. Knowing this trend of low-maintenance style will likely continue well into motherhood, I’ve embraced a collection of new headbands! These plain elastic headbands are fantastic because they effortlessly match any outfit, providing a quick and stylish solution for bad hair days. Additionally, these incredibly cute sweater headbands offer the added benefit of doubling as earmuffs, making them perfect pregnancy must-haves as we transition into colder weather.

My comfy Levi jeans have been a staple throughout my entire pregnancy. They continue to fit perfectly and remain as comfortable as ever, adapting beautifully to my growing bump. I’m so impressed with them that I’m planning to purchase a second, slightly longer pair in black for the upcoming winter months, ensuring I stay cozy and stylish.

I acquired this versatile body-con dress early in my second trimester, and it quickly became one of my absolute favorites. Its adaptability is unmatched; I’m seriously considering getting it in a few different colors for the third trimester! It pairs beautifully with cardigans for a layered look, and I’ve even styled it casually by throwing a large t-shirt over it and tying a knot just above my belly. I wore it to a friend’s baby shower on a particularly warm day, accessorizing with a light floral shawl, and felt absolutely adorable and comfortable.

And then there are these comfy casual pants – they are nothing short of AMAZING. If it were socially acceptable, I would live in them every single day. I recently bought three more pairs, practically declaring war on jeans unless there’s an absolute necessity to appear “presentable.” My current mantra is simply: I want COMFORTABLE THINGS, and these pants deliver perfectly.

Unexpected Pregnancy Must-Haves

Sometimes, it’s the seemingly small things that make the most significant difference during pregnancy, elevating daily comfort and well-being. These “random” finds have truly earned their spot on my list of pregnancy must-haves!

• Mama Mio Body Butter: This product is pure gold. Its rich, nourishing formula has been a savior for my skin. I haven’t noticed any new stretch marks appearing (knocking on wood!), and beyond its effectiveness, it smells absolutely divine – a little luxurious treat every day.

• As we embarked on redecorating our living room and infusing it with cozy fall decor, I discovered this incredible knitted chenille throw. This isn’t just any blanket; it is, without a doubt, the softest blanket I have ever owned. It’s perfect for snuggling up on the couch, especially now as my comfort needs are higher. Plus, it comes in a range of truly beautiful colors that enhance any living space.

• Thanks to a wonderful friend, I’ve cultivated a lovely habit of enjoying afternoon tea. To fully embrace this ritual and also explore the world of pour-over coffee, I invested in this gorgeous gooseneck electric kettle. My husband, Will, is already a self-proclaimed coffee nerd, and I’d love to join him in developing this morning ritual. It’s a peaceful way to start the day on the right foot, and the kettle itself is just aesthetically pleasing.

• Any pregnant person or those who have been pregnant can attest: the back pain is very, very REAL. To combat this, I got myself a belly band, which has been incredibly helpful, particularly when I’m standing for extended periods in the kitchen cooking in the afternoons. While it doesn’t eliminate the pain entirely, it significantly reduces the pressure and offers much-needed support. Combined with soothing heat packs and my husband’s helpful massages, it makes the discomfort much more manageable.

Food & Cravings: My Second Trimester Diet

One of the most frequently asked questions I get is about my food cravings and aversions! It’s fascinating how pregnancy can alter your palate. This trimester, certain treats have definitely taken center stage.

Food Cravings: Without a doubt, Nutella, Nutella, and MORE NUTELLA top the list. Seriously, I could eat it by the spoonful. Beyond that, all things sweet have been calling my name, including classic Oreos, tangy Sour Patch Kids, and chewy Milk Duds. It seems my sweet tooth has gone into overdrive! On a more general note, I’m also officially experiencing constant hunger. I feel like I could eat everything in the house at all times; the appetite is truly insatiable. Staying nourished with healthy meals alongside these treats has been a balancing act.

Food Aversions: The great news is that this trimester hasn’t brought any unusual or strong food aversions, which is a huge relief. After some significant aversions in the first trimester, it’s wonderful to have more flexibility and enjoyment in my diet again, making meal times much more pleasant.