22weeks: Symptoms of 2nd Trimester

2nd trimester is the honeymoon stage because you feel very much normal now and the baby bump is very manageable.  Energy levels are back.  Appetite should be restored to at least 80% or even eating more than usual.  Baby bump is slowly showing and the beanie feels a lot higher (which makes you more agile).

Weight gain is also expected to increase.  Because of the discomfort in 1st trimester, I lost 5kg and right now, I am still putting on those weight that I have lost.  My weight gain only began to increase in week 15, possibly at about 1kg/month.  Right now, it is rising at about 2-2.5kg/month.

But 2nd trimester also has its boo-boo. Constipation is a perpetual problem throughout the pregnancy.  My worse experience was spending over 1hr in the toilet because it was just stuck!  And now I am down with piles.  It started with an itch at the a** area, and it progressed to a swell and bleeding during toilet visits.  Right now, there is a constant bruised/raw cut feeling whenever I am moving or even sitting down.  Truly a pain in the a**!  I am definitely going to visit my family doctor for help tomorrow!

Itching is another torment.  Out of the blue, I had the urge to scratch at the most obscene places - armpits, bikini line and below the bust.  The itch seems to be happening at the places where the skin folds even though I have been keeping a good level of hygiene.  Oh man, how I really know how my dog feels all day long.  No wonder they are always roll over in bliss when you give them a good scratchy!

And there are changes to our tender bust, as they prepare for breastfeeding.  Veins started appearing across my blossoms and last night, I was shocked to find small bits of glue-like dirt at the teats.  Apparently it is no cause for any concern - just gently clean them off and it will be gone! *phew phew phew*