Second trimester care

The second trimester should begin to take more care of clothes and shoes. Clothing should be looser, not too tight and allow for easy movement. High-heeled shoes should be avoided as falls are more frequent due to the increased flexibility of the joints. Flat shoes can cause more low back pain, so low-heeled, wide-bottomed shoes are ideal. Bras should be adapted to the growth of the breasts and avoid underwire.

Diet: dietary protein needs increase. Proteins are obtained from red meat, poultry, fish, eggs, milk, cheese, legumes, and nuts. Fish have the same protein intake as red meat but with less energy intake, which is why it is recommended to eat it at least 2-3 times a week. They should be consumed between 2-4 eggs a week. As important as food is its preparation. It is recommended to consume grilled or boiled meat and fish. A diet rich in fiber, with vegetables and whole grains, should be maintained to avoid constipation. The water intake should be kept between 1.5 and 2 liters a day. Physical exercise also reduces constipation.

To avoid acidity, foods rich in fat, citrus, and spicy foods should be avoided. Chocolate, coffee and colas should likewise be avoided. The pregnant woman should not lie down after eating but should remain seated or up 1 or 2 hours after meals and, if discomfort persists, sleep with the trunk slightly elevated (with 2 cushions). It is also helpful to eat a small amount but several times a day, between 4 and 6 meals a day.

To avoid flatulence, do not consume carbonated drinks, cabbages, onions, dried beans or rice. Eat slowly and chew your food well. Some infusions such as chamomile, fennel or anise can help.

Alcohol, tobacco and drugs are still dangerous for the fetus despite having passed the period of its formation, so they are contraindicated.

Varicose veins and swelling of the legs are a frequent problem in pregnant women and to avoid them, certain recommendations should be followed. It is important to try not to stand for long hours, to try to elevate the legs when resting and to stimulate blood circulation by taking walks. People who work a long time sitting should move their legs frequently, get up and walk from time to time and avoid having their legs crossed so as not to compress the venous return. In hot seasons it is recommended to take cold showers on the legs. It is advisable to sleep with your legs slightly elevated with a cushion to promote venous return. Compression stockings suitable for pregnant women are recommended for women with a tendency to develop varicose veins. Tight socks, garters, compressing boots ... should be avoided.

Physical exercise is recommended as long as sports are not performed with risk of falls or impact. Swimming, yoga, walking, toning are some of the most suitable sports. The prone position should be avoided to avoid vena cava compression dizziness, so exercise should not be done in this position.