Affectionately known as the ‘honeymoon period’, the second trimester of pregnancy is often your most energetic. Granted, it can take a few weeks to recover from the exhaustion of the first trimester but once you’re clear of morning sickness and fatigue it’s time to bask in the sweetness of renewed energy.
But here’s the thing…that energy can be fleeting. When you reach the third trimester your body is working really hard to carry a lot of baby, a decent-sized placenta and extra blood and fluid. Daily tasks become daily chores and as they weeks go by, your energy dwindles.
So the 2nd trimester really is the sweet spot in the middle where you can check off some much needed to-dos.
But what to do?
- Go on a holiday. Or a weekend away or simply a night in a hotel – whatever time away you can get. The chance to get away with your significant other pre-baby may seem a little indulgent, but trust me, it’s going to be a long while till you get the chance to do it again. If you’ve already got a little one, you understand entirely, I’m sure. And while the organisation required for said getaway may seem like a little too much work right now, it’s always worth it. You don’t have to go far and you don’t have to spend a lot… just carve out that time and space that will be in such short supply once you’ve got a babe in your arms.
- Deep clean your wardrobe. Really? Yes, really! It’s a menial task but with a growing bump and ever-changing body, it’s time to take a good look at your clothes and figure out what is going to work for the rest of your pregnancy, the postpartum period and the breastfeeding days (if you choose to breastfeed). You want your comfortable clothing on hand and you want to know that you’ve got enough to see you through till baby is about 12 weeks. Think natural fabrics, stretch (!), comfort, long singlets, button down shirts and dresses, cosy cardigans and roomy PJs. Move everything else to storage tubs…to be revisited when the time comes.
- Start shopping for baby essentials. Since I had my first baby ten years ago, the baby market has boomed. Which is lovely if you like choice and absolutely overwhelming if you have no idea what you’re looking for. Because I’m realistic and passionate about simplicity, I beg you to do your research and start it now! Ask your friends what their most used baby item is, have a read through a few forums and, if you’ve already had a baby, have a good, honest think about what got used and what just looked pretty. It’s common knowledge that babies tend to attract a whole lot of “stuff” but it’s up to you whether you succumb to all the paraphernalia. My advice? Opt for the essentials, buy quality that will last (or can be re-sold if you’re not going to have more kids), choose unisex colours and then re-organise your home so that you can fit it all in.
- Attend a prenatal yoga class. The second trimester is the perfect time to start prenatal yoga which, if you find a good studio, will have your body limber and your breath deep in no time. The benefit of a pregnancy yoga class is that you’re surrounded by expectant mums who completely understand where you’re at, how you’re feeling and the absolute agony of reflux. There’s a lot to be said for a little camaraderie! Yoga also helps you to connect to your baby, acknowledge and process any fears and will encourage you to physically, mentally and emotionally prepare for labour.
- Write a to-do list . And then get a start on it. A busy brain can most definitely keep you up at night and right now you need all the sleep you can get. Have a list attached to the front of your fridge or documented on your phone and whenever you think of anything that needs seeing to before baby arrives, write it down. The list always seems so much longer in your head so once it’s itemised you can rest assured that you’re one step closer to being completely (mostly!) prepared.
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