Pregnant Solo Moms, rejoice! It’s time for the second trimester!
Congratulations! Pregnancy looks good on you! Whether you are already a Solo Mom and adding to your brood or you’re a Solo Mom-to-be, there are so many exciting things about being pregnant. Of course, each pregnancy is different, and each trimester brings different challenges and excitement. Here are some ways in which the second trimester can bring extra joy and fun to your life.
1. You’re an Energizer Bunny. Exhaustion is one of the first signs of pregnancy. The constant desire to sleep has passed by the time you hit your second trimester. Now your energy has returned, which is good, because you have lots to do before your bundle arrives.
Solo Moms have more than twice the workload and responsibility than that of moms with a partner, and the second trimester is the perfect time to put this newfound energy to work!
2. You are beautiful. That pregnancy glow is all-encompassing. Hormones are wonderful and frustrating things. While they make the usually steady woman cry over a diaper commercial, they also positively affect the physical appearance of the soon-to-be Solo Mom.
You were probably too distracted by morning sickness and the often paralyzing thought that you are actually pregnant to notice the changes in your skin and hair. (Even a happy pregnancy comes with some anxiety.) But your hair is growing, shiny, and strong, and you’ll get lots of compliments on it. And your skin started clearing up almost immediately.
3. Eating is fun. Of course you “need” only about 300 additional calories per day while growing your child, but really, you should enjoy this time. When going to the doctor results in cheers because you gained some weight, you might as well eat! So many restaurants to try out, so many recipes to experiment with (and freeze for later when baby comes and you have no time to cook), and so many ways to celebrate. Let your friends drink while you try these perfect pregnancy mocktails, and make it a weekly event!
4. Comfort has returned. The days of morning sickness have probably passed, and the prelabor preparations are still months away. You can still see your toes, breathe easily while climbing the stairs, and rock that workout in the gym.
Everything seems possible during this trimester. You’re sleeping well, though you may not feel like you need to as much. You’ve gained a little weight, but not enough to cause swelling or make your back hurt. Travel is still an option and even enjoyable. Plan some outings with your Solo Mom-to-be friends. Get out there, experience life. This could be your last chance for a little while.
5. You feel sexy. You’ve probably passed the questionable stage of “Is she gaining weight, or is she pregnant?” questions, and you can embrace your growing bump. If you’re one of those late-to-pop moms, then you may still be able to rock your skinny pre-pregnancy jeans. If not, the second trimester is the perfect time to try those cute maternity clothes.
Clothes still fit well (read: they’re long enough to cover your belly), but now there are options! You can choose from a variety of
maternity clothes in many styles and colors. And horizontal stripes? You
can wear those in the second trimester, too. In fact, while you’re
pregnant, you can pretty much wear whatever you want.
Clothes still fit well (read: they’re long enough to cover your belly), but now you have more options! You can choose from a variety of maternity clothes in many styles and colors. And horizontal stripes? You can wear those in the second trimester, too. In fact, while you’re pregnant, you can pretty much wear whatever you want.
For the first little bit, you won’t be able to share this with anyone else. It’s a bond between you and your baby, and that is one of the most thrilling things! As the baby grows and the kicks become more intense, others may be able to feel them, too, if you let them. One of the great things about being a Solo Mom is that you won’t have to share these intimate moments with anyone unless you want to.
7. It’s time for celebrating, baby and you. The second trimester is a great time for baby showers and shopping. If you are finding out the sex of your baby, that will happen during this time, too. You can go hog wild decorating a nursery, buying lots of clothes, and deciding on a name. Spoil yourself with a spa day or a pedicure while your toes are still on your radar, and enjoy being pregnant. That’s one of the best parts of the second trimester.
The bottom line here is that each pregnancy is an adventure and should be enjoyed. Yes, there will be tough moments and hard days, and plenty of sleepless nights. But until then, enjoy the pregnancy, enjoy the attention, and embrace your journey to becoming a Solo Mom.
Check out Sister Chat to join a confidential community of Solo Moms who are there to answer any questions and cheer you on!
Rebecca Alwine is a freelance writer, army wife, and mother of three. Her writing experience includes military-family topics, research pieces, guest blogging, and much more. She’s a contributing writer for ARMY magazine and a regular contributor to several online publications, including the Homefront United Network, PCSgrades, and ESME. She also has been published in Ms. magazine and the Atlantic. You can follow her online at www.whatrebeccathinks.com and on Twitter and Instagram.
