Preparing for Birth in the Second Trimester
- lpellow1
- Feb 6
- 3 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
The usually golden period of pregnancy.
The nausea is (hopefully) fading, your energy is back, and your bump is starting to show enough that people smile at you rather than just wondering if you had a big lunch.
It’s the time when you can finally enjoy pregnancy a little more and start preparing for birth without the pressure of “it could happen any day now.”
So, what should you be doing to prepare for birth in the second trimester?
1. Understand That Birth Prep Isn’t Just for the Third Trimester
It’s easy to think, "Oh, I’ve got ages!" But the truth is, the second trimester is the perfect time to start learning about birth. Why? Because by the third trimester, you might be too busy waddling, dealing with heartburn, and contemplating how much of your life savings should go toward a really comfortable pregnancy pillow.
Now’s the time to start:
- Exploring birth options – Hospital, birth center, home birth? Research your options before you're too uncomfortable to sit through the discussions.
- Looking into antenatal classes – The good ones fill up fast! (And I happen to know an amazing antenatal teacher—wink wink.)
2. Start Moving (in a Way That Feels Good!)
If the first trimester was all about survival, the second trimester is a chance to move your body in ways that support birth. Pregnancy yoga (hello, me again!) and gentle exercise help with flexibility, strength, and stamina—things you'll thank yourself for later when you’re in labour.
Also, pelvic floor exercises. Do them! Yes, right now.
3. Make Friends With Your Birth Partner
Okay, you already "know" your birth partner, but have you actually talked to them about birth yet? The second trimester is a great time to:
- Discuss what kind of support you’ll need (Are they going to be a hands-on encourager or more of a snack provider?)
- Go through different pain relief options together
- Practice birth positions (because nobody wants to be Googling ‘how to breathe through contractions’ while in active labor)
4. Create Your Birth Preferences (Not a Rigid Plan!)
Birth doesn’t always go exactly as planned, but that doesn’t mean you can’t prepare. Instead of writing a step-by-step must-follow birth plan, think of it as birth preferences.
Consider:
- What kind of environment would you like? (Low lights? Your favorite playlist? A room filled with scented candles?)
- How do you feel about pain relief? (Epidural, gas and air, or trying all the things?)
- Who do you want in the room? (Your partner, a doula, your mum, or just you and the midwife?)
Having an idea of what you’d like can help you feel more confident, but flexibility is key.
5. Start Gathering Baby Stuff (But Don’t Panic Buy!)
It’s tempting to go wild on tiny outfits and nursery decor, but before you buy a wardrobe full of newborn clothes (that your baby will outgrow in about five minutes), start with the essentials:
- A safe place for baby to sleep
- A way to feed them (boob, bottle, or both—whatever works for you!)
- Nappies (lots and lots of nappies)
You don’t need everything right now, but the second trimester is a great time to make a list and start slowly gathering what you need.
6. Enjoy This Time!
Seriously, the second trimester is the sweet spot. You’re not exhausted from the third-trimester heaviness yet, and you’re hopefully feeling better than you did in the first trimester. So enjoy it! Go on a babymoon, take bump photos, and appreciate the fact that people are finally giving up their seats for you on public transport.
Preparing for birth in the second trimester isn’t about doing everything at once—it’s about setting a foundation so that by the time the third trimester rolls around, you’re feeling prepared, informed, and (hopefully) a little excited.
And remember, you don’t have to do it alone! Whether it’s antenatal classes, pregnancy yoga, or just chatting with other parents-to-be, support is out there. And if you need an expert guide, well… you know where to find me!
Take a look at positive birthing affirmations, created especially to encourage and support you through pregnancy and birth.
Or enjoy one or all of the wonderful hypnobirthing inspired pregnancy relaxations, giving you that well needed and deserved time for you.
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