You've reached level two of your pregnancy! You're now entering months 3-6. Your belly is showing and it's time to buy some new clothes and prepare the nursery, among other to-dos. Read on for our guide on navigating this stage of the process.
2nd Trimester Prenatal Tests
Weeks 14-22: Quad Screen: This test looks for Chromosome & genetic disorders.
Weeks 16-20: Level 2 Ultrasound: Most doctors conduct one of these about halfway through the pregnancy. The Ultrasound gives you an idea of how your baby is developing, let's you know whether it's a he or a she, and can uncover conditions such as heart defects.
Weeks 24-28: Glucose Screening: This test screens the mom for gestational diabetes and involves drinking a sugary beverage and giving a blood sample.
Buy Maternity Clothes
Time to style the bump! Being pregnant shouldn't hold you back from having awesome style! You also don't need to break the bank for an entire new wardrobe when these are clothes that can only be worn for a short while. With a little planning, you'll be able to fill your closet with signature pieces you love. Here a few staples you should have!
The Flowy Dress
Because who really who needs pants? When you're growing a baby breathable flowy materials become your best friend.
The dress pictured above via Pink Blush Maternity is stunning and full of color, making for a solid investment in your wardrobe! For a little more casual look, we like this Flowy Maternity Dress , which is beautiful and under $30.
Also, we fell in love with this Full Blue Maxi Skirt, which can be paired with a blouse and heels or sandals.
The Poncho
via Katie DId What
Ponchos are the perfect staples to keep in your wardrobe that can be thrown on when your outfit needs that extra glam. Think bold prints combined with fringe and lace.
Our recommendations include this one and this one.
The Stretchy Pants
While pants may seem like the mortal enemy during pregnancy, there a multitude of styles and fits out there that can be both comfortable and flattering.
For casual wear, slip into these beautiful Jade Linen Maternity Pants and style with a basic top and flats. If you are headed to work, these Tailored Black Cropped Maternity Pants (pictured above) are ideal for a professional environment with their flattering fit and an ultra soft over the bump band. For a chic and edgy look, take it from Kristin Cavallari and rock some leather pants!
Plan the Nursery
Whether you want elegant or glamorous, modern or vintage, animal themed or toy themed, planning the nursery is a great chance for you to bond with your partner and get excited about the arrival of your little one.
- Set a budget and stick to it.
- Assess the size of your space and decide what you want to put in the room. Think about functional items such as a crib, changing station, and a rocking chair and add other items only if there is room in the space (and your budget!)
- Pick your color scheme and build around it. For you little boy's room, we like navy and grey, baby blue and white, or green and white. For your little girl's room, we suggest pink and grey, blush and gold, or lavender and yellow.
For more ideas, see our posts below:
Read Pregnancy Resources
It's time to crack open those books. Whether strictly informative or just plain hilarious, here are some of our favorite reads for all those out there with a bun in the oven.
For the Worriers
As you start to hear horror stories from friends and the internet about things that can harm your baby, you may be tempted to crawl inside a sealed bubble for the remainder of your pregnancy. To calm your anxious mind, check out this read from author Michael S. Broder, MD, MSHS, who is a board-certified Obstetrician-Gynecologist.
From caffeine to exercise to flying, The Panic-Free Pregnancy comprehensively covers the lifestyle issues and questions that confront every mom-to-be.
For Laughs
Celebrity Jenny McCarthy will tell you what to REALLY expect while you are expecting in her hilarious book Belly Laughs. From morning sickness and hormonal rage, to hemorrhoids, granny panties, pregnant sex, and the torture and sweet relief that is delivery, you'll be reminded you are not alone in this weird, wonderful journey.
For the First Year
Author Dawn Dais, mother to a one-year-old, believes parents are not being told the scary truth and less than fun realities about raising a baby. Her book tells you what it’s really like to be a new parent and provides helpful insights, funny antidotes, and hope for all the mothers out there in search of a sleep.
Get it here.
For Dads
Because we couldn't complete the list without a book written for all the new fathers out there. This information-packed, month-by-month guide incorporates the expertise of top practitioners in their fields, from obstetricians and birth-class instructors to psychologists and sociologists. You'll learn everything from how men's brains change by being involved during pregnancy to society’s shifting expectations for dads.
Get it here.
Announce Your Pregnancy with a Gender Reveal
It's time for the big reveal! You want to announce you're pregnant and whether you'll be having a boy or girl. We've got some ideas.
Balloons out of a Box. Put pink or blue balloons inside a large packing box and decorate however you want using paper, markers or glitter. Have your guests count down to the release of the balloons. This idea is perfect for an outdoor barbeque.
Smoke Fountains. For the ideal photo opportunity, try these colorful smoke fountains. Keep it cost- effective by buying one for you and one for you partner at $13.95 each.
Scratch Off Tickets. Scratch off tickets aren’t just for winning the lottery. Have your guests scratch off these cute cards. Only $8 for a set of 12.
Paint War. Since you’re having a child, why not channel your inner kid with a blue or pink paint war that simply requires a trip to the hardware store. Wear all white clothes you don’t mind getting messy than splatter away.
Piñata - We love this idea. Get a piñata filled with blue or pink confetti. Have mom, dad, or even an excited brother or sister swing at and break the piñata. Upon breaking the piñata, confetti will go flying into the air telling all of the guests to expect a boy or girl.
Involve The Siblings. Dress your child in a "Big Bro" or Big Sis" t-shirt. Let them shoot confetti, release balloons, or if you're brave, splatter paint. For a gender reveal that doubles as a science experiment, little ones will love this Volcano Gender Reveal.
