Pregnancy & Birth advice

Did you know your little one can smell in the womb? Amniotic fluid can have a scent and a taste. Odours can become strongly attached to memories or emotions from day one. Have you ever smelled something that instantly took you back to a particular time in your life? This is called ‘olfactory memory’ when a smell triggers our memory.

Welcome to the second trimester! This is the period between week 13 to week 27 of your pregnancy.

Some of your pregnancy symptoms from the first trimester may ease up; the second trimester is often a nice break from nausea for many women. You may begin to experience new symptoms – chat to your doctor or health professional to learn how to take care of yourself through the second trimester.

If you or someone you know is about to become a parent or has recently become a parent, you can expect to experience some lifestyle changes. Many new parents can experience perinatal mental illnesses such as depression or anxiety (‘perinatal’ refers to the period leading up to birth, and the first year after birth). Perinatal mental illness can usually be managed with the right help, so the most important first step is to acknowledge the struggle and ask for help.

Most babies are born coated in a waxy, creamy, yellowy-white substance called the Vernix Caseosa. Translating to ‘Cheesy Varnish’ in Latin, this coating may not look all that clean and cute, but it is extremely beneficial for your newborn’s entrance into the world.

Wondering what changes to expect between your first and second trimester? Read on for a quick overview of these six months!