08/02/2025
✨2nd Trimester: The “Honeymoon Phase”?✨
For many, the second trimester (weeks 13–27) brings relief — energy returns, nausea eases, and baby bumps begin to bloom. But even during this smoother stretch, it's important to know when to seek care, especially in the OB Emergency Room. Here's what midwives look out for:
🤰Abdominal Pain in the 2nd Trimester
As your uterus grows, round ligaments stretch — and that pulling sensation can be uncomfortable. However, not all pain is "normal."
🔍 We assess:
• Location, type, and severity of pain
• Fetal movement
• Signs of preterm labor (especially after 20–24 weeks)
• Uterine contractions (using a monitor if needed)
🩺 Evaluation may include:
• Abdominal and pelvic exam
• Speculum and/or cervical exam
• Ultrasound to check baby and cervix
• Hydration, rest, support garments, or pain relief
Always report pain that is persistent, rhythmic, or worsening.
🩸Vaginal Bleeding or Changes in Discharge
Light spotting can sometimes happen after s*x or a cervical exam due to increased blood flow to the cervix — but bleeding in the second trimester should always be evaluated.
🔍 We consider causes like:
• Placenta previa or abruption
• Cervical changes or infections
• Preterm labor
• Vaginal trauma
• Physiologic leukorrhea vs. abnormal discharge
🩺 Assessment might include:
• Speculum exam to visualize bleeding source
• STI, BV, and yeast testing
• Ultrasound to assess placental location and cervical length
• Monitoring for contractions or fluid leakage
Even if it turns out to be minor, it’s always better to get checked. Your body is doing incredible work — and we’re here to make sure everything is progressing safely. 💛
🤍 Second Trimester Check-In: Let’s Talk About Safety & Health 🤍
While the 2nd trimester can feel more manageable physically, it’s also a time when underlying challenges — both emotional and medical — can come into focus. Your well-being matters just as much as your baby’s.
🚨 Intimate Partner Violence (IPV)
We sometimes see an increase in OB visits related to IPV during this stage of pregnancy. You are never alone — and you deserve to feel safe.
🔸 IPV includes more than physical harm — it can be emotional, verbal, s*xual, or financial abuse.
🔸 Pregnancy can be a time of increased vulnerability, and it may bring existing patterns of control or harm into sharper focus.
💬 What you can do:
• Let your OB, midwife, or nurse know — we’re trained to respond with care and confidentiality.
• You can ask to speak privately at any time during your visit.
• Support, resources, and safe shelter options are available.
Your safety is healthcare. You deserve support.
💛 Managing Pre-Existing Conditions During Pregnancy💛
As pregnancy progresses, your body works harder to support your baby — which can place additional strain on systems already managing chronic conditions.
🔍 Conditions like:
• Hypertension or heart disease
• Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes
• Autoimmune conditions
• Thyroid disorders
• Kidney or liver disease
• Mental health diagnoses
🩺 Midwives and OBs work closely with specialists to:
• Monitor labs and vital signs
• Adjust medications safely for pregnancy
• Watch for early signs of complications
• Create a collaborative care plan for birth and beyond
If you have a chronic condition, this trimester is a great time to review your care plan, ask questions, and check in on how you're feeling — physically and emotionally.
💫Fainting/Dizziness💫
We often see people in the OBER for fainting/dizziness. This can sometimes be attributed to dehydration, or another underlying cause.
🔍 We assess:
• Any Loss of consciousness
• Any injury
🩺 Evaluation may include:
• Blood work to check for anemia or electrolyte imbalances
• Hydration - IV may be the best and quickest options
• Blood Pressure Monitoring - Orthostatic Blood Pressures may be taken at this time to see how your body reacts when changing positions.
✨ You are not alone in this journey. You are seen, heard, and supported — every step of the way. ✨
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