The second trimester of pregnancy is often called the "golden trimester," but this phase comes with its fair share of myths. Let’s separate fact from fiction by addressing five common second-trimester myths and what they really mean for your pregnancy.

Myth 1: The Second Trimester Is Perfect

While many women experience relief from first-trimester nausea, the second trimester isn’t always a walk in the park. Symptoms like back pain, leg cramps, heartburn, or sinus congestion can still appear.

Think of Your Body as a Dashboard:

Symptoms are like warning lights, signaling areas that might need attention. Instead of ignoring these signs, take time to address them before they grow into bigger issues.

Myth 2: Waking Up to Use the Restroom Is Normal

Frequent bathroom trips at night might seem inevitable, but in most of the second trimester, this isn’t caused by your baby. Instead, it could be a sign of dehydration.

Pro Tip: Add a small pinch of Himalayan or sea salt to your water. This helps your body absorb water into your tissues, reducing those nighttime interruptions.

Myth 3: Cravings Are Normal During Pregnancy

Cravings and aversions might feel like a classic part of pregnancy, but they’re more common than they are normal. Often, they’re signs your body is struggling to digest certain nutrients like carbohydrates, fats, or proteins.

What to Do: Instead of avoiding foods you crave or find unappealing, work on supporting your digestion so your body can absorb nutrients effectively.

Myth 4: You Can’t Prevent Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes isn’t just about genetics or past pregnancies. Your lifestyle and how well your body manages carbohydrates play a significant role.

Start Early: Focus on breaking down carbohydrates effectively and supporting your pancreas for better insulin regulation. Pay attention to bowel movements and overall digestion to minimize stress on your body.

Myth 5: Stick to Gentle Exercise Only

While prenatal yoga is excellent, your body also needs strength training to prepare for the physical demands of parenthood.

Movement Matters:

• Practice lifting with proper biomechanics (bend from your knees and hips, not your back).

• Incorporate movements that build strength to prepare for lifting and caring for your baby.

Pregnancy is a time of transformation, and understanding these myths can help you approach it with confidence. For more in-depth guidance, check out the Move Well, Eat Well, Live Well Course—linked below!

Join us next week as we debunk even more myths about pregnancy.