Skip to main content

Are there bad signs during the second pregnancy trimester? Here’s what to watch for

For many people, the second trimester of pregnancy is a walk in the park. All the nausea and fatigue of the first trimester is history and the discomfort of the third trimester seems a world away. During the second trimester, moms-to-be generally have more energy and less concern about miscarriage. They can find out the sex of their baby if they want to, those first butterfly kicks are becoming more noticeable, and those pesky first-trimester mood swings will probably even out some.

Even though the second trimester is the golden time of pregnancy doesn’t mean there can’t be complications, however. Read on to learn the second-trimester symptoms and warning signs and what to look out for during the second trimester.

Recommended Videos

Bleeding

Some light bleeding or spotting is normal during any stage of pregnancy. Blood can be pink, red, or brown in color and usually results from cervical irritation from sex or a pelvic exam. If you begin to pass clots or the bleeding is accompanied by cramping, you should contact your health care provider.

Bleeding can be a sign of placental abruption, a condition where the placenta separates from the uterine wall too early, or preterm labor. Preterm labor refers to any labor experienced prior to the 38th week of pregnancy and can be caused by a number of issues.

Pregnancy ultrasound
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Cramping

As your baby grows and moves, some abdominal discomfort is to be expected. If you notice that you are experiencing menstrual-type cramps that occur within a consistent pattern, you should speak with your physician. Contractions during the second trimester can feel like menstrual cramping and if they are accompanied by blood, mucoid discharge, or a gush of fluid, you could be going into labor.

Mucus

During pregnancy, your cervix is sealed with mucus to ensure the uterine environment isn’t contaminated. As your cervix dilates when you approach your delivery date, this mucus plug becomes dislodged and exits the body through the vagina. You will usually notice it in your underwear or when you wipe after using the restroom. The mucus plug is usually off-white and may have blood in it. It’s sticky and stringy and is usually around two inches long. Mucoid discharge during pregnancy isn’t uncommon, but the mucus plug is stickier and stringier than normal cervical mucus. If you notice a large amount of sticky mucus it could be a sign that your cervix has started to dilate and you should contact your health care provider.

Fluid Leakage

During gestation, your baby floats in a sac of fluid in your uterus and when delivery is close, this sac will rupture, releasing that fluid. If you notice fluid leaking from your vagina, even a small amount, it could mean your membranes have ruptured. Unlike popular myth, most women do not feel a gush of fluid that puddles at their feet when their membranes rupture. And during the second trimester, even a tiny pinhole leak could mean problems. If you notice that your underwear is consistently damp with a clear liquid, you might be experiencing preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) which is considered an emergency. PPROM puts you at risk for preterm labor and uterine infection.

Though the second trimester is generally the easiest part of pregnancy, complications can and do arise. Being aware of changes and being proactive in reaching out to your health care provider can make all the difference in the world when it comes to maintaining a healthy pregnancy.

Kristi Pahr
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Kristi is a professional writer and mother of two. When she's not writing or playing chauffeur to her kids, she enjoys…
What is a cryptic pregnancy? Symptoms and signs you need to know
Don't ignore these cryptic pregnancy symptoms
Surprised parents

The idea of being pregnant and not realizing it can seem next to impossible to anyone who has experienced the rigors of pregnancy. Many can relate to not knowing they are pregnant until they are a few months along, but going an entire pregnancy not being aware that they are growing a human being seems unheard of, right?

Cryptic pregnancy, defined as a pregnancy where the pregnant person doesn’t realize that she is pregnant, often right up to the moment of giving birth, is certainly not unheard of. In fact, that premise formed the basis of the TLC series I Didn’t Know I Was Pregnant, which ran for four seasons.
How long does cryptic pregnancy last?

Read more
Detect ovulation at home naturally with these 5 methods
Does tracking your ovulation cycle actually work?
Pregnancy test on top of a calendar

Knowing when you're ovulating is a key piece to getting pregnant. While some people are blessed to get pregnant without much effort, others require a bit more planning.

When couples can detect ovulation naturally at home, it's a helpful way for them to target the most fertile time during a woman's cycle. While it might seem like a daunting task on the surface, there are ways for you to track your ovulation cycle without professional intervention.

Read more
Should you wear a postpartum belt after a C-section? Here’s what to know
How to tell if abdominal wrapping is safe for you
Mother with newborn.

The last thing you need to worry about after having a baby is getting your pre-pregnancy body back. But, as time passes you may start to focus on supporting your new post-partum body, especially if you've had a cesarean delivery. Because recovering from a cesarean is much different than a vaginal delivery, you may be wondering if methods like the postpartum belt is safe.

Otherwise known as abdominal wrapping,  believers in abdominal wrapping cite back support, skin tightening, and muscle rebuilding as benefits, but what if you’ve had a C-section? Those who have had to undergo a C-section may want to consider specifically made C-section belly bands if they're thinking about abdominal wrapping.

Read more