Second trimester worries

We answer some of the most common worries in the second trimester of pregnancy.

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I'm 4 months pregnant and struggling with stress at work. What can I do? 

Is my bump big enough?

Is it normal for my pregnancy symptoms to stop?

Is it normal that my pelvis is hurting?

I don't smoke but my partner does. Should I tell them not to smoke in the house?

Is it safe to use complementary remedies during pregnancy? 

More information and support

I'm 4 months pregnant and struggling with stress at work. What can I do?

It’s perfectly normal to have some emotional ups and downs during pregnancy. If it’s affecting you at work,  try talking to your line manager, HR, or union representative if you have one.

Be realistic about your priorities, and learn to say no if you're being asked to do too much. Make sure you take regular breaks; speak to your employer if you need extra rest. If possible, cut down on household chores when you're at home.

Take time out from your anxieties to relax by practising deep breathing exercises, stretching or yoga. Reading a book, getting a good night’s sleep or going for a walk may all help to lower your stress levels. Try to eat a healthy diet with regular meals to keep your energy up.

If you have a partner, they may also be feeling anxious and worried about becoming a parent. Try talking together calmly about any issues you have.

You can also talk to your GP or midwife about how you’re feeling at any time. They can provide plenty of non-judgemental support and advice.

See tips for improving your mental wellbeing in pregnancy, or visit the government website to learn about your rights during pregnancy.

Is my bump big enough?

Every person, and every pregnancy is different, so it’s hard to say exactly when you’ll start to look pregnant. Your bump will probably begin to appear during the second trimester. For a while it will look like you have just put on weight, but it will gradually become rounder, and strangers will begin to be able to tell that you’re expecting. You should have been offered an ultrasound scan during the first trimester (between 11-14 weeks). You’ll be offered another one during the second trimester (between 18-21 weeks). These should show if your baby is growing well.

Your midwife will also measure your bump at your regular appointments from 24 weeks. This will help to tell if your baby is growing at a normal rate. 

They will measure from your pelvic bone to the top of your bump. The top of your womb is called the fundus and this measurement is called the fundal height. 

The measurement should typically be around the same as the number of weeks pregnant you are (give or take 2cm-3cm). So if you are 25 weeks, the measurement should be roughly 23-27cm. Though it also depends on what is normal for you. The overall pattern is more important than the isolated measurements and you may be given a personalised growth chart.  

If your bump is measuring bigger or smaller than expected, your midwife will refer you for an extra scan and review at the maternity unit.

Read more about measuring the growth of your baby during pregnancy.

Is it normal for my pregnancy symptoms to stop?

In the second trimester, many of your pregnancy symptoms will often disappear or reduce. Your breasts may not feel so tender, nausea or sickness will often stop and the deep tiredness of the first trimester usually goes away, leaving you with more energy than you had before.

These symptoms might have been a reassuring reminder that you are pregnant, even if they are unpleasant. So it’s perfectly natural for the loss of physical pregnancy feelings to bring some worries.

For some people, the loss of pregnancy symptoms can be a sign of miscarriage, especially in early pregnancy. However, there are usually other symptoms, such as bleeding and cramping. If you experience these, contact your GP or midwife straight away.

Otherwise, try to enjoy the normal easing of your symptoms in the second trimester. Once you reach the third trimester, your bump will make sleeping difficult, and you may have uncomfortable new symptoms like heartburn and indigestion.  

Continue being active and eating well, spend time with loved ones, and above all, enjoy your sleep, as it will soon be in short supply.

If you’re worried about your symptoms, use our pregnancy symptom checker to find out what to do next.

Is it normal that my pelvis is hurting?

Yes, unfortunately about 1 in 5 people experience pelvic pain in pregnancy. It’s also known as pelvic girdle pain (PGP), and used to be called symphysis public dysfunction (SPD). You may also feel it in your lower back, hips, thighs or knees.  

PGP pain or discomfort can range from manageable to serious. It’s thought to be caused by the extra weight of your growing baby putting strain on your pelvis. This causes your joints to move unevenly, which can cause pain.

Read more about pelvic pain and how to manage it.

I don't smoke but my partner does. Should I tell them not to smoke in the house?

Other people’s smoke is a serious health hazard for you and your baby, before and after the birth. Because of this, it’s important to insist that your partner doesn’t smoke in the house, or anywhere around you.

Explain that pregnant women who breathe in secondhand smoke are at risk of having a low birth-weight baby. Secondhand smoke also puts your baby at greater risk of birth defects, premature birth, stillbirth and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

Keeping your home free from smoke is important after the birth, to protect your baby from chest infections, glue ear and asthma. Do everything you can to make sure your new baby is not exposed to smoke.

If your partner is finding it hard to quit, suggest they use nicotine gum or patches instead.  Don’t let them smoke in the house or car – even when you’re not there, or with a window open. Smoke can linger for hours and harm you and your baby. Vaping instead of smoking would also reduce the amount of harmful chemicals in your home.

Your partner’s GP can give them support to help them kick the habit for good. Or they can look for support at NHS Smokefree.

Find out more about the risks of secondhand smoke in pregnancy.

Is it safe to use complementary remedies during pregnancy?

Not all alternative or complementary remedies are safe for you to take now you’re pregnant. This includes herbal, homeopathic and aromatherapy therapies.

There is less information about these types of treatment than there is about conventional medicine in terms of how safe they are, and how they work in pregnancy. Some may be low quality or contain harmful ingredients.

If you do decide to go ahead, always go to a qualified practitioner who is registered with their relevant organisation. They will be trained to advise you on what's best to use during your pregnancy.  

You can find a qualified practitioner in your area through the Professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care (PSA).

Learn more about drugs and medicines in pregnancy.

More information and support

Learn more about the second trimester.