Hey friends, I recently shared my first trimester recap post and as promised today I’m sharing my second trimester recap post. As I mentioned in my last post I was sick all the way into my second trimester, but then finally after week 20 I could at least get through the day without throwing up so that was nice. LOL The second trimester is also when you start to get your energy back and you actually have a cute bump to show off. So plenty of great things to look forward to in the second trimester. Scroll through this post to read through my second trimester experience as I answer all of the questions you submitted.

Outfit Details: Knot Long Sleeve Velvet Rib Midi Dress (wearing sz S) |RAYE Conquest Mule in Pale Gold (also love this pair) | Similar heart earrings here & here | Personalized Door mat | Christmas trees from At Home

Q1.) What were some of your beauty product essentials during the second trimester and what was your skincare routine?

A1.) I started using Bio Oil all over my stomach around week 13 because I was already starting to show a little and I wanted to prevent stretch marks as much as I could. Here is the mistake I made… I didn’t use it on my hips and thighs and I should have because that’s where I ended up getting the stretch marks. So when you start using the Bio Oil, be sure to apply it all over or at least the main areas that tend to grow during pregnancy.

As for my skincare routine, I continued to use Mario Badescu Enzyme Cleansing Gel because it’s super gentle on the skin. Whenever I had more intense breakouts I used Neutrogena Clear Pore Facial Cleanser / Face Mask. I even used that on my chest and back. After cleansing my face, I would moisturize with either Confidence in a Cream Hydrating Moisturizer or hydrating day & night cream. I also like using the Tula purifying face cleanser as a gently cleanser too. On top of those products, I used some Alastin skincare products recommended by my board certified dermatologist. Be sure to get all of your skincare products approved by your doctor.

As for SPF, I use Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection SPF 50 Face Shield. My dermatologist told me that it is pregnancy safe.

20 weeks in the above photo | Outfit Details: Celine One Shoulder Dress | |RAYE Conquest Mule in Pale Gold (also love this pair) | Similar heart earrings here & here

Q2.) When did you first feel kicks?

A2.) Everyone told me that you don’t start feeling kicks until after 16 weeks and that I would only feel flutters at first. However, I never felt “flutters” instead I immediately started feeling kicks every so often around 12/13 weeks. Only I could feel them though and they were far and few. I really started feeling intense kicks around 18 weeks. The first time Blake was ever able to feel the baby kick was around 23 weeks. I remember we came home from seeing a musical at the Saenger theater in New Orleans and the baby was kicking so hard so it was the perfect time for him to feel.

Q3.) What did you put on your registry?

A3.) I have a whole blog post on that here—> Haute Off The Rack Baby Registry Picks

Q4.) Did you have any suspicions that you might have gestational diabetes?

A4.) Yes, I really didn’t know much about gestational diabetes before I was officially diagnosed at 28 weeks, but I would have weird things happen to me. Sometimes I would suddenly feel faint and dizzy and would have to lay down and drink water and eat something to avoid passing out. Also, my heart would start beating really fast and I would feel super light-headed. I read that it was normal to feel this way during the second trimester, but it was still strange to me and although I don’t know if those symptoms actually had anything to do with gestational diabetes, but I also wasn’t surprised when I was diagnosed.

22 weeks in the above photo | Outfit Details: ASOS DESIGN Maternity button detail midi dress with belt | Ribbed beanie with faux-fur pom-pom | Similar Pink Coat (exact one is sold out) | Hilty Ankle Bootie (similar here)

Blake’s Outfit: Ultra Parka | skinny black ripped hyper stretch jeans | Core Temp Waffle-Knit Henley T-Shirt | ALLSAINTS Merino Wool Ribbed Beanie | Thomas & Vine Ryker Wingtip Boot

Q5.) What workouts do you recommend for second trimester?

A5.) This is a question I would ask your doctor considering that everyone’s pregnancy is different, but I doubt any doctor would be against daily walks and stretching. I went to the gym all the way through 18 weeks even when I felt sick but then the craze of holidays got the best of me and I got lazy. However, I made sure to walk about two miles almost everyday. I could probably do a better job of stretching though.

Q6.) How quickly did your body start to change in the second trimester?

A6.) I feel like I really started showing around 15/16 weeks because I’m so petite and have such a short torso. I’m only 5’1. My bra size also drastically changed during the second trimester too.

Q7.) What are some outfits that can transition from regular wear to maternity?

A7.) I share bump friendly looks on my Instagram all the time and even have a #bumpfriendly highlight right beneath my bio, but I have a blog post featuring all of those looks and will link to it here as soon as it goes live.

22 weeks in the above photo | Outfit Details: ASOS DESIGN Maternity button detail midi dress with belt | Ribbed beanie with faux-fur pom-pom | Similar Pink Coat (exact one is sold out) | Hilty Ankle Bootie (similar here)

Blake’s Outfit: Ultra Parka | skinny black ripped hyper stretch jeans | Core Temp Waffle-Knit Henley T-Shirt | ALLSAINTS Merino Wool Ribbed Beanie | Thomas & Vine Ryker Wingtip Boot

| Shop My Second Trimester Essentials |

1) As She Goes Light Blue Off The Shoulder Midi Dress (go up a size in this dress) | 2) Mezcal Stripe Dress  (I took my regular size in this dress) | 3) Stumble Upon This Bright Blue Print Dress | 4) Lustrous Maternity Leggings | 5) Power Mama Maternity Shaper | 6) Mamasana Live In Maternity Ankle Leggings | 7) Women’s Beautifully Soft Notch Collar Nightgown | 8) PharMeDoc Pregnancy Pillow with Cooling Cover, U-Shape Full Body Pillow and Maternity Support | 9) Bio-Oil Specialist Skincare | 10) Lavender Foaming Bath

Info on my Second Trimester Essentials:

 Power Mama Maternity Shaper | I highly recommend these maternity spanx to wear under all of your body con dresses to help smooth everything out and give your bump a nice shape.

 Mamasana Live In Maternity Ankle Leggings | I own 4 pairs of these maternity leggings because I wear them so often especially when I go walking each day. They have worked since the beginning of pregnancy and are said to fit until the end. So far they still work great and I am just under 35 weeks.

Women’s Beautifully Soft Notch Collar Nightgown | Once you officially start showing, your regular pajama pants and shorts aren’t so comfy anymore. I love wearing these cotton nightgowns to bed because they super comfortable and are nice and roomy. I also don’t like anything pressing against bladder since I already have to get up so many times throughout the night to use the bathroom.

 Lavender Foaming Bath | I tried to avoid warm baths and showers at all costs during the first 20 because I would get so nauseous and throw up after so I was super glad once I got the sickness under control and was able to relax in the bath again. The L’occitance  Lavender Foaming Bath is my absolute favorite bubble bath and the best way to wind down in the evening especially during the cold months.

Thank you so much for reading about my second trimester. Stay tuned for more pregnancy blog posts including my registry, maternity and bump friendly outfit ideas and the third trimester. Also, feel free to email me with any questions that I didn’t address.