2nd Trimester

WATCH WHAT YOU EAT

Aim to keep your weight gain between 225g and 450g per week, depending on what your pre-pregnancy weight was. Chrisna says this is possible if you eat a balanced diet consisting of six to eight servings of low-GI whole grains, five-plus servings of fruits and vegetables, two to three servings of high-value proteins, three servings of low-fat dairy foods and some unsaturated fats. “Avoid high fat and sugary snacks,” she warns.

UPSIZE YOUR WARDROBE

Many women only begin to show between 16 and 20 weeks, so don’t rush out and buy maternity wear until you really need to. “As long as you’re still feeling comfortable in most of your regular clothes, there’s no need to spend unnecessary money on lots of preggie clothing,” Michelle says.

TIME FOR A FEEDING BRA

Your maternity bra may begin to feel a bit stretched toward the end of the second trimester. Instead of upsizing, consider a feeding bra that you’ll use for longer. “Don’t be too concerned about the size, as most feeding bras are built to expand and contract daily while breastfeeding,” Michelle says.

PLAN MATERNITY LEAVE

Although you’re not legally obligated to inform your employer that you’ll be taking maternity leave until four weeks before you plan to go, it’s a good idea to give the boss a heads-up round about now. Find out what the terms of your maternity-leave pay are, and get the ball rolling on maternity UIF.

TAKE A BABYMOON

You’re likely to feel more energetic in this trimester, and many women also have a heightened sex drive (not all, though). Take advantage by going on a romantic babymoon with your partner. If that’s not an option, Michelle suggests using your energy boost to get niggly things on your home and work to-do list ticked off.