Second Trimester Recap: Pregnancy Updates, Q&A & Favorites
A Second Trimester Recap
+ What Helped Most
I can’t believe I’m already saying goodbye to the second trimester. It truly flew by, and I feel incredibly grateful for how well I’ve been feeling this time around. There’s such a sweet spot during pregnancy, after most of the nausea fades but before your body starts feeling heavy and restrictive, and I feel like I’ve been lucky to live in that window for a bit.
Overall, my complaints this trimester have been minimal. If anything, the biggest surprise has been how physically and mentally demanding pregnancy feels while keeping up with a toddler. I have a whole new level of respect for anyone doing this for the third or fourth (or more) time… truly humbling.
A QUICK BUT IMPORTANT ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:
Before diving into more details, I want to pause and acknowledge something important. As I shared shortly after announcing this pregnancy, I hold deep compassion for anyone navigating the journey to grow their family. I never want moments of joy here to diminish someone else’s hope or experience. Your story matters, too.
Over the past year, I’ve walked closely alongside dear friends facing infertility, pregnancy loss, and unimaginable heartbreak, including the devastating loss of one of my closest friends and her baby at full term. Those experiences have made me especially tender-hearted and deeply aware of how layered this space can be. I often remind myself that there is no finite number of babies in the universe. Someone else’s pregnancy does not take away the possibility of your own.
With that in mind, this (and all of my pregnancy-related) posts are shared with care, sensitivity, and hope. Whether you’re currently pregnant, hoping to be, supporting someone who is, or simply walking your own unique path, I hope this offers a bit of comfort, companionship, or a reminder that you’re not alone.
a glimpse into The SECOND trimester:
This second pregnancy has felt very different from the first. The early days were gentler in some ways, but there’s far less time now to sit and analyze every symptom when you’re managing a household, juggling work, and keeping up with a very curious toddler.
While I’ve been feeling better overall, this trimester hasn’t been symptom-free. Food aversions are still hanging around (especially meat and most “stinky” foods… the air fryer alone can make me gag). Heartburn is alive and well, with Pepcid officially on auto-ship, and the fatigue has lingered more than I expected, especially while navigating a toddler sleep regression.
That constant motion has also been a bit of a gift. Staying gently active, doing Pilates a couple times a week (see my previous post on that here), walking, and honestly just chasing my toddler around have helped me feel stronger, more grounded, and more like myself, even on the tired days.
SHAPEWEAR SHORTS (USE CARALYN15) | SHIRT (XXL)
TIGHTS (USE CARALYN20) | SHIRT (XXL) | SIMILAR TIGHTS
Second Trimester Q&A
Earlier this week, I shared a question box and noticed a lot of overlap around topics like clothing, bras, trying to conceive, and the apps I use. Rather than repeating myself here, I want to point you to my first trimester recap, which I shared a few months ago and still holds a lot of helpful, relevant information.
I also received several questions about how I’ve been feeling and current symptoms, which I’ve touched on above! To keep things easy to navigate (and avoid repeating the same answers), I’ll focus this section on new or trimester-specific questions below.
As always, thank you for the thoughtful questions. I truly appreciate how engaged and supportive this community is.
How did you feel traveling throughout this pregnancy?
I’ve been feeling great traveling this pregnancy. I actually love the distraction and any excuse to soak up some sun. There really is a sweet spot, for me, around 22–26 weeks, where energy feels steadier, and movement is still comfortable. (And yes, my BVI roundup is coming soon… I promise.)
I did travel up until about 32 weeks with Conrad, but I’ll be honest: I wouldn’t do that again while managing a toddler on a flight. I was 25 weeks coming home, and that was… a lot. As always, it’s important to consult your doctor and do what feels right for you. I cannot recommend compression socks enough, and I also shared a full pregnancy travel tips post during my first pregnancy that still applies here.
How is Conrad preparing for his baby sister?
This one makes me smile. Conrad points to my belly, blows raspberries, and says “hi baby sister,” but he also points to his own belly (and Brian’s) and does the same thing. So, does he fully understand? Probably not. We know his world is about to change in a big way, and our focus is simply loving him through it, supporting him, and giving him time and space to adjust as we grow into this next chapter as a family.
Do you have clothing recommendations for pregnancy?
If you’re looking for comfy and polished, that’s truly my entire vibe… and I share my daily outfits regularly here, along with a dedicated bump style collection. Friendly reminder: most of what I wear isn’t maternity-specific. As I mentioned in my first trimester recap, I really only rely on a few maternity basics. Most closets are far more versatile than we give them credit for, especially with the right fits, fabrics, and styling tweaks. See more bump-specific style advice here!
Are you using a belly band or pregnancy pillow?
I used a belly band a ton during my pregnancy with Conrad, and I’m probably getting close to dusting it off again soon.
As for sleep, I personally prefer a half-shell or wedge-style pregnancy pillow rather than a full body pillow. I like that it offers support without completely taking over the bed, especially helpful when space already feels limited.
Are you doing maternity photos and a baby shower this time around?
Maternity photos are a maybe. I haven’t really thought about it yet, but I did do some really special ones during my first pregnancy, along with tips for planning one shared here, so we’ll see. As for a baby shower, I’m leaning toward something more like a sprinkle. We truly don’t need much this time around, but it feels meaningful to find a way to celebrate this baby and spend time with friends. Still very TBD, but I love the idea of keeping it simple and focused on connection.
When did you start to need new clothes/bras?
This in-between phase can feel especially confusing, when your body is changing quickly but your bump hasn’t fully arrived yet. You’re definitely not alone in wondering when it’s time to switch things up. When it comes to clothes, I usually suggest wearing your regular pieces for as long as they feel comfortable, then gradually layering in maternity styles as needed. I found leggings/pants to be one of the first things I needed. But bras are a different story, and this is where I’ll firmly put my bra expert hat on.
Most breast changes happen early, often in the first trimester, so waiting until your bras are visibly uncomfortable is usually waiting too long. A refit sooner rather than later makes a huge difference in both comfort and support. You don’t necessarily need “maternity bras” right away, but you do need bras that fit your current body… think softer cups, flexible sizing, and room to grow.
Getting ahead of bra changes early can make the rest of pregnancy (and postpartum) feel so much better, and it’s one of the easiest upgrades you can make during this stage. As I mentioned in my maternity and nursing bra guide, the general guidance is to go up one band size and two cup sizes during pregnancy. I also recommend picking up a few comfy bralettes or wire-free styles for sleeping and lounging. I’ve been loving sheer bralette (use code CARALYNFS15) and this wire-free bra. I also have a full roundup of my favorite wire-free bras right here, many of which I’ve worn through pregnancy, postpartum, and beyond.
Now, onto my tried-and-true
second trimester favorites…
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16
SECOND-trimester must-haves
Every pregnancy feels different, and this time around, I found myself reaching for some tried-and-true favorites and discovering a few new essentials that helped me feel a little more like myself. Here’s what’s been in heavy rotation during this second trimester:
Long Sleeve Butterluxe Top
One of those rare pieces that works just as well for Pilates as it does for errands or travel days. Soft, breathable, and stretchy without feeling sloppy, this has been in constant rotation all second trimester.
Ribbed Tees (3 Pack)
A true basic done right. Great length (front and back), soft ribbed fabric, and easy to layer under sweaters, jackets, or knits as your bump grows.
Long Sleeve Shirt (Non Maternity)
Proof that non-maternity pieces can still be bump-friendly. These run long, offer great coverage, and stretch comfortably over a growing belly, an easy wardrobe extender this trimester.
Maternity Leggings (also come in standard and plus)
My favorite leggings, pregnancy edition. I can still wear the non-maternity version, but I love the extra fabric and support from the high maternity panel as things shift and expand.
Flare Yoga Pants
Same incredible fabric as the leggings, just with a modern flare. A nice way to switch things up when you want something that feels polished but still wildly comfortable. Available with or without a side pocket!
Faux Leather Kick Flare Pants
I’ve never had great luck with maternity jeans, but these are a total win. They feel like a real outfit (not just leggings), are incredibly wearable, and add variety to pregnancy dressing. Use code CARALYN15 at checkout.
Shirt Extenders
A non-maternity MVP. These instantly add length to cropped or suddenly-too-short sweaters and tops, helping stretch my existing wardrobe further as my bump grows.
Compression Socks
These are hands-down the best I’ve tried, and I’ve tried a lot. I continue to repurchase this brand because they actually work, especially for travel, long days on my feet, or swelling prevention.
Ugg Slippers
My feet have been so sore this trimester, and a thick sole has made all the difference. These slippers (and the waterproof mule version) are incredibly comfortable and supportive for around the house and quick outings. These similar style slippers are a great alternative option!
Wire Free Bra
This stage is all about comfort and flexibility. Wire-free bras have been essential as my size fluctuates, offering support without restriction. See more of my favorite wire-free bras here and more of my maternity shapewear solutions here.
High-Waisted Brief
Supportive, comfortable, and practical. Comes in one size and one size plus, and has been a staple as my body continues to change. See my panty guide here.
Ritual Prenatal Vitamins
Still my go-to prenatal. They’re gentle on my stomach, made with clean ingredients, and the lemony flavor makes them easier to take, especially on those queasy days.
Goodonya Electrolytes
Light, clean taste (which is key when food aversions are still lingering). An easy way to stay hydrated without anything overly sweet or heavy.
Medicube Zero Pore Pads Mild
My favorite pore pads, pregnancy-safe version. I use these after cleansing and before moisturizing, morning and night, to keep skin clear and balanced.
Bio-Oil Body Lotion
I love the lightweight, watery consistency; it absorbs quickly and makes daily application easy. A second-trimester staple for skin comfort and stretch-mark care.
Pregnancy Pillow
As mentioned above, I prefer this style because it’s supportive without taking over the entire bed. Effective, comfortable, and much more space-friendly than a full-body pillow.
SHOP OUR SWIM LOOKS, BVI RECAP COMING SOON!
Thanks for reading!
As always, thank you for being here and for sharing this space with me. Pregnancy looks and feels different for everyone, and this is simply what’s been supporting me during this season. If you’re in a similar stage, I hope this was helpful, and if you’re on a different path, I’m grateful you’re here too.
xx,
CMK