The areola may darken, enlarge, and may be spotted with even darker areas. Feeling much better, thank you. The second trimester usually heralds a few months of feeling good. The pregnancy is well established and mood swings are not as dramatic. Unexpected changes such as nasal congestion, skin changes, and loose joints may impress mom with the thoroughness with which the hormones of pregnancy affect the total body.
Many women feel lower abdominal aching from stretching ligaments.
This may be intermittently annoying until the baby is born. Swelling of the ankles and feet make wearing shoes a challenge. During the second trimester, the mother s blood volume increases dramatically. Dizziness and faintness, especially when going from sitting or lying to a standing position, are fairly common. To avoid fainting, moms need to remember to get up gradually and avoid becoming overheated.