New to 2nd trimester questions

[SomehowSomewhere1]

Hi,

Just heading into my 2nd trimester.

Four questions that get mixed answers googling:

1. when to start pelvic floor exercises? Still needed if they decide to C section me? And is it just the lift and squeeze thing or more complex?

2. I get the impression that the jury is out on creams / oils and stretch marks. But something that smells nice, feels nice, doesn't cost the earth and wholsesome - for gently massaging my bump - bonding and self care.

3. Folic acid - after 12 weeks?

4. Do I need, and where/what should I get for my car seat belt?

I think that's it, thank you!!! But anything else I've missed do please let me know. Oh, actually - when to get a bump support as mine is big already and I get pain standing/walking too long.

Hello,
Not an expert in any way (I'm 26 weeks with my first) but these would be my answers:
1.) I was doing pelvic floor exercises anyway (have been since early 20s when someone scared me into it!) so I'd start now. It feels as if you're stopping weeing, then starting again. Best to donut slowly on a 'dimmer switch' speed rather than switch it off and on, if that makes sense.

2.) no cream/oil will stop stretch marks as they start in the lower skin levels. I still use an oil though, just in case

3.) I stopped taking my vitamins/supplements about 14 weeks. I've never really used them before, my diet is good and varied, so figured it was ok.

4.) I hired a car this weekend so looked this up. Seems it's best to keep lap part as low as possible under bump, shoulder strap above it across your boobs.

Can't help on bump support as havent used one! Did get some early back pain that disappeared once I sorted my posture out with the added weight...

Good luck!

Ideally, it's good to do pelvic floor exercises all the time, not just when pregnant so you really can't start them too soon. Google and see what you find. I have pelvic floor dysfunction after I had my daughter and the exercises my physio gave me were to do 5 long slow squeezes (pull your vagina basically up towards your belly button) and then 5 quick fast ones (tighten and then release quickly) at least 5 times a day.

The creams and oils don't really make a whole lot of difference. The best thing you can do is to stay hydrated and gain a healthy weight slowly and evenly. I am prone to stretch marks, but I didn't get a single one with my first. I only gained 16 lbs and it was very even over my whole pregnancy. I used cocoa butter for no reason other than it was cheap and smelled nice. A lot of people use Bio Oil, but it actually contains essential oils that are generally not considered safe in pregnancy, plus it's stupidly expensive. You can always get a base oil (like sweet almond) and add an essential oil to it. There are several that are considered safe for pregnancy, but not all are, so just do your research.

You don't need to take folic acid after the 1st trimester. I think the recommendation is just to take vitamin d all pregnancy, and additional iron if you need it. I am still taking mine just til the bottle runs out because I figure why not? I've already paid for them. I won't buy more though.

I didn't do anything to my seat belt. I drove up until about 6 hours before I was in labour. It was never an issue for me and I always found it comfortable.

Thank you so much!!! That's fab, you're stars!!!

I'm loving the palm cocoa butter for bump rubbing Niels yard also do some fab ones but I can't afford them this pregnancy!
All your other questions have been answered in the same way I would!

I love the cocoa butter vasaline moisturiser, I believe it is on offer in Boots at the mo :)

Hi, I'm 27 weeks and I must say I have to remind myself to do pelvic floor exercises, but I know it's really important. I use an almond oil that I get in Holland and Barrett but I used it before pregnancy as a general moisturiser anyway, love it. Car seatbelt - I'm from Denmark and I know that there they get a special belt with a protective pad to go across the bump, my sister in law had one but we don't drive so I won't be needing one. If I was I would definitely be getting one.