So, apparently there are differing opinions on when your second trimester starts. Some say the start of your 13th week, some say the start of your 14th. I asked my doctor and my nurse separately, and they each gave me a different answer. But I guess that doesn’t matter now since I’ve hit week 14!

The symptoms below in the “What to Expect” section are dead on this week. I’m definitely getting my energy back, I haven’t had any food aversions or nausea in about a week, and I am definitely feeling achy in my lower back abdomen. I also have been getting sharp pains in my lower abdomen when I sneeze really hard or sometimes when I laugh a lot. These really freaked me out at first, but my doctor said it is normal and is called round ligament pain. Apparently this is just another joy of pregnancy and is more pronounced in the second trimester.

Now that I have all my energy back, I have kept myself busy! Over the four day weekend (Memorial Day, plus Geoff and I took Tuesday off) I went to a graduation party, a bachelorette party, a tailgating extravaganza, two Brewers games and even managed to squeeze in some time to relax.

The graduation party and bachelorette party were pretty standard, but let me explain about the tailgating extravaganza.

Basically, my friends are awesome. Our fearless leaders and nearly-weds, Nate and Courtney, organize this event every year, and this year’s was definitely the best so far. There were around 30 of us that went, and everyone signs up to bring something to the tailgate party before the Brewers game. We had burgers, brats, turkey dogs, italian sausages, chips, cookies, watermelon (including three different vodka infused ones – peach, watermelon and raspberry), jello shots in syringes, fruit salad, dirt cake, brownies and, of course, beer. Don’t worry, I didn’t have anything alcoholic! I brought some sparkling cranberry juice instead 🙂

We also had beer pong and bags set up, plus some awesome tunes. The weather was a bit chilly, but the sun was warm, and it turned out perfectly. We even won the Miller Tailgate of the Game, which means we won a pop up canopy, t-shirts, Brewers flags and can coozies for everyone! It also meant that our group was going to be on the jumbotron during the game, which prompted some of the guys to paint letters on their chests spelling, “Braun” (it was Ryan Braun bobblehead day at Miller Park). Needless to say, we had a pretty awesome time.

This week according to What to Expect:

It’s all about hair now as your baby sprouts some on his head, eyebrows, and body. As for Mom, those first-trimester symptoms should be easing up a bit.

Your Baby in Week 14 of Pregnancy

Now the size of your clenched fist, your baby is more fluid-like in his movements, so he’s no longer doing the jerk every time he repositions his arms and legs. Other developments this week include a roof of his own (inside his mouth, that is) as well as intestinal activity: His intestines are producing meconium (which is the waste that will make up his first bowel movement after birth). He is also sporting a downy coating of hair (lanugo) that keeps him nice and warm. Not to worry — you won’t give birth to a monkey; baby fat will accumulate over the next few months and take over the function of keeping your baby warm and toasty —allowing most of that hair to shed.

Your Body in Week 14 of Pregnancy

Welcome to the second trimester! With any luck, your breasts aren’t quite as tender as they were last trimester and your energy level is making a comeback. More good news on the horizon: less morning sickness and fewer trips to the potty to pee. You might find yourself feeling pregnancy aches on the lower sides of your abdomen about now as the muscles and ligaments that support your growing uterus stretch. And though it might be a pain in the — well, lower abdomen — it’s pain with a gain and a sign that it won’t be long now until your body finally starts to show that you’re expecting.