The Bittersweet Boost

Why Second Trimester Energy Feels Weirdly Emotional

Okay, so you made it out of the first trimester trenches—congrats, mama. You've survived the nausea, the food aversions, the "why am I so exhausted I can't blink" fatigue, and the 3 a.m. Google spirals about spotting. And now? You've entered the magical land of the second trimester. People told you it would be better, and for once, they weren't lying.

Your energy is back. You're maybe even working out again (kind of). You're not dry heaving at the smell of coffee anymore. You have days where you remember what it feels like to feel like yourself—like, the version of you before the hormones hijacked your whole system. And let's be real: it feels good. But then… it also feels kind of weird.

And here's the thing nobody warns you about: that weirdness? It's totally normal. The second trimester can feel like an emotional plot twist. Just when you start to feel physically better, your brain starts asking all the big, messy, identity-shifting questions. You're supposed to be glowing, but you're also spiraling about how much your life is changing. You're finally not nauseous, but now you're suddenly crying in the baby aisle at Target because you saw a onesie that says "New to the Crew." (Cue the existential meltdown.)

Why That Energy Surge Isn't Just Physical—It's Emotional, Too

Physically, yes, the second trimester is often called the honeymoon phase of pregnancy. But emotionally? It can feel like trying to celebrate a party while still cleaning up the mess from the last one. You're in between the panic of early pregnancy and the intensity of the third trimester, and that middle space can bring up a lot.

You may start noticing how your body is changing more visibly—and for some, that brings pride and joy. For others, it stirs up complicated feelings about identity, appearance, and control. And even though you're feeling more capable, you might also feel a little haunted by how rough the first trimester was. That "should I have done more back then?" guilt sneaks in. The "am I enjoying this enough?" pressure builds. And somewhere in the back of your mind, you might even start mourning your pre-pregnancy self—even while loving what's ahead.

Mixed feelings don't mean you're ungrateful. They mean you're human. Pregnancy doesn't follow a neat emotional arc. You can absolutely feel joy and grief in the same breath.

Real Talk—You're Not Alone in the Second Trimester Headspace Spiral

Let's normalize some very real second trimester thoughts you might be having:

• "I feel like I should be more excited. What's wrong with me?"
• "Everyone says this is the fun part. Why do I feel so anxious?"
• "I'm scared I'll never feel totally like myself again."

You might be nodding right now because yes, these are real. I've been there. Other moms are there. And no one is talking about it loudly enough. Let's turn up the volume:

"I thought I was finally in a good place, but I kept crying for no reason. Turns out the reason was… just being pregnant."
—Keira, 22 weeks

"I felt physically better but mentally worse. Like I was finally able to catch my breath, but all the fears I'd shoved down came rushing back in."
—Tasha, 27 weeks

"People kept telling me I was glowing, but inside I felt like I was holding my breath. The pressure to be happy made me feel guilty for every other emotion."
—Monica, 24 weeks

This is what we don't see in the highlight reels. The emotional bloat that comes right alongside the baby bump. So let's stop pretending you need to feel one singular thing about pregnancy at any given time. You don't. You're allowed to be a whole dang symphony of emotions.

The Emotional Whiplash of Feeling "Better"

Something really sneaky happens when you start to feel better in pregnancy: people expect you to be "back to normal." And sometimes, you expect that too. But healing isn't linear. And identity evolution? That's even messier.

You might feel more like "you," but you're not the same you. You're evolving. Expanding. Letting go of parts of yourself while growing into others. That doesn't always feel peaceful—it can feel like an emotional rollercoaster with no seatbelt.

Here's the truth bomb: the second trimester isn't just about buying cute maternity jeans and planning your registry. It's about adjusting to this in-between phase where you're no longer who you were, and not quite who you're becoming.

It's emotional limbo—and limbo is exhausting. So if you feel untethered even on the good days? That's not weakness. That's transformation.

Let Go of the "Perfect Pregnancy" Pressure

Can we burn the myth that every pregnant woman is supposed to be glowing, blissed-out, and full of Pinterest nursery ideas? Like, right now?

Because here's the thing: if you're measuring your second trimester against some made-up standard of perfection, you'll always feel like you're falling short. Instead of celebrating your body for doing literal magic, you'll be stuck thinking, "Why don't I feel more like everyone says I should?"

Pregnancy isn't a performance. It's an experience. One that's incredibly personal and sometimes, yes, messy. You don't have to savor every kick or love every mood swing. You just have to be.

And if "being" looks like crying while folding laundry or skipping baby prep in favor of binge-watching reality TV? That's still valid. That's still doing it right.

How to Actually Make Peace with the Second Trimester

Want to know the secret to embracing this trimester? It's not about doing more. It's about feeling more. Being honest about the weird mix of emotions. Giving yourself space to feel joy and discomfort. Confidence and confusion.

Here's how you can ground yourself:

• Name your feelings without judgment. Don't "should" yourself. If you're anxious, acknowledge it. If you're happy, enjoy it without guilt.
• Move your body in ways that feel good. Not for a goal. Just to feel connected again.
• Limit the compare-scroll. Your journey isn't her journey. Your bump isn't her bump.
• Create small moments of calm. A warm bath. A solo walk. A 5-minute stretch. Presence matters more than productivity.
• Connect with your people. Whether it's your partner, a friend, or a mom group—say the thing out loud. Vulnerability lifts the fog.

Let the Bittersweetness Be Part of the Beauty

Here's your friendly, slightly hormonal, brutally honest reminder from me (aka your unofficial chaos coach):

You don't have to love every moment to honor it.

You don't have to glow on the outside to be growing on the inside.

You don't need to prove your love for your baby by pretending everything is okay when it isn't.

You are navigating one of life's biggest transitions. Of course it feels like too much sometimes. Let the bittersweetness be part of the beauty. Let yourself laugh and cry. Let yourself be soft and strong.

💬 Lexi's Laugh-And-Hug Close:
Mama, second trimester is like a weird pregnancy remix: less vomit, more feelings. You're getting your strength back, but your soul's still catching up. That's okay.
Have your moment. Cry in the car. Blast Lizzo. Text your mom. Rewatch that show you've already seen 3 times. Then breathe.
Because you've got this. You've always had this. Even when it feels bittersweet.
Now go eat that weird snack combo. You earned it. 💛