2nd Month of Pregnancy: Baby Growth, Symptoms and Tips
So now you have entered the second month of your pregnancy. This means the fertilized egg has implanted in your uterus. That is good news. If you missed the start, read about the first month of pregnancy.
Once implanted, the embryo starts to grow quickly, as it now gets nourishment from the mother's blood. At this stage, your body also makes pregnancy hormones that stop your monthly periods.
What happens during the second month?
This is the month when the embryo grows from a tiny ball of cells to about 1 inch long, roughly the size of a raspberry, by the end of week 8, says Cleveland Clinic. All the major body systems start to form. The MedlinePlus guide says the brain, spinal cord and heart begin to develop in week 5. By weeks 6 to 7, the heart beats at a regular rhythm, and this can be seen on a vaginal ultrasound. Arm and leg buds start to grow, and the eyes and ears begin to form. By week 8, the hands and feet look like little paddles, and the lungs start to form. The placenta and amniotic sac are still forming too. In this stage, your little one looks a bit like a tadpole, because the head is large compared to the body. By the end of the eighth week, the embryo is called a fetus.
Measures to take
As we said before, this is a special time when your baby's organs are forming. MedlinePlus says this is when your baby is most at risk from things that can cause birth defects, like certain medicines, alcohol and some infections. So pay extra attention to what you eat and take. Eat a healthy, balanced diet and keep taking your prenatal vitamin with folic acid. Before you take any medicine or herbal supplement, ask your doctor. Do not stop a prescribed medicine on your own.
Try to avoid stress and get plenty of rest. Taking time to relax while listening to soft bedtime lullabies and gentle music can help you feel calm. A slow song like Rockabye Baby Lullaby is a nice one to hum while you rest.
Everything is still very new at this stage, so take good care of yourself, especially if this is your first pregnancy or you have had a pregnancy loss before. Staying active is good for you. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) says pregnant women should ideally get at least 150 minutes of moderate activity each week, like brisk walking. If you are new to exercise, start with just 5 minutes a day. Talk to your doctor about what is right for you.
This is a month of hormone changes, so you may notice some differences in your body. You may get constipated, so eat plenty of fresh fruit and drink enough water. ACOG says exercise can also ease constipation. If you feel tired, rest. Many women get morning sickness (nausea or vomiting), which can happen at any time of day, not just in the morning.
It is natural to feel worried at this stage, so talk about your pregnancy with your partner or a friend.
If morning sickness bothers you, try some simple tips from ACOG. Eat five or six small meals a day so your stomach is never empty, and snack on things like nuts, fruit or crackers. Ginger can help settle your stomach, like ginger tea made from fresh ginger, ginger candies or ginger ale made with real ginger.
If these tips do not help, talk to your doctor. ACOG says vitamin B6 is a safe, over the counter treatment that may be tried first, and there are other safe medicines your doctor can suggest. Call your doctor if nausea and vomiting affect your daily life. Call right away if you cannot keep food or water down, feel dizzy or faint, or are losing weight. A severe form called hyperemesis gravidarum happens in up to 3 percent of pregnancies and may need treatment.
When you are ready, read what comes next in the third month of pregnancy.
Questions About the Second Month of Pregnancy
How big is the baby at 2 months pregnant?
By the end of week 8, the baby is about 1 inch long, roughly the size of a raspberry.
Can I see the heartbeat at 2 months?
Often, yes. By weeks 6 to 7, the heart beats at a regular rhythm, and this can be seen on a vaginal ultrasound.
What helps with morning sickness?
Try small meals throughout the day and ginger. If that does not help, ask your doctor about vitamin B6 or other safe medicines.
Is it safe to exercise in the second month?
For most women, yes. ACOG says to aim for 150 minutes of moderate activity each week. Ask your doctor what is right for you.
This post is for general information only. It is not medical advice. If you have questions about your health or your pregnancy, please talk to your doctor.