The second month of pregnancy comes quickly, accompanied by pregnancy fatigue. However, it is also a crucial month for the baby who is growing at an astonishing rate.
When Does the Second Month Start?
The second month of pregnancy falls between the fourth week of pregnancy and the eighth week inclusive. Medically, it is calculated between 6 weeks from the last menstrual period and 10 weeks from the last menstrual period. However, a pregnant woman sometimes may not be aware of her pregnancy during the first month, making this second month seem imminent to her!
How’s the Belly in the Second Month of Pregnancy?
In the second month of pregnancy, a woman’s body undergoes several changes that affect the condition of the belly. Here’s a summary of the belly’s condition at this stage:
- Slight increase in size: In most cases, there might not be a significant increase in belly size during the second month. The fetus is still very small at this stage.
- Changes in comfort and bloating: Some women may feel changes in belly comfort or bloating during this stage due to hormonal changes affecting the digestive system.
- Uterus elevation: There is a slight elevation in the position of the uterus during this month as it prepares to accommodate the growing fetus.
- Increase in blood circulation: Blood circulation to the pelvic area increases during this stage to provide nutrients and oxygen to the fetus.
From the Mother’s Perspective: How Does a Pregnant Woman Feel in the Second Month?
During this second month, a pregnant woman enters a tangible stage of pregnancy. Pregnancy symptoms worsen, which may have started at the end of the first month, becoming sometimes very present in daily life.
Pronounced Fatigue
It’s a period where a woman’s body expends a lot of energy for the fetus’s good growth, resulting in severe fatigue. Especially since sleep is disturbed at this time. Don’t hesitate to rest and go to bed early if your body requires it.
Onset of Nausea and Vomiting Sometimes
This is the time when nausea or morning sickness may start, for a few weeks. These are not obligatory, but they affect many mothers (about 3 out of 4). Nausea is associated with a sharp increase in the level of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) hormone, which rises sharply during the first three months of pregnancy. It may be accompanied by vomiting in some women, but it remains mostly harmless. If you are very bothered by uncontrollable nausea or vomiting, make an appointment with your doctor.
Minor New Pregnancy Ailments
Other symptoms may appear, such as heartburn, cramps, or feeling of heaviness in the legs without hindering the mother. However, if you feel increasing pain, don’t hesitate to consult your doctor. This could be a sign of a problem like miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, …
Excessive Sensitivity
Do you feel like you’re ready to shed tears for nothing? Don’t worry, it’s very normal. Pregnancy hormones, which also play a role, can complicate your relationships and make you very sensitive or anxious. This is part of the package, but it can also give you great joy!
What Tests Are Planned for the Second Month of Pregnancy?
First Prenatal Examination
The first prenatal examination consists of a series of 7 tests in total, to be conducted between the second and third months of pregnancy, with an obstetrician-gynecologist or midwife, authorized to respond. During this appointment, you will be questioned about your health and informed about the use of medications or any other procedures (diet, quitting smoking, etc.). The doctor or midwife generally prescribes vitamin B9 for the good growth of the child, in addition to a full series of tests that should be performed.
Tests Mentioned on the Agenda
Starting from the second month, the mother begins tests to ensure the health of her baby and herself.
- Urinary cytological examination
- Cervical smear, if you are not up to date with your last tests.
It’s Time Also
- Don’t compromise on food. As a reminder, raw milk, raw milk cheese, yogurt, undercooked or raw meats, and fish should be avoided throughout pregnancy. Habitually!
- Schedule an appointment for the first ultrasound at 12 weeks.
- Get to know the health professionals (doctor, obstetrician, midwife) briefly, the network that will follow you.
- Choose your maternity ward, if it has not already been done, depending on the location, distance, and available delivery methods… Registering early is very early.
- Start your maternity wardrobe, as your body will change a lot. Think above all about the nursing bra, which should be comfortable and follow your evolution.
On the Baby’s Side: Growth Accelerates
8 weeks and the heartbeat accelerates
In the second month of pregnancy, everything moves very quickly for the future baby: Fetal development has taken a giant step forward! From the organs that grow noticeably… the heart! which doubled in size and now beats at a noticeable and completely normal pace! You can now hear it in your doctor’s office, which will delight you. The baby’s stomach, liver, and pancreas are already in place, while the cerebral hemispheres form.
The Baby Has a Face
The shape of the fetus is also forming rapidly. At the end of this second month, the arms and legs are slowly forming, as well as the face! Features like cheeks and mouth are defined. The eyes are in their sockets, and the optic nerves already detect differences in light.
The face and hands can be seen from the seventh week, and at the end of the second month, the fetus, which now measures 3 cm, begins to straighten up.
The baby’s sex is not visible yet but has nevertheless been defined.
Is It Possible to Feel Fetal Movement in the Second Month of Pregnancy?
You’re not patient, and that’s normal. At two months old, the fetus is already moving in your belly, immersed in amniotic fluid. But it is still too small for you to feel its movements. You’ll have to wait a little longer to feel the first “bubbles” in your belly.
