Your Pregnancy: The Second Month

THE SECOND MONTH (Weeks 5-8)

Even though you are not showing yet, a lot is going on inside your body! Your little blastocyst is starting to take form and is now called an embryo.

Your Baby

During this second month, your baby is making over a million new cells every minute! These cells are forming all of your baby’s organs. The heart takes shape first, followed by the liver. By the end of the second month, all of your baby’s organs will be in place, though they will not be fully functioning yet. Also by the end of this month your baby will have arm and leg buds which are starting to grow into your baby’s limbs. He or she has the beginnings of his or her eyes, including eyelids which are fused shut for now.  Your baby now weighs about half an ounce and is about the size of a raspberry.

Your Body

You may not look pregnant, but you are probably starting to feel pregnant. Your uterus is expanding to accommodate your baby. As your uterus expands, it may be putting pressure on your bladder, meaning that you may be using the bathroom more often.  You may also be feeling morning sickness - which despite its name, can happen at any time of the day or night. You may be having problems sleeping, but still feel tired and fatigued much of the time. Don’t be surprised if you are feeling especially moody as well – your body is swimming in hormones! Perhaps the most noticeable change will be in your breasts, which are by now, very tender. You may also find that you need to buy new bras because you have grown a cup size! In addition, the areola has probably turned darker.

What You Need to Know

If you haven’t started taking a prenatal supplement, make sure to start as soon as possible. Make sure that you are eating healthy, and of course staying away from things that can hurt your baby like tobacco, alcohol, mercury and other toxins. Remember, the first trimester is a critical time of growth for your baby.

You will probably have your first doctor’s appointment this month. Your doctor will want to make sure that you are healthy and that your baby is developing normally. That means lots of questions, tests, and of course a full exam. Your doctor will need blood and urine samples. She will also give you a physical exam that will most likely include a pap smear. All of these tests are important to help prevent complications with your pregnancy. At this appointment, you will probably also get to hear your baby’s heartbeat for the first time.

Be sure to discuss any concerns you have with your doctor. Also make sure you talk to your doctor about medications you may want to take to deal with some of your symptoms like morning sickness, headaches, and sleeplessness.

Read More About the Different Months in Pregnancy:

• First Month
• Second Month
• Third Month
• Fourth Month
• Fifth Month
• Sixth Month
• Seventh Month
• Eighth Month
• Ninth Month

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