Pregnancy Second Month:
Weeks 5, 6, 7, 8
For most women, the second month of pregnancy (weeks 5, 6, 7, 8) feels similar to the start of the pregnancy. It feels this way for two reasons. First, most women don't find out until the fourth or fifth week, and second, most pregnancy symptoms don't hit hard and heavy until the end of the fourth week, after the body has already undergone significant changes. Because of these changes your baby is able to grow strong and healthy inside you. Her development this month is significant. While you won't be able to feel her moving for a few months, you will feel the effects of your body changing to accommodate her.
During the second month of life, your baby will begin to lose the shape of the tadpole and take on the shape of a baby. The tail that she has at the end of the first month reduces in size this month, and arms and legs begin to form. As these get longer, the tail gets shorter. Your baby is now considered an embryo, instead of a blastocyst. Her ears and eyes begin to grow, although she won't be able to hear or see for a few more months. Her mouth continues to take shape. Tiny tooth buds are already growing inside her gums. She is starting to look like a very, very small baby.
Physical features are not the only thing to develop this month. Her heart has already begun beating, but this month it will separate into two chambers. Her skin is translucent and she already has blood-filled veins which are visible beneath the skin. Her spinal column is developing, as are the major organs such as the kidneys and the brain. Even the yolk sac which has been giving her nourishment begins to change this month. In a short time it will be the placenta, which will nourish and protect your baby until she is born. By the end of this month your baby will be anywhere from half an inch to an inch long.
By this point in the pregnancy you are probably experiencing some minor symptoms. Typically breast changes, frequent urination, and fatigue are the first to be felt. Around the six week mark you may begin to feel the onset of morning sickness. Morning sickness hits every woman differently. Some never experience it while others feel like they have a flu that will never end. If you suffer from morning sickness, know that it will eventually come to an end. It typically lasts through the first trimester, sometimes into the second. While morning sickness can be difficult to deal with, there are ways to ease the discomfort. First thing in the morning eat something simple that's easy to digest, but that will give your body some energy. You'll want to choose a food that isn't sweet so steer clear of cereal and fruit. Crackers, dry bread, or even a slice of cheese can keep the sickness at bay while you prepare your regular breakfast. Your goal is to get something very basic in your stomach before the morning sickness has time to set in. Some women even sleep with a pack of crackers on their nightstand, for nighttime or early morning emergencies. After you’ve gotten something in your stomach, feel free to eat whatever you normally do.
During the day eat regular small meals, about every two hours. You want to keep some food in your stomach, but you don't want to overstuff yourself. An empty stomach and a bloated stomach are two surefire ways to end up nauseated on the couch, or throwing up in the bathroom. Also, remember to eat a good amount of protein. Protein will give you energy and can help to control the morning sickness, when eaten in reasonable portions. It's also essential to the growth and development of your baby. You can find protein in meat, nuts, and dairy products (cheese, eggs, milk, and yogurt). Some women will even drink a protein shake every day because it is a quick, easy way to get a large dose of the protein you and your baby need. If changing your eating habits doesn't do anything for the morning sickness, there are foods that may help reduce the nausea. Crackers and cheese, some form of ginger, and peppermint are just a few examples. There are also pregnancy pops that are designed to reduce morning sickness. Foods that are hard to digest or spicy can make morning sickness worse. You'll probably notice you have some food cravings. More often than not, the food you are craving won't make you sick, if you don't overeat, so try to pay attention to your body. A lot of women crave vegetables or foods that are high in protein. If you’re craving a food that has nutritional properties, go for it. It may be just what you need.
Not every woman will experience morning sickness. However, most will have varying degrees of fatigue at some point during the first trimester. Rest is important for you and your baby, so make sure you get plenty of it. If you can, plan a time every day for a nap. Sleeping for just an hour or two, if you can do it, can give you the energy you need to get through the remainder of the day. Even fifteen minute power naps spread out throughout the day can be beneficial. Just make sure you get the rest that you need.
Other pregnancy symptoms will pop up in the second month, though they aren't usually as frustrating as morning sickness and fatigue. These symptoms include a sore or swollen vaginal area, which is caused by the increased blood flow to the vagina, and an increase in vaginal discharge. The discharge helps keep the area clean and free of infection. You may also experience mouth watering, excessive thirst, indigestion, and food cravings. Eating small, easily digestible meals will help with the indigestion. Also, be sure to drink plenty of water. The thirst is there for a reason.
By the end of the second month you will be in full pregnancy mode. Your body is changing to accommodate baby, and your thoughts are probably changing as well. Suddenly you notice everything you eat, every new sensation in your abdomen. If you exercise you may notice that you tone down the exercises, for the baby's sake. Everything you do now revolves around your baby. This is absolutely normal. Motherly instincts start early, and you naturally want to give your baby the best start you can in life.
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