What Happens in the Second Month of Pregnancy
The second month of pregnancy marks the start of the embryonic stage, wherein the fertilized egg, or embryo, continues to grow and develop. As the baby grows, the mother’s body will also start to make noticeable changes.
Development of the Baby
The baby is now composed of three layers, the endoderm, mesoderm and ectoderm, each of which is responsible for the formation of different parts of the baby’s body. This is the time when the skeleton, muscles, heart, kidneys, gastrointestinal system and other organs begin to take shape. All the major organs and systems have been established by the end of the second month of pregnancy.
Changes in the Mother
During the second month of pregnancy, many mothers can start to notice physical changes in their bodies such as:
- Weight gain – The mother’s body weight increases due to the extra fluid accumulation in her body to meet the baby’s needs.
- Fatigue – The hormones produced by the body during pregnancy can make the mother feel more tired than before.
- Morning sickness – The production of the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin, or HCG, causes many women to feel nauseous and dizzy.
- Increased Appetite – The baby will require more calories and food than usual which can make the mother feel hungry more often.
- Sore Breasts – This is due to the increased production of the hormone progesterone, which is necessary for the baby’s growth.
- Vaginal Discharge – This is totally normal and is caused by the increased blood flow to the area.
Medical Care
The mother should begin to see her doctor during this stage to make sure that she is getting the proper nutrition and adequate amounts of rest. The doctor may also recommend certain tests to check the baby’s development.
At the end of the second month, doctors may be able to determine through ultrasound whether the baby is a boy or a girl. Some tests can also help detect any potential health risks.
It is important for the mother to make sure that she gets regular prenatal checkups and follows the advice given by her doctor. At the same time, she should be aware of the signs and symptoms that could indicate a problem and take the necessary steps to address it.
Conclusion
The second month of pregnancy abounds in incredible changes. As the baby develops, the mother experiences a host of physical and emotional changes, and must also start to follow a healthier, more balanced diet and lifestyle. By seeking timely medical advice and taking precautions to stay healthy, the mother can ensure that the rest of her pregnancy and the baby’s development is as smooth as possible.
Welcome to my fertility blog. This is a space where I will be sharing my experiences as I navigate through the world of fertility treatments, as well as provide information and resources about fertility and pregnancy.
