Second Month of Pregnancy : Care, Diet, Symptoms & Fetus Development

5 years ago Baby Destination Editor

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The second month of pregnancy is not very different from the first. The symptoms are quite similar. However, the developmental changes in the baby are more significant this month. In addition to that, for most moms, this is when they visit the doctor for the very first time. So, prepare yourself for several medical tests to determine how healthy your pregnancy is.

Second Month Of Pregnancy: Bodily Changes in the Mother

The changes are not very significant, although there are quite a few this month. Here is what you can expect in the second month of your pregnancy:

Weight: You may notice a slight increase in weight, as the embryo develops. However, the weight gain is very little, between 0.5-1 kg each month, for the first trimester in general.
Hormones: The most significant hormonal change in the second month is the increase in progesterone. This hormone is responsible for increasing blood circulation to ensure that the needs of the baby are fulfilled. It is common to feel warmer in this month as the blood volume in the body increases.
Breasts become larger: The breast will continue to become larger in the second month. The nipples seem to protrude more and will develop small nodules around them.
Sleep: Sleep disturbance is common during the second month. This is because of the change in the level of hormones that also come with several emotional changes. You tend to become more anxious and some women may also experience depression that makes it harder to fall asleep.
Tenderness of the gums: The hormonal changes also make the gums feel tender and soft. Taking care of your dental hygiene is extremely important in this month.
Chances of constipation: The intestines become less efficient during the second month leading to issues like constipation.

Second Month Of Pregnancy: Developmental Changes in the Baby

The baby develops significantly by the second month. This is when the embryo becomes visible with the head and the body becoming more distinguishable. Here are some noticeable changes from the onset of the second month:

Three germ layers are formed: In this stage, the ectoderm, mesoderm, and the endoderm which lead to the development of all the other organs and tissues are formed.
Development of the Central Nervous System: A structure called the neural plate develops in the fifth stage. This is where the brain, spine and other structures develop from. Towards the end of the second month, the back of the brain grows very rapidly making the head look bigger and bent over.
Limbs: Limbs develop during the second month. The elbow and wrist are very noticeable. The upper and lower region of the legs also develop. You will notice buds at the end of the limbs that will later become the fingers.
Development of the sex organs: Towards the eight week, the ovaries develop in case of a girl.
Heartbeat: Towards the end of the fifth week, the heart is formed and it looks like a tube. This is when the heart begins to beat.
Formation of other structures: The mesoderm forms sections called somites from which the skin, muscles, and skeleton will later develop.
Other changes: The umbilical cord is more prominent. The embryo assumes the upright position.

Second Month Of Pregnancy: Pregnancy Symptoms

Nausea
Fatigue
Food Aversions or food cravings
Vaginal discharge
Possible development of acne
Mood swings
Frequent urination
Loss of sex drive
Dizziness

Food to Eat During Second Month of Pregnancy

The most important nutrients that you need during the first trimester is folic acid, iron, calcium, Omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin B6. Each meal must include the following:

Protein to support the baby’s growth and development. Include lentils, beans, cheese, milk, fish, eggs, tofu, skinless chicken and variety of nuts in your diet.
Carbohydrates like whole grains such as multigrain chapati, whole wheat pasta, breads and brown rice.
Calcium is a must and you should aim for 3 to 4 servings of calcium rich foods per day. This includes low fat milk, curd, cottage cheese.

Second Month Of Pregnancy: Things to Take Care of

There are several things to take care of in each stage of pregnancy, as mentioned below:

General Health

The diet will remain similar to your first month. Make sure that you increase fiber intake to reduce chances of constipation.
Drink lots of water.
If you feel comfortable, it is a good idea to exercise lightly.
Any vaginal bleeding, abdominal pain, vaginal discharge or extreme uneasiness should be reported to the doctor immediately.

Prenatal Check-Up

Urine and blood tests must be done to ensure that there are no conditions that may affect pregnancy.
A pelvic exam must be completed to check for cysts and to check the cervix, vagina and pelvic bones.
The blood pressure, weight, and height are measured to ensure that they are normal.
An ultrasound may be recommended to check for chromosomal abnormality in case of family history. Usually, this test is done during the 10th or 14th week. You will be able to hear the baby’s heartbeat for the first time if this test is recommended.

FAQs

Is it normal to lose weight in the second month?

Yes. Some women may lose weight initially due to morning sickness. This lost weight is recovered easily in the third trimester.

Are there any causes for concern?

This is a sensitive stage of pregnancy. One of the biggest causes for concern is vaginal bleeding which is the most common symptom of miscarriage in the first trimester. Besides this, you must watch out for any abdominal pain or vaginal discharge.

How to reduce nausea and morning sickness?

Eating something first thing in the morning, usually a biscuit is very beneficial. It is best to avoid any high-fat foods or spicy foods. Also, eating small and frequent meals is known to provide relief.

Read Also: Makhan During Pregnancy

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