During the second month of pregnancy, you may probably have an idea how it feels to be pregnant. Pregnancy is a special time for you and developing a baby.
In some cases, the first months of pregnancy may come with all sorts of feelings, but eventually, things may calm down as you progress.
Baby and belly size pictures are common with first-time mothers because of the excitement. It doesn’t matter whether it is your first, second or third pregnancy, each pregnancy comes with its share of symptoms.
- It is therefore vital to be vast with the major symptoms to expect during the second month of pregnancy.
How many weeks is 2 months pregnancy?
Pregnancy is counted from the first day of the last menstrual period (LMP) even if chances are you were not pregnant by then.
The first day of a period is two weeks before ovulation and conception. Counting begins from this period because majority of women do not know when they last ovulated, but may know their first day of period
Pregnancy does not take exactly nine months, the only month that has exactly four weeks in February except for a leap year. All the other months in a year have either 30 or 31 days. For this reason a two months pregnancy is likely to be 9-12 weeks.
2 months pregnant symptoms and signs
As your baby grows, several changes occur in the body to accommodate your developing baby. At two months of pregnancy you will notice the following:
1. Increase in breast size
During this time, the breast becomes fuller, tender and sometimes painful as a result of several hormones in the body leading to water retention in the breast tissue.
The breast tenderness is likely to continue for some months or until end of pregnancy. The darker part surrounding the nipple called the areolar will darken, and its fine structure becomes more prominent.
2. Gastrointestinal issues
Morning sickness is likely to continue in the second month all the way from the previous month. Morning sickness intensifies during the second month of pregnancy. You might also feel sickly most of the time which is quite normal.
You are likely to experience bloating and constipation. This is because an increase in progesterone hormone causes relaxation of smooth muscles including those of the digestive tract.
For this reason, movement of food moves slowly down the digestive tract hence constipation.
3. Fatigue and insomnia
You may be exceedingly tired but not sleepy. This is common, and the only way to keep insomnia at bay is to rest enough and keep fatigue under control.
Take short naps during the day and do some exercises to help you relax.
4. Increased urination
You may note that you are frequently visiting the toilet unlike before. From the second month, the baby’s growth puts your bladder under pressure; it becomes easily irritated so you will need to empty it now and then.
To help deal with frequent trips to the bathroom, practice Kegels exercises. These exercises involve applying pressure to the pelvic muscles while urinating.
You should urinate for some seconds and hold on, do this repeatedly until you have emptied your bladder completely. The exercises help strengthen the bladder muscles.
5. Increased thirst
You may start feeling some metallic taste in the mouth. Saliva may be increased in the morning hours compared to the rest of the day. Because of increased urination, your thirst increases.
Your body also needs fluid to enhance the amniotic environment for growth and development of the baby.
- Drink about 10 glasses of water daily to help counter with the amount you happen to be losing through urination.
6. Abdominal pain
During the second month, the baby has begun to occupy space in the course of growth. For this reason, the fetus is likely to cause tension on the lower part of the uterus leading to occasional abdominal pain.
7. Changes in vaginal discharge
Due to pregnancy, you do not expect to have the same discharge as usual. The color, consistency and viscosity changes. This is nothing to worry about, however, visit your doctor as soon as possible when you experience unpleasant smell from the discharge.
Baby at two months pregnant
Most women may not know how it feels to be pregnant until the second month of their pregnancy. In fact number of women may not realize that they could be pregnant until 6 weeks of pregnancy. Here is the growth and development progress of your baby at 2 months:
Fetus developments
Internal organs at two months there are several observations that can be made through an ultrasound examination. They are as follows:
Inner organs
At two months the fetus heart is prominent and covers about 50 percent of the chest. There is a visible heartbeat. Other internal organs such as the appendix, intestines, and lungs begin to form towards the end of the second week.
Arms and legs
At two months the arms and legs begin to appear. Pictures of an ultrasound show little bumps that elongate into little growths that eventually become toes and fingers.
Head
During the second month of pregnancy, the baby’s head grows faster than all the other body parts of the body. The brain of the baby develops faster, so it is normal to have a bigger head at this stage. At 2 months your baby’s facial features will have begun forming and taking shape.
Baby size
During the second week, the placenta is steadily forming hence your baby is making some growth and development adjustments. At two months your baby is about 0.7-1 inch in length weighing 9 grams.
Ultrasound observations (with pictures)
Ultrasound pictures at two months show a 5.3 cm long embryo with small webbed fingers and feet that are visible. The elbows become prominent, the hands and fingers may be distinguishable. The brain cavity may be seen as large holes in the embryonic head
The heart rate is also evident; the heart may look like it has covered about 60 percent of the chest area. Most ultrasound pictures are not able to show fluid-filled abdomen below the heart at two months.
- Ultrasound pictures show a transparent baby skin, transparent enough to be able to see veins under the skin on some body parts
2 months pregnant belly bump (with picture)
What does two months pregnant look like? How it feels to be pregnant at two months is unique in each woman. At two months the uterus is expanding however it may take longer for anyone to notice you are pregnant unless you tell them.
- It is quite difficult to measure the size of the belly because your abdomen may seem flat.
The only way to know you have a healthy pregnancy is to check on the amount of weight you gain each week. A pregnant woman should add 1-2 pounds or half a kilogram each week.
At the end of 8 weeks, you should have added between 4-8 pounds (2-4 kilograms)
Belly size with twins
Are you able to know you are carrying twins by just looking at the belly size? Pregnancy bellies are measured in centimeters. Twin pregnancy means that your belly size will measure much more than it a single fetus pregnancy.
If you happen to be two months pregnant, your belly should measure around 14 cm. Even though, for some women, until they are into the second trimester, it is difficult to tell they are pregnant as their belly size remains the same.
Important tests to take at two months
Screening and various prenatal tests diagnose any existing health issues that might affect the mother and baby’s health. The tests also give baseline data for mothers monitoring throughout pregnancy.
Here is the test that you are likely to undergo during the second month of pregnancy:
1. Genetic testing
For some of these tests, your doctor will ask you to bring your partner for blood samples.
- Genetic testing for inherited diseases checks for a carrier status for specific diseases to help determine the possibility of giving birth to a baby with such defects.
- Genetic testing for hemoglobin disorders checks the partner’s blood for the presence of hemoglobin disorders to rule out a possibility of giving birth to a baby with such a disorder.
- Cystic fibrosis testing checks on the carrier status for cystic fibrosis, this is to rule out growth abnormalities in the future.
2. Mother health condition tests
These tests pay attention to the pregnant woman’s health status.
- Blood sugar or blood glucose test involves checking mother sample blood for ketones. Ketones is a definitive measure for diabetes type 2.Diabetes type 2 can be inherited from mother to child and can cause significant change in your baby health.
- Pap test is also known as cervical screening screens for cervical cancer and other sexually transmitted infections.
- German measles tests determine the immunity of a mother to the measles virus which can cause serious congenital disabilities.
- HIV /aids screening checks for HIV in blood and involves steps of self-protection
- Varicella-zoster screening checks for immunity of chicken pox which is also likely to cause congenital disabilities.
- Urine culture testing can detect bacteria in the urinary system which could lead to kidney diseases.
3. Pregnancy monitoring tests
The pregnancy hormone rises to certain levels to sustain the growing baby. Your doctor is likely to test for such hormone using blood samples now and then.
- Urine screening for protein is done to check for the presence of gestational diabetes and undiagnosed kidney disease.
- Complete blood count tests are mainly done to check on overall platelet, red cells and white blood cells count and also to rule out anemia.
- Blood typing and antibody screening tests are done to check for possible blood incompatibility in the blood type between the mother and the fetus(rhesus type)
- Glucose challenge test involves fasting and later on testing for sugar levels to determine the possibility of gestational diabetes.
- Thyroid stimulating hormone testing checks for thyroid hormone levels to rule of the possibility of hormonal imbalance during pregnancy.
4. Fetal abnormalities detection tests
The first trimester Down syndrome screening is usually to assess using the blood of the mother or through an ultrasound test to detect asses risk of carrying a fetus with specific chromosomal abnormalities.
- Chorionic villus sampling tests detect the chromosomal disorders in the fetus using placenta cells.
Changes to expect in your body
During the 2nd month of pregnancy, you are likely to experience the real feeling of being pregnant. The human chorionic gonadotropin hormone (hCG) is likely to rise to peak and decline before the end of the second month of pregnancy.
The placenta also begins to produce hormone progesterone and estradiol hormones to sustain the pregnancy.
A few changes are likely to be visible during the second month of pregnancy as below:
- The texture of your hair will change tremendously. The hair becomes thick and shiny because of the increased hormonal activities and blood supply to the follicles.
- Due to the increased amount of progesterone, your skin is likely to become flawless and may glow. However, depending on the hormonal levels you could experience pigmentations on the skin as well as acne.
- Pregnancy gingivitis may occur, the gums may bleed especially when eating something hard or brushing your teeth. If this happens to use warm saline water to sooth the swollen gums. Also, visit your doctor to test for blood pressure
- Your belly increases in size and mass can be felt at the symphysis pubis when palpation is done. You may not be able to wear your fitting clothes like before.
Tips for two months pregnant mothers
Here is what you should do for healthy pregnancy at two months:
1. Scheduled clinics
From early in pregnancy, your doctor will schedule a two-weekly or monthly physical check-up. During ante-natal clinics, you are likely to undergo blood analysis to test for various infections and blood sugar.
Additionally, your doctor will check your blood pressure. You must honor such scheduled clinics for the well -being of yourself and the baby.
2. Avoid stress
Stress is inevitable at times. However, for the sake of the growing fetus do not impose unnecessary stress upon yourself. A lot of stress increases your blood pressure which might end up causing a miscarriage or inter-uterine fetal death.
3. Proper diet
You and your growing baby need an appropriately balanced diet. Increase your consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables. Consume plenty of water to avoid dehydration and constipation.
Additionally, take your antenatal supplements. Supplements of folic acid help prevent neuro-tubal defects during growth and development of your baby.
4. Exercises
You will only remain healthy if you stay active during your pregnancy. It is important to talk to your doctor to help you choose a prenatal work out plan. Here are the benefits of exercises during pregnancy:
- Exercises eases pregnancy discomfort associated with baby lie
- Work out reduces your likelihood of undergoing a cesarean section.
- Exercises enhance proper weight gain.
5. Avoid infections
Even though one cannot completely keep away from being ill, some precautions may help you keep sickness away during pregnancy. Clean your hands before touching food. Additionally, avoid allergic foods that may make you fall sick.
Precautions to take
The first few months of pregnancy happens to be the most sensitive period of fetal growth and development. During this time, the majority of the organs are developing.
Therefore, one needs to be very careful not to disrupt the growth and development process of the baby. Here are the precautions to adhere to for a healthy mum and baby:
1. Avoid alcohol
There is no proper research to show how much alcohol you need to take in pregnancy. Alcohol has several adverse effects including mental problems, weight-related problems, and an abnormality in the facial features.
2. Slow down on caffeine
Caffeine is a powerful stimulant. It has effects on different people differently. For this reason, it is best to avoid it all together. Research has shown that caffeine consumption leads to slowed fetal growth and premature birth.
Other side effects of caffeine on the mother include:
- Irritability dehydration
- Headache
- Irregular heartbeat
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
3 Cigarettes
Cigarettes contain nicotine that is harmful to the liver, lungs, and abdomen. Cigarette smoking leads to an underweight baby as well as premature birth. It may also predispose your unborn baby to breathe and mental issues
You should also stay away from people smoking in your surroundings. Passive smoking could affect you and your unborn baby in a bigger way than you may think.
4. Avoid hot tubs
Saunas and Jacuzzis are not good for your health, leave alone that of your unborn baby. The high temperatures may cause hormonal alterations of the baby due to the increased temperature.
Increased temperatures also alter your metabolism and may lead to undesirable results such as nausea and vomiting.
5. Stay away from seafood
There are some species of fish that are good for consumption; however, one needs to be extra careful about which ones you eat. You may talk to your doctor to point out a few non-harmful kinds of seafood.
Majority of the foods contain mercury which may lead to neuro-tubal congenital disabilities. The foods to avoid include swordfish, tuna, tilefish and mackerel.
6. Avoid unprescribed medicine
Some herbs and medicines may cause fetal development, while others may lead to a miscarriage, premature birth or severe painful contractions. Besides this do not buy yourself medications without consulting with your doctor.
- Some of the over the counter medications are contra-indicated during pregnancy as it may cause fetal toxicity.
On the other note, avoid unnecessary ultrasound or x-ray examinations because the rays could be harmful to your unborn baby.
Additionally:
- Practice proper hygiene to avoid gastrointestinal related upsets and minor ailments such as flu.
- Avoid sharing personal items such as towels. This could lead to skin related as well as urinary infections
- Rest all you can, but remember to stay up on your feet whenever necessary
SOURCES AND REFERENCES
- Pregnancy week by week (June 2014): https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/basics/healthy-pregnancy/hlv-20049471
- The first trimester: your baby’s growth and development in early pregnancy (June 2015): https://www.webmd.com/baby/1to3-months
- Fetal development: Stages of growth (March 2014): https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/fetal-development-stages-of-growth
- Your pregnancy week by week (May 2015): https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/fetal-development-stages-of-growth