Baby's Development for month 2

Mothers's Development

Things to do

Tips

Baby's Development for month 2 of pregnancy

• Length - 0.08-0.16 inches or 2-4mm long
• The heart begins to beat around this time, and his eyes begin to form. Growth is very rapid these weeks, most of the other organs are developing and buds which will form the limbs appear.
• With sensitive equipment a heartbeat can be seen around this time, but it is not usually checked until around week 11 or 12.
• Length - 0.33 inches or 8 mm long (about the size of a grain of rice)
• Her legs and arms continue to develop, but the fingers and toes have not developed yet.
• Her heart has a left and right chamber and her brain is growing and the eyes, nostrils, intestines, pancreas and bronchi are also developing.
• Length - 0.6 inches or 13-16 mm long (about the size of a cherry)
• Your baby's head has grown quite quickly, due to the rapid development of the brain. The upper limbs resemble paddles and in the next few weeks, foot plates with the biginnings of toes will appear.
• Your baby's external ears are present
• He starts to move spontaneously, but you won't feel anything yet.
• Length - 0.6-0.66 inches or 14-19 mm long
• Weight - about 1 gram
• Gonads have become testes or ovaries, depending on whether you are having a boy or a girl.
• Her bones are now forming, and the basic structure for her eye is now in place and her tongue begins to develop. Her fingers and thumbs appear as short webbed stumps.
• Her intestines move out of the umbilical cord and into the abdomen as her body grows. Your baby has now graduated from an embryo to a foetus.

Mothers Development for month 2 of pregnancy

• You may have gained some weight or lost it due to morning sickness. Your breasts become more tender and you may notice that morning sickness is become worse.
• You should avoid all alcohol, smoking, drugs and other substances that you don't need (hair colouring etc.), this is a critical time in your baby's development.
• You should think about who and when you are going to tell people that you are pregnant. Some people want to tell everybody straight away, some want to wait until the threat of a miscarriage has past or until they get used to the idea themselves. You should do whatever you feel is right.
• Throughout your pregnancy watch out for bleeding, cramping and/or abdominal pains, blood clots. Contact your GP or Gynaecologist straight away - it may be a sign of miscarriage - however, many women bleed during pregnancy and go on to have healthy babies. It is important to notify your GP/Gynae and get it checked out.
• You may have gained or lost weight at this stage, and still suffer from the early symptoms of pregnancy.
• You may notice some spots on your face, this is due to the increased levels of hormones in your body. Drinking lots of water may help.
• You will still probably not 'show' yet, eventhough you may have gained some weight. Some women also feel dizzy or light-headed at times. If thi spersists, contact your GP.
• If you experience leg cramps, try not to stand for long periods.
• Cravings are most common in the first trimester. These usually disappear around the fourth month. If you crave a certain food, it does not mean that your body needs it. Try to avoid your cravings for unhealthy food by thinking of a healthy alternative. Eating healthy is extremely important for the well-being of the foetus.
• Your digestive system has slowed and this can cause digestion or a feeling that you are bloated. Wear loose-fitting clothes, eat small and frequently and avoid high fat foods. Basically, you should never be too full or have an empty stomach.
• You may also notice an increase in vaginal discharge. If you do and it makes you very itchy, or is smelly, go and see your doctor - it could be thrush.
• You may also feel very tired. This is normal, but do try to get as much rest as possible.
• This is the week you would have expected your second period. A supportive bra may ease some of the tenderness in your breasts, as they are now fuller and more sensitive.
• You may experience some heartburn an indegestion, and you may notice some clothes becoming tight.
• You may even find a slight brownish or reddish discharge. So long as the cramping is not severe, and the spotting is not bright red, you are probably just fine. If you have any worries or concerns, just contact your GP.

Things To Do in month 2

• A healthy diet, proper exercise and extra rest will help you to have a healthy pregnancy. Avoid high impact exercises and discuss the topic with your doctor.
   
• Remember, you are NOT eating for two, again discuss any queries you have about your diet with your doctor.
   
• Avoid alcohol and smoking for the duration of the pregnancy.
   
• Continue taking a folic acid supplement. Your doctor can subscribe this and any other supplements which are needed. Large doses of some vitamins can be dangerous during pregnancy. If you intend taking any additional vitamins discuss this with your doctor.
   
• Do not take drugs, herbal remedies or medications that are not approved by your doctor.
   
• Avoid being exposed to x-rays, lead, mercury and pesticides. If your job exposes you to any of these, discuss a temporary move with your employer.
   
• If you don't know your due date use our calculator to find out. A description of the methods behind this calculator can be found on our How to calculate pregnancy due dates page.

Tips

• Try and rest more during this month.
   
• Eating small amounts more frequently may help if you are suffering from morning sickness.
   
• Eat a variety of healthy foods from the following food groups : cerealsand grains, fruits, vegetables, dairy products, meat and beans.
   
• Calcium is important during pregnancy, so eat cheese(not soft cheese), yogurt, milk, salmon, broccoli and leafy green veg.
   
• Drink plenty of water 6-8 glasses a day.
   
• Increase your daily fibre intake.

Pregnancy Calendar - pregnancy calendar home page

Month 1 of pregnancy

Month 3 of pregnancy