Prenatal development: Week 2

Your uterine lining is thickening, and ovulation is getting ready to occur. Some women will actually feel ovulation, with a one sided pain called mittleschmerz (literally meaning middle pain). Getting to know your family's medical history is very important. About 75% of complications with pregnancy and birth can be identified at the first visit. Also learn more about getting pregnant and preconceptional health. During the second week of pregnancy, you will test positive but still may not show or experience any symptoms. During Pregnancy week 2, the bodily changes start and the real pregnancy begins. Pregnancy week by week should help you learn about the changes in the development of the embryo. The embryo develops into 150 cells divided into three layers, each of which has an important function to perform. The personality, appearance and complete bodily development of the baby are dependent upon the functions performed by these layers.

 

figure from Week 2

Baby’s Development

Of the three layers with 150 cells, the one inside will be developing into the digestive system and respiratory tract of the baby. It is called the endoderm. Liver, pancreas and thyroid will result from the development of this layer. The middle layer is called mesoderm. Bones, cartilage, muscles, genitalia and skin layers develops out of this layer. The third and last layer is called ectoderm. It develops into brain, skin, hair and nails of the baby.

The baby would be around .1 to .2 mm in size, floating in the uterus and protected by uterine lining. During your regular check-ups, the sonograms of the tiny baby might surprise you. Do not allow yourself to get used to this. You are in for a surprise by the baby’s development even though you have always expected it. Within 20 weeks, the baby’s gender becomes noticeable.

Your body’s changes in Week 2

You may not have conceived yet, but your body is still preparing for a potential pregnancy. Every time you ovulate, the lining of the uterus thickens. If no fertilized egg is implanted in the uterus, the lining sheds (menstruation). When you do conceive, your healthcare provider will ask for the date of your LMP (last menstrual period) to calculate.

Physicians factor in the two weeks before conception into your delivery date. That means you get a two-week bonus toward your pregnancy—so if you're sure you know when you're baby was conceived and your healthcare provider puts the pregnancy start date a couple weeks before, not to worry, you're both right!

In the meantime, your vaginal discharge is still quite thick and acidic (an inhospitable locale for runaway sperm), and your body temperature is normal as an egg ripens in your ovaries to be released next week. We know it's weird that week two of your pregnancy actually begins at the end of your menstrual period, before the egg ripens and is released (ovulation) and before fertilization. But soon, about 14 days after the first day of your last period, your body will ovulate. The ovary will release one ripened egg, and the egg will move down into the fallopian tube to wait for her one true mate, a handsome, hearty sperm. That lucky little sperm will have to beat out another million or so in a highly contested race to begin a new life!

You would have had your last period. For the next 42 weeks, it is going to be a different life. The estrogen levels of your body increase as they cannot be released. High levels of energy are experienced and you need to take advantage of this in the coming months. Fatigue would be common. New levels would be developed in the uterus which would form the baby’s immune system. One of your ovaries would be getting ready for ovulation as it is growing back into shape.

The most common symptoms

Fatigue

Missed period (not always a definite sign of pregnancy)

Frequent urination

Nausea (morning sickness—which can last all day long—is usually worst during the first trimester)

Tender, enlarged breasts (as your body adjusts to pregnancy, this will improve)

Odor aversion (up to 40 percent of women experience this)

To deal with these symptoms, take naps when possible, make sure you are staying well hydrated and nourished, and avoid foods that bother your sensitive olfactory senses. Make an appointment soon to meet with your doctor to discuss symptoms and confirm your pregnancy. 

Advice for Pregnancy Week 2

Man or a woman? For some women gender plays a deciding factor.

OB-GYN, family practitioner, or a midwife (CNM)?

What type of care do you want? Do you want to be part of group prenatal care? Or would you prefer a practice with several healthcare providers (meaning that you'll never know which one will show up on delivery day), a smaller practice, or would you like to be under the care of just one physician?

You will feel all sorts of emotions, from elation, excitement to worry. These are normal. You might want to start diary writing in this situation. Putting down everything you feel will help to relieve your emotional turmoil and be a calming influence. 

Talk to the family members or friends who has been recently pregnant. As with any situation, sharing your feelings help, especially when the experiences are the same.

Pregnancy is exciting period of your life and can cause a lot of stress. Try to reduce stress as much as possible. Never hesitate in calling the doctor if anything bothers you.

First time Mom experience the most extreme of all emotions that come with pregnancy. It is scary to some but you should realize that it is only the adjustment of your body with the baby’s growth.

Start taking prenatal vitamins.

Avoid eating on the go and stay away from drive trough’s. Slow down and eat healthier and regular meals.

If you have been limiting your sleep to 4 or 5 hours, it is time to increase it to 7 or 8 hours. Sleeping more will build up strength which you are going to need in the coming months.