Week 2 of Pregnancy: All You Need to Know

Baby Development

This is it! At week 2 of pregnancy baby development, this is truly a happy time as you discover the growing life inside of you. It takes about two weeks to confirm pregnancy as this is the period from the time of intercourse to the time of conception. Women who want to conceive excitedly await these two weeks. An entire women’s community, in fact, is dedicated to this and offers support to these women. 

Every year, in the Philippines, at least 200,000 teenagers give birth according to POPCOM. This number does not include the older demographics who give birth in their 20s and 30s.

How is my baby growing?

During this stage, though the baby bump will not yet be visible, the body will undergo numerous changes already.

There is a little irony in calling your pregnancy at two weeks because most doctors usually make the estimate based on your last menstrual period date.

This means that your two weeks of pregnancy may not yet be considered as “pregnancy.” But do not worry too much about it. The doctor’s method of counting based on your last menstrual period allows them to estimate your due date more accurately.

Body & Life Changes

How is my body changing?

On week 2 of pregnancy baby development, the University of New South Wales Embryology defines this as the key “ovulation phase,” also known as the late proliferative phase of the menstrual cycle. This is the period when you ovulate and receive the sperm that is about to form the embryo. The luteinizing hormone of the pituitary gland is responsible for releasing the egg. Within a day or two of this action in your ovulation cycle, the sperm fertilizes the egg cell that has been released. A week after fertilization, the implantation begins. 

The baby has just been conceived at this stage of the pregnancy. This is a very delicate time. The embryo implants itself in your uterus and starts to grow. On week 2 of pregnancy baby development, the embryo is as small as the head of a bobby pin, according to perinatologist Mark Curran. The baby’s central nervous system starts to develop.

What should I be concerned about?

The very first telltale sign of pregnancy is a missed period and rising hormone levels. At week 2 of pregnancy baby development, you may notice an irregularity or absence of monthly menstrual cycle. Women may also begin to experience morning sickness and such, but symptoms vary from woman to woman. Some do not even have any symptoms at this stage. 

This is also the stage where expectant mothers start developing heightened senses, particularly the sense of smell and taste. She will start having a keener sense of smell and may develop a sensitivity to certain odors. The spike in hormones at this stage can make her breasts and nipples feel sore. 

There may also be very light, one-time spotting that occurs. It may be pinkish or brownish in color. Some women miss the symptoms because they mimic premenstrual syndrome symptoms.

At week 2 of pregnancy baby development, your belly will not show yet, but you may start feeling fatigued or tiredness. You may also notice an increased amount of vaginal discharge, bloating, and in some cases,  severe morning sickness. It is also in this period that you will notice that conception coincides with your ovulation period. You will have cervical mucosal secretion that is egg white in consistency and color a day or two before spotting.

Your Doctor Visits

What tests should I know about?

This is the perfect time to schedule your first checkup. The doctor will most likely request a transvaginal ultrasound to confirm gestation after a positive urine pregnancy test. Some doctors also check first the HCG levels in the blood before an ultrasound is requested. The HCG (human chorionic gonadotropic) blood test will detect if there is an increase of HCG in the body. The HCG is created by the placenta upon successful conception and will continue to rise throughout this period.

Health & Safety

What should I know about being healthy and safe while pregnant?

It is advised to start taking extra precautions at this stage. You may want to avoid strenuous activities such as running and opt for more gentle exercise. 

Vitamins and prenatal supplements may also be prescribed by your doctor to ensure that the embryo develops well. Folic acid is one of the more common supplements prescribed as it helps to reduce the risk of neural tube defects during pregnancy. You can also continue taking folic acid when you are breastfeeding after you give birth. 

According to the NHS UK, week 2 of pregnancy baby development is also a good time to stop smoking and drinking alcohol for you and your baby’s health.

Week 2 of pregnancy baby development is an exciting time of new life changes. Prepare for pregnancy by eating a more balanced diet, quitting smoking and drinking, and taking care of your overall well-being. Also, at this time, schedule your doctor’s visit to confirm pregnancy.

Hello Health Group does not offer any advice, diagnosis or medical treatment.