Pregnancy And Baby Care Month by Month Pregnancy Second Month of Pregnancy

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Your baby's heartbeat develops in the second month and therefore, this is a good time to go in for a physical checkup. In case you experience severe abdominal pain or cramps, spotting, vaginal bleeding or discharge, speak with your doctor about it immediately.

Symptoms

Some of the symptoms that began in the first month of pregnancy will probably continue into the second month. However, as your pregnancy progresses to the second month, you may notice a few changes in yourself, though they may not be evident to the others yet, such as -

• Bloating
• Extreme fatigue
• Food aversions or cravings
• Frequent urination
• Heartburn
• Increased sensitivity in the breasts
• Morning sickness
• Weight gain (especially around the breasts) or weight loss
  

You may also experience a few emotional changes during this month. Nervousness, anxiety, irritability and mood swings are all common "second month of pregnancy symptoms".

Fetal development in the second month of pregnancy

The second month of pregnancy is a fairly critical month when it comes to the development of the fetus. This is when your little one grows from a blastocyst into an embryo and undergoes several changes. Your baby should measure around 8mm to 11mm from the crown, to the rump and will be around the size of a golf ball.

In the initial part of the month, you probably won't be able to tell which way is up on your baby. However, as this month progresses, it will become quite easy for you to tell which end is the baby's bead and which end is the bottom. Towards the end of the second month you will also see the appearance of little bud-like limbs. The primordial of the liver, lungs, pancreas and tummy will also be evident to your doctor. The umbilical cord also develops during the second month.

In the earlier part of the month your baby's tiny heart will start beating. At first, the heartbeat rate will be quite slow, but within a short while it will shoot up to a rapid pace. Your little one's heartbeat will gradually slow down a bit more, but a little later in the pregnancy.

Though it won't be evident to you yet, your baby's facial features will begin to form in the second month. However, it will be quite a while before your little one resembles an actual baby. The eyelids are sealed shut as the eyes form. At this point, your baby's eyes will be large and widely spaced. The inner ear will also begin to form at around this time, along with a small fold for the outer ear, which will develop a bit later.

Your body in the second month of pregnancy

As you enter the second month of your pregnancy you many notice a transformation in your hair and skin. Your hair could either turn thicker and shinier than before or could become thin and dry. As for your skin, the “mother's glow” won't be evident for a while. During the second month, you are more likely to notice -

• Acne breakouts
• Moles
• Marks
• Freckles
• Darkening

You should not gain much weight in the second month, except a little bit around your waist. Your breasts may also be a bit bigger than before. However, you are more likely to lose weight overall, due to morning sickness and nausea.

What to eat

It is important for you to eat right and follow a balanced diet right from the early stages of pregnancy. Your diet should provide your body with all the essential nutrients, like vitamins, calcium, proteins, fiber, iron and carbs. Therefore, you need to make sure that your diet includes high amounts of -

• Fresh fruits: Apples, apricots, bananas, berries, guavas, kiwis, pears, melons, grapefruits, tangerines and oranges
• Vegetables: Spinach, squash, tomatoes, asparagus, beetroot, carrots, broccoli, cabbage, potatoes and Brussels sprouts  
• Whole grains: Brown rice, oats, buckwheat, barley, millet, quinoa, bulgur and whole wheat
• Beans and legumes: Kidney beans, lima beans, pinto beans, black beans, black-eyed peas, lentils and split peas
• Dairy products: Milk, cheese (not soft cheese) and yogurt
• Lean meat: Skinless chicken, turkey, beef, pork and lamb

Try to choose fresh food over frozen food, wherever possible. There are certain foods that should be avoided during pregnancy, which include -

• Caffeine
  
• Alcohol
• Junk, fried and processed food
• Refined grains
• Certain varieties of fish (especially raw) and cheese

Speak with your doctor about the diet you are following to make sure that you and your baby are getting adequate nutrition.

Care during the second month

It is important for you to take good care of yourself during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester, as the risks of miscarriage are highest during this time. Some of the steps to follow in the first trimester of pregnancy include -

• Avoid trying to lift anything that is too heavy
• Check with your doctor about any prescription drugs you may be taking
• Consume about 6 small meals throughout the day
• Ensure that you take breaks at regular intervals so that your body gets rest it needs
• Follow a light exercise routine for about half an hour every day
• Make sure that you get an adequate amount of sleep each day
• Quit unhealthy habits like drinking and smoking
• Stay away from cats and gardening
• Take your prenatal vitamins and supplements, as prescribed by your doctor

To avoid any complications or problems, speak with your doctor about the dos and don'ts of the second month of pregnancy.