Hello, nausea and fatigue! There’s no denying you’re pregnant now. Here’s everything you need to know about the second month of pregnancy, including:

• What to expect during weeks 5, 6, 7 and 8 of pregnancy
• Common symptoms during the second month of pregnancy
• Emotions during month two of pregnancy
• To-do list in the second month of pregnancy
• Self-care during month two of pregnancy
• Your partner during the second month of pregnancy

 

Pregnancy weeks 5 and 6

 

Your baby is the size of: a pea

Your baby now looks like a tadpole (a cute one!) and several important organs are starting to develop, including the heart, brain and spinal cord. If you have an early ultrasound, you might even be able to see your baby’s heart beating. 

A small head is taking shape with little bumps that will become eyes and a nose in a few weeks, and buds for the arms and legs are beginning to appear. The umbilical cord is also forming – it will soon provide the fetus with vital nutrients from your blood after it’s been filtered through the placenta.

You’ll have missed your period by now, so it’s a good idea to take a home pregnancy test or visit your doctor to confirm that you’re pregnant if you haven’t already.

 

Pregnancy weeks 7 and 8

 

Your baby is the size of: a raspberry 

The limb buds that formed last week are starting to grow and separate into different segments for the arms, legs, hands and feet (which are webbed for now). Your baby’s mouth, tongue, eyelids, ears and nose are developing, and its kidneys are ready for action. 

With a growth rate of one millimeter per day and 100 new brain cells being produced every minute, your little berry is in a hurry to grow up! Don’t be surprised if all these changes cause those dreaded pregnancy symptoms to rear their ugly heads. Keep in mind they’re all for a good cause and they should abate by the second trimester.

 

Common symptoms during the second month of pregnancy

 

This month, you may experience:

• Fatigue
• Nausea and vomiting
• Frequent urination
• Tender breasts
• Excess saliva
• Food cravings or aversions
• Bloating and gas
• Heartburn and indigestion
• Heightened sense of smell

 

Emotions during the second month of pregnancy

With all those pregnancy hormones surging through your body, you might be feeling emotional. And despite what movies will have you believe, those emotions aren’t always positive! You might be unsure whether you should get excited and share the news before the 12-week mark when the risk of miscarriage drops. There’s no right or wrong answer – do what feels right for you and your partner. 
 

What to do during the second month of pregnancy

Here are a few things you should aim to get done this month:

• Keep up the good habits you started in the first month: avoid alcohol and tobacco, eat a healthy pregnancy diet, take a prenatal vitamin, and exercise regularly but safely.
• Manage morning sickness by eating small, regular meals that contain protein and complex carbs. Fresh ginger and ginger tea can also help curb nausea.  
• Schedule your first prenatal visit around eight weeks of pregnancy. Your doctor will ask about your medical history and perform a pelvic exam, pap smear, blood test and urine test. You can ask any questions you have about your pregnancy during this appointment. 
• Check your health insurance to find out how much of your pregnancy and childbirth costs are covered and how much money you need to set aside.
• Buy a supportive maternity bra to keep your girls comfortable and prevent future sagging. 
• Slather on sunscreen to help prevent melasma – dark spots on the face and skin caused by pregnancy hormones. 
• Visit your dentist for a check-up and clean. Approximately 40 percent of pregnant women have periodontal disease which can increase the risk of preeclampsia.

 

Self-care during the second month of pregnancy

Rest as much as you can during the day – though it isn’t always easy if you haven’t yet told your boss you’re expecting!

Now is a good time to start practicing meditation or yoga to reduce stress and calm your mind. These techniques will come in handy when you’re a new mom with a lot on your plate. You should also set aside some time to pamper yourself with warm (not hot) bubble baths or prenatal massages.
 

Your partner during the second month of pregnancy

Your partner should take over the exciting job of cleaning the cat’s litter box because cat poo can transmit a disease called toxoplasmosis that can be harmful to your baby. They should also take on more of the housework and prepare healthy food that doesn’t turn your stomach.

 

Continue exploring 

 

• Pregnancy Month 3: Morning sickness and fatigue that go on for days… what fun month 3 of your pregnancy is turning out to be!
• Check out our guide to non-toxic pregnancy skincare