Many women opt for over-the-counter pregnancy tests. This pregnancy test measures hCG levels in the urine. HCG is the acronym for human chorionic gonadotropin. This hormone is produced by cells in the placenta. If the test yields a positive result, book an appointment with an OB-GYN to confirm the test. The doctor will determine the gestational age of the fetus and check if everything is going well. In addition to urine tests and blood tests, an OB-GYN may order a transvaginal ultrasound scan. This will provide a first glance of the fetus growing inside the womb. At this point, it is classified as an embryo. The embryonic stage is from the fourth week of pregnancy until the eighth week of pregnancy [1].
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2 Month Early Pregnancy Care
Prenatal care is crucial from the first trimester of pregnancy forward. Some obstetricians and gynecologists recommend starting prenatal vitamins prior to pregnancy for women measuring their basal body temperature and trying to get pregnant. This reduces the risk factors inherent in pregnancy. It can take a few minutes up to 5 days after sexual intercourse for a fertilized egg to develop.
Women with irregular menstrual cycles may not be aware of conception unless other early pregnancy symptoms manifest such as nausea or food aversions. Some women are lucky enough to experience mild to nonexistent symptoms.
During the first trimester, the embryo is developing into a fetus. Growth development begins the moment of conception.
Week By Week Pregnancy Updates During Weeks 5 To 8
Week 5 Of Pregnancy
At 5 weeks pregnant, many women have noticed that their periods are late. Officially, the doctor starts counting the pregnancy from the first day of the mother’s last menstrual period. Cramps may present in the abdomen which feel no different from period pains. This can mean the embryo is implanting itself in the uterine wall. This may be accompanied by some light spotting, also called implantation bleeding. Elevated pregnancy hormones may cause uncomfortable symptoms like sore breasts, nausea and fatigue. Nausea and vomiting caused by morning sickness can occur anytime, not just in the morning.
Because some women are asymptomatic, they may inadvertently do things from which pregnant women are discouraged such as eating raw food, drinking alcohol and taking medication. Being unaware of a pregnancy also means a delay in the first medical appointment and ingestion of much-needed prenatal vitamins. The sooner a pregnancy can be confirmed, the better.
Even though the embryo is only the size of an apple seed, significant developments are already taking place. The umbilical cord is forming. The bump in the middle of the embryo will grow into the heart. The neural tube is also developing and will eventually change into the brain and spinal cord.
Week 6 Of Pregnancy
The little embryo has doubled in size. It is now the size of a sweet pea. A pregnant woman may not be feeling very well at this time due to fluctuating pregnancy hormones. A short temper, crying episodes and other emotional reactions may be hormone induced. Extreme mood swings are part and parcel of pregnancy. There will not be any discernible changes to a 2 months pregnant belly. However, mothers may feel bigger due to gas and bloating. The uterus is growing and filling with amniotic fluid.
At 2 months pregnant, mothers often experience increased fatigue and require a nap in the middle of the day. Many pregnant women continue to work and maintain their routines, but some women need additional rest during the first trimester. If an appointment has not already occurred, book one with an OB-GYN to confirm the pregnancy.
Week 7 Of Pregnancy
A seven-week-old embryo is as big as a blueberry and looks more like a tadpole than a baby. At this stage of the pregnancy, the usual symptoms are still present including morning sickness, fatigue, mood swings, frequent urination, cramping, spotting, nausea and vomiting. Spotting might cause a bit of a scare. Consult with your doctor to ensure that the bleeding is not a cause for concern. A couple of strange pregnancy symptoms might start around 2 months pregnant including food aversions, food cravings and a heightened sense of smell. Mothers may feel drawn to strange food or food they never liked before the pregnancy. If you are experiencing an intense craving for nonfood items like clay, chalk or soap, you could have the condition known as pica. Pica is often a system of a vitamin or nutritional deficiency. Consult a doctor immediately.
Week 8 Of Pregnancy
A 2 months pregnant belly is still indiscernible, but the embryo has doubled in size. It is now the size of a raspberry. Weight gain begins, and it is normal to gain a half a pound to one pound a week. Excessive weight gain is to be avoided. Ensure a healthy, balanced diet. Eating small, frequent meals might help with nausea as well. Mothers sometimes lose weight due to severe morning sickness. This is still normal, but maintain a high level of nutrition and keep hydrated.
Mothers should have had a medical appointment by this time. If the doctor requested an ultrasound scan, the heartbeat of the fetus can be heard and seen. In the monitor, the fetus looks nothing like a baby, but the fluttering heart is visible. A doctor will prescribe prenatal vitamins including folic acid. Folic acid is essential, especially in this crucial first trimester. Folic acid prevents birth defects related to the nervous system like spina bifida which occurs when the spine forms incorrectly. This serious birth defect begins in the embryonic stage [2]. A doctor will also monitor a mother’s blood pressure and administer a blood test for the doctor to determine your blood type and check for possible complications. Mothers are screened for various diseases like Hepatitis and HIV and are given a pap smear to check for infections.
Weight gain should be minimal in the first 2 months of pregnancy. Depending on the woman, a 2 months pregnant belly is often unnoticeable. If your doctor says that you are otherwise healthy and there are no other complications, the statistics are in your favor for a full term birth. Meditate and do some breathing exercises to help you relax and fight anxiety.
As with any pregnancy at this early stage, there are risks. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, approximately 80% of miscarriages occur within the first trimester. An early pregnancy loss is sometimes due to ectopic pregnancy or a blighted ovum. An ectopic pregnancy develops when the fertilized egg implants outside of the uterus, most likely in the fallopian tube. Some fertilized eggs find their way to the uterus but fail to develop. This is called a blighted ovum. Women prone to deep vein thrombosis will have to be extra cautious as a woman’s blood thickens during pregnancy, and there is an increased risk of developing blood clots.
2 Months Pregnant Conclusion
Many women choose not to announce the news of pregnancy until the end of the first trimester. This is mostly because the majority of miscarriages happen during the first 13 weeks of pregnancy [3]. After the first trimester, the risk of a miscarriage drops significantly. These weeks are a special time for you and your baby. They provide some time to privately get used to being pregnant and prepare yourself emotionally and physically for the long and exciting journey ahead.
2 Months Pregnant Resouces
[1] U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Office On Women’s Health; Stages of Pregnancy.[2] Mayo Clinic; Spina bifida.
[3] American Pregnancy Association; Miscarriage.