Nine months

The second month of pregnancy

In this period the embryo really looks like a green bean in ultrasound scans and hence the name with which we often affectionately start calling our baby

The second month of pregnancy begins at 4 weeks + 4 days and ends at  8 weeks + 5 days .

What happens to the baby

The embryo continues to develop: the head, the neck, the sketches of the eyes and ears, the brain have been formed… Although the heart still has 2 cavities instead of 4, it starts beating as early as the sixth week (5 weeks plus a few day). The circulatory systems and the digestive system with kidneys and liver are already present. This week, the arms and legs are also forming.

At seven weeks the embryo is as big as a bean, the little body is all folded up on itself but you can see the nostrils, the lips, the tongue and the 10 tooth buds in the gums. All four chambers, two atria and two ventricles have developed in the heart. The limbs have also grown while the hands and feet are still sketchy.

At 8 weeks the baby measures less than 2.5 centimeters. He starts to move, kicking weakly but the movements can’t be felt yet. He develops his face and by the end of this week he starts opening his mouth. The jaw is formed and all the related muscles that will allow the child to suck and chew. The perceptive mechanism of the ear has also developed. It floats blissfully in the amniotic fluid and the heart vigorously pumps blood into the blood vessels.

What happens to mom

As for the mother, at six weeks she begins to feel the first nauseas in the morning or when it comes to cooking. ..even opening the fridge could be annoying. The vagina has taken on a more purplish color and the breasts have become firmer with more prominent nipples. At seven weeks, you may find that the bra you used to wear starts to feel tight. You may also feel lightheaded and dizzy and your mood may be a bit moody due to pregnancy hormones .

At 8 weeks you may notice that your hair is a little unruly and you can no longer tolerate certain foods. The first cravings appear : french fries in the middle of the night or ice cream?

The first ultrasound can be performed as early as the eighth week of pregnancy , it will not be possible to see the features yet but at least perceive the heartbeat and carry out the dating of the pregnancy.

Talk to your gynecologist as soon as possible if you are taking particular medicines ( pregnant medicines )

It is important to carry out some blood and urine tests as soon as possible to understand whether or not you are immune to certain pathologies which could also have serious implications for the child (see toxoplasmosis , rubella, etc.). If you carry out a risky job it is important to talk about it with your gynecologist who will evaluate what to do.

If there are no particular contraindications (previous miscarriages, losses or contractions), sexual intercourse can be had but always with due delicacy (see intercourse during pregnancy ).

It is necessary to continue taking folic acid and to rest as much as possible. It is also important to avoid making efforts and competitive sports because in the second month of pregnancy there is a greater chance of miscarriages.

Dr Kathryn Barlow

Kathryn Barlow is an OB/GYN doctor, which is the medical specialty that deals with the care of women's reproductive health, including pregnancy and childbirth.

Obstetricians provide care to women during pregnancy, labor, and delivery, while gynecologists focus on the health of the female reproductive system, including the ovaries, uterus, vagina, and breasts. OB/GYN doctors are trained to provide medical and surgical care for a wide range of conditions related to women's reproductive health.

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