In Month 2, your baby is
the size of a Kidney Bean
In Month 2 of pregnancy, your baby is growing fast! Expect early symptoms, body changes, and the first signs of this incredible journey unfolding.
Yay! You are in your second month of pregnancy. It’s an emotional whirlwind—exciting one moment, overwhelming the next. Tiny features like a nose, ears, and mouth are beginning to take shape, bringing your little one to life with each passing day.
Discover your baby's journey in the second month of pregnancy. Learn about their rapid growth, the start of essential organ development, and the formation of key body structures.
Your baby’s tiny heart begins beating, marking an important milestone despite its small size. Small buds emerge where arms and legs will develop, accompanied by a tail-like structure that will eventually disappear. Meanwhile, the neural tube closes, forming the brain and spinal cord.
Your baby’s face begins to form, with tiny spots where eyes and nostrils will appear. At this stage, small buds also start forming in the jaws, signalling that the development of milk teeth has begun. Hands and feet resemble flippers, and internal organs like the liver and kidneys start developing.
By week 8, your baby is now called a foetus, ending the embryonic stage. Bones form, joints develop, and fingers and toes become less webbed. The upper lip, eyelids, and external ears also take shape. Your baby measures about 1.2 cm and weighs less than a gram.
In the second month of pregnancy, your baby’s major organs and facial features begin to form, while their tiny heart beats for the first time. Let's look at some more developments
Organ Development
This month, your baby’s tiny lungs connect to the throat through small breathing tubes. The heart, while still developing, is already beating at about 140-150 beats per minute. The amniotic sac, filled with protective amniotic fluid, is fully formed and will safeguard your baby until birth. The neural tube, which will develop into the brain and spinal cord, is forming during this critical period.
Physical Features
Your baby is beginning to look more human. Early facial features like the eyes, nose, and ears are taking shape. The eyelids are forming but will remain closed until later in the second trimester. Small buds that will become arms and legs are emerging, along with tiny paddles that will eventually form hands and feet.
Weight of the Foetus
By the end of week eight, your baby officially transitions from an embryo to a foetus. At the close of the second month, your baby is about the size of a kidney bean, measuring approximately 1.2 cm in length and weighing less than 1 gram.
Baby Movement
Although you can’t feel it yet, your baby is making tiny movements. These faint motions result from developing muscles and nerves.
You're doing great! At 2 months, your body is already nurturing a beautiful life. Trust the process, stay positive, and take care of yourself. You're amazing!
As your baby grows, your body starts to change to support its growth. Here are some common changes you may notice:
Morning Sickness
Nausea and vomiting, often called morning sickness, typically begin between weeks four and seven of pregnancy. These symptoms can occur at any time of the day, not just in the morning. Eating smaller, frequent meals and avoiding greasy or spicy foods can help manage symptoms.
Mood Changes
Fluctuating hormones during pregnancy can lead to heightened emotions and mood swings. Physical discomfort, such as morning sickness, may also contribute to feelings of stress or sadness. It’s natural to feel more emotional at times, and these mood changes often stabilize as your body adjusts to the hormonal shifts.
Food Aversions
Foods or smells you once enjoyed might now seem unappealing or even cause nausea. These changes in appetite are normal during early pregnancy. If you’re struggling with aversions, focus on bland foods that you can tolerate and consult your doctor to ensure you’re maintaining a balanced diet.
Heartburn and Indigestion
Hormonal changes during pregnancy can relax the valve between the stomach and oesophagus, causing stomach acid to rise and trigger heartburn. Symptoms may worsen after eating spicy, fried, or acidic foods. To manage heartburn, avoid these triggers and eat smaller meals.
Constipation
Progesterone, a hormone that increases during pregnancy, can slow digestion, leading to constipation. Iron in prenatal vitamins may also contribute to this issue. To ease symptoms, stay hydrated, consume fibre-rich foods, and engage in light exercise.
Bloating
Bloating is a common symptom caused by hormonal changes that slow down digestion and can make your abdomen feel fuller than usual. Similar to bloating during menstruation, this symptom can leave clothes feeling tighter.
Fatigue
Pregnancy demands a lot of energy, making fatigue a common symptom in the second month. Rest as much as you can and listen to your body’s needs. Maintaining a nutritious diet and engaging in gentle exercise can boost energy levels.
What you eat this month helps support your pregnancy and manage uncomfortable pregnancy symptoms like bloating, nausea and tiredness.
Foods to Eat:
Foods to Avoid:
Certain medications are not safe during pregnancy. Consult with our doctors for the safest options, and avoid self-medication.
Staying active during pregnancy can help you stay fit, reduce stress, and manage common discomforts like back pain, however, it is important to avoid high-impact activities
Safe Exercises to Do:
Exercises to Avoid:
Regular medical check-ups and scans in the second month of pregnancy ensure your baby’s development is on track and help detect any potential concerns early.
These visits monitor maternal and baby health, tracking weight, blood pressure, and any discomfort. Doctors address concerns and guide you through pregnancy stages.
This test confirms pregnancy by detecting hCG levels, a hormone produced after implantation. It offers a quick and accurate result.
Essential for assessing overall health, these tests screen for anaemia, infections, and blood sugar levels, ensuring early detection of potential issues.
This scan checks for the baby’s heartbeat, which is usually detectable by week eight. It confirms viability and offers reassurance about fetal development.
Hormonal changes in month 2 of pregnancy can lead to mood swings, fatigue, and stress. Talk to a trusted friend or a family member, exercise, eat a balanced diet, and take prenatal vitamins to improve your mood and overall well-being.
Be kind to yourself, ensure adequate sleep, and rest when needed. If feelings of anxiety or sadness persist, consult your doctor for guidance.
FAQs
Yes, fatigue is normal as your body adjusts to hormonal changes and works hard to nurture your baby. Listen to your body and rest as needed.
Hormonal changes during pregnancy slow digestion, causing bloating. Eating smaller, more frequent meals and staying hydrated can help ease discomfort.
Fluctuating hormones during pregnancy can cause mood swings. Relaxation techniques like yoga, deep breathing, or gentle walks can help stabilise your emotions.
Low-impact exercises such as walking, swimming, or prenatal yoga are safe during early pregnancy. Avoid heavy lifting and high-intensity workouts. Consult your doctor for guidance.
Yes, swimming is a safe and beneficial exercise during pregnancy. It’s low-impact, supports your body weight, and can ease aches or swelling.
