Medically Reviewed By Stacy A. Henigsman, DO
— Written By Christine Moore
Updated on January 26, 2023
If you have a positive home pregnancy test, contact an OB-GYN to confirm that you are pregnant and to discuss prenatal care steps.
This article explains what happens during the second month of pregnancy, including early pregnancy symptoms. It also discusses how the embryo develops during month 2 of pregnancy.
A note about sex and gender
Sex and gender exist on spectrums. This article will use the terms “female” and “women” when discussing people assigned female at birth to reflect language that appears in source materials.
Learn more about the difference between sex and gender here.
When do you find out you are pregnant?
According to a
At this point, you may have missed a period. If you decide to take a pregnancy test, the results will be most accurate if you wait until 1 week after your missed period, according to the
If you test too early, your body may not have started producing enough of the pregnancy hormone, human chorionic gonadotropin, to register on a pregnancy test. However, when used correctly, home pregnancy tests have a
If you have a positive home pregnancy test, contact an OB-GYN for an appointment to confirm the pregnancy and discuss prenatal care steps.
Learn more about the best time to take a pregnancy test.
What are pregnancy symptoms during month 2?
Month 2 is when you will likely start to notice pregnancy symptoms, according to the National Health Service (NHS) in the United Kingdom.
Every person and every pregnancy is different. However, early pregnancy symptoms can include:
- fatigue or extreme tiredness
- sore or tender breasts
- nipples darkening
- more frequent urination
- constipation
- heartburn
- nausea and vomiting, often referred to as “morning sickness”
- food aversions or cravings
- mood changes
Morning sickness vs. hyperemesis gravidarum
It is common to experience morning sickness during the early weeks of pregnancy, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG).
However, if vomiting becomes frequent and lasts for several weeks, it may be a more serious condition called hyperemesis gravidarum. Symptoms can last up to week 20 of pregnancy and make it difficult to eat or drink.
Contact your OB-GYN if you have concerns about morning sickness symptoms so you can get an accurate diagnosis and find effective treatment.
Learn more about hyperemesis gravidarum symptoms, causes, and treatments.
Is your baby bump starting to show during month 2 of pregnancy?
It is most likely that you will develop a baby bump in the second trimester of pregnancy.
By the end of the second month of pregnancy, your uterus is about the size of a lemon. However, some pregnancy symptoms, such as bloating and constipation, can make your belly appear bigger.
However, the NHS notes that if this is not your first pregnancy, stretching of the muscles in your uterus could cause your belly to starting showing sooner.
How is the embryo developing during month 2 of pregnancy?
By the end of your second month of pregnancy, the embryo will be about half an inch long.
ACOG outlines the development of the embryo between weeks 5–8, which includes the:
- formation of heart tissue
- early growth of the brain and spinal cord
- arm and leg buds forming, followed by webbed fingers and toes
- digestive tract starting to grow
- early formation of facial areas
- development of the inner ear
First heartbeats
While the embryo does not have a fully formed heart, ultrasound may detect its first cardiac activity, which may sound like a heartbeat.
According to a
What does it mean if you are pregnant with multiple embryos?
When your doctor confirms your pregnancy, they can also determine if you have more than one embryo developing.
They can often determine this through ultrasound, either by visually identifying more than one distinct embryo or by hearing more than one heartbeat.
Multiple pregnancy occurs when one sperm fertilizes more than one egg (fraternal) or when one fertilized egg divides into more than one embryo (identical).
According to the March of Dimes, a nonprofit organization that advocates for the health of babies and parents, multiple pregnancies are becoming more common.
They attribute this to people becoming pregnant at ages older than 30, when multiples are more common. Fertility treatments also increase the likelihood of multiple pregnancies, and rates of those treatments have been increasing.
Your OB-GYN will discuss the possible risks and extra care needed for a multiple pregnancy. This may include planning for a cesarean delivery (C-section).
Learn more about what to expect during a C-section.
What prenatal care steps should you take during month 2 of pregnancy?
To help reduce the risk of complications for you and the growing embryo, it is important to work with your OB-GYN on a prenatal care plan during these weeks of your pregnancy and beyond.
The
- attending all scheduled prenatal appointments
- making sure you’re up to date on all recommended vaccines, including flu and Tdap
- stopping smoking, if you smoke
- avoiding alcohol and drugs, including prescription medications you take in a nonprescribed way
- taking vitamin supplements, including at least 400 micrograms of folic acid daily
- getting regular exercise, following guidance from your doctor on safe physical activity
- eating a diet rich in nutrients, as recommended by your doctor
- lowering your risk of infections by practicing good hygiene habits, including washing your hands often
- talking with your doctor about avoiding foods that can increase your risk of infection
Your doctor will also discuss the schedule of routine checkups you will have in the months and weeks leading up to delivery.
Learn more about medical tests you can expect during pregnancy.
What is the risk of miscarriage during month 2 of pregnancy?
Many miscarriages occur within the first 8 weeks of pregnancy, according to the
Talk with your OB-GYN about your individual risk factors for pregnancy complications, such as miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy. They can discuss care steps to help lower your risk.
Learn more about miscarriage rates week by week.
Options for an unplanned pregnancy
If your pregnancy is unplanned, your doctor can provide information on support resources, including adoption organizations. They can also discuss safe and legal options in your state to end the pregnancy.
For more information, please refer to these related articles:
- Questions to Ask Your OB-GYN About Potential Changes to Abortion Access
- How Does the Abortion Pill Work for a Medication Abortion?
Summary
The second month of pregnancy is likely when you will learn you are pregnant. You may start to experience pregnancy symptoms such as fatigue, breast tenderness, nausea and vomiting, and more frequent urination.
These are critical weeks for the development of the embryo, with the early formation of vital organs, including the heart. Although the heart is not fully developed, the cardiac tissue does produce its first heartbeats beginning around weeks 5–7.
Once your OB-GYN confirms the pregnancy, they will discuss prenatal visits and care steps that can help protect your health and the health of your growing embryo.
