Month two of pregnancy diary

How your body is changing

Chances are no one else can tell that you are pregnant and you may look no different, but the ‘hidden’ developments going on are most significant. Roundabout this time your baby’s tiny heart will be dividing into different chambers, and will start to beat and pump blood around its body. By the end of this month, the beginnings of all the major structures are present – your baby’s head will have rapidly grown, hugely when compared with the rest of its body, to accommodate its developing brain. Its kidneys and liver are present, the digits (fingers) of its hands have separated and lengthened. Yet it measures approximately 30 millimetres. Up until the second month (eighth week) you may hear your baby being referred to as an embryo.

There is a host of quite common but minor ‘disorders’ of pregnancy, usually caused by hormonal changes, that, though uncomfortable, even irritating, in the majority of cases do not mean that anything is wrong.

For instance, you may have been experiencing nausea and vomiting; the good news is that for most women this will pass by the 2 nd trimester (from 12/13weeks to 28 weeks). Other symptoms of pregnancy may continue – the tiredness, the tender, heavier breasts, and that urge to pass urine often. Your sense of smell may be heightened, and you may ‘go off’ things like coffee and alcohol.

Some slight vaginal blood spotting is not unusual; this may happen around the time that you would have expected your period. For heavier vaginal bleeding, particularly accompanied by abdominal cramps, you should seek medical advice.

Why your body is changing

The different hormones involved like progesterone and oestrogen, continue to help maintain your pregnancy. During months one and two, special glands and cells present in the lining of your womb, or uterus, secrete nutrients to the developing embryo in order to support it.

Though you may not be aware of putting on weight, the overall volume of blood circulating around your body has been increasing since the first month of pregnancy. This is largely due to hormones, and ensures that, as well as other parts of your body, your growing uterus has an adequate blood supply.

The breast changes you may notice are preparation for milk production for when your baby is born. As well as growing larger, the rim of pigmentation around the nipple, or areola, often becomes more pronounced.

Your thoughts and feelings

A positive pregnancy test may have thrown up lots of conflicting emotions. Hopefully by now you will be beginning to come to terms with the changes that are ahead.

On the other hand, if you are having lots of different anxieties, it may be that you simply need time to adjust to the reality of your pregnancy. Each woman is different, and will be influenced by previous life experiences, whether they are of happy straightforward earlier pregnancies or miscarriages and pregnancy losses. You may wish to share your news with someone you can confide in. Alternatively, it may suit you to participate in an online childbirth discussion website.

Now might be a time to start a diary of your pregnancy. Record in it your thoughts and feelings, and make a note of any questions you have.

Relational and social

You will have to decide when to tell family, friends and work colleagues about your pregnancy. Some women prefer to wait until after the third month to share their news as, sadly, a small proportion of pregnancies will miscarry early on. You may, however, want to discuss it right away with those close to you.

Usually there are two people involved in having a baby; now is the time to make an effort to talk and make plans together.

Many women initiate antenatal care towards the end of the second month. When you have your first consultation will depend on how maternity services are arranged in your area. The vast majority access NHS services from a midwife or GP. Your local maternity unit or GP surgery should be able to tell you how you can go about getting that first ‘booking’ appointment.

At this appointment, a plan of care should be developed between you and your midwife (or GP). Feel free to take your partner or a friend or relative along with you. A predetermined list of questions may also be useful.

HELP YOURSELF  

• Continue to eat healthily, ‘little and often’ if you are afflicted with nausea and vomiting.
• Seek help from the GP or Midwife if you are vomiting so much so that you cannot keep anything down.
• Deal with constipation – increase your intake of fresh fruit and vegetables, fibre, wholegrain and water; have regular exercise.
• Get a well fitting bra to support your growing breasts.
• void drugs unless they are prescribed. Always get advice from a qualified practitioner before you take homeopathic or herbal remedies
  

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