Month 2: Major Development
Weeks 5-8 of Pregnancy
The second month brings confirmation of your pregnancy and marks a period of rapid development for your baby. This is when many women experience their first pregnancy symptoms and schedule their initial antenatal appointment. Your baby is now officially an embryo and is growing at a remarkable pace.
What is Happening This Month
Month 2 is a critical period in your baby's development. All major organs and body systems begin forming during these four weeks. This is also when pregnancy hormones reach levels that produce noticeable symptoms, making your pregnancy feel more "real" than ever before.
Week-by-Week Development
Your baby's heart begins to beat! The neural tube, which becomes the brain and spinal cord, is forming.
Facial features start developing. Tiny buds appear where arms and legs will grow. The heart is pumping blood.
Your baby doubles in size! The brain is growing rapidly, and arm and leg buds are lengthening.
Fingers and toes begin to form. All essential organs have started developing. Your baby is constantly moving (but it is still too early to feel anything yet)!
Your Baby's Development
By the end of month 2, your baby has grown from the size of a poppy seed to about the size of a raspberry (15-20mm). This represents incredible growth and development:
- The heart is fully formed and beating 150-170 times per minute
- Brain development accelerates - 100,000 new cells form every minute
- Facial features become more defined - eyes, nose, mouth, and ears are forming
- Arms and legs are growing, with paddle-like hands and feet
- All major organs (heart, brain, lungs, kidneys, liver) have begun forming
- The placenta is fully functional, providing nutrients and oxygen
- Your baby begins making small movements, though you cannot feel them yet
Size Comparison
Your baby is about the size of a raspberry
15-20 mm (1.5-2 cm)Changes in Your Body
The second month often brings the most noticeable early pregnancy symptoms as hormone levels continue to rise. Every woman's experience is unique, but common changes include:
Morning Sickness
Nausea and vomiting, which can occur any time of day
Extreme Fatigue
Overwhelming tiredness as your body works hard to support your baby
Food Aversions
Strong reactions to certain smells or foods you previously enjoyed
Mood Changes
Emotional ups and downs due to hormonal fluctuations
Frequent Urination
Increased need to urinate as water in your body and blood volume increases
Bloating
Abdominal bloating and mild cramping as your uterus expands
Important Care Tips
First Antenatal Appointment
Contact your GP practice to arrange your midwifery booking appointment if you haven not already. Your first antenatal appointment with a midwife typically happens around 8 weeks and includes medical history, physical examination, blood tests, and booking a dating scan. This comprehensive visit initiates your NHS antenatal care plan and is an opportunity to discuss any concerns.
Managing Morning Sickness
Eat small, frequent meals throughout the day. Keep crackers by your bedside for morning nausea. Ginger biscuits can also help. Stay hydrated with small sips of water, ginger tea, or clear broths. Avoid triggers and consider vitamin B6 supplements. Consult your GP or midwife if symptoms persist, as you may need a prescription for anti-sickness medication (anti-emetics).
Continue Antenatal Vitamins
Keep taking your antenatal vitamins daily, especially folic acid (400 micrograms). If morning sickness makes this difficult, try taking them powderised, with food or before bed. Some women find gummy vitamins easier to tolerate. Remember, folic acid is available free on prescription in the UK.
Rest and Self-Care
Listen to your body and rest when needed. This extreme fatigue is normal and temporary. Go to bed earlier, take short naps if possible, and do not feel guilty about needing extra sleep - your body is working incredibly hard!
When to Contact Your GP or Midwife
While many symptoms are normal in month 2, contact your GP or midwife immediately if you experience:
- Severe nausea and vomiting preventing you from keeping fluids down (hyperemesis gravidarum)
- Ongoing/increased vaginal bleeding or spotting
- Severe abdominal pain or cramping
- Fever over 38°C (100.4°F)
- Severe headaches or vision changes
- Signs of dehydration (dark urine, dizziness, dry mouth)
Looking Ahead
As you move into month 3, many women find that extreme fatigue begins to improve, though morning sickness may continue and increase. You will likely have your first NHS dating scan around 10-14 weeks, where you will see your baby and hear their heartbeat - an unforgettable moment! Your midwife will also discuss the various screening tests available through the NHS. Remember to be patient with yourself as your body adjusts to the incredible changes happening within.