2 Months Pregnant: How To Care For Yourself And The Baby

October 2, 2014

What is it like?
It’s been just over a month since you got the great news that you will be a mother soon. Congratulations! This is a very special time in your life and the life of your developing infant. Sometimes the first few months of pregnancy are the hardest, as you get used to what’s happening. You might feel different and have different tastes and strange reactions to familiar things. The nausea and fatigue might be discouraging. Mostly, these symptoms will disappear after the ninth week. During each month of pregnancy, new changes appear in your body and to your fetus. Here are the changes that occur in the second month of pregnancy.

Your baby’s growth

Internal organs
You are two months pregnant, which means your fetus continues to develop. During the second month, the heart, brain, spinal cord, muscle and bones begin to develop. By the end of the eighth week, your baby will look like a miniature human being.
Arms and legs
Arms and legs begin to appear: at first they look like little bumps that slowly begin to elongate, forming small growths that evolve into fingers and toes.
Head
During the second month of pregnancy, your baby’s head may seem huge – larger than the rest of the body combined. The brain develops faster, so having a bigger head is absolutely normal.

What happens inside your body?

Hyper salivation
Some women find they have more saliva during the second month of pregnancy. Experts aren’t sure what causes this, although it could be hormone-related or as a result of morning sickness. While some might find it annoying, it doesn’t have any effect on you or your baby.
Thirst
Because the volume of fluid your blood is in is increasing, your body needs more water, so being thirsty is normal. In addition, your body needs more water to fill the amniotic sac with fluid. Amniotic fluid is vital to your baby, providing nutrients and hormones and protecting the baby within the amniotic sac.
Vaginal secretions
In the second month of pregnancy, your vaginal secretions may change their color, viscosity and abundance. Unless the secretions have an unpleasant odor, everything is normal. If you notice a pungent odor, please tell your gynecologist.
Pain in uterus
During this period, it is possible to feel pain or tension in the uterus. These uncomfortable pains are normal and mark the growth of the uterus. They are a sign that your body is making room for your growing baby.

How different will you look?
At two months pregnant, be prepared for significant changes to your body. The baby that grows inside you will reach almost three centimeters by the end of the second month, so the size of your waist will increase. You probably don’t need to run out and get an entirely new wardrobe just yet, but you may notice that some of your clothes are a little snug. Your breasts may continue to feel tender and swollen. Your skin might be slightly dehydrated, and you might have to endure swelling in your feet. However, these changes are probably unnoticeable to outsiders, and it’s likely that no one will realize yet that you are pregnant unless you tell them.

For fathers – How can you care for both of your loved ones?
As a father, the second month of pregnancy can present new challenges. A future mom needs foods that are rich in folic acid for the development of the baby’s brain and nervous system. Some foods rich in folic acid are: broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, green beans, peas, potatoes, spinach, oranges, grapefruit, bananas, bread, milk, lettuce, tomatoes, carrots, eggs, nuts and fish. Pregnant mothers can become moody and emotional. A healthy and loving environment will support her and help the baby’s wellbeing. Try to be understanding and supportive of all the changes that are happening to her.

For mothers – Tips to help you through the first trimester

Wear a proper bra: Wear a comfortable and supportive bra. You will probably need a new one, as the size of your breasts are increasing. This isn’t just about looking good: breast tenderness can be reduced by having the right support.
Try not to get ill: Try to avoid getting colds and flus by washing your hands with soap and warm water whenever you eat, prepare food, or come in from outside. Use a saline nasal spray to clean the germs that can cause allergies or a stuffy nose. This is a critical time for you and your baby, so you must take extra care of yourself.
Eat healthy foods: Try to avoid known heartburn triggers, especially if you are suffering from heartburn. These include chocolate, citrus fruits and juices, tomatoes and tomato-based products, mustard, vinegar, mint products, and spicy, highly seasoned, fried and fatty foods. Heartburn is caused by hormonal changes and because the baby is pushing on the stomach, forcing its contents up through the esophagus.
Eat regularly: Try to set a schedule for meals. Eat high fiber foods and drink plenty of water to avoid constipation. Constipation is caused by pregnancy hormones and by your growing uterus pushing on your rectum. About 30 percent of women become constipated during pregnancy.
Take care of your skin: Try to avoid soaps that dry the skin and remove its natural oils. Opt for a moisturizing shower gel or bath oil to keep your skin in shape. If you were using any anti-acne product before, it is recommended that you replace it with natural remedies.
Rest: Being two months pregnant means your body and your baby are going through important changes, so rest and relaxation are very important. Try to sleep more and do not participate in stressful activities.

Try to maintain your enthusiasm and think positively. The hardest part of your pregnancy is about to pass, and soon you will be able to enjoy your pregnancy without many of the most difficult prenatal symptoms. Being two months pregnant can be a challenge, but you are on the right track. At the beginning, it is important to take care of yourself and take it easy. Aim for a balanced lifestyle and state of mind. Let others in, accept their help and do not try to do everything by yourself. You are strong, but are at a sensitive and fragile time.