Two months into pregnancy marks the start of the first trimester. At this early stage, the changes in a woman’s body are usually subtle, but there are important developments happening inside and out. Let’s take a closer look at what to expect when you’re 2 months pregnant.
Common physical changes
Some of the most common physical changes women experience at 2 months pregnant include:
- Missed period – A missed menstrual cycle is usually the first sign of pregnancy. If you have regular 28-30 day cycles, a missed period indicates possible conception around 2 weeks earlier.
- Breast changes – Your breasts may become swollen and tender. The areola (the area around the nipple) often darkens.
- Fatigue – Surging pregnancy hormones can make you feel tired. Take naps and get extra rest when possible.
- Nausea – Morning sickness often starts around week 6. Nausea and vomiting can happen any time of day or night.
- Frequent urination – Hormones prompt your kidneys to produce more urine. Prepare to make many trips to the bathroom.
- Bloating – Hormonal changes can cause abdominal bloating and gas. Stay hydrated and avoid constipation.
- Heightened sense of smell – You may become extra sensitive to certain smells and scents.
- Food cravings/aversions – You may develop intense cravings or dislikes for certain foods.
Changes inside your body
Even without obvious bump, your body is going through major changes to support your growing baby:
- Ovulation stops – Once an egg is fertilized, your ovaries will not release eggs again until after you give birth.
- Uterus expands – Your uterus will grow to 500 times its normal size during pregnancy. At 2 months, it begins expanding but remains in your pelvis.
- Increase in blood volume – More blood supply is directed to your uterus. Your heart beats faster to accommodate this.
- Breast changes – Milk ducts are forming and breasts enlarge in preparation for breastfeeding.
- Morning sickness – Changing hormones slow digestion and trigger nausea/vomiting.
- Cervix changes – Your cervix becomes softer and begins secreting a plug of mucus to protect the uterus.
Baby development at 2 months
At 2 months pregnant, your baby is still tiny but development is well underway:
- Size: ~1 inch long from head to rump (size of a large grape)
- Weighs less than 1/2 ounce
- Heartbeat can be detected via ultrasound
- Basic facial features present – eyes, ears, nose mouth
- Buds forming for arms and legs
- Intestines, brain, and lungs developing
- Umbilical cord connects baby to placenta
- Muscles start to move – baby can clench fist
While your baby is still very small at this point, critical organs like the heart, brain, and lungs are quickly forming in preparation for further growth.
When to schedule your first prenatal visit
Once you find out you’re pregnant, call your healthcare provider right away to schedule a prenatal checkup. This first visit usually happens sometime between weeks 6-8.
This appointment will likely include:
- Confirming your due date based on last menstrual period
- Physical exam
- Pelvic exam
- Blood and urine tests
- Discussion of medications/supplements
- Answering questions and concerns
Some key things your doctor will look for:
- Blood pressure – High blood pressure can complicate pregnancy.
- Weight and height – Important baseline measurements.
- Urine protein – Excess protein may signal preeclampsia.
- Blood type – Determines Rh compatibility with your baby.
- Immunity screening – Checks for protection against rubella, varicella, and hepatitis B.
- STD tests – Screens for HIV, syphilis, chlamydia, and other STDs.
Based on your medical history, additional tests like genetic carrier screening or ultrasound may be performed.
Pregnancy diet at 2 months
Nutrition is crucial in early pregnancy to nourish your growing baby. Follow these diet guidelines:
- Take a prenatal vitamin with at least 400mcg folic acid daily before and during pregnancy.
- Drink plenty of water – aim for 10 cups daily.
- Choose whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, dairy, nuts.
- Cook foods thoroughly and avoid unpasteurized products.
- Limit caffeine to 200mg per day or less.
- Minimize exposure to potentially harmful contaminants in fish.
Some smart choices include:
- Whole grain breads and cereals
- Brown rice, quinoa
- Beans, lentils, tofu
- Nuts, seeds
- Eggs, lean meats, yogurt
- Broccoli, spinach, carrots, sweet potatoes
- Oranges, berries, bananas, melons
If dealing with nausea and vomiting, eat small frequent meals and avoid spicy or strong-smelling foods. Staying hydrated with water or ginger tea can also help calm symptoms.
Safe activities at 2 months pregnant
While your activity may be somewhat limited by fatigue and morning sickness, regular exercise is encouraged:
- Walking – Easy on joints and improves circulation.
- Swimming – Allows the body to move without impact.
- Prenatal yoga – Gentle stretching increases flexibility.
- Kegel exercises – Strengthen pelvic muscles to support growing uterus.
- Low-intensity cardio – Try a stationary bike or elliptical on lower resistance.
Avoid activities with a high risk of falling or abdominal trauma such as horseback riding, skiing, contact sports. Activities that require extensive jumping or bouncing can also be problematic as pregnancy progresses.
Other safety notes:
- Keep room temperature cool during exercise.
- Stay well hydrated before, during and after.
- Avoid exercise in very hot/humid weather.
- Stop activity if you experience bleeding, cramping, nausea, headache, weakness, chest pain etc.
Listen to your body and don’t overexert. Use pregnancy safe modifications as needed.
Emotional changes at 2 months pregnant
The start of pregnancy can be an emotional rollercoaster. Common feelings include:
- Excitement about the baby
- Anxiety over changing body and risks
- Mood swings caused by shifting hormones
- Stress about upcoming lifestyle changes
- Fatigue and irritability from nausea/vomiting
- Worry over telling loved ones about the pregnancy
Know that your feelings are valid, but reach out for help managing intense emotions like prolonged sadness or anxiety. Relaxation techniques, joining a support group, or counseling may help.
Telling family and friends at 2 months
There’s no “right” time to start sharing your pregnancy news. Some parents-to-be announce it right away, others wait until the end of the first trimester when risk of miscarriage drops.
Factors that influence when to tell loved ones:
- Your comfort level discussing a potential loss if it occurred
- Closeness of the relationships
- Need for childcare arrangements, work accommodations etc.
- When prenatal testing will take place
- If signs of pregnancy like nausea are hard to hide
Think about who you’d want support from if pregnancy complications arose. Their excitement still needs to be balanced with your medical privacy.
Choose a time and way to announce that feels right for you and your partner when you’re ready. The responses may be joy, shock, or anything in between. However people react, this is your pregnancy journey.
Sex and intimacy at 2 months
Many couples worry about having sex in early pregnancy. Know that it is safe to continue intimacy unless directed otherwise by your doctor.
Some tips for adapting intimacy:
- Use positions that don’t put pressure on abdomen.
- Avoid penetration too deep if it causes discomfort.
- Try side-lying or woman-on-top positions.
- Engage in open communication about changing desires.
- Be creative with intimate acts besides intercourse.
- Remember cuddling and kissing can still connect you.
Increased blood flow to the pelvic area can heighten arousal. But nausea, fatigue, and breast tenderness may lower it. Don’t take changes in libido personally.
Coping with pregnancy discomforts
Between nausea, breast tenderness, bloating, and frequent peeing, pregnancy can be uncomfortable. Some remedies to help relieve symptoms:
Nausea
- Eat small, frequent meals instead of large ones.
- Avoid spicy, greasy, and strong-smelling foods.
- Stay hydrated with water or ginger/mint tea.
- Take vitamin B6 and Unisom supplements.
- Use seasickness bracelets that apply pressure to wrists.
Breast tenderness
- Wear a supportive bra without underwire.
- Apply cold compresses or ice packs.
- Use a gentle moisturizer to ease dryness.
- Take over-the-counter pain medicine as needed.
- Sleep with extra pillows for support.
Bloating
- Drink plenty of fluids and up fiber intake.
- Eat smaller, more frequent meals.
- Choose gas-relieving foods like ginger, peppermint, yogurt.
- Limit salt, carbonation, chewing gum.
- Wear loose clothing.
Frequent urination
- Urinate as soon as the urge strikes.
- Avoid drinking large amounts right before bed.
- Do Kegel exercises to strengthen pelvic floor.
- Always wipe front-to-back after using bathroom.
Talk to your doctor if any symptoms are severe and impact your daily functioning.
Self care tips for month 2
Make self-care a priority so you have the energy and resilience to manage pregnancy’s demands. Ideas for taking care of yourself:
- Get enough sleep – Take naps or go to bed early.
- Pamper yourself – Enjoy massages, manicures, baths.
- Indulge minor cravings (in moderation).
- Read uplifting books, listen to music.
- Spend quality time with your partner.
- Confide in close friends or join a prenatal yoga class.
- Meditate or try journaling.
- Hire help for household chores if affordable.
- Take short, refreshing walks for fresh air.
Prioritize what energizes you and don’t feel guilty about loosening demands on yourself during this transitional time.
When to call the doctor at 2 months
Contact your healthcare provider right away if you experience:
- Heavy vaginal bleeding or spotting
- Severe abdominal cramping or pelvic pain
- Fluid or tissue discharge from vagina
- High fever over 100.4°F
- Sudden severe nausea/vomiting or inability to keep liquids down
- Burning or pain when urinating
- Vision changes like blurred vision or spotty vision
- Swelling or pain in one calf
- Severe headache that won’t subside
- Decreased fetal movement later in pregnancy
While concerning, many pregnancy symptoms are normal. But call right away if you ever feel like something may be wrong. Better safe than sorry.
What to expect at month 3
In your third month, pregnancy symptoms will become more noticeable. Here’s a preview:
- Visible bump – Your uterus is above the pelvic bone now.
- Increased vaginal discharge – Estrogen causes changes in discharge.
- Dizziness – Expanding blood vessels can cause occasional lightheadedness.
- Constipation – Hormones slow your digestion.
- Developing heartbeat – Baby’s heart beats 110-160 times per minute!
- Ongoing brain growth – Brain is dividing into different lobes.
- Forming reflexes – Baby’s limbs can flex and extend.
- Visible movements on ultrasound – You may see tiny jerky motions.
- Lanugo hair – Fine, downy hair covers baby’s body for warmth.
While every pregnancy is unique, you can expect baby growth and body changes to pick up steam as you near the end of your first trimester.
Conclusion
The second month of pregnancy marks the start of exciting changes that will continue throughout your 40 weeks. Pay attention to your body, nourish yourself well, and don’t hesitate to seek support. With your healthcare provider’s guidance, you can ensure the best start to your baby’s development. Before you know it, you’ll be holding your little one in your arms!
