Though some women claim that they become aware of their pregnancy the moment the egg meets the sperm and gets fertilize, well, most symptoms are evident on implantation which happens after the 6th day of fertilization. Therefore, this falls perfectly well within the second week. If you were trying to get pregnant, this might be the time to hold breath for more elaborate signs of pregnancy. Notably, this is still a very early stage of pregnancy and developments, and changes may take place depending on your genetics.
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Baby’s growth and development in week two
Baby’s (embryo) development during the second week involves the transformation of blastocyte into embryonic cells that will later grow into early structures. It also entails establishment of placenta structures and can be seen in several stages:
- Adaplantation: By the end of the first week, the blastocyte is hatched into the placenta and keeps rolling with first adhesions on the uterus epithelium. This helps to stimulate the uterus for extra signals to the mother’s brain to order more release of pregnancy hormone. Adaplantation takes about 1-2 days after the fertilized egg reaches the uterus.
- Implantation: This is the attachment of the blastocyte into the uterus lining. The process completes about 9 days after fertilization. As the fertilized egg moves down to the uterus, the uterine wall cells have rich nutrients that wait to nourish the baby at the early embryonic stage.
- A coagulation plug (cavity) is formed at the point where the blastocyte attached and sinks (enters) the uterus. This plug will develop in later weeks to become the permanent house of the baby for the next 39 weeks (remember that 1 week is already gone).
As the blastocyte (embryonic cells) implants and a permanent home develops, a protective barrier forms at the mouth of the cervix. This is a mechanical barrier that prevents physical barrier or even infections from outside the uterus. To guarantee the tender baby (blastocyte) even extra security, a new layer of cells (stroma cells) forms all-around the uterus.
Notably, throughout out the uterus and emerging cells, a dense network of veins with very thin layer forms to ensure that all the necessary nutrients, water, minerals, and other supplies are provided to the developing blastocyte. The network of blood also helps to clear the waste products so that the baby’s development at this early stage is fast and progressive.
Changes to expect in Mom’s body during week 2
While some mothers may indicate that they noted the first moment that fertilization took place, many pregnancy symptoms emerge during the second week because implantation triggers the release of pregnancy hormone and many others. Key changes at this week are mainly an extension of what was experienced during the first week but in a higher intensity.
- Missed period is the most important sign and change that you have conceived. Having missed the period and, now, the second week comes with a lot of fatigue and vomiting should send a clear signal that finally you have conceived. In some women, the period might be just light or simply implantation blood.
- Vaginal discharge is a common change that changes from light blood at the beginning of implantation to milky-whitish type. Consider using small pads and absorbent underpants.
- Elevated body temperatures because of the heightened activities in the body. The blood is working extra hard to ensure that both the baby and the mother have all the requisite energy.
- Urination will become intense because of the heightened body activities as blood regularly rushes to the kidneys o empty waste and cleaning.
- Morning sickness (vomiting and nausea) will become intensive as pregnancy hormone and others flood every part of the body.
- Other changes to expect include;
- Regular headache
- Dizziness
- Food aversions
- Shortness of breath
- Extra breast tenderness
Things to do during the 2nd week
Similar to the first week, the baby’s development is in the initial stages which are also the most risky. There is a greater risk of miscarriage in the first trimester, and you must ensure that no activity can jeopardize the process of implantation, vital organs formation, and the body’s ability to support the fetus. The following are among the top to do things for the second week;
- Continue taking your daily dosage of 400 mg folic acid because the vital organs are still being formed. The additional iron, phosphorous sand other essential minerals anchor strong spine, brain, heart and other very essential organs development.
- Stop any bad habit that you might be involved in such as the use of drugs, smoking or even taking alcohol. Alcohol and chemicals from tobacco find their way into the placenta and may slow down development or cause deformities.
- If you are on medication, reach your physician and discuss with him whether they risk compromise implantation or baby’s development at this stage. If they do, you may chat the way forward such as getting different types of drugs.
- Take a well-balanced diet that provides all the necessary nutrients for your health and that of the baby. Make sure to focus on adding more minerals, vitamins, and essential proteins because they are important in helping the baby’s growth.
- Engage in mild physical activities to keep the body active and every organ in top condition. The exercises are also critical in assisting the uterus, lower abdomen ligaments, and other neighboring muscles respond well to the pregnancy hormones for faster development of the fetus.
- Keep off anything that is giving you stress or that can harm the body so that more effort is directed to helping the developing baby.
- Maintain a good diary of events to follow the consistency of various events. For example, after noting that the period did not come, consider jotting down emerging signs of pregnancy such as dizziness, nausea, and other signs.
- Make sure to keep your partner informed about the progress so that they can also assist you to get through when bad moods hit you. For example, text him at noon to let him know that the signs you started seeing last week are intensifying, and he is likely to be a dad at last.
- Keep following the nature of your vaginal discharge during the week. If implantation was successful, the discharge would not be like the one you are used to during periods; it will turn whitish-clear and a little thick because of what is happening in the uterus.
- Take a lot of time to relax to relax so that the body can have all the time to develop the baby. It might also be an appropriate time to catch on pregnancy related journals and books.
