Fetal Development at 2 Weeks of Pregnancy

Entering 2 weeks of gestation, a woman’s body will begin to experience some changes. What changes are felt? What are the common characteristics? Check out the full explanation in the following review.

Fetal Development at 2 Weeks Pregnancy

If you are wondering how the condition of the fetus is at 2 weeks pregnant, then you should know that entering the second week of pregnancy, there is no fetus in the womb yet.

The process of meeting sperm cells and eggs (ovum) only occurs at the end of the second week, or the beginning of the third week. Meanwhile, the first day of pregnancy generally starts from the first day of the last menstrual period (HPHT) and ends on the expected day of birth in the 40th week.

Therefore, those of you who are planning a pregnancy are strongly advised to have regular intercourse at the end of the second week or the beginning of the third week. This is so that the chances of pregnancy are getting bigger.

When the sperm and egg meet at the end of the second week, a cell called a zygote is formed. These cells then develop into embryos measuring about 0.01-0.02 centimeters. The embryo consists of two cell layers, namely endothermic and ectoderm. The two layers of cells will later form the organs of the body.

The sex of the future baby has also been determined genetically in the second week. Please note, humans have 46 chromosomes (genetic material in the nucleus of body cells). Of the 46 chromosomes, 2 of them are sex chromosomes which will determine sex.

Both sperm and egg cells both ‘donate’ 1 chromosome. Sperm will carry either X or Y chromosomes, while the egg will only carry the X chromosome.

If at fertilization the chromosomes that join are XY, then your child will be male. Meanwhile, if the combination of chromosomes is XX, you will give birth to a girl.

Also Read: Fetal Development at 1 Week of Pregnancy

Changes in the Body at 2 Weeks Pregnant

Just like in the first week, the shape of the stomach when you are 2 weeks pregnant has not experienced significant changes either. However, there is a development that occurs in the stomach, namely a mature egg cell has been formed.

The egg will then ‘stay’ in the fallopian tube to wait for the sperm to fertilize it.

When fertilization occurs, an embryo is formed which will produce pregnancy hormones. The pregnancy hormone functions to inform the body that an embryo has been formed which the body then responds by producing a number of changes during pregnancy.

Another change that also occurs during 2 weeks of pregnancy is the thickening of the lining of the uterus. Thickening of the lining of the uterus is the body’s natural mechanism for preparing the uterus as a place for the fetus to grow and develop until it becomes a baby.

Following are the characteristics of 2 weeks pregnant that can occur, including:

• Menstruation ends.
• Breasts are more sensitive to stimulation.
• Pain in the breast.
• Feel more excited.
• Increased interest in sexual activity.
• Increased production of vaginal clear mucus.
• Elastic vaginal mucus.

In addition, changes are also seen in the cervix (cervical). In this period, generally your cervix will be softer, higher position, wetter, and more open.

Also Read: Fetal Development at 3 Weeks of Pregnancy

Pregnancy test

There are a number of checks that you should do to keep your pregnancy healthy in the second week, including:

1. Fertile Period

2 weeks of gestation or the second week of the menstrual cycle can be identified from the previous menstruation which has been completed, and 1 week after that there will be a fertile period. This condition makes the mother’s mood more stable and the body feels fitter.

2. Check Basal Body Temperature

Basal body temperature is the temperature when you first wake up before getting out of bed and doing any activity.

When the mother is not ovulating/infertile, the basal temperature ranges from 36.1-36.4 degrees Celsius; while during the fertile period, the basal temperature can increase between 36.4-37 degrees Celsius.

To check your basal body temperature, you’ll need an armpit thermometer. Do these temperature checks in the morning at the same time consistently, for example every 9am, and before you do any activity.

Check it every morning for 1-2 months and record it so you know what the average body temperature is when you are infertile, and how much it increases when you are fertile, and on what day you usually experience your fertile period.

3. Fertility / Ovulation Test

Apart from checking your basal body temperature, you can also use a fertility detector. This tool works by detecting luteinizing hormone (LH), which is a hormone that indicates ovulation is taking place.

Thus, this helps you to determine when the right time to have sex is if you want to get pregnant quickly.

2 Week Pregnancy Tips

Here are some tips that can be applied so that a healthy pregnancy can be realized, including:

1. Routine to the Gynecologist

The thing to pay attention to when you are 2 weeks pregnant is to do regular medical examinations with your obstetrician.

This examination can help find out what should be done or avoided during pregnancy.

2. Consumption of Nutritious Foods

Meeting the needs of vitamins and other important nutrients is an obligation so that the development of the fetus 2 weeks onwards goes well.

Ask your doctor about what nutritious foods should be consumed to support the growth and development of the fetus while maintaining your health.

3. Meet the Needs of Body Fluids

Apart from ensuring that you drink enough water, you should also train yourself to reduce your intake of unhealthy drinks. Consume about 8-12 glasses of water every day.

Also Read: 15 Causes of Premature Babies You Need to Be Aware of

4. No Smoking and Consumption of Alcoholic Beverages

Consumption of alcoholic beverages should be avoided during pregnancy. The reason is, alcohol can damage the development of the fetus.

If fetal development is disrupted, the risk of physical defects and a number of other health problems in the baby at birth can increase.

Apart from alcoholic beverages, stop smoking and stay away from exposure to cigarette smoke.

The content of substances in cigarettes is said to increase the risk of pregnancy complications, including the risk of babies being born with a number of health problems such as underweight.

5. Keeping the Body Active

Staying active can reduce stress, improve mood, and give you an energy boost. When you are pregnant, avoid high-intensity exercise. Exercise must be adapted to physical conditions.

6. Keep Thinking Positive

In addition to physical preparation, mental preparation is also needed to prepare for pregnancy. Keeping your mind positive can help you deal with any anxiety that arises.

Now, That’s information related to fetal development at 2 weeks of gestation. Hopefully this information is useful, Healthy Friends!

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