What To Expect In The Second Month Of Pregnancy

(Weeks 8-12: After your last period)

YOUR BABY

Your baby grows to be about 2 1/4 inches long and weighs about 1/2 to 1 ounce by the end of this month.
A distinct umbilical cord has formed.
It's head is large because it's brain is forming much faster than the other organs.
It's stomach, liver, and kidneys are forming.
Cartilage, skin, and muscles are starting to give shape to your baby's body.
It's fingers and toes are beginning to appear.
Its facial features are beginning to form.

YOUR BODY

The placenta continues to grow and produce more hormones.
Your breasts increase in size, and the area around you nipples begins to darken.
Your vaginal secretions are becoming thicker, whiter, and stickier: the tissues in and around you vagina are bluish from the heavier blood supply brought to nourish the baby.
Your growing uterus crowds into the space next to your bladder and you begin to urinate more frequently.
You may still have nausea, and it may be more noticable in the morning.
You may still be sleepier and more tire than usual.
Your waistline may begin to increase in size, although its unlikely.(unless this isn't your first child)
Your uterus is still small enough to lie behing your pubic bone, but it is softer, rounder, and larger now; it may feel like a small lump above your pubic bone by the end of this month.
You may gain a pound or two by the end of this month.

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES

Get a prenatal check-up this month and plan to have them regularly.
Ask for your prenatal test results such as you blood pressure, weight, and urine each time.
Know your blood type and RH factor
Ask for your Hemoglobin or Hematocrit results to know if you are anemic.
Rest and relax: you wont need this much sleep later.
Start a daily habit of exercise- walk, bike, swim...(believe me, it will make labor and delivery much easier)
Take prenatal vitamins and iron as prescribed.
Try to enroll or at least look into some prenatal classes.
Talk to friends and family members about their early months of pregnancy was like.
If you have insurance, find out what maternity and baby benefits you have.