Being 2 weeks pregnant is a fascinating period for you. The changes your body will go through are signals of greater things to come. Lifestyle changes and new experiences are already on their way!
However, there is much to do before your baby comes. Fortunately, you’re still only 2 weeks pregnant — it’s a good time to start preparing! Keep reading to find out more about early pregnancy symptoms and what you can do to get your body ready.
2 Weeks Pregnant: What Is Happening Inside Your Belly?
You don’t actually have a baby yet when you’re 2 weeks pregnant. However, your body is preparing itself for it. So while you are technically not pregnant, you are well on your way to it.
At this time, the uterine lining thickens as it gets ready for a fertilized egg to implant itself into the uterus. Ovulation, which is when your ovary releases an egg into the fallopian tube, will then occur at the end of the week.
The egg can survive for up to 24 hours after its release from the ovary. Should the sperm reach it within this time, the egg becomes fertilized and continues down the fallopian tube. This fertilized egg, now known as a zygote, then attaches itself along the lining of your uterus.
What Are the Pregnancy Symptoms During Week 2?
It’s always good to have an idea of pregnancy symptoms to expect so that you can prepare yourself. Below are the common symptoms you can experience at two weeks of pregnancy.
Cervical Changes
The changes to your cervix are some of the many pregnancy symptoms that occur when you’re 2 weeks pregnant. These changes are due to your body ovulating.
Serving as the entrance to your womb, the cervix softens at this point in your pregnancy thanks to the increased blood flow.
Another change that occurs is the repositioning of the cervix. Normally, your cervix is in a lower position. During ovulation, however, it moves to a higher level in the vagina.
You can also notice several changes to the look and feel of the cervical mucus. At first, it will be creamy and opaque. Then, a day before and during ovulation, it will become watery and resemble egg whites.
Increased Libido
You may find yourself feeling unexpectedly horny when you’re 2 weeks pregnant. Thanks to your hormones being on overdrive, you can experience a surge in libido. Arousal comes easily to you, and you may end up thinking about sex more often.
If you are experiencing an increased sex drive, don’t worry too much. It is only natural and you don’t really have a baby at this point in time. Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, you can have sex regularly!
Breast Tenderness
At this point in your pregnancy journey, you may notice your breasts feeling tender and heavy. Your nipples will also be sore and very sensitive. The sensation can be different for other women. Some may find their sore breasts painful, while others won’t feel too bothered by it.
These changes are due to the increase in the hormones estrogen, progesterone, and prolactin. These hormones boost the blood flow to your breasts, preparing you for breastfeeding.
To ease any discomfort caused by tender breasts, make sure that you wear bras that support these changes. Bras that properly fit your chest and lift your breasts are good picks!
Heightened Sense of Smell
One thing you may experience at two weeks of pregnancy is a stronger sense of smell. You may end up noticing scents that you never smelled before. Food with strong odors can become unbearable to you. This is due to an increase in estrogen and a hormone called hCG.
One of the unfortunate side effects of having a heightened sense of smell is morning sickness. If you find the magnified odors overwhelming, it would be best to avoid any strong odors you find. You can also use scented candles or diffusers to fill the air with scents that you like.
Ovulation Pain
Some women feel pain on one side of their lower abdomen when they are ovulating. This ovulation pain is also known as Mittelschmerz and can either feel like a dull ache or a sharp, sudden pain.
We can attribute this pain to two reasons. First, the growth of the egg can stretch the ovary’s surface. Second, the egg bursts from the ovarian follicle. The blood and fluid from this rupture can irritate the walls of your abdomen, thus causing pain.
While these can occur during ovulation, there may also be other causes that coincide with this point in your pregnancy. Examples include an upset stomach or gas pains.
This sort of pain typically doesn’t last too long. If you are still experiencing pain after one day, be sure to consult your healthcare provider.
An Increase in Your Basal Body Temperature
At two weeks of pregnancy, your body’s temperature can rise even when you aren’t doing anything. This increase in basal body temperature (BBT) is thanks to the hormone progesterone, which prepares your uterus for pregnancy.
While it is only a slight increase, a boost in your BBT indicates ovulation. Tracking it every day will help you find the best time to get pregnant. Because your BBT is the temperature of your body at rest, it is best to measure it in the morning before getting out of bed.
Additionally, you will need a special kind of thermometer to track your BBT. Known as a basal thermometer, it is faster and more accurate than a regular thermometer.
What Should You Do During Week 2?
Two weeks is early into your pregnancy journey. Nonetheless, you want to make sure that you can maintain a healthy lifestyle and keep your mental health in check. You also need to put a stop to any unhealthy and bad habits that can affect a woman’s body, especially in the early days of pregnancy. Here’s what you need to do when you’re 2 weeks pregnant.
See Your Healthcare Provider
The first thing you should do is visit your healthcare provider for a preconception checkup. During this visit, you and your doctor will talk about your health and lifestyle.
Through this discussion, they will be able to determine anything that you should avoid doing to prepare your body for pregnancy. They will also discuss the best way to take care of your body during the coming months. For instance, they may recommend prenatal supplements and regular exercise.
Eat Healthy
Now that you are about to have a baby, your health is more important than ever. Pregnancy, while fulfilling, is also a trying time. Your body will go through many changes in its preparation for the baby and to support your baby’s growth. Thus, it is important to start eating healthy during the second week.
Your diet should include nutrient-rich foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. Adding prenatal vitamins and mineral supplements to your diet will also help you get the required amount of nutrients. Vitamins and minerals that you should prioritize are:
- Folic acid
- Vitamin B
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin D
- Iron
- Calcium
- Choline
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Start Working Out
To prepare for the physical challenges of pregnancy, it is beneficial to strengthen your body. Beginning at week 2 allows you to learn about the different exercises that can help build your cardio, core, and back. Doctors also recommend exercising throughout your pregnancy, so starting the habit now is also good for you.
Some exercises that you can do now and later on are aerobics and yoga. Aerobics is a cardio exercise that you can have fun with. Yoga, or prenatal yoga specifically, teaches you how to breathe deeply and relax. This will prove beneficial during labor and childbirth.
Another great exercise is weight training. This kind of workout strengthens your abdominal and back muscles, which will be much needed in later trimesters. You can use free weights, which include dumbbells and kettlebells, or resistance bands.
Learn What to Avoid
Even if you’re only two weeks pregnant, it is good to learn what you should avoid while carrying your baby. Knowing what is dangerous to you and your baby will help you stay safe from certain food, substances, and even places.
When it comes to food, avoid processed or packaged food items. Food with too much sugar or saturated fats is also a no-no. Other things you should avoid include alcohol, illegal drugs, smoking, and too much caffeine. Smoking, for instance, increases the risk of abnormal bleeding during delivery and the development of birth defects in your baby.
Reduce Your Stress Levels
Motherhood is challenging, but so is the road leading to it. It is normal and expected to go through a lot of stress during pregnancy. This, however, can lead to health problems for you and your baby. Therefore, it is important to manage your stress.
One way of doing so is by talking to someone you trust. This can include your partner, your family, a close friend, even your doctor. You should also have time to enjoy hobbies like reading or walking. Don’t overwhelm yourself with too many tasks at once. Getting good sleep is another great way of reducing stress.
Connect With Your Partner
During week 2 pregnancy, ovulation approaches. Having a baby is a big step, so connecting with your partner is a must. Open communication is key during this phase in your life, as your partner will be your constant companion through it all.
Your body will go through the many pregnancy symptoms and more. Your partner should also know the symptoms and tips mentioned above to support you in your pregnancy.
2 Weeks Pregnant: It’s Only the Start of Your Journey
Pregnancy can last from 37 to 42 weeks. But when you’re only 2 weeks pregnant, thinking about your due date will certainly seem far away. It’s unbelievable how much a woman’s body can change in these weeks, and it can be painful and scary. However, the good, the bad, and the ugly will all be worth it when your little bundle of joy is finally in your arms.
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