At 2 weeks of pregnancy, the mother to be is quite unaware of the hormonal changes that are ongoing within her. For women who have a fairly regular, healthy and predictable 28 day cycle, the end of second week of pregnancy is usually when ovulation will take place.
Ovulation is time when the female egg is released from the ovary. If this successfully unites with the male sperm, this means that conception has taken place and pregnancy has officially started! However conception is not easy to pinpoint. Though the egg lives about 12 to 24 hours after being released from the ovary, conception can happen even if sexual intercourse takes place a little before or after ovulation. This is because the sperm can survive for 3 to 5 days.
Changes in the baby
When you are two weeks pregnant, conception may or may not have occurred and your and in majority of cases, the baby may still only be a twinkle in the eye. This is what is likely to be going on:
- For women with a regular cycle, ovulation will occur on day 14 or the end of week 2, which means that conception, may occur by the end of this week.
- Even if conception has occurred, there are still going to be no outward signs or symptoms of conception for a while yet.
Changes in the mom to be
Some women experience some perceivable signs of ovulation. Ovulation can also be detected using a basal thermometer. Look for these signs of ovulation:
- Some women experience something called mittelschmerz (mid-cycle or ovulation pain) where there is some slight cramping or discomfort as the ovary releases an egg.
- There are also changes in cervical mucus: when it is clear and stretchy; an egg white consistency, ovulation is likely to be occurring.
- The body’s basal temperature also rises to indicate ovulation. Measuring the body’s basal temperature using a special basal thermometer will indicate that ovulation has taken place.
Tips for the 2nd week
You should try and continue to be as healthy as you can through your pregnancy by remaining active, and eating a healthy diet rich in fresh fruit, vegetables, whole grain, and fish and lean meat. This will give you and your baby the nutrients to be healthy and will prevent excessive weight gain.
- If you haven’t had a preconception doctor’s visit yet, schedule one now.
- Continue with the folic acid supplement.
- Keep stress at bay by learning relaxation techniques, doing exercise and by prioritizing. Stress can make conception difficult and can have a negative impact on the health of the mother to be as well.