Second week of pregnancy

The moment when you found out you were pregnant has passed, the initial excitement, anxiety and fears have passed. You told your husband and close relatives this news (or didn’t). You listened to a million pieces of advice from the female half who knew about the situation. But this did not reduce the number of questions and thoughts. What should happen in the second week of pregnancy? What should you feel? What should you do at the first signs of toxicosis? What can indicate a threat of miscarriage? In our article about the second week of pregnancy, we will try to answer these and other questions in detail.

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Signs of pregnancy in the second week

First of all, it is worth clarifying that by the second week of pregnancy we mean the second week of missed period, which is 5-6 obstetric weeks or 3-4 embryonic weeks. What happens to your baby during these days? If you think that there is nothing special inside you, you are deeply mistaken. The second week of pregnancy is one of the most important in the process of growth and development of the child. During this period, the fertilized egg develops and becomes an embryo. By the end of the second week of pregnancy (6th obstetric week), the embryo's heart begins to beat!

Imagine that a new, completely unique and unrepeatable life is being born inside you - a part of you! By the end of the second week of pregnancy, the head of the future child and the beginnings of the baby's arms and legs can be seen on an ultrasound examination. What is happening in the meantime with the body of the expectant mother? Some women feel absolutely nothing, while others experience signs of pregnancy.

Signs of pregnancy in the second week include:

• absence of menstruation;
• aversion to familiar foods and smells;
• nausea, vomiting (early toxicosis);
• sensitivity and enlargement of the mammary glands;
• increased frequency of urination;
• increased fatigue;
• an inexplicable feeling of "pregnancy".

The absence of menstruation is the first and main sign of pregnancy in the second week. Menstruation is the separation of the inner layer of the uterus - the endometrium due to the absence of fertilization of the egg. If pregnancy occurs, the fertilized egg attaches to the inner wall of the uterus and the woman's body begins to produce pregnancy hormones that prevent the rejection of the endometrium. Delayed menstruation is possible not only because of pregnancy. It can be provoked by stress, severe infectious diseases, taking oral contraceptives, long flights to countries with a different climate, intense physical activity or diets, a previous abortion or surgical intervention on the pelvic organs, and much more.

Aversion to familiar food and smells is the most common sign of pregnancy in the second week. This is associated with a sharp and strong hormonal restructuring of the female body. At the same time, a pregnant woman may have a strange desire to eat a product that she previously hated. There is a belief that if a pregnant woman wants to eat something, then she is guided not by her own desire, but by the desire of the child. Therefore, it is customary not to refuse the wishes of a woman in a delicate position. But everything should be treated without strong fanaticism.

Nausea and vomiting occur in 60% of women by the end of the second week of pregnancy. This condition is called early toxicosis (gestosis). Until now, scientists have not been able to find a clear reason for the occurrence of this condition in women. The most likely cause is a hormonal surge and a sharp restructuring of the female body. Toxicosis in pregnant women occurs differently, in some it is mild, while others may even require hospitalization. The basic principles of combating toxicosis in the second week of pregnancy are described below. This condition usually lasts no longer than 12 obstetric weeks. If toxicosis occurs after 12 weeks, this is an alarming sign that requires medical intervention. Such toxicosis is called late. A condition similar to toxicosis can be observed with various disorders in the gastrointestinal tract, namely: gastritis, chronic and acute pancreatitis, stomach ulcers and even migraines.

Sensitivity and enlargement of the mammary glands in the second week of pregnancy occurs due to an increase in the level of prolactin in the woman's body. The breasts may "fill up", become heavy, tingle and even hurt. Also, signs of pregnancy in the second week may include darkening of the nipples and the appearance of so-called Montgomery tubercles (something similar to goose bumps appears on the areola in the area of the hair follicles). When pressed, yellowish discharge from the nipples is possible - colostrum - this is not a cause for concern. Also, the discharge of colostrum in a non-pregnant state may indicate a violation of the woman's hormonal background, namely, an increased hormone prolactin.

Increased frequency of urination as a sign of pregnancy in the second week may occur due to mechanical irritation of the bladder by the growing uterus. Moreover, the longer the term, the greater the pressure on the bladder, so with the growth of the abdomen, the frequency of urination increases. This symptom also occurs in a non-pregnant state, namely as a sign of inflammatory processes of the bladder (urethritis, cystitis, pyelonephritis).

Increased fatigue as a sign of pregnancy in the second week occurs in almost all women. This condition is explained by the colossal invisible load aimed at the development of the child. At the same time, the woman's body gives a signal that it is necessary to rest and not rush in order to save strength for such an important task. Overfatigue can also occur with intense stressful work, as well as with chronic fatigue syndrome.

The feeling of "pregnancy" occurs in some women. It is also associated with hormonal changes in the body. This feeling can also occur when self-hypnosis of pregnancy occurs.

Toxicosis in the second week of pregnancy

60% of pregnant women face such a problem as toxicosis. The exact reasons for its occurrence have not yet been found. It is believed that the culprit is a sharp hormonal restructuring of the body, which affects the central nervous system. Most often, toxicosis occurs in the second week of pregnancy and ends abruptly in the twelfth week of pregnancy. Moreover, its peak occurs in the eighth or ninth week. Women suffering from toxicosis complain of morning sickness, vomiting, nausea during the day. Moreover, this condition worsens in stuffy, poorly ventilated rooms, transport, as well as in the presence of various strong odors, including the aroma of cooking food (even if it is quite appetizing). No connection was found between any features of the course of pregnancy and toxicosis, but it was noted that it manifests itself more often during the first pregnancy in women suffering from chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, women who smoke, women living in large cities. Toxicosis may be absent, or may manifest itself slightly, but if the condition is so critical that the pregnant woman is constantly vomiting, then hospitalization may be required. In this case, supportive therapy is prescribed in the form of IV drips, homeopathic medications, and vitamin therapy. How can you help yourself if toxicosis occurs in the second week of pregnancy? In order for this condition to pass more easily, there are several rules that are quite easy to follow, namely:

• Food should be consumed frequently but in small portions. There should be at least three snacks per day.
• The food consumed should be dietary, not fatty, but at the same time high-calorie and balanced (boiled meat, fermented milk products, whole grain products, vegetables, fruits).
• Food should be at an optimal temperature. It is advisable to avoid eating very hot food, including hot drinks.
• You can't overeat at night. The last meal should preferably be no later than 8-9 pm.
• The first meal (snack) should be taken without getting out of bed. After eating, it is advisable to lie down for another 5-10 minutes.
• Sleep should be complete, at least eight hours.
• Water should be consumed in sufficient quantities (about two liters per day), preferably still and mineral.
• Mint candies, lemon slices, grapefruit, orange, ginger tea, sweet crackers will help a lot to fight toxicosis. Cranberry juice will also be useful.

Feelings in the second week of pregnancy

At this stage, many women experience weakness and drowsiness, as well as dizziness. In most cases, this is normal, but if dizziness is accompanied by fainting, then there is cause for concern. Fainting may be associated with a lack of hemoglobin in the blood. To determine its level, it is enough to take a general blood test. The normal hemoglobin level for pregnant women is 110-140 g / l. If the hemoglobin level is low, then the gynecologist can prescribe iron preparations (maltofer, sorbifer, ferretab) or multivitamins containing iron (vitrum prenatal, elevit pronatal, pregnavit).

Often in the second week of pregnancy there is a feeling of bloating. This can be caused by the growing uterus, and as a result, the displacement of internal organs, including the intestines. The pregnant woman may be bothered by constipation or, on the contrary, stool disorders. Usually, after the body has been rebuilt, problems with the abdomen in the second week of pregnancy disappear. By this time, the uterus becomes slightly larger than a chicken egg.

Many women notice an increase in vaginal discharge in the second week of pregnancy. The discharge should normally be mucous, with a slightly whitish tint. The presence of yellowish discharge is also considered normal. The abundance of normal discharge is quite individual. If bloody spotting appears, this is a reason for an urgent visit to the gynecologist, since such a symptom may indicate the presence of detachment and / or tone of the uterus and, as a consequence, an increased likelihood of spontaneous miscarriage. Also, a pregnant woman may experience white curdled discharge, which may indicate the presence of thrush. In such a case, you should also consult a gynecologist to prescribe antifungal therapy (most often treatment with local therapy in the form of suppositories, for example, pimafucin). The presence of greenish discharge with an unpleasant odor in the second week of pregnancy may indicate the presence of a genital tract infection (trichomoniasis, ureaplasmosis, mycoplasmosis, bacterial vaginosis). If such discharge is present, a smear should be taken for flora and/or blood should be tested using the PCR method. If the pathogen is detected, antimicrobial therapy is prescribed (the drugs depend on the specific pathogen). Lack of treatment for urogenital infections can lead to intrauterine infection of the fetus.

Sex in the second week of pregnancy

Many pregnant women are interested in the question: "Is it possible to have sex during pregnancy?" It is possible and even necessary, if there are no contraindications (threat of miscarriage, uterine tone, fetal presentation). Moreover, scientists have established a positive effect of sperm on the cervix. It increases its elasticity and prepares for childbirth. It is only recommended to avoid too active sexual intercourse. Some women experience an increased libido in the first two weeks of pregnancy, while others experience a decrease to the point of complete aversion to sex. This is associated with hormonal changes in the body. In any case, lovemaking should only bring pleasure.

Periods in the second week of pregnancy

Some women report bloody discharge similar to menstruation in the early stages of pregnancy. With a normal hormonal background and a well-progressing pregnancy, such discharge may indicate detachment and may subsequently end in a miscarriage. Therefore, if menstruation occurs in the second week of pregnancy, you should urgently consult a gynecologist, or even better, call an ambulance. Also, the presence of bloody discharge may indicate an ectopic pregnancy, which is very dangerous and can lead to the death of the mother (due to rupture of the fallopian tube wall by the growing fetus and subsequent bleeding), as well as a deficiency of the hormone progesterone. With progesterone deficiency, drugs containing this hormone are prescribed (Utrozhestan, Duphaston), as well as supportive therapy in the form of a hemostatic (tranexam) and antispasmodics (Noshpa, Papaverine). If an ectopic pregnancy is confirmed, an abortion is performed with preservation or removal of the fallopian tube.

Miscarriage in the second week of pregnancy

The second week of pregnancy is quite a turning point in the development of the fetus. Usually, if a spontaneous miscarriage does not occur at this stage, then the pregnancy proceeds without complications.

Causes of miscarriage in early pregnancy may include:

• fetal developmental abnormalities, including frozen pregnancy;
• deficiency of female hormones, namely progesterone;
• intense physical activity;
• previous serious illnesses;
• Rhesus conflict between mother and child;
• urogenital infections;
• severe stress;
• drug and alcohol use.

A spontaneous miscarriage begins with spotting bloody discharge of pink or brown color, pain in the lumbar region and cramping pains in the lower abdomen. Then the discharge intensifies, acquiring the character of heavy menstruation, and the fetus comes out. If the bleeding is very heavy and does not stop, you should call an ambulance. After a miscarriage in the second week of pregnancy, it is necessary to conduct a control ultrasound examination and find out the reason for its occurrence. In case of a frozen pregnancy and the absence of a spontaneous abortion, curettage is performed.

Ultrasound in the second week of pregnancy

Ultrasound examination in the second week of pregnancy is most often done to determine the intrauterine pregnancy and to clarify the exact period. Also, with the help of this examination, it is possible to determine multiple pregnancies, and at the end of the second week of pregnancy (6 obstetric or 4 embryonic week) you can hear the first heartbeat of the fetus. The size of the embryo at this time is 4 mm and it still has a weak resemblance to a person. There is a myth about the harm of ultrasound in the early stages of pregnancy. This fact is not confirmed by any studies, so if there are indications for this type of examination (suspected ectopic pregnancy or threat of miscarriage), then it is better not to neglect this procedure.

Antibiotics in the second week of pregnancy

There are a number of indications for the use of antibiotics during pregnancy. For some diseases, you simply cannot do without them. But we have all heard that the use of these drugs can be dangerous and even harmful to the fetus. Is this true? There are quite safe antibiotics, and there are those that are categorically contraindicated during pregnancy, which we will discuss below.

It is important to always remember that not treating some diseases can lead to tragic consequences. Therefore, it is better to take antibiotics than to neglect the disease. Diseases that can only be treated with antibiotics include: surgical interventions, pyelonephritis, bacterial cystitis, pneumonia, tonsillitis, bronchitis, chlamydia, trichomoniasis, ureaplasmosis, mycoplasmosis, and others. The use of antibiotics will not help with colds, flu, allergies, fungal infections, inflammatory processes of non-bacterial origin, and others.

Only the attending physician can prescribe an antibiotic in the second week of pregnancy. Usually, the dosage does not differ from the standard. Unauthorized reduction of the recommended dosage can lead to incomplete treatment of the disease. The correct prescription of an antibiotic is its selection after interpreting the antibiogram (according to the sensitivity of a specific pathogen to this antibiotic). After using antibiotics, drugs are usually prescribed to restore normal intestinal flora. Examples of such drugs include Linex, Bifidumbacterin, Normobact, Hilak Forte and others.

Three types of antibiotics are permitted for use in the early stages, namely: penicillin, cephalosporin, and macrolides. Examples of such drugs are: ampicillin, amoxiclav, cefazolin, ceftriaxone, erythromycin, vilprafen, and others.

Antibiotics prohibited in the second week of pregnancy include: furadonin, metronidazole, trichopolum, gentamicin, tetracycline drugs, ciprofloxacin, levomycetin, dioxidine, furagin. All these drugs cause either mutations in the fetus or have a toxic effect on the internal organs of the embryo.

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