Pregnancy typically lasts 40 weeks, divided into first, second, and third trimesters. Different symptoms and physical developments characterize each stage. The beginning of pregnancy is calculated from the first day of the last menstrual period (LMP) (1). After every menstrual cycle, a woman’s body starts preparing for pregnancy. Since knowing the exact date of conception is difficult, doctors refer to the first day of the last menstrual cycle as the start of the pregnancy (2). Ovulation begins after about 12-14 days of LMP, as the egg is released. This is when conception or fertilization is likely to occur if you have unprotected intercourse (3). In this post, you might learn about the second week of pregnancy, including the symptoms and the measures to follow for baby development.
What Happens At Two Weeks Of Pregnancy?
The first day of the reproductive cycle begins as soon as the last menstrual period ends. At the beginning of the second week, the dominant follicle containing the egg releases an increased amount of estrogen, stimulating the pituitary gland to release the luteinizing hormone (LH) by day 12. Around day 13, a surge in the LH levels causes the follicles to burst open and release the egg. By day 14, fertilization occurs in the fallopian tube followed by implantation in the uterus about six days after fertilization (3) (4). At two weeks pregnant, the baby is made of only a few cells, and fetal development may not be detectable through an ultrasound. The mother’s belly generally does not appear bloated and there are no distinguishable pregnancy symptoms during the second week. It could be around the third or fourth week when the typical pregnancy symptoms, such as missed periods, nausea, and vomiting, start to manifest.
What Are The Signs And Symptoms At 2nd Week Pregnancy?
Since fertilization only occurs by the end of the 2nd week, you may not observe any symptoms. However, some women might experience (5):
Discharge of a fine mucus layer, with an appearance similar to that of an egg yolk. Sudden lower abdominal pain on either side, indicating release of the egg.
An increase in temperature, which can occur after ovulation.
Other possible signs and symptoms might include:
Tender and sore breasts
Random mood swings Frequent urination Unusual and constant tiredness Constant bloating or gas
These symptoms during the second week of your menstrual cycle may indicate the beginning of a pregnancy although they are not very reliable at this stage.
Can A Pregnancy Test Give A Positive Result At Two Weeks Of Pregnancy?
A pregnancy test is based on detecting the levels of human chorionic gonadotropin hormone (hCG). It is released by special cells called syncytiotrophoblast around ten days post-conception until the placenta is fully formed later in the first trimester, which then takes over this function fully. Hence, an accurate pregnancy test at two weeks of pregnancy may not be possible. You can expect to have a positive pregnancy test result after two weeks of fertilization, i.e., during the fourth week of pregnancy when there is an increased hCG concentration in the blood and urine. A pregnancy test can be carried out through pregnancy test kits or a blood test. You can use the test kit two weeks after conception for an accurate result (6).
What To Do At Two Weeks Of Pregnancy?
If you are entering the ovulation phase and are planning to get pregnant, you may try the following for pregnancy (2) (5).
Keep track of ovulation: You must plan according to your ovulation cycle if you plan to have a baby. For pregnancy to occur, sperm should fertilize the egg when it reaches the fallopian tube. Knowing the time of ovulation or the fertility window can help you plan your intercourse timing and increase your chances of achieving a successful pregnancy. You can use an ovulation kit that measures the urine level of LH, responsible for the release of egg from the follicle.
Change to a better lifestyle: Try to have a healthier lifestyle with regular exercise and a well-balanced diet. A change in your otherwise lazy or hectic day-to-day life can provide a healthier environment for your baby.
Increase vitamin intake: Increase the intake of prenatal vitamins after consultation with healthcare providers. Early start of prenatal vitamins consisting of folic acid can help protect your baby from possible birth defects. Folic acid aids the formation of the neural tube, which later develops into the skull, spine, and brain. You should ideally start taking folic acid at least three months prior to planning pregnancy. This is particularly important for those who have diabetes mellitus.
Avoid toxic substances: Do not consume substances that can harm not only your health but also your expecting baby. These can include tobacco, alcohol, recreational drugs, or caffeine.
Monitor current drugs: Certain groups of drugs may cause adverse effects on the development of the baby’s organs, especially if taken during the initial days of pregnancy. Consult your healthcare provider about continuing any ongoing medications to avoid harmful effects of those medications on pregnancy.
