During the first week of pregnancy, most women are not yet aware that they are pregnant. The first week of pregnancy is counted from the first day of the last menstrual period before conception.
At this early stage, the fertilization has not yet occurred, and there are no visible changes in the woman’s body.
What changes occur in a woman’s body during the second week of pregnancy?
The second week of pregnancy marks the beginning of the embryonic period. At this stage, the fertilization has occurred, and the egg has implanted in the uterus. The embryo is still very small, measuring around 0.1 to 0.2 millimeters.
The second week of pregnancy is characterized by the following changes in the woman’s body:.
Implantation
During the first days of the second week, the fertilized egg embeds itself in the lining of the uterus. This process is called implantation and can cause some mild cramping and spotting in some women.
After implantation, the fertilized egg is now officially considered an embryo.
Hormonal changes
After implantation, the embryo starts to produce the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). This hormone is detected in pregnancy tests and is responsible for some of the early pregnancy symptoms such as nausea, fatigue and breast tenderness.
Breast changes
Due to the hormonal changes, the woman’s breasts may feel sore, swollen and sensitive. The nipples and the areola may also darken and become more pronounced in preparation for breastfeeding.
Cervical mucus changes
The cervical mucus, which is the natural fluid produced by the cervix, changes in consistency and quantity during the second week of pregnancy. The mucus becomes thin and slippery to facilitate the sperm’s journey towards the egg.
After ovulation, the mucus thickens again and acts as a barrier against any further sperm.
Basal body temperature changes
The basal body temperature (BBT), which is the lowest temperature of the body during rest, increases slightly after ovulation and stays elevated during the second week of pregnancy.
This rise in temperature is caused by the hormone progesterone and helps the embryo to implant and develop in the uterus.
Increased urination
The increased production of hCG and other hormones can cause the woman to urinate more frequently during the second week of pregnancy. This symptom may be more pronounced during the night and can continue throughout the pregnancy.
Conclusion
The changes that occur in a woman’s body during the first and second week of pregnancy are not visible yet, but they are important for the development and growth of the embryo.
The hormonal changes, implantation, and other changes in the body prepare the woman’s body for the next stages of pregnancy.