During pregnancy week 2, the uterine lining is thickening in preparation for pregnancy. Also, ovulation, the release of an egg is about to occur. Doctors calculate due date from the beginning of last menstrual cycle, since it is hard to know exactly when conception occurred.

The changes inside the body

During pregnancy week 2, the last period is finished, and now the uterus starts building a new inner layer of endometrium to cushion and nourish the baby which is going to be conceived. About 20 eggs in the ovaries begin to ripen and occupy fluid-filled sacs called follicles. Each month, one of these follicles matures and then ruptures, releasing an egg from the ovary.This ovary travel down the fallopian tube, where fertilization occurs. This release of the egg is known as ovulation.

Ovulation

Ovulation takes place about 14 days before the end of the menstrual cycle. Ovulation is the time that you are most fertile. Once an egg is released from the ovary, there is only a 12- to 24-hour period in which it can be fertilized.

There is a rise in the estrogen levels accompanying ovulation, making the body more receptive to pregnancy. This is why during pregnancy week 2 many women experience that they are at their peak level of energy and creativity during this week of their cycle.

Soon after fertilization, the zygote travels down one of the fallopian tubes toward the uterus. At the same time, it begins to divide rapidly to form a cluster of cells. The inner groups of cells become the embryo and the outer groups of cells become the membranes that nourish and protect it.

At this point of time, the developing baby is tinier than a grain of rice. But even at this stage, the cells which are rapidly dividing themselves are in the process of forming various body systems, like the digestive and the immune system.

A preconception visit with the healthcare provider needs to be scheduled at this point of time, i.e. during pregnancy week 2 to determine the risks of genetic diseases and environmental hazards to ensure a healthy pregnancy and the baby too.

The mother also needs to ensure that she has started taking 400 milligrams of folic acid a day. Examples of foods that are high in folic acid include strawberries, oranges, green leafy vegetables, legumes, rice, bread and cereals rich in folic acids. Taking folic acid in a form of pill is definitely the best way to make sure that the mother gets enough folic acid as it might be difficult to get from food alone.

The changes that occur in the body

A pregnant woman may experience some bodily changes during pregnancy week 2 are like, breast getting swollen and becoming tender, cervical mucus which clear and watery, mood swings and fatigue.