Maybe you had been planning your pregnancy from day one, or maybe this is a sweet surprise to you. You’re probably still getting used to the demands of pregnancy in your second month.

Your uterus has grown from about the size of a fist to approximately the size of a grapefruit. By the end of the month, your baby will be between the size of a large lima bean or even as long as an inch, and he/she is starting to look like a baby! The tadpole tail will disappear this month and eyelids will form over the tiny sockets. Most of your baby’s internal organs- lungs, liver, kidneys, and intestines- are in place, but they are not yet fully formed and they do not yet function fully. Also by the end of the month there will be arm and leg buds and the beginnings of fingers and toes can be seen.

This is one of the most important months for your unborn baby’s growth. If you haven’t already begun to take a prenatal supplement, now would be the time to call your doctor. The most important part of prenatal vitamins is that they contain folic acid, (folic acid = folate = Vitamin B9). Folic acid helps reduce the risk of neural tube defects in babies, (like spina bifida).

Many of the things going on with you are things that you or other women noticed in month one. You may be emotional, nauseas, tired, have heartburn, bloating, gas, indigestion, or constipation. These symptoms may be just appearing, they may be getting worse from last month, or maybe some of them aren’t quite as bad as last month. The tricky thing is that every pregnancy is different, even for the same woman. So don’t worry if you don’t have the same symptoms your friend had, you probably won’t.

You may notice your breasts changing even more this month. Many women see their areola (the dark circle around your nipple) get darker or larger. And the sweat glands under your skin may start to look like goosebumps. Veins under your skin may also be more visible. Don’t worry though, this is all par for the course. If your breasts are still really tender, someone recommended to me to put a facial ice pack against your breasts in a loose fitting bra or tight shirt. This helps tame some of the pain and discomfort.

Your abdomen may also seem enlarged. You’re probably not showing yet, but this can be due to bowel distention. The gas, bloating and constipation you may be feeling can cause your stomach to expand. Don’t be alarmed if your favorite pair of pants don’t fit quite as well as they used to. Try to stick to healthy and non-gassy foods and eat smaller meals more frequently. That can help keep your stomach and intestines in line.

One more thing you may notice is that those pesky pimples you thought you got under control in high school are popping back up. It’s those darn hormones again. Diet can affect this too, so try to eat good, healthy foods and drink lots of water. Also try to wash with a gentle cleanser at least twice a day, moisturize and use noncomedogenic makeup.

Dad is probably still a little worried. He doesn’t know what’s going on with you either. He may be worried about how he should behave around you. Doctors agree that intimacy is fine during pregnancy and may actually be beneficial, (except in rare medical circumstances, but your doctor will let you know if you fall in this category).

Dad is probably very scared to see you so sick or emotionally not yourself as well. He can help by holding your hair for you if you’re unwell, getting you cold cloths for your head or bringing you tea or crackers. Try to let him help as much as he can, it will make him feel better to help you and you’ll feel better for the sympathy and love he’s providing you.

Dad should also try to help out around the house and with pets particularly. Pregnant women should not change the kitty litter box, (congratulations, you’re free of that duty for awhile)! Litter boxes are breeding grounds for bacteria that can cause toxoplasmosis which is very harmful to your precious new cargo. So dad will have to take over this duty. Also helping to walk pets (tough leash pulls may hurt mom’s back), or lifting heavy sacks of pet food will be greatly appreciated for the next nine months.

Try to remember, this will be the longest exam with the most poking and prodding that you’ll have to endure. It WILL get easier from here on out.

Your doctor will pull copious amounts of blood this month. They will test for Rh antibody type and status, hCG levels and iron levels. They will also test for a battery of sexually transmitted diseases (whether you are at risk or not). All these things will ensure you have no early complications to consider for your pregnancy. You will also give a urine sample to be tested for glucose, protein, white blood cells, blood, and bacteria. Whew! That’s the poking part.

As promised, they will also prod. They will do a physical exam that will include (but is not limited to) an exam of your breasts, lungs, heart, abdomen, uterus measurement, veins and your weight. You will probably receive a pap smear on top of it all. This will let the doctor know where you’re starting in your pregnancy so he/she can better follow you throughout your journey.

Some doctors perform an early ultrasound. This is called a transvaginal ultrasound and it is done with a small ultrasound wand. It shouldn’t be painful, but it’s more invasive than the belly ultrasound you see on television. If your doctor’s office does these kinds of ultrasound, they will perform it around week 8 or if you’re having complications or risk factors. It can be an exciting time and a memorable first picture of your new baby!