Pregnancy week 2

Your baby’s development

This week your body moves towards ovulation. The maturing follicle in the ovary grows, the lining of the uterus thickens again, and oestrogen levels rise. Towards the end of the week an egg may be released; in a 28-day cycle ovulation usually happens around day 14, though everyone's cycle is different. After release, the egg can be fertilised for roughly 12 to 24 hours, while sperm can survive in the genital tract for a few days. So fertilisation can take place at the end of this week or at the start of the next. For now there is still no embryo, only an egg, sperm and the chance of them meeting. Because pregnancy weeks are counted from the last period, these weeks are included in the count even though real development has not begun. This also explains why the date of the first ultrasound can differ from your own estimate. In short, this week your body is quietly but steadily preparing for the next step.

Changes in the mother

As ovulation approaches, some people notice clear, stretchy discharge, a mild one-sided twinge, or nothing at all. All of this is usual. Your energy and mood may also feel lifted. If you hope to have a baby, you do not need to squeeze these days into a strict schedule; staying relaxed and pressure-free is often the best approach. For some couples it happens quickly and for others it takes longer; if nothing has happened after a year (six months if you are 35 or older), it is reasonable to see a doctor. Ovulation tests and temperature tracking are optional. Stress cannot be removed completely, but small breaks can help. If your cycles are irregular, predicting ovulation can be difficult, and your doctor can guide you.

To do this week

• Note your cycle length; your doctor may ask later.
• Go at a pace that suits you, without pressure.
• Continue folic acid if your doctor has recommended it.
• Consider getting support to stop smoking and alcohol.

Tip for the partner

Treating this as a shared time rather than a task is a relief for both of you.

Nutrition tip

Leafy greens, pulses and eggs are rich in iron and folate and easy to add to regular meals.