The embryonic stage of pregnancy lasts about 5 weeks. At this stage, all the main internal organs of the future child begin to develop.
The 5th and 6th week
In the 5th – 6th week of pregnancy,
- The embryo is less than 4-5 mm long.
- A very basic beating heart and circulatory system develop;
- embryonic buds of arms and legs develop;
- the neural tube begins to form: the neural tube will later form the brain, spinal cord and main nerves;
- the bud of a tail develops;
- The umbilical cord begins to develop.
The 7th and 8th week
In the 7th – 8th week of pregnancy,
- The embryo is 7-14 mm long.
- The heart was formed;
- webbed fingers of the hands and feet develop;
- arms bend at the elbows;
- The ears, eyes, eyelids, liver and outer upper lips begin to form.
- The sexual organs are the same in all embryos until the seventh or eighth week: neither female nor male.
- If a gene triggers the development of the testicles, the embryo develops as a biological male.
- If there is no trigger, the embryo develops the ovaries and becomes biologically female.
Symptoms of pregnancy in the second month
When you’re 2 months pregnant, the symptoms of an ongoing pregnancy often become very noticeable.
The common discomforts consist of: breast tenderness, a feeling of tiredness, a more frequent peeing. Usually heartburn, nausea, vomiting worsen.
Your body produces more blood and your heart beats faster and harder than usual to carry more blood.
Katherine Johnson, M.D., is a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist with clinical expertise in general obstetrics and gynecology, family planning, women’s health, and gynecology.
She is affiliated with the Obstetrics and Gynecology division at an undisclosed healthcare institution and the online platform, Maternicity.com.