Key takeaways
- In the second month, your baby is about 1.5–2 cm — the size of a kidney bean.
- Heart starts beating is a key milestone this month.
- Common symptoms include morning sickness and vomiting.
- This month's key check: dating scan.
In the second month (weeks 5–8), your baby's heart starts to beat and the brain, arms and legs begin to form — even though your baby is still only the size of a kidney bean (1.5–2 cm).
How big is the baby in the second month?
Your baby is about 1.5–2 cm, roughly the size of a kidney bean.
What is developing this month?
Key milestones in the second month include:
- Heart starts beating
- Brain develops rapidly
- Tiny arms and legs appear
- Facial features begin forming
What symptoms can you expect in the second month?
Every pregnancy is different, but common symptoms this month include:
- Morning sickness
- Vomiting
- Frequent urination
- Extreme tiredness
- Mood swings
What should you do this month?
- Keep taking your folic acid and any prescribed prenatal vitamins
- Eat small, frequent meals and try ginger to ease nausea
- Stay well hydrated and rest when you can
- Book and attend your first antenatal visit
- Avoid alcohol, smoking and any medicine not approved by your doctor
Which tests or scans are done in the second month?
This is usually when your first antenatal visit happens, with your first scan and a set of booking blood tests.
- A dating scan (around 6–8 weeks) to confirm the heartbeat and your due date
- Beta-hCG, blood sugar and thyroid profile (TSH)
- Haemoglobin and complete blood count (CBC)
- Blood group and Rh typing
- Infection screening (HIV, hepatitis B, VDRL)