Week 2 is when things start to happen. Your body is building up the uterine lining and preparing to release an egg. By the end of this week or the beginning of next, ovulation will occur, and conception becomes possible.
Your Baby This Week
Still no embryo. Inside your ovary, one dominant follicle is growing rapidly, getting ready to release a mature egg. The egg is about the size of a grain of sand (0.1 mm). Once released, it will survive for 12 to 24 hours, waiting to be fertilized.
Your Body
Estrogen is rising, thickening your uterine lining to create a welcoming environment for a fertilized egg. You may notice changes in cervical mucus. As ovulation approaches, it becomes clear, stretchy, and slippery, similar to raw egg whites. This type of mucus helps sperm travel more easily.
Some people feel a mild twinge or cramp on one side of the lower abdomen during ovulation. This is called mittelschmerz and is completely normal.
What to Do This Week
- Have regular intercourse. Sperm can survive in the reproductive tract for up to five days, so the fertile window is wider than you might think. Every other day around ovulation is a solid strategy.
- Continue folic acid. 400 micrograms daily remains the recommendation throughout early pregnancy.
- Stay hydrated and eat well. A balanced diet with folate-rich foods (leafy greens, lentils, fortified cereals) supports early pregnancy health.
Common Questions
When exactly does ovulation happen?
For a typical 28-day cycle, ovulation occurs around day 14. But cycles vary. If your cycle is shorter or longer, ovulation shifts accordingly. Ovulation predictor kits (OPKs) detect the LH surge that happens 24 to 36 hours before the egg is released.
Can I feel when conception happens?
No. Fertilization happens at a microscopic level in the fallopian tube, and there are no physical sensations associated with it. Any symptoms you notice will come later.