Congratulations on starting your pregnancy journey. Even if you’ve confirmed that you’re pregnant, the first week of your pregnancy is still counted from the first day of your last menstrual period (LMP), even though conception usually happens two weeks after your LMP. During the first week of pregnancy, your body is preparing for the upcoming term of pregnancy by thickening the uterine lining and releasing hormones such as estrogen and progesterone to promote a potential pregnancy.
In this Article
Week 1 Pregnant – Development Of The Baby
While the baby has not completely started growing, your body is preparing for pregnancy. The uterine lining sheds along with the unfertilized egg from the previous cycle during your menstrual period.
Your body is manufacturing hormones this week to boost the growth and maturation of follicles in your ovaries. During ovulation, which usually occurs two weeks following your LMP, one of these follicles will eventually produce an egg.
After three to seven days of menstruation, your ovaries begin to prepare the egg that will be released at ovulation, and the lining of your uterus begins to thicken in preparation for the egg to be fertilized once it is fertilized.3 If all goes properly, you should conceive around week three.
Related Blog – Am I Pregnant? 10 Early Pregnancy Signs and Symptoms
Week 1 Pregnant – Common Symptoms
You are unlikely to detect any pregnancy symptoms during the first week of your pregnancy. It’s crucial to realize that pregnancy symptoms can vary greatly amongst individuals, and some people may not detect any symptoms until several weeks into their pregnancy.
Some women, however, may suffer moderate symptoms such as:
- Nausea (without or with vomiting)
- Breast changes such as soreness, swelling, tingling, or visible blue veins
- The urge to pee frequently
- Cramps and lower back pain (outside of periods)
- Bloating
- Mood swings
- Headache
- Food Cravings/Aversions
Week 1 Pregnant – Some Tips
Now is the moment to make your baby’s environment as welcoming and health-promoting as possible by following some tips.
Put an end to bad habits
It’s never too late to start if your lifestyle could use a small health boost. Small modifications can bring about a significant impact on your overall health as well as the health of your fetus.
Do you still smoke, drink, and consume excessive amounts of caffeine? You don’t want to quit doing these items as a result of a positive pregnancy test. You should eliminate harmful habits now before you become pregnant.
Examine Your Nutrition
A healthy, well-balanced diet rich in nutritious foods gives your body the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients it requires when pregnant. Good eating offers you energy and helps you avoid some of the most frequent pregnancy discomforts. A balanced diet also benefits your pregnancy’s health and the long-term health of your future child.
Take (Vitamin B9) Folate.
Folate is a naturally occurring form of vitamin B9 found in meals. Folic acid supplementation can help prevent congenital abnormalities such as cleft lip and palate and neural tube problems such as spina bifida. Folic acid supplements can be taken on their own, as part of a regular multivitamin, or as part of a prenatal vitamin.
Related Blog: 8 Surprising Things Unborn Babies Usually Do In The Womb
Prepare Your Mind
Getting ready to bear a child entails preparing both your body and psyche. Hormone fluctuations, stress, and worry can all have an impact on your mental health during pregnancy. However, considering your needs and caring for your mental health before you conceive can help you during your pregnancy and after you give birth.
Related Blog – Top 15 Pregnancy Fears And Ways To Overcome Them
Week 1 Pregnant – Doctor’s Visit
Now is the time to schedule a preconception appointment. Consider your preconception visit an opportunity for you and your doctor to influence the variables in a pregnancy. This appointment has the potential to improve your chances of having a healthy baby. Your doctor can recommend a prenatal vitamin, examine your medical and immunization history, test you for sexually transmitted infections, and perform a physical exam during a pre-pregnancy consultation.
Takeaway At Week 1 Pregnant
Your missed menstruation is considered the earliest and easiest detectable sign of pregnancy. Your body continues to prepare for the baby, and several hormonal changes occur as well. Bloating, food cravings, weariness, and cramps may occur throughout the body. Quitting smoking, abstaining from alcohol, eating a balanced diet, making sure to go to timely doctor visits, and incorporating mild exercise, can all contribute to a smooth pregnancy.
By following your doctor’s recommendation and following up with all your doctor, you will know you’re doing everything you can to have the healthiest pregnancy possible.
And for that, you can go to Queen’s Gynaecology in Delhi, where award-winning gynecologists and obstetricians provide world-class care to each patient.
Summary
Your missed menstruation is considered the earliest sign of pregnancy. Your body continues to prepare for the baby, and several hormonal changes occur as well. Though there may not be noticeable symptoms some women might experience some associated symptoms. Nausea, swollen breasts, food cravings, tiredness, and cramping are all possible in this early stage. A good diet, exercise, and abstaining from smoking and drinking can all contribute to a trouble-free pregnancy. You will know you are doing everything possible to have the healthiest pregnancy if you follow your doctor’s advice and follow up with all of your doctors.
| Week | Pregnancy Symptoms | Tips and Advice | Baby Development |
|---|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | – Missed period | – Take a home pregnancy test | – Fertilization occurs |
| Week 2 | – Tender breasts | – Begin taking prenatal vitamins | – Blastocyst implants in the uterus |
| Week 3 | – Fatigue | – Schedule your first prenatal visit | – Embryonic development begins |
| Week 4 | – Morning sickness starts | – Avoid alcohol, smoking, and caffeine | – Neural tube forms |
| Week 5 | – Increased urination | – Eat a balanced diet | – Heart starts beating |
| Week 6 | – Mood swings | – Stay hydrated | – Brain and head development |
| Week 7 | – Constipation | – Start gentle exercise | – Limb buds form |
| Week 8 | – Food cravings | – Get plenty of rest | – Webbed fingers and toes develop |
| Week 9 | – Weight gain begins | – Avoid raw or undercooked foods | – Tail disappears, now considered a fetus |
| Week 10 | – Visible baby bump | – Wear comfortable clothing | – Organs continue to develop |
| Week 11 | – Darkened areolas | – Practice relaxation techniques | – Baby can swallow and produce urine |
| Week 12 | – Reduced nausea | – Consider prenatal classes | – Sex organs distinguishable |
| Week 13 | – Increased energy | – Continue regular check-ups | – Baby’s fingerprints form |
| Week 14 | – Less frequent urination | – Plan for maternity leave | – Baby’s facial muscles develop |
| Week 15 | – Quickening (baby moves) | – Do pelvic floor exercises | – Baby can make facial expressions |
| Week 16 | – Round ligament pain | – Stay active with low-impact exercises | – Develops sense of hearing |
| Week 17 | – Nasal congestion | – Consider a prenatal massage | – Baby’s skeleton starts hardening |
| Week 18 | – Belly button changes | – Stay well-hydrated | – Vernix caseosa covers the skin |
| Week 19 | – Braxton Hicks contractions | – Eat small, frequent meals | – Baby’s kicks become stronger |
| 20 | – Leg cramps | – Begin monitoring baby’s movements | – Baby is covered in lanugo (fine hair) |
| Week 21 | – Shortness of breath | – Sleep on your side | – Eyebrows and eyelashes appear |
| Week 22 | – Linea nigra (skin darkens) | – Practice relaxation techniques | – Rapid brain development |
| Week 23 | – Backache | – Consider prenatal yoga or swimming | – Baby can recognize your voice |
| Week 24 | – Swollen ankles | – Elevate feet when sitting or lying | – Lungs continue to mature |
| Week 25 | – Increased appetite | – Continue regular prenatal check-ups | – Baby may respond to loud noises |
| Week 26 | – Heartburn | – Sleep with extra pillows for support | – Eyes open for the first time |
| Week 27 | – Braxton Hicks intensify | – Pack your hospital bag | – Baby can hiccup |
| Week 28 | – Trouble sleeping | – Monitor blood pressure | – Baby’s kicks become more regular |
| Week 29 | – Shortness of breath | – Avoid lifting heavy objects | – Baby’s bones fully developed |
| Week 30 | – Swollen hands | – Stay hydrated and avoid salt | – Baby may be head-down in preparation for birth |
| Week 31 | – Increased vaginal discharge | – Take childbirth classes | – Baby’s immune system develops |
| Week 32 | – Hemorrhoids | – Practice perineal massage | – Baby’s toenails and fingernails grow |
| Week 33 | – Trouble finding a comfortable position to sleep | – Rest and nap when possible | – Baby’s bones start to harden further |
| Week 34 | – Frequent urination | – Prepare for maternity leave | – Baby’s central nervous system matures |
| Week 35 | – Braxton Hicks increase | – Avoid prolonged standing or sitting | – Baby’s skin becomes less wrinkled |
| Week 36 | – Pelvic pressure | – Finalize birth plan | – Baby continues to gain weight |
| Week 37 | – Lightening (baby drops) | – Stay active with walking | – Baby’s head positions for birth |
| Week 38 | – Fatigue increases | – Do pelvic exercises | – Baby’s lungs are fully mature |
| Week 39 | – Cervix effacement | – Rest and conserve energy | – Baby’s immune system continues to develop |
| Week 40 | – Contractions begin | – Monitor contractions | – Baby’s digestive system is ready for breast milk |
| Week 41 | – Dilation of cervix | – Stay calm and patient during labor | – Baby’s head molds to fit through the birth canal |
Please note that every pregnancy is unique, and symptoms and developments may vary from person to person. Always consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and care during pregnancy.
