Pregnancy

Pregnancy Week 1

Baby Development

Although doctors calculate your pregnancy period from here, you are technically not pregnant for the first two weeks. There is menstrual flow during the first week. The first day of pregnancy is conventionally taken from the first day of menses, and it is so because it is easy to remember. Although you have yet to conceive your baby, these weeks are part of your 40-week pregnancy.

Changes in mother

During the first week, your body gets ready to grow a baby. The uterine lining is shed from the last cycle via menstrual bleeding in the initial days. The bleeding continues for three to seven days depending upon the length of your cycle. After menstruation, your ovaries start for the release of the egg at ovulation, and the uterus’s lining begins thickening to accept the fertilized egg. If all goes as per plan, you will conceive around week 3.

Pregnancy Due Date Calculator

Pregnancy Week 1 Symptoms

Vaginal bleeding due to regular menses will occur. The blood will contain the shredded uterine lining that grew up during the last cycle.
Mild cramping and Lower back pain. There are contractions in the uterus to release its lining, resulting in your back and abdomen aches.
Bloated belly. It may occur due to fluctuating hormones around your period.
Mood swings may occur due to a surge in hormones.
Headaches may occur in some women around menses. Over-the-counter pain medications can be helpful.

Important Tips

What to do

Take vitamins. A good amount of prenatal vitamins will provide essential nutrients for you and your baby. Ensure your diet contains iron, vitamin D, calcium, and folic acid. Folic acid deficiency may increase your baby’s risk of specific congenital disabilities.
Talk to a healthcare provider. Get a preconception check-up to ensure that your body is ready for baby-making. You should discuss any prescription or over-the-counter medication you are taking. Some medicines are not safe during pregnancy. You may consider talking to a counselor for planned parenthood.
Consider this blood test. It is vital if your or your partner’s family suffers from a genetic condition. You should undergo a genetic carrier screening to check if you have genes that may increase your baby’s risk of severe inherited diseases.
Prepare your body and mind for pregnancy. If you’re physically and mentally healthy, you will care for your baby in a better way. Eat healthy food, take sufficient sleep, and exercise daily. Do yoga or meditation to stay relaxed. An optimum stress level can increase your chance of conceiving and having a healthy pregnancy.

What to avoid

Avoid any foods and smells you might find disgusting, even though you loved them before the pregnancy.
Abstain from smoking during pregnancy. The nicotine in smoke may hurt your future baby.
Avoid particular food items that make you gassy.

When to Consult a Doctor

During the first two weeks of pregnancy, you are not pregnant, which is a phase of preparation of the body for the future baby. However, you must eat a healthy diet and exercise daily to prepare your body for a healthy pregnancy.
Consult a doctor if your menses are prolonged or painful.

Takeaway

During the first 2 weeks of pregnancy, you are not pregnant, which is a phase of preparation of the body for the future baby. However, you must eat a healthy diet and exercise daily to prepare your body for a healthy pregnancy.

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