Week 1 of Pregnancy

Key Takeaways at Week 1

At this point in your journey, you are not yet pregnant. In truth, you most likely have a period; the symptoms you're experiencing are caused by PMS rather than pregnancy.

• Now is the time to begin preparing for pregnancy: Track your days to record your cycle, start taking prenatal vitamins, and make lifestyle modifications to prepare for the long journey ahead.
• Just received a positive pregnancy test? You will want to skip ahead. If you tested around the time of your missing period, you're probably around four weeks along (congratulations!).
• In medical terminology, one week pregnant indicates you're on your period but not yet pregnant. You will not conceive your child until week two or three, depending on the duration of your cycle.
• If you are in week 1 of your pregnancy you are in your first trimester.
• 39 more weeks remaining in your pregnancy.

Baby's Development at Week 1

Baby at week 1

If you just found out you're pregnant, you may believe this is your first week, but you're really around 4 weeks along. Yes, already! (Your doctor will give you a more exact estimate at your first prenatal checkup.) Go ahead and check out week 4.

How big is the baby at week 1?

Baby is just a sparkle in your eye. Remember, you are not pregnant yet, and if you are, you are probably four or five weeks along.

Pregnancy Symptoms This Week

At this stage, remember that the symptoms you're experiencing are normal for your period since you're not pregnant. These symptoms might last anywhere from three to seven days and include:

• Vaginal bleeding: Your body is removing the uterine lining, which was built up solely in case of pregnancy
• Lower backaches and cramps: To discharge the lining, your uterus contracts, producing pain in your back and abdomen
• Bloating: Hormonal fluctuations may cause bloating in the days leading up to and during your period
• Mood swings: Hormonal surges may also lead to irritation and emotional turmoil
• Headache: Many women suffer from menstrual migraines, which are likewise hormone-related. Ice packs, over-the-counter pain medications, and relaxation techniques may all help lessen the discomfort

Your Body at Week 1

Inside your tummy (remember, you're not pregnant yet), your body is removing last month's uterine lining and forming a new one, which (hopefully!) will carry next month's fertilised egg.

Human eggs are the body's biggest cells. An egg is tinier than a speck of pepper. Your body will release one (or, in rare situations, two) eggs between days 10 and 19 of your menstrual cycle, or around 14 days before your next period is due. It may be fertilised for another 12 to 24 hours after that. Having intercourse before then is beneficial since sperm may survive in your body for up to five days.

The initial indications of pregnancy will not appear immediately, in fact, many women miss their period at week 4 before starting to feel "different." However, some typical early pregnancy symptoms in the first weeks following fertilisation include breast discomfort or tenderness, nausea, exhaustion, and a frequent desire to urinate.

At one week pregnant (or hoping to be pregnant soon!), you're undoubtedly wondering how you may prepare your body to bear a baby. It's a good idea to begin pregnancy at a healthy weight and without unhealthy habits like smoking and drinking. Reduce your caffeine consumption to one or two cups each day.

1-Week Ultrasound

You're unlikely to get a one-week pregnancy ultrasound. However, if you've been trying to conceive for a time and have visited a fertility expert, you may have had an ultrasound to check for fibroids, assess how many follicles (which develop into eggs) are in your ovaries, and/or measure the thickness of your uterine lining. If there are any complications, your doctor may recommend fertility therapy to help you conceive. Now prepare to have some sex. You have a baby to create!

Tips for Week 1

Here's some more expert advice on how to make the transition to this new stage as safe as possible for you and your baby.

• Stop your harmful practices: Do you still smoke, drink, and consume excessive quantities of caffeine? You don't want to abruptly cease doing these items following a positive pregnancy test. You should stop harmful behaviours before you become pregnant.
• Consider going on a preconception visit: If you haven't seen your doctor in a while, you might consider arranging an appointment before attempting to conceive. It's an excellent approach to getting things started while also getting all of your urgent issues answered.
• Try to relax: Pregnancy may be difficult. And attempting to conceive may be a stressful process. It's easier said than done, so try not to worry about the little details as you're starting out on your adventure.

Checklist for Week 1

• Include these new tasks on your to-do list this week.
• Take a prenatal vitamin with 400 mcg of folic acid every day.
• Track your cycle to determine your most fertile days.
• It's time to take charge of your health—encourage good behaviours and eliminate unhealthy ones.

Frequently Asked Questions on Week 1 of Pregnancy

1. What exactly occurs during a preconception visit?
   A few things happen during a preconception visit. For starters, this is an excellent opportunity to meet a prenatal care provider and establish a connection for the future. However, it is also an excellent opportunity to discuss your health before becoming pregnant. That includes discussing any medical issues you have, drugs you are taking, your family history, and genetic factors that may affect your pregnancy. Your healthcare professional will most likely discuss your immunisation and nutritional condition. This is an excellent opportunity to discuss conception and any worries or questions you may have. Your obstetrician or midwife will want to know about your menstrual cycles and any variations you may have. If your healthcare practitioner believes it is important, they may propose that you undergo laboratory tests.
2. How can I tell the difference between my period and implantation bleeding?
   It might be difficult to differentiate between your period and implantation bleeding, which is believed to occur after the fertilised egg adheres to the uterine lining. Still, there are certain indications that you may be dealing with one over the other. Implantation bleeding is usually lighter and shorter than your regular menstruation. It may appear as minor spotting or a pink/brown discharge and often occurs six to twelve days following ovulation. Of course, if you're not sure what's going on down there, you should take a pregnancy test.