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Week 1 of Pregnancy

Week 1 marks the start of your journey! Focus on self-care, tracking your cycle, and preparing your body for a healthy pregnancy.

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Week 1 Pregnancy Symptoms

In the first week, your body is still preparing for conception. However, subtle symptoms, often resembling premenstrual ones, may begin to appear as your hormones start to change.

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  • Mild cramping: Period-like cramps as your body prepares for ovulation.
  • Bloating: Hormonal shifts may cause bloating and a feeling of fullness.
  • Mood swings: Hormonal changes can make you feel more emotional or irritable.
  • Tender breasts: Your breasts may feel sore, similar to pre-period symptoms.
  • Changes in cervical mucus: Mucus may become clearer, stretchy, and slippery around ovulation.
  • Food cravings or aversions: Unusual food preferences or dislikes may appear.
  • Headaches and dizziness: Hormonal fluctuations may lead to headaches or light-headedness.
  • Congestion: Hormonal changes may cause nasal congestion or dryness.

Tracking these symptoms can help you understand your cycle and spot early pregnancy signs. Keep in mind that these signs can vary from person to person.

Your Baby at Week 1

At this point, there isn’t technically a baby yet! Week 1 is all about your body preparing for fertilisation and creating a nurturing environment for your future baby to grow.

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Baby’s Growth in the Womb

  • Organ Development: During the first week, organ development has not yet begun, as fertilisation has not occurred. However, this period is crucial, as your body is preparing for the developments to come.
  • Physical Features: While physical features have not yet formed, it is remarkable to consider that everything unique about your baby—from eye colour to height—will soon be encoded in their DNA.
  • Weight of the Foetus: No embryo is present during the first week, so there is no weight to measure. This foundational week is dedicated to creating optimal conditions for the fertilised egg to grow healthily.
  • Movement of the Baby: There is no movement from the baby at this stage; this will come later in the pregnancy. The first fluttering movements are typically felt around 18 to 20 weeks, leaving plenty of time to anticipate this milestone.

Here is what your baby looks like

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Be kind to yourself, be in the present and recognize that at this moment in time, you have a positive pregnancy test, get ready for an adventure!

Dr Veena H

Your Body in Week 1 of Pregnancy

During the first week of pregnancy, you may not notice many changes. Your body is actively preparing to create a healthy environment in case fertilisation occurs.

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Physiological Changes During Week 1 of Pregnancy

  • Breasts: You may not notice significant changes yet, but some individuals experience slight tenderness in their breasts, similar to premenstrual symptoms. This is an early sign that your body is starting to adjust.
  • Skin, Hair, and Nails: Hormonal shifts have begun. Some people find that their hair feels stronger or shinier, while others might observe changes in their skin.
  • Respiratory and Cardiovascular Systems: Although you will not feel it yet, your cardiovascular system is beginning to adapt to support a potential pregnancy.
  • Uterus and Cervical Position: During the first week, the uterus remains its usual size, but a fresh uterine lining is being formed. Changes in cervical mucus around ovulation may indicate that your body is preparing for pregnancy.
  • Vaginal Discharge: Discharge may increase slightly during this time, becoming clearer and more slippery—another indication of ovulation. While this change may seem subtle, it plays an important role in supporting conception.

TopTips for Week 1

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Prenatal guide

Attend all your prenatal appointments like vaccinations, tests, ultrasounds
to track vitals 

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Take Prenatal Vitamins

Ensure you take prenatal vitamins throughout your pregnancy and the postpartum period

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Preterm signs

If you suspect early labour, read up on premature delivery and baby care essentials.

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Stay active 

A moderately intense 30-minute physical activity on most days of the week is great.

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Dental hygiene

Having healthy teeth and gums matters as poor dental care is linked to premature labour.

Medical Scans and Check-Ups

There are no pregnancy-specific medical tests in Week 1, as conception hasn't occurred  yet. If you are planning a pregnancy, this is an excellent time to schedule a doctor visit. 

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First Prenatal Visit: Schedule your first prenatal appointment to confirm the pregnancy and establish care. The doctor will review your medical history, conduct a physical exam, and discuss lifestyle adjustments.

Blood Tests: Blood tests are conducted to confirm pregnancy through hCG levels and assess overall health, including blood type, Rh factor, haemoglobin levels, and immunity to various diseases.

Urine Tests: Urine tests check for infections, sugar levels, and proteins, helping to detect early signs of pregnancy-related conditions like urinary tract infections (UTIs) or gestational diabetes.

Early Ultrasound (If Needed): In some cases, the doctor may recommend an early transvaginal ultrasound to confirm the pregnancy, check the gestational sac, and rule out ectopic pregnancy. This scan can also help estimate the due date.

FAQs

Why don’t I feel any different yet?

During week one, your body is preparing for ovulation, so noticeable changes are limited.

Is it normal to feel mood swings during the first week of pregnancy?

Yes, mood swings can happen even in the early stages of pregnancy due to hormonal changes. You may feel more emotional or have unexpected shifts in mood.

Can I start an exercise routine? 

Yes, regular activity is helpful. If you’re considering high-intensity workouts, a quick check with your doctor is recommended.

Should I change my diet in the first week of my pregnancy?

Eating a balanced diet is always beneficial. If you’re planning to conceive, try increasing your folic acid intake.

How does the baby develop in week one of pregnancy? 

In the first week of your pregnancy, the fertilized egg has not yet formed, as conception typically happens about two weeks after the start of your last menstrual period. However, your body is already preparing for pregnancy by thickening the uterine lining, which will later support a developing baby.

Is spotting normal? 

Many women experience light spotting in the first week, often mistaken for a menstrual period. This is usually harmless and might be due to hormonal shifts or the body adjusting to a potential pregnancy.

Will I feel any pregnancy symptoms in the first week?

Most women don’t feel pregnancy symptoms during the first week since conception hasn’t occurred yet. However, some may experience mild cramping or changes in discharge as their body prepares for ovulation and potential pregnancy. Early symptoms like nausea and fatigue usually appear a few weeks later.

What kind of discharge is normal during the first week of pregnancy?

It's common to notice a clear or milky discharge. This is known as leukorrhea. This may start even in the first week. This discharge helps keep the vaginal area clean and prevents infections.