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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 appear as your hormones 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.

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.

Week 1 of Pregnancy: Preparing for the Journey Ahead!
Dr Veena H

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

In the first week, organ development hasn't started since fertilisation hasn't occurred yet. However, this phase is significant as your body lays the groundwork for future growth and development.

Physical Features

While physical features have not yet formed, it is remarkable that everything unique about your baby—from eye colour to height—will soon be encoded in its 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 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

You may not notice many changes during the first week of pregnancy. 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.

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 more transparent and slippery—another indication of ovulation. While this change may seem subtle, it is important in supporting conception.

TopTips for Week 1

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Choose together

Make an informed decision along with your family about your pregnancy treatment options.

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Stay active 

Moderately intense exercise is great for you, but avoid sports that risk abdominal injury.

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Prenatal guide

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

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Diet check

Always seek your doctor’s advice to make sure your diet intake is safe for you.

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Healthy eating

Include balanced meals with lots of fresh fruits & vegetables in your diet.

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Prenatal boost

Start adding prenatal vitamins with folic acid in your diet to help with conception. 

Medical Scans and Check-Ups

There are no pregnancy-specific medical tests in Week 1, as conception has yet to occur. However, if you are planning a pregnancy, this is an excellent time to schedule a consultation.

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First Prenatal Visit

Schedule the first prenatal appointment to learn about the journey, address questions and begin your care. The doctor will review the medical history, conduct a physical exam, evaluate the current medications, and discuss lifestyle adjustments.

Blood Tests

To assess fertility, an anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) test is suggested to measure the ovarian reserve and predict how well you may respond to fertility treatments if needed. It is often combined with tests for follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and estradiol.

Ovulation

If ovulation is a concern, blood tests for progesterone can confirm whether ovulation is occurring, with timing based on your menstrual cycle.

Additional tests for gonadotrophins, which stimulate the ovaries to produce eggs, may be recommended for those with irregular periods.

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.