The initial days of pregnancy can be quite overwhelming, especially for first-time moms-to-be. And no matter how much gyaan your chachi ji, mami ji or pados wali aunty has to offer, nothing will better prepare you for the big event than equipping yourself with the right information from the right sources.
And if you’ve already done some research around it, you must be aware that the start of your pregnancy is marked from the first day of your last period. Well, this is because pinpointing the actual date of conception isn’t easy.
This means you aren’t technically pregnant during pregnancy week 1! Wait, whaaaat?! Yup, you read it right! This phase is for your body to gear up for the upcoming pregnancy. Besides, did you know that the 1st-week pregnancy symptoms are simply menstruation symptoms (because you are on your periods..duh!).
Still confused? Let us help you out. Here’s everything you need to know about very early signs of pregnancy in week 1 and more!
How Big Is Your Baby At Week 1?
Since ovulation and conception happen about two or three weeks later, there is no visible embryo in pregnancy week 1.
Since ovulation and conception happen about two or three weeks later, there is no visible embryo in pregnancy week 1.
During the first week, your body is in preparation mode for the upcoming pregnancy. You’ll have your periods during which the uterine lining will shed along with the unfertilised egg from your last cycle. Your ovaries will start preparing the egg that will be released at ovulation, after three to seven days of your period. In order to accept the egg (after it is fertilised), the lining of your uterus will begin to thicken.
And if everything goes according to plan, you will conceive a little before or around the third week. Thus, there is no visible 1-week pregnant belly.
Read First Trimester Pregnancy Diet, According To A Gynaecologist
Pregnancy Symptoms In Week 1
You will not be experiencing any pregnancy symptoms right from the first day because the conception is yet to occur. So your 1 week pregnant stomach pain is probably just menstrual cramps.
You will not be experiencing any pregnancy symptoms right from the first day because the conception is yet to occur. So your 1-week pregnant stomach pain is probably just menstrual cramps.
In fact, it could take about a month for you to experience your first real pregnancy symptom, i.e. missing your period. The 1st-week pregnancy symptoms you may experience are quite similar to symptoms that occur during periods.
Now that the idea of 1-week pregnant stomach pain has been dismissed, the common pregnancy symptoms during week 1 include:
- Lower back pain
- Cramps
- Headache
- Mood swings
- Bloating
- Vaginal bleeding
- Dizziness in early pregnancy 1 week
- Temperature changes (drop and spike)
- Increase in cervical mucus
- Constipation
- Diarrhoea
- Pimples or acne
- Fatigue
- Tenderness in breasts
Now that you know about the signs of pregnancy in 1-week, it’s time to understand how far are you in terms of foetal development during this phase.
Read How To Sleep Comfortably & Peacefully During Pregnancy
Foetal Development & Ultrasound At Week 1
You will not be seeing any 1 week pregnant belly at this point.
There is no foetal development during pregnancy in the first week since the conception has not happened yet. You will not be seeing any 1-week pregnant belly at this point. An ultrasound is not really required during the first week of pregnancy. However, if you haven’t had a pre-conceptional checkup or you have faced problems in conceiving, your healthcare provider may recommend one.
Consider this to be the perfect time to start preparing yourself for the pregnancy, both physically and mentally. Start making the changes you need to in order to have a healthier lifestyle once you have spotted very early signs of pregnancy in 1 week. This will maximise your chances of having a smooth pregnancy journey and conceiving a healthy baby.
9 Self-Care Tips During Week 1 Of Pregnancy
If you think your current lifestyle has room for improvement, now is the perfect time to get that done! A few simple lifestyle modifications can help maximise your chances of conceiving at week 1. These will also aid in ensuring that you have a healthy and happy pregnancy journey.
- Very early signs of pregnancy 1 week should be your cue to steer clear of substances like alcohol, tobacco, simple carbs, environmental pollutants, trans fats, etc.
- Getting enough sleep is vital for your health. According to research, women who do not get enough sleep may have trouble getting pregnant.
- Start exercising regularly. This will also help you get to a healthy weight before a baby.
- Track your menstrual cycle to exactly know your most fertile days.
- Make sure you have a healthy and nutritious diet. Include foods like seeds, nuts, leafy greens, complex carbs, fruits, etc in your diet.
To ensure that your pregnancy journey is as easy-going as possible, here are a few things that should be on your checklist:
- Start on prenatal vitamins as soon as you begin to experience pregnancy symptoms during week 1.
- Plan a pre-conceptual visit to your doctor.
- Go through your and your partner’s family history to be better prepared.
- Prepare yourself for the big life change both physically as well as mentally.
7 Questions You Should Ask Your Doctor
One of the first things that should be on your checklist once you’ve decided to have a baby is planning a visit to your doctor for a preconception checkup. This is an opportunity for you and your doctor to get ahead of things and control what can be controlled to ensure a healthy pregnancy. Here are a few questions you can ask your doctor:
- The best prenatal vitamins you can start taking before pregnancy.
- Any necessary lifestyle change which you may need to make in order to prepare for the pregnancy.
- How to calculate an estimated date for your delivery?
- The healthcare provider can review your vaccine and medical history and make required recommendations.
- In case you have diabetes, high blood pressure or any other existing health condition, ask your doctor how you can go about managing it during pregnancy.
- Ask whether it is safe to continue with any medication, herbal supplements or over-the-counter drugs you might be taking.
- Your healthcare provider may give you a physical exam.
Any big life change can leave you feeling confused, anxious or even a little scared. But with a little planning and preparation, you can ensure that your pregnancy journey is healthy and comfortable. As you eagerly wait for the signs of pregnancy in the first week, #BeALittleMore open to talking about your feelings if things start to feel overwhelming. Take all the help and support you need from people you love and trust. And most of all, don’t forget to cherish these days!
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