Your pregnancy at Week 1
Highlights: #
- Your pregnancy journey begins based on the first day of your last menstrual period (LMP).
- Pregnancy starts gearing up for ovulation and fertilization in week 1.
- Taking 400 micrograms of folic acid daily can reduce the baby's risk of neural tube defects.
- Women over 35 have a higher chance of conceiving twins due to increased follicle-stimulating hormones.
Your Baby at Week 1 #
Baby brain boost - Getting 400 micrograms of folic acid daily reduces the risk of neural tube defects by up to 70%.
Chance of twins - Women over 35 produce more follicle-stimulating hormones, increasing the chance of releasing multiple eggs during ovulation.
Surprise - You're not technically pregnant in week 1; your due date is calculated from the first day of your last period.
Calculating your due date - Pregnancy timing is standardized based on the first day of your last menstrual period.
Your Body at Week 1 #
Gearing up to ovulate - Your body is preparing for ovulation, and your uterus is getting ready for a fertilized egg.
Your last menstrual period - The menstrual cycle starts anew, with hormones like FSH and LH stimulating follicles for ovulation.
Turn down the heat to boost fertility - Avoid excessive heat exposure, as it can affect sperm production.
Pregnancy Symptoms in Week 1 #
Your temp drops, then spikes - Basal body temperature drops before ovulation and rises after ovulation.
Increased cervical mucus - Monitoring mucus changes can help track fertility and conception.
Spot early pregnancy signs - Some early signs of pregnancy, like heightened sense of smell and tender breasts, can occur before a missed period.
Things to Take Care in Week 1 #
Fill up on folic acid - Ensure you get 400 to 600 micrograms of folic acid daily for a healthy pregnancy.
Ask your doc about meds - Consult your doctor about the safety of medications and herbal supplements during pregnancy.
Shop for pregnancy tests - Choose a home pregnancy test based on personal preference; all tests are accurate if used correctly.
Brush up on your pregnancy hormone knowledge - Familiarize yourself with major pregnancy hormones and their effects.
FAQs #
When does pregnancy officially begin?
Pregnancy is timed based on the first day of your last menstrual period (LMP).
What is the role of folic acid in pregnancy?
Folic acid helps reduce the risk of birth defects and has important health benefits for both the mother and baby during pregnancy.
Can herbal supplements be taken during pregnancy?
Herbal preparations' safety during pregnancy is unknown, so it's crucial to consult a doctor before taking any herbal supplements.
What are some early pregnancy symptoms?
Early pregnancy symptoms can include bloating, fatigue, tender breasts, and changes in cervical mucus or basal body temperature.
How can I track ovulation?
You can track ovulation by monitoring changes in cervical mucus, using an ovulation predictor kit, or observing basal body temperature fluctuations.
- Next: Your pregnancy at Week 2