Week 1 of pregnancy – what can the expectant mother expect?

The beginning of pregnancy is very exciting for parents-to-be. They want to know as much as possible about how the child is developing. Also important are the challenges that come with pregnancy – especially when it’s their first offspring. The 9-month wait is a time when intense changes are taking place. That’s why Parents follow them week after week.

How is the pregnancy developing at 1 week?

In fact, 1 week of pregnancy is the moment when the baby is not yet developing in the uterus. How is this possible? This has to do with Naegele’s rule, which applies to gynecology and obstetrics. According to it, the beginning of pregnancy is considered the first day of the last menstrual period. Fertilization, on the other hand, usually takes place about 2 weeks later.Therefore, it can be said that at this time you are not yet actually pregnant. However, significant changes are already taking place in the body to prepare it for the implantation of a fertilized egg. Therefore, this 1 week of pregnancy is of great importance for the course of pregnancy. During menstruation, there is an exfoliation of the mucous membrane, which has expanded over the past 2 weeks. This will allow new epithelium to emerge in the following days – ready to receive the fertilized egg. This is important because its thickness determines the nesting of the embryo, as well as the conditions for its development. In the 1st week of pregnancy, the follicle is also maturing, from which the egg will be released on the day of ovulation.

Pregnancy symptoms at 1 week

Symptoms at 1 week of pregnancy are not typical. Actually, you are not yet experiencing any pregnancy discomforts. They appear only after fertilization, when the level of hormones (especially chorionic gonadotropin) increases significantly. At 1 week of pregnancy, menstrual bleeding is present. It lasts for 3-5 days. It is usually no different from other menstrual periods. It is accompanied by lower abdominal pain, irritability and breast tenderness.

The first week of pregnancy – how to take care of yourself?

The 1st week of pregnancy is the time when you should take special care of yourself. If you plan to become a mom, give up stimulants. Also take a look at your daily habits. It is necessary to follow a healthy and properly
balanced diet
. The dishes should be varied, and each is accompanied by a serving of fresh vegetables. This way you provide your body with all the necessary vitamins and minerals. Don’t forget about physical activity, too. Moderate exercise is recommended, adapted to the body’s capabilities. If there are no contraindications, you can continue throughout your pregnancy. This will certainly keep you feeling good and prepare you for childbirth.

Tests that are worth doing at 1 week of pregnancy

1 week of pregnancy is not yet the time when you can take a pregnancy test. However, you should consider other laboratory tests. They will allow you to know the state of your health and start treating any abnormalities before conception occurs. Ask your GP for a referral for a blood count, fasting glucose levels, liver tests, and thyroid hormone tests. Also go to the dentist to evaluate the condition of your mouth.

Folic acid supplementation

If you are planning to become a mom, start folic acid supplementation. It is a vitamin that plays a significant role in the prevention of neural tube defects, that is, various abnormalities related to the development of the nervous system in the child.