Your Pregnancy Journey - Week 1

Hey Mamas-to-Be, It's Week 1! 

Congratulations! 

You're officially on the incredible journey of pregnancy! This week might feel quiet on the baby bump front, but trust us, there is a lot happening behind the scenes.

Your egg is on the move from your ovary to the fallopian tube. While your tummy might not show any baby bump yet, this week is actually the official kick-off to your pregnancy journey! Doctors use the first day of your last period to calculate your due date (40 amazing weeks!), making this the official start of your pregnancy countdown!

How Big Is Your Baby At 1 Week?

Hold on a sec, mama! Technically, your baby isn't quite in the picture yet during week 1. This is because during this phase, your last period has already culminated and your body is gearing up for ovulation - so, you have not conceived-at least not yet.

Your Belly at 1 Week

Even though there isn't a baby just yet, you might be curious about when you can start to see a change in your belly. At 1 week, there's no visible change to your belly as conception hasn't occurred. This week is all about the behind-the-scenes preparation your body is doing for the journey ahead.

Symptoms Of Pregnancy In First Week

 In the first week of pregnancy, you might not even know you're pregnant yet, as early signs are pretty rare. Usually, the first clue is missing your period, but that doesn't typically happen right in the first week. After conception, your body starts producing certain hormones that stop your monthly cycle, so there is no period until after your baby arrives! But remember, missing a period isn’t a sure-fire sign of pregnancy. Stress, heavy workouts, or even a wonky diet can throw your cycle off too. If you think you might be pregnant, a good move is to take a pregnancy test, and even repeat it to make sure.

But you observe no bump yet? no problem!

Even without a visible bump, your body might already be experiencing regular menstrual cycle symptoms. Some common signs include:

1. Spotting:  

Notice some light spotting? No worries, it’s pretty normal! This can happen just before or during your period as part of the usual rhythm of your cycle. It's all about those hormonal shifts that help manage your body’s natural timeline.

2. Cramping: 

Feeling cramps? They’re probably just your usual period pains, as pregnancy hasn’t started yet in week 1. If they get intense or stick to one side, it is best to consult your doctor.

3. Breast Sensitivity: 

Before your period, you might notice your breasts becoming sensitive and tender. This is due to hormonal changes in your body preparing for the menstrual cycle. These changes are temporary and ease as your hormone levels stabilise.

4. Mood Swings: 

Hormone changes might make you unusually moody as your period nears. It’s normal and will pass once your period starts.

5. Bloating:  

That bloated feeling? It’s quite common just before your period starts. Hormonal changes can slow your digestion, leading to that full, gassy sensation. It's just another part of your body’s pre-period routine.

Tips for First Week of Pregnancy

Welcome to the starting line of your pregnancy journey! Though it’s the preconception phase, taking care of yourself now is key to a smooth pregnancy ahead. Here’s how you can set the stage: 

1. Skip Alcohol & Tobacco :

Wave goodbye to alcohol and tobacco. Not only can they harm your baby even before conception, but they can also lead to complications later. Swap them for delicious herbal drinks to chill and unwind.

2. Eat Well & Stay Active:

Fill your plate with a rainbow of fruits and a variety of vegetables alongside whole grains and lean proteins for a balanced diet. Mix in some fun with brisk walks or lively yoga classes to keep fit and reduce stress starting from your first week of pregnancy.

3. Book Your Preconception Visit  

If it’s been a minute since you last saw your doctor, why not schedule a quick pre-pregnancy visit before you start It’s the perfect way to get your questions answered and get the ball rolling on your journey to motherhood.

4. Track Your Menstrual Cycle  

Keep an eye on your periods! This helps you know the length and regularity of your cycle. This is important for figuring out when you're ovulating and when your fertile days pop up. Those fertile days are your prime time for conceiving, typically between 10 to 16 days before your next period is due.

When To See A Doctor At First Week Of Pregnancy

In the first week, you're just getting started and not technically pregnant yet, so there's no need to rush to the doctor. The real journey begins when you see that double line on your pregnancy test, usually around 8 weeks. In the meantime, focus on taking care of yourself and get ready for the exciting times ahead!

See you next week, mommies-to-be, as we explore ovulation and chase that thrilling positive test!