1st Week of Pregnancy

Baby

(Preconception) Baby's Growth and Development at Week One

It may seem strange, but your pregnancy journey begins before your baby even is conceived.The first week of pregnancy actually begins with the start of your last menstrual period. Why? It’s hard to pinpoint exactly when your egg becomes fertilized, but the date of your last cycle is a more accurate starting point. Your doctor will calculate your due date by counting 40 weeks from the start of your last menstrual period.It’s called the Gestational Age, and it’s how most doctors measure pregnancies. Because ovulation and conception take place about two weeks after your period begins, your baby's Foetus Age (which begins when your egg is fertilized) will be two weeks less than his Gestational Age. So, when you’re 8 weeks pregnant, your baby’s fetal age is 6 weeks.

Your body

(Preconception) Your Changing Body at Week One

During preconception, your body is preparing for your baby — in fact, it’s been preparing every month since puberty. During every period, your uterus has shed its lining. That creates a new lining that’s rich in blood vessels to house and nourish a developing baby. Now it’s setting the stage for the nine months ahead.

Wellness

(Preconception) Wellness and Nutrition at Week One

You can take action right now to make pregnancy easier for your body and best for your baby in the months to come. During preconception, you can:

1. Supplement your balanced diet with daily multivitamins or prenatal vitamins or a maternal milk supplement that include folic acid and other essential minerals and vitamins needed for pregnancy. Folic acid, which is found naturally in lentils, dried beans, peas, and whole-grain breads, has been shown to help prevent early pregnancy birth defects. Talk with your doctor (Obstetrician and/or Gynecologist) about prenatal vitamins if you haven’t already.

2. Establish healthy habits in nutrition and exercise.

3. Address any medical conditions. If you're taking prescription medications, you may want to consult your doctor.

4. Avoid smoking and alcohol, and limit caffeine to about one tall coffee a day.