1st week of pregnancy: what happens in the first obstetric week, recommendations, sensations, reviews

Determining the exact date

The immediate moment of the birth of human life is considered to be conception (fertilization) - the moment when a sperm penetrates an egg. At this time, a completely new biological unit appears - the future baby. Experts call the fertilized egg a zygote. In the first hours after fertilization, the zygote consists of only a few cells. Subsequently, it begins to fragment greatly, and the number of cells rapidly increases.

From the moment of fertilization, a special clinical state occurs, which is called pregnancy. After a few months of pregnancy, the baby will grow from a microscopic size to several tens of centimeters. This process is truly unique.

To determine the duration of pregnancy, doctors use various methods. 1 week from the moment of conception is determined directly from the date of fertilization. Usually it can be accurately determined by a woman who purposefully and very carefully prepares for motherhood.

Obstetricians-gynecologists use the method of calculating obstetric weeks. To do this, they determine the gestational age using the date of the last menstrual period. It is from this that the first and all subsequent obstetric weeks are counted. In this case, the total duration of gestation is 40 weeks.

Visiting an obstetrician-gynecologist

Required laboratory tests

During the first obstetric week, a visit to the gynecologist is only necessary for specific questions.

For example, if a couple has problems conceiving, then during menstruation they are tested for the content of certain hormones. In other cases, a meeting with a doctor may be in order to calculate ovulation in this cycle (using an ultrasound machine).

It is within a day or two or on the day of ovulation that the very sexual intercourse that can lead to pregnancy should occur.

Feel

In the very first hours after fertilization, a woman does not feel anything special. She has not yet experienced any unusual sensations.

The zygote that is formed is microscopic in size. Immediately after the fusion of germ cells, the level of hormones in a woman’s blood remains within normal values. The hormonal background will change somewhat later, when the size of the fertilized egg increases. An increase in hormone levels usually begins after the egg is implanted into the uterine wall.

Usually the process of implantation (attachment) occurs 6-7 days after fertilization. It is at this time that a woman may feel certain changes in herself. They mostly resemble sensations similar to those experienced by some women with premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

The first noticeable symptoms usually occur just at the moment of implantation of a small embryo, that is, by the end of the first week from the moment of conception.

It should be noted that the severity of these clinical manifestations is insignificant. Quite a lot of women note that they did not notice any specific or unusual symptoms during this period.

Pregnancy dates: confusion or logic?

You can often hear the question: is there such a period as one week of pregnancy? And how is the counting done? Modern science offers two approaches. The first is obstetric, the second is embryonic.

The obstetric approach suggests that the exact date of conception is very difficult to determine. Especially if a woman has regular sex life. Therefore, the beginning of pregnancy is considered from the first day of the last menstruation . The advantage of this approach is its simplicity, the disadvantage is that it contradicts the concept of “first week”.
In the embryonic approach, pregnancy is considered to occur mid-cycle . It is during this period that most women experience ovulation, that is, the time when the egg is completely ready for fertilization. The advantage of this method of calculation is greater accuracy, the disadvantage lies in the individual characteristics of the female body. After all, determining ovulation even in our advanced times is not an easy matter.

The obstetric approach takes the full gestational age at 40 weeks, the embryonic one at 38. One way or another, doctors will calculate all terms using the obstetric method.

Read in detail: Dates of pregnancy: obstetric and embryonic - how to determine and not get confused about the dates >>>

Discharge from the genital tract

These appear due to the process of implantation. During the “implantation” of the embryo into the endometrium (the inner layer of the uterine wall), slight damage occurs. This is intended by nature so that the unborn baby is quite tightly attached to the wall of the uterus.

Typically, 6-8 days after conception, a woman begins to experience vaginal discharge. They are usually brown or reddish in color. Such discharge may vary in volume, but usually their amount is moderate or insignificant. Since the discharge may be accompanied by other symptoms, this can make a woman think that she just got her period. Most women attribute such symptoms to an irregular menstrual cycle or hormonal changes.

However, these secretions usually have a number of features. They do not last long - only one, maximum two days. For some women, such brown discharge may be one-time occurrence. In this case, as a rule, the expectant mother notices them on her underwear.

Obstetricians and gynecologists who work with pregnant women note that, according to statistics, such discharge rarely alarms women. In most cases, they are simply ignored or interpreted in favor of the onset of sudden menstruation.

Note that the appearance of discharge does not always occur, but this does not mean that implantation has not occurred - just a small amount of blood that is released during this process is mixed with urine during urination, and the woman simply does not notice this.

Dangers

During pregnancy, a woman faces a large number of dangers. Every girl should know what to protect herself from during this important period:

Colds - common colds can disrupt the development of the baby in the womb.
Medicines – medications should only be taken that are prescribed by the doctor.
Thrush can be transmitted to the child during pregnancy.
Edema - Edema is dangerous not only for the woman, but also for the fetus. Because of them, the functioning of important organs is disrupted. To avoid swelling, you need to lead an active lifestyle.
Low or high blood pressure is very dangerous - it can cause circulatory problems between the fetus and the placenta. As a result, the baby will not receive oxygen and nutrients.

Carrying a child under the heart is a new stage in a woman’s life. It is necessary to carefully monitor your health. After all, the life and development of the child depends on the well-being of the mother.

Abdominal pain

In the first hours after fertilization, a woman does not experience pain. Soreness usually appears towards the end of the first week from the moment the baby is conceived. A woman may feel a tug in her lower abdomen or discomfort in this area. These nonspecific symptoms are also often attributed to PMS.

Usually the pain symptom is mild or quite moderate. The pain is well relieved by taking painkillers. In a horizontal position, the pain decreases. Lifting heavy objects or working out too intensely at the gym can also increase the soreness.

Nausea

This symptom can also occur in the very early stages of pregnancy, and its severity varies. Some women note that in the first days of pregnancy they did not feel nausea, while others say that this unfavorable symptom was quite pronounced in them.

Nausea is a very pronounced discomfort symptom. She can appear at any time of the day. Many women believe that the classic symptom of pregnancy is morning sickness, but this is not true at all. This symptom can appear at any time.

Nausea can also become worse after eating certain foods, and even favorite and frequently eaten foods can contribute to nausea. Also, some women experience a feeling of subjective intolerance to tobacco smoke. Inhaling cigarette smoke can also make you feel sick or feel worse.

Mood changes

Quite emotional women are usually susceptible to mood swings. However, with each day of pregnancy, as hormonal levels change, mood changes can also occur in fairly calm women.

This is facilitated by a gradual increase in specific hormones in the blood. With each subsequent day of the baby's embryonic development, the level of hormonal substances will increase. This is necessary so that the child can fully grow and develop in the mother’s belly.

Mood changes can vary. The most characteristic sign is a fairly rapid change from joy and even euphoria to a depressed state. Some women experience excessive tearfulness. Aggressive behavior can also be a manifestation of pregnancy. Outbursts of anger can vary in duration, but usually they are short-lived. After this, the mood can change again and become joyful.

The increase in progesterone in the blood leads to the appearance of excessive aggressiveness in women at this time. This hormone is one of the most important during pregnancy. Under its influence, quite a few different biological reactions occur aimed at the development of the embryo located in the uterus.

How to behave?

If you are in the first weeks of pregnancy, what do you need to know about behavior? Firstly, you must continue to lead the same lifestyle as in the period immediately before conception. You should definitely give up bad habits - smoking and drinking alcohol, even in small doses. Secondly, the work of a pregnant woman should not be associated with heavy physical activity, and especially with harmful substances.

In order for the baby to grow healthy in the womb, the mother must take measures:

Change your diet. Eat only healthy food. Avoid fatty, fried, smoked, canned, spicy foods, foods with flavorings, flavors and dyes, sweet carbonated water, sweets, strong tea and coffee. Buy products with regular shelf life, not long-term storage. Drink freshly squeezed juices.
Get enough sleep every day. Sleep 8–9 hours at night. If possible, rest during the day.
Walk a lot, preferably in a forested area.
During the winter-spring period, take vitamins prescribed by your doctor.
Refuse harmful work.
Try not to worry, put the baby’s health above all other problems.

If you feel unwell or something is bothering you, then you should not ask advice from friends and loved ones, look for answers on the Internet, but it is better to immediately contact a female doctor.

If you suffer from toxicosis

The problem of toxicosis requires special attention. For many, it begins from the moment of conception and lasts up to 12 weeks. If toxicosis does not go away throughout pregnancy, this means health problems for the mother or baby.

Doctors cannot offer treatment for toxicosis, but there are some recommendations:

Eat foods high in carbohydrates and proteins. It hardly makes anyone feel sick.
Drink more fluids to prevent dehydration if you vomit excessively.
If you notice that the smells of certain foods make you feel nauseous, ask your relatives not to buy them or take them out of the refrigerator, where they should be in sealed packaging, in your presence.
Since nausea wastes a significant part of your energy, you need to restore your strength. To do this, you need to establish a diet several times a day (6-7 times), and eat a little each time so as not to cause nausea.
Try to maintain normal blood sugar levels. To do this, you can eat bananas, dried fruits, apples. Chocolates and cookies are not suitable as they can cause weight gain.

In case of severe toxicosis, you will need to go to the hospital. It is almost impossible to cope with it at home.

Nutrition

Since a pregnant woman's body spends more energy than in everyday life, the menu after conception should contain about 100 kcal more per day than before. Specifically, the daily menu of a pregnant girl should include 55% carbohydrates, 30% fats, 15% proteins.

Carbohydrates provide mother and baby with sufficient energy levels. They are found in cereals, durum bread, vegetables and fruits. It is permissible to eat no more than 2 pieces of bread per day.

Proteins are needed for the growth of the fetus, placenta and uterus. From the first days of pregnancy, a woman should receive 1.5 g of protein per 1 kg of her weight. The quality of protein foods is of great importance. It must be of both plant and animal origin.

Fats are responsible for the development of the baby’s brain and his visual apparatus. They should be obtained from vegetable oils, and there is no need to eat fatty meat.

In the first weeks after conception, pregnant women do not suffer from edema. Therefore, gynecologists recommend drinking up to 1.5–2 liters of fluid per day. The only thing you need to limit yourself to is coffee, as it promotes the removal of calcium and dehydration of the body.

Products

The diet of pregnant girls should be varied and healthy. If we talk about specific products, you should include in your diet:

Nuts because they help the baby's brain and nervous system develop. In addition, they contain vitamin E, which is beneficial for women.
Meat. Beef and pork are suitable for the expectant mother. It is better to exclude chickens from the menu, since when breeding chickens, they are often given antibiotics that are harmful to the baby in the womb.
Porridges from various cereals. Buckwheat, oatmeal, millet, and rice are suitable. They contain a lot of protein and vitamins. Cereals replenish the energy lost by mother and baby.
Fruits and vegetables are healthy. It is advisable to eat them during the ripening season, from the garden, when they contain the most vitamins and nutrients.
Fish. It is necessary to carefully select fresh goods and subject them to heat treatment.
Dairy foods - milk, cottage cheese. Choose low-fat foods. They will not contribute to weight gain, but will replenish protein and calcium reserves, which is important during the formation of a baby’s bones.
For drinks, give preference to compotes. You can drink herbal teas. If the berries for compote are just picked from the garden, they contain vitamins necessary for health.

The following foods should not be eaten:

Sweets, chocolate and other types of candies, cakes, pastries.
Spicy and salty dishes. It is necessary to exclude all types of spices, except salt and pepper, when cooking.
Fried and smoked products.
Semi-finished products.
Chips, sparkling water and other products containing synthetic substances.

Food that is subject to heat treatment can only be boiled, stewed or steamed.

Decreased performance

Fatigue is one of the possible signs of pregnancy. A decrease in tolerance to habitual stress may indicate that all the body’s forces are currently aimed at maintaining the viability of the small embryo located in the uterus.

Not all women develop decreased performance. The development of this symptom is influenced by quite a few concomitant causes, as well as the presence of any chronic diseases in the woman. That is why it is almost impossible to suspect pregnancy at such a short period of time only based on clinical symptoms.

How to organize meals

With the onset of pregnancy, a woman experiences dramatic changes in all areas, including her worldview, well-being and usual way of life. And it is very important to start with proper nutrition, because the health of the baby and the well-being of the mother depend on it.

The body's basic needs during this period are fresh, balanced nutrition, which includes:

vegetables, cereals (buckwheat, oatmeal), beans - as the main source of plant proteins;
bread, sweet fruits - to compensate for the body’s energy costs;
vegetable oil to replace fats.

The need for vitamins also increases. In the summer, it is fully satisfied by eating fruits and vegetables, but in winter it is necessary to compensate for the deficiency with the help of multivitamins.

Be sure to include foods containing iron and calcium in your meals. This will allow the mother to fully meet the needs of the baby’s developing circulatory and skeletal systems without harming the mother’s body.

Literally from the first weeks, a woman already needs to control the caloric content of portions. The first thing a pregnant woman should know is that the statement that a pregnant woman should eat for two is completely wrong. Pathological weight gain can cause many complications, so nutrition should not be plentiful, but varied.

Signs of pregnancy in the earliest stages

After fertilization of the egg, a number of changes begin to occur in the female body, but they develop rather slowly. The severity of such manifestations also varies. Possible signs of pregnancy include the following symptoms.

Increase in basal temperature. After fertilization, it grows, which is clearly visible on the graph. If a woman is preparing for pregnancy and measures her basal temperature regularly throughout the menstrual cycle, then she will easily notice such an increase.
Coarsening of the mammary glands. The breasts look swollen. The mammary glands may become slightly enlarged and even ache.
The appearance of mucus from the vagina. Increased mucous discharge may indicate changes in the functioning of the female reproductive organs due to pregnancy. The severity of this symptom varies - from insignificant to quite intense.
Pulling sensation in the lower back . Typically, this symptom appears after playing sports or lifting weights, so many women do not focus on it. After rest, discomfort in the lower back usually goes away.

How to determine pregnancy at this time?

The classic symptom that in most cases forces women to go to the pharmacy for a pregnancy test is a delay in monthly menstruation.

Currently, the pharmaceutical market offers a huge variety of different diagnostic systems. They differ in cost, accuracy, design and much more. It should be noted that modern tests are quite accurate and can determine the presence of pregnancy with a fairly high probability.

It is believed that you can take a pregnancy test with results already 10-12 days after fertilization of the egg, but for the first week there is no exact method.

Determination of pregnancy in this case is carried out by determining specific gonadotropin (hCG) in the urine. During pregnancy, its norms differ significantly - first hCG appears and increases in the blood, and then in the urine.

Determining pregnancy with basic test strips is quite simple. To do this, you need a little urine, which is usually collected in the morning. Many women are in such a hurry to find out if they are pregnant that they take the test in the evening or at any time of the day. It should be noted that at such an early stage it may not be possible to obtain an accurate test result. In the morning, the concentration of hCG in the urine is maximum, which is necessary for such a test.

Determining pregnancy using test strips purchased at a pharmacy is only an indicative test. The result obtained at home when using such a diagnostic method is not always reliable and accurate.

Only a gynecologist can reliably determine the signs of pregnancy. To do this, he conducts a full clinical examination on a gynecological chair. At the same time, he evaluates the tone and condition of the cervix, as well as the size of its cavity.

You can confirm the presence of pregnancy in the early stages using a test to determine hCG in the blood. To carry out the analysis, you will need some venous blood. The accuracy of the laboratory test is quite high, and an excess of hCG concentration above the norm may indicate the presence of pregnancy. It is worth noting that the level of this hormone in the blood can also be increased in non-pregnant women with certain diseases. In order to confirm pregnancy, you should recheck the result after some time.

Ultrasound examinations are also used to find out about the presence of an embryo in the uterus. Transvaginal ultrasound is more informative and accurate in this case.

It is important to remember that errors or technical errors may be made during an ultrasound scan. In this case, you will also need to recheck the result after some time.

Feelings of the expectant mother

As mentioned, there are no specific signs indicating the onset of pregnancy at 1 week. Since this period coincides with the beginning of the next menstruation, the sensations will be corresponding: increased irritability and pain in the lower abdomen. You can feel the first signs of pregnancy only 1 week after fertilization.

The following early signs of pregnancy help to suspect that conception has occurred:

Menstruation does not occur on time. It is by the delay of menstruation that most women find out about pregnancy. Hormonal changes occur in the body. The corpus luteum produces progesterone, which prevents the endometrium from being rejected. As a result, no bleeding occurs. It is worth considering that the absence of menstruation is not always a sign of pregnancy. Sometimes menstruation continues even after conception has occurred.
A woman who monitors her basal body temperature should notice a rise in these values, which is due to increased production of progesterone.
Sometimes even in the early stages of pregnancy, a woman sometimes begins to experience nausea, dizziness and weakness. Most often, these unpleasant symptoms appear in the morning.
The nature of the discharge changes, the volume of cervical mucus produced increases. Although, some women may not pay attention to this sign.
There may be aching pain in the lower abdomen. These sensations are associated with contractions of the uterus in the early stages of pregnancy. Such pain often occurs before the next menstrual bleeding begins.
The appearance of discharge with blood. The blood in the mucus is explained by the fact that the embryo has penetrated the endometrium, simultaneously damaging small blood vessels. Most often this happens 7 days before the start of the next period.
A pregnancy test shows a positive result. Two stripes most often indicate that conception has occurred, although sometimes tests can give a false positive result.

Possible problems

The first weeks of pregnancy are a very important stage in the intrauterine development of the fetus. The health of the expectant mother plays a very important role for the full growth of the small embryo. A cold or infection can have a negative impact on the development of the baby and lead to the development of a number of dangerous pathologies.

The treatment of diseases in pregnant women must be approached very carefully. Not all folk remedies at this stage may be safe for the embryo. Some antibiotics can have a particularly adverse effect on the developing fetus.

If thrush appears, you should definitely consult a gynecologist. The doctor will conduct the necessary examination and, if necessary, prescribe fluconazole or another anti-candidiasis drug.

From the first days of pregnancy you should stop drinking any alcoholic beverages. The strength of the alcohol does not play a special role. All drinks containing ethyl alcohol have a negative effect on the fetus and can even cause delays in its development.

From the moment pregnancy is established, the doctor will definitely recommend that the expectant mother take multivitamin complexes - this is necessary in order to replenish the increased need for vitamins in the body. A variety of drugs are used as such drugs: Femibion, Prenatal, Elevit Pronatal and many others.

Watch the following video to learn about what happens to the expectant mother in the first week of pregnancy.

Source of the article: https://o-krohe.ru/beremennost/nedeli/1/

Vitamins

Vitamins to strengthen the body

In the 1st week of pregnancy (according to obstetric calculations), it is better to consult with a specialist and start taking those vitamins and minerals that your body needs.

If you opt for multivitamin complexes, then it is better to give your preference to those in which vitamins are obtained by extracting from fruits, berries, herbs and vegetables.

All pregnant women, as well as women still planning to conceive, are prescribed by gynecologists to drink folic acid (vitamin B9).

You should start taking folic acid in advance - three months before conceiving a child.

Many obstetricians and gynecologists now advise choosing the methylfolate form instead of regular folic acid; this form is much easier to digest and will definitely not cause harm. The intake of this vitamin is mandatory in the body, since a deficiency can lead to multiple midline pathologies, ranging from neural tube defects to cleft lip.

By the way, folium means “leaf” in Latin; folic acid was first “extracted” from spinach leaves. So it makes sense that spinach contains a lot of folic acid. But what other foods are rich in folates?

Poultry by-products;
Veal liver;
Pork liver;
Dark green leafy vegetables: spinach;
kale;
kale and others.

Asparagus;

Broccoli;

Brussels sprouts;

Beans and peas;

Avocado;

Sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, flax seeds, sunflower seeds;

Almond;

Beet;

Carrot;

Celery;

Pumpkin.

If fertilization has occurred, how to determine?

By 1 week, the baby is embedded in the epithelial tissues of the uterus.
Human chorionic gonadotropin begins to be produced. This is a clear sign of pregnancy. There are two ways to detect this:

Take a clinical blood test for hCG.
Take a pregnancy test yourself using morning urine, which contains the highest concentration of hCG after conception.

Then you can listen to changes in the body, internal sensations. With developed sensitivity, it is easy to understand what signals the body sends if a new life is born in it.

conclusions

Thus, the first few weeks are critical for the proper development of the fetus and the maintenance of pregnancy. It is at this time that the internal organs of the future baby are formed, in whose tiny body rapid transformations take place. For a woman, this is also a time of amazing metamorphoses from two lines on the test to the beginning of realizing herself as a mother.

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What happens in 1 week of pregnancy?

After conception, the fertilized egg travels through the fallopian tubes to the uterus, which prepares to receive it. Pregnancy in the first week is a conditional time during which a woman’s body undergoes important changes and prepares for the development of the fetus.

The egg is in the crushing stage as it moves through the fallopian tubes, gradually increasing in size. They are helped to move by special cilia and contractions of the walls of the fallopian tubes.

Unfertilized eggs die after 12-24 hours, and a fertilized egg, when it enters the uterus, is implanted into it. Changes begin in the body, hormonal levels are rearranged.

Condition of the uterus

Changes at the beginning of pregnancy mainly begin in the uterus. At the early stage of the origin of life, structural changes begin in the female womb. Chemical processes occur that affect the entire body of the expectant mother.

The uterus has the following features:

Practically does not change its location.
It becomes soft and the neck thickens.
A mucous plug forms in the area of the cervix, preventing pathogens from penetrating into the reproductive organ. This is how the fetus, while in the uterus, is protected from infection.

Slight nagging pain in the abdomen may occur as a result of relaxation of the pelvic ligaments. This is how the woman’s body prepares for the upcoming birth.

Breast

The mammary glands of the expectant mother become sensitive, and breast elasticity increases.
From 1 week, the breasts grow and increase in size.

But not all expectant mothers have it denser immediately after conception.

The thickening and growing breasts of the expectant mother require careful handling. You need to choose the right underwear so that it does not restrict breathing, is comfortable and is made from natural materials.

Stomach

At an early stage, a woman’s belly does not grow. A barely noticeable rounding appears only in mothers with experience, and even then not immediately. At the time of implantation of the egg or during the contraction of the fallopian tubes, when the embryo moves towards the uterus, mild nagging pain in the abdomen may occur.

If the pain goes away quickly and does not cause noticeable discomfort, there is no need to worry. This phenomenon is normal in the first week of pregnancy. When the nagging pain intensifies and heavy bleeding begins, this is a reason to consult a doctor.

What happens to the fetus?

There is no such thing as a fetus yet.
The unborn baby is just a fertilized egg that travels through the fallopian tubes to the uterus to be implanted in its walls. But he already carries half of his mother’s genetic material and half of his father’s. By the end of the week, the embryo is implanted into the epithelial tissue of the uterus.

The egg divides and becomes larger. The formation of the placenta and umbilical cord begins. At this moment, the embryo is still small, it cannot even be seen on an ultrasound, but it is closely related to the mother.

A woman can address the baby and talk to him. Such close contact has a positive effect on his further development.

Changes in the mother's body

The first changes indicate the very fact of pregnancy. Some of them are noticeable only during a gynecological examination, but most of the changes can be noticed by the woman herself.

These include the following:

The uterus slightly enlarges, its surface softens.
The vaginal mucosa turns a little blue.
There is no menstruation and related processes.

The changes are due to the body’s preparation for pregnancy and the successful birth of a child. All systems and organs adapt to the process of fetal development.

What is “midwifery week”

When does pregnancy begin? Since the start of menstruation. This is the moment of the start of a new menstrual cycle, which lasts, on average, 28 days. Essentially, your child is a maturing egg in the mother’s body and a maturing sperm in the father’s body; conception will occur much later. So, in obstetrician terms, you're pregnant every two weeks after your period starts. An obstetric pregnancy therefore lasts 40 weeks (10 months), although in fact you carry the fetus for exactly 9 months.

Obstetric week was invented because most often it is difficult to establish the exact date of conception. It lasts exactly 7 days, just like a regular one. So it turns out that you are a couple of calendar weeks late, and your pregnancy is 5-6 obstetrics.

In addition to obstetric weeks, there is also the concept of trimesters of pregnancy.

Each trimester has its own characteristic changes in the physiological state of the woman and the development of the fetus:

The first trimester lasts from weeks 1 to 12;
The second - from 13 to 27 weeks;
The third - from 28 to 40 weeks.

All these concepts and terms make it possible to determine the quality of pregnancy and the pace of development of the baby.

Main signs of conception

In the first week after conception, a woman may experience a condition similar to menstruation.

At this time, a woman experiences:

Delayed menstruation – with a regular cycle.
Painful sensations of unknown origin.
Heaviness in the uterine area.
Abdominal bloating, as if it is bursting. The clothes seem tight, although the tummy is not growing yet.
Tingling in the chest, swelling.
Changes in blood pressure.
Emotional instability.
Darkening of the nipples.
Flatulence is a concern.
Changes in the nature of vaginal discharge.

This is how a woman’s body signals pregnancy.

Fetal development

The first 3 months after conception are the most important in the development of the baby. So, in the very first weeks, the egg undergoes a lot of transformations: from the moment of fertilization, it begins to actively divide and by the end of 1 week it already consists of 100 cells. An embryo is then formed from the fertilized egg, which attaches to the wall of the uterus.

How the embryo develops in the first trimester:

4 weeks after conception, the basics of the spinal cord and brain appear.
After 5 weeks his heart starts beating.
Between 7 and 9 weeks, the embryo develops arms and legs. It already has internal organs - heart, liver, kidneys, brain. At the same time, the rudiments of eyes, ears, and gums appear. The baby already has a digestive system.
After another 2 weeks, fingers and toes appear on the arms and legs, and a nose appears on the face.
At 11–12 weeks, the baby has all the internal organs and looks like a little man. The placenta serves its purpose.

Embryo development in the 2nd and 3rd trimester:

At week 16, the size of the embryo reaches 16 cm and its weight is 100 g. The first hairs appear on the head and eyebrows.
After another 2 weeks, the heartbeat can be heard with a stethoscope. The baby moves his arms and sometimes turns over inside the womb. Formed internal organs are growing, which already protect it from harmful influences.
The 3rd trimester begins at 28 weeks. At this time, all the baby’s organs and systems are improving. The baby becomes large. It becomes more difficult for him to turn over inside the uterus, but by week 35 he is positioned head down, towards the birth canal. During this period, even a baby born prematurely has every chance of survival.

It only seems that the child is completely safe in the womb. In fact, there are threats to his life, and considerable ones: the girl suffered a severe infection during this period, injuries (especially if she falls on her stomach), and a lack of microelements for full development. So the behavior of the girl herself is very important.

Feel

By this time, the fertilized egg should be implanted in the uterus. This is a dangerous period - there is a high probability of miscarriage.

To prevent the expectant mother’s body from getting rid of the egg attached to the uterus, the immune system is slightly weakened. In this regard, the woman feels slightly unwell and lethargic. Body temperature may rise, often making you sleepy.

In the morning, nausea disturbs, sensitivity to smells and food worsens. Bizarre and new taste preferences arise. Some women want to chew chalk if there is a significant lack of calcium in the body. Appetite disappears or increases.

Discharge

Among the main signs of pregnancy is implantation bleeding. It occurs after the implantation of the egg into the uterine cavity.

After the embryo has successfully attached to the uterus, a barely noticeable pinkish or brown discharge appears. They have a smearing character. Sometimes the discharge may simply not be noticed.

The duration of implantation bleeding cannot last more than two days. If it takes longer, this is already a deviation from the norm and a reason to seek advice from a specialist.

If a woman’s discharge becomes bloody and its volume increases, and at the same time there is an acute nagging pain in the lower abdomen, an urgent need to consult a doctor. Any increased bleeding during this period is a risk of miscarriage.

What will the ultrasound show?

In the first week after conception, there is no need to do an ultrasound if the woman feels great.
This can harm the baby, so ultrasound examination is recommended to be carried out no earlier than three months or as prescribed by a doctor in exceptional cases. An ultrasound may show abnormalities. These include:

Ectopic pregnancy.
Cyst or tumor.
Inflammatory process.

During a normal pregnancy, the study may show the absence of a dominant follicle, because ovulation is no longer expected and conception has already occurred.

But this cannot be considered as a clear sign of pregnancy for those who are looking forward to it, because women have menstrual cycles without ovulation - 1 or 2 times a year, and this is considered the norm.

Changes in the female body

The woman’s uterus already “knows”: fertilization has not yet occurred. Therefore, in the uterine cavity, the endometrial layer separates from the walls and comes out with a certain amount of blood. At the same time, a new endometrium is formed, which may receive a fertilized egg. In this case, there are often contractions and tensions in the muscles of the uterus, and the woman feels pain in the lower abdomen. If you are planning a pregnancy, it is better to stop taking analgesics and just endure it. Even on the eve of conception, many medications are already harmful. All these observations relate to the obstetric period.

If the first week is embryonic, the changes here are more obvious . Fertilization has taken place, the woman’s entire body has already received many signals and has begun restructuring, primarily hormonal. From now on, the activity of any internal organ or system will take into account the new state of the “mistress”.

Signs and manifestations

With an obstetric approach, there are no signs of pregnancy in the first week.
After all, pregnancy has not actually occurred yet. If the gestation period of 1 week is considered in embryonic terms, then this period may also be no different, or maybe “show itself” a little. The main symptom is implantation bleeding . It marks the fixation of a fertilized egg in the uterine cavity. Most often this is a slightly noticeable pink discharge of a spotting nature. A woman may not pay attention to them at all, so this manifestation of a new state will go unnoticed.

Fetus at 1 week of pregnancy

Both in obstetric and embryonic terms, there is no fetus as such yet. In the first case, conception has not yet occurred, in the second, the active division of cells of the embryo of the future baby is just beginning. In this case, the child already has half of the hereditary characteristics of the mother and half of the father. But how and in what way this will manifest itself, parents will not find out soon.

Pregnancy test: positive result or no result?

Even the most advanced tests from the pharmacy can show pregnancy no earlier than a few days before menstruation.
Therefore, regardless of the method for determining the period, such a test in the first week is ineffective or useless at all. It's better to wait a little. If you really can’t wait, you can donate blood for hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin). The content of this substance in a woman’s blood increases when pregnancy occurs. But this method of determining pregnancy will be effective only after the first embryonic week.

What will the ultrasound show?

Scanning of the uterine cavity and ovaries is done if a woman has been planning her pregnancy for a long time and carefully. The procedure will help clarify the timing of ovulation. An ultrasound will show the degree of maturity of the follicle and the general readiness of the uterine cavity. One cannot expect more information from a study over such a short period of time.

Character of vaginal discharge

Before ovulation, most women experience clear and rather runny discharge. They become thicker and more viscous, similar to egg whites, as the egg matures. Then the discharge thickens even more. This is how the female body protects the egg from external infections and unfavorable environments.

How to properly prepare for the process of bearing a child?

In order for the expectant mother to have a healthy baby, and for the process of bearing it to proceed safely, the woman needs to take care of her health in advance. When planning a pregnancy, you need to pay attention to many factors.

Exercise stress

Exercising is a great way for an expectant mother to prepare for pregnancy and bearing a baby.
It’s especially worth spending time on your body. Morning or evening slow running trains endurance and improves the functioning of the respiratory system. After regular jogging, women's back and legs become stronger.

If conception has already occurred, running is contraindicated. Then the expectant mother can swim in the pool, do yoga for pregnant women, and race walking.

Kegel exercises

With the help of a specific complex, women develop vaginal muscles. When you master the exercises, it is easier to endure childbirth. The expectant mother reduces the risk of injury and rupture by increasing the elasticity of the vaginal muscles.

You can do the exercises yourself and at home, or contact a specialist by signing up for individual or group training.

Positive attitude

It is advisable for a woman to set herself up for the best, to think in a positive way. Pleasant emotions have a beneficial effect on the development of the baby. The expectant mother can listen to beautiful music - classical works, sounds of nature. This calms and pacifies a woman.

Good mood for the expectant mother is facilitated by adequate sleep lasting 8-10 hours and regular walks outside. At the same time, a woman needs to choose comfortable clothes and shoes so as not to injure herself and the baby.

Hygiene, rest and wellness

If a woman leads a sporty and active lifestyle, pregnancy should not be a hindrance. On the contrary, under the influence of exercise, sleep and appetite improve, and the body trains for the upcoming birth. It is necessary to exclude heavy lifting from training, and divide the exercises into several approaches.

If a woman wants to be in shape, but does not know which sport is safest for her and her baby, you can contact an antenatal clinic. Each clinic has physical therapy rooms, where a specially trained instructor teaches breathing techniques and relaxation exercises.

Sleep and its duration are of great importance. To feel good, you need to sleep at least 8 hours a day in a well-ventilated room. Walking in the fresh air is also necessary for the development of the fetus, which is especially sensitive to lack of oxygen.

In matters of hygiene, in an interesting situation, little changes. Keep your body clean with a shower; no need to douche without a doctor’s instructions or visit steam rooms. Oral hygiene consists of timely treatment of caries and gum disease.

Medical and lifestyle advice

If you want to give birth to a healthy baby, you need to lead a healthy lifestyle.
It is advisable to start at least six months before the expected conception. During this time, it is necessary to identify possible hidden pathologies and overcome bad habits.

If pregnancy has already occurred, then you cannot experiment with your body. Any sudden changes will not improve your health.

First, it is advisable for a woman to consult a gynecologist and undergo a medical examination to ensure that the reproductive and digestive systems are functioning properly.

The expectant mother needs to pay attention to her hormonal levels. It is good if, before the moment of conception, the expectant mother puts her teeth in order.

A woman must undergo the following tests:

Blood for sugar.
Test for toxoplasmosis if there are pets in the apartment.
Blood for Rh factor.

In order for the baby to develop comfortably in the mother’s womb, a woman must follow the recommendations of doctors:

Eat in small portions, but often. You should not starve yourself or overeat.
Get a good night's sleep. Healthy sleep is beneficial for both mother and baby.
Take vitamins.
To walk outside.
Perform breathing exercises to generally relax the body.
Avoid stress.
Do not contact people infected with viral infections.
Rest on time.
Stick to a diet.

This will help the female body cope with the load placed on it during pregnancy.

Diet

At an early stage of pregnancy, the foods that make up the expectant mother's menu must contain sufficient amounts of nutrients.
In the first week of pregnancy, a woman’s diet should include:

Lean meats, boiled or stewed.
Fatty fish, rich in omega acids.

Fresh fruits, fruits, vegetables, herbs.
Fermented milk products. It is advisable to drink whole milk or eat yogurt daily.

The expectant mother can have sugar, but not more than 50 g per day. You can use honey instead of sugar. It is better to replace animal fats with vegetable oil. The cooking method is also important. It is extremely undesirable to get carried away with fried, spicy, smoked foods. It is better to replace them with steamed, stewed or boiled food.

What's prohibited?

Pregnancy is not a disease, but only a special state of the body. The woman feels quite well, allowing her to do her usual activities. But the expectant mother definitely needs to reduce her physical activity.

From the first week of pregnancy, a woman is prohibited from:

Work more than 6 hours without a break.
Sitting at the computer for a long time.
Work night shifts, go on business trips.
Lift weights – things over 3 kg.
Sitting or standing for a long time.
Move or lift furniture and any large objects.
When cleaning, use aggressive detergents with chlorine and strong aromatic additives.
Drink strong tea and coffee.
Drink alcohol, smoke.
Visit the solarium, bathhouse.
Take a hot bath.
Take x-rays.
Listen to loud music and be near sound amplifiers.

If you listen to these recommendations, nothing will harm the development of the fetus.

Taking vitamins

Vitamins should definitely be on the menu of the expectant mother.
During pregnancy, the need for calcium, iodine and other trace elements doubles. If a woman does not have enough vitamins, the growing fetus will begin to take the necessary substances from her body. The bones, teeth, and hair of the pregnant woman will be damaged.

A doctor may prescribe folic acid to reduce hereditary problems, improve the condition of the fetus, and reduce the negative influence of the external environment. Vitamin E is also useful for a pregnant woman, as it participates in the formation of the placenta and prevents the threat of miscarriage. For normal metabolism, the expectant mother needs iodine. The body especially needs it in early pregnancy.

A woman can take vitamins prescribed by a doctor, or find an alternative to them - eat foods that contain the necessary active substances. 40 strawberries per day contain the daily requirement of folic acid. Iodine is found in seaweed, seafood, and figs. Vitamin C can be obtained from fresh oranges.

But in everything it is worth observing moderation. If a woman wants to rely on vegetables and fruits instead of ready-made vitamins, this issue is discussed with her doctor. An excess of active substances is also harmful.

Registration

At this time, the expectant mother will also have her first trip to the antenatal clinic. You should not delay visiting the clinic. You can only make sure that the pregnancy is progressing normally from a specialist. And although you have every right not to see doctors until the 11th week, it is better to do it earlier.

The gynecologist will collect information about your health status, enter into the card information about previous diseases, the date of your last menstruation, and help calculate the expected date of birth. Tests required when registering:

general urine analysis;
bacterial urine culture (taken twice during the entire period - after the first visit to the antenatal clinic and at 36 weeks);
general blood analysis;
blood biochemistry;
blood test for Rh factor and group determination;
coagulogram;
TORCH;
screening for syphilis, HIV and hepatitis B;
smear for histology;
smear on flora.

The first ultrasound is an exciting procedure for every woman, since this is actually her first meeting with the baby. It is usually prescribed at 7-8 weeks, but according to indications it is carried out earlier. Ultrasound is the most informative method for determining ectopic pregnancy and other possible pathologies in the early stages.

Useful tips

In order for the baby to develop safely, a woman needs to lead a healthy lifestyle, eat right and be positive.
For the harmonious development of the fetus, 1 week after conception, the expectant mother is recommended:

Quit smoking, including passive smoking - try not to breathe tobacco smoke.
Stop taking medications prescribed before pregnancy. This is especially true for antibiotics.
Avoid stress and nervous tension.
If you have a cat in the house, use gloves to clean its litter box and wash your hands thoroughly afterwards.
Appear less often in public places during cold epidemics.
Avoid crowds and crushes on public transport.

The first week is exciting and difficult for the expectant mother. A woman does not always realize that she is in an interesting situation, but if all the signs are obvious, she should immediately think about the correctness of her lifestyle and listen to the recommendations of specialists.

What not to do at this time

There are a few very important things to know about the first weeks of pregnancy:

avoid nervous shock;
do not drink alcohol;
do not smoke;
Taking any medication can be fatal. The correct approach is not to self-medicate and carefully read the instructions for even the most harmless medications;
any physical procedures must be carried out strictly according to indications. Pregnant women should not undergo laser or photoepilation or visit a solarium;
try to limit your coffee consumption (you can replace it with a chicory drink);
Do not use stimulant medications to combat drowsiness. This is a natural condition that will pass over time;
do not appear in the sun during the period of its greatest activity, that is, from 11 to 16 hours of the day.