What if we told you that it’s the first week of your pregnancy and you aren’t even pregnant yet? Confused? Do you want to know how the symptoms are going to be during the first week before the missing period? Find out!
According to medical professionals, the term of pregnancy starts from Day 1 of the last menstrual period in the patient. OB-GYN counts week 1 from the last menstrual date to accurately estimate the due date.
Some women experience mild symptoms during the first week, while others don’t even feel anything different from normal. This article will explore all the possible signs, symptoms, and changes a woman’s body goes through in the first week of pregnancy.
In this Article
What kind of Changes Can one Expect in Week 1?
Week 1 of pregnancy means that you are on your period and not likely pregnant yet. The actual conception happens around week 2 or week 3 when the fertilization occurs. A positive pregnancy test at this point means that you are already 4 weeks pregnant.
All of this can sound very confusing, and that’s normal. However, the reason why OB-GYN mark the first week of pregnancy as your last menstrual cycle’s first day is to estimate when you will deliver. If you are experiencing possible symptoms of pregnancy, take a test. And, once you see a positive line, consult your doctor for a prenatal appointment to get a better understanding.
Following are a few symptoms would-be mothers experience during Week 1 of Pregnancy or during first week before missing period.
Vaginal bleeding
The symptoms during week 1 mimic the symptoms you’d experience during your menstrual cycle. So, vaginal bleeding is common as the body sheds the uterine lining as it does during a normal period.
Lower back pain
The shedding of the uterine lining contributes to cramping and pain around the lower abdomen. This can cause the lower back to ache pretty badly.
Mood swings
As the hormones keep peaking and dropping and changing in the body, mood swings are a widespread symptom. This can cause frustration, irritability and can even cause a sudden change in emotions.
Headache
Paired with mood swings, the next common line of symptoms is a headache. Some women even struggle with migraine. These are due to hormonal changes. If the pain becomes unbearable, ice packs and medications can help too.
Bloating
Digestion issues are also common. The changes to the hormonal balance in the body can cause bloating and flatulence in several patients. However, they don’t linger for long and get better as the days pass.
What are the Changes in Week 1 Pregnant Belly?
Week 1 is not when you are pregnant. You are menstruating in the first week as the body gets rid of the last month’s uterine lining. The uterus prepares itself for fertilization this month.
Although there are no “standard pregnancy” symptoms during Week 1, you want to prepare your body for conception. Maintain a healthy weight, get rid of bad habits, and start the prescribed prenatal vitamins to prepare your body for pregnancy.
At this week, there are no notable signs of a “pregnancy belly” during this week. Also, ultrasound imagine doesn’t happen during Week 1. However, suppose you are actively trying to conceive or have issues with fertility. In that case, your fertility specialist might suggest an ultrasound during this week to check for any anomalies in the reproductive anatomy.
Pregnancy Symptoms in Week 1
The pregnancy symptoms during Week 1 are sometimes prevalent in some women and sometimes negligible or non-existent. The most common sign of a successful conception is a missed menstrual period. However, this isn’t a sign that pops up in Week 1.
Some of the common symptoms to look out for include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Raised basal body temperature
- Headaches and migraine
- Tiredness and fatigue
- Food cravings and aversions to certain food and smells
- Heightened sense of smell
- Feeling a metallic taste in the mouth
These are just a handful of symptoms one might experience during Week 1. Early pregnancy doesn’t always showcase challenging or grave symptoms in every pregnant woman. The symptoms, for the most part, are subjective.
Tips for the Mother During Week 1
Week 1 is when you have to start preparing for a future conception. It is important to prepare for a healthy conception. Prenatal vitamins and proper care start from the first week. Here’s how you need to prepare from the first week.
Start with folic acid.
Folic acid is crucial for fetus development. From ensuring proper organ development to the baby’s overall growth, folic acid plays a crucial role. The doctor will prescribe 400-600 mcg folic acid daily with prenatal vitamins and food sources.
You don’t have to wait until you get a positive pregnancy test to wait for folic acid consumption. Women trying to conceive actively should take folic acid to support their pregnancy.
Folic acid has potent benefits in reducing risks of congenital heart defects, neural tube defects and other risks of miscarriage in pregnant women.
Spot early signs
You might start experiencing early pregnancy symptoms during the start of this week. Heightened sense of smell with tenderness in the breasts are common signs to consider. Some women even witness spotting and frequent urge to urinate.
Avoid poor habits and addictions
If you are trying to conceive, the last thing you want is to derail your health. Get rid of unwanted addictions like smoking and alcohol. You also need to consult your doctor about the prescription you are on. Supplements and herbal medications aren’t the best because they don’t have any conclusive results about their efficacy. So, let the doctor suggest what kinds of medications you should be on.
Stock up on pregnancy tests
As you are in Week 1 of pregnancy waiting for a successful conception, stock up on all the brands of pregnancy tests at home. Avoid getting cheap pregnancy tests since those don’t provide accurate results. Additionally, familiarize and educate yourself about the pregnancy hormone knowledge and what you can expect during the upcoming weeks.
