Overview of that week

The first week of your pregnancy is when you aren’t technically pregnant yet. It might be confusing at first. But it might help to know that your pregnancy is tracked from the first day of your last menstrual period, not the day you conceive. So, once you get pregnant, your week one of pregnancy will be your last period.

Baby development

You don’t have a baby yet in your tummy for it to grow and develop. But in about 2 weeks, during your ovulation you will be the most fertile. If you have intercourse without protection during that week, your chances at pregnancy will be high. Once you have conceived your baby and the implantation has occurred in a couple of weeks, the growth can be estimated.

Body changes in mother

Menstrual cycle is an approximately 28 day cycle that starts from the first day of your period and ends on the day before your next period starts. The first half of your menstrual cycle, which lasts for about 4 to 7 days, will be your first week.  

Right now your body has just started a new menstrual cycle. Your body is only preparing for the pregnancy. During the first week, your symptoms will be the same as any other menstruation cycle.

Cramps and nausea:

One of the most common symptoms of menstruation is uterine cramping. Some women report stronger cramps pain while for some it might not affect their day-to-day life. However, if you suffer severe period cramps, you can try over the counter pain relieving medicines. You can also try heating pads to ease the discomfort. These discomforts can sometimes also cause nausea.

Tender breasts:

It is common for you to notice that your breasts are more tender and swollen before and during your periods due to a fluctuation in estrogen and progesterone. It does return to normal after your periods. 

Cravings:

A drop in your normal levels of serotonin production might also increase your cravings for certain foods, mostly food high in carbs. 

Upset stomachs:

Another blame you can put on your hormones is causing digestive distress during your menstrual period. It can cause extra discomfort if you also are suffering from uterine cramps. Keep yourself hydrated and avoid sugary food. You can also use heat pads to comfort any kind of pain caused by an upset stomach.

Backaches:

Try to perform gentle stretches and exercises to relieve pain in your lower back during periods. In case a heat pad isn’t available, you can also ask for a gentle massage to release some tension in the muscles. 

Acne:

It isn’t uncommon for women to notice an increase in acne during your period. They are caused by the temporary hormonal imbalance and will normally subside after the period.

What should you do and don’t

• Prenatal vitamins are recommended as soon as you begin trying for pregnancy.
• Avoid narcotic substances, alcohol, and tobacco since it affects pregnancy.
• Start taking folic acid supplements with a recommendation from your doctor if you are planning for pregnancy.
• Avoid taking too much caffeine.
• If you are trying to get pregnant, stop your birth control.
• Along with all the vitamins, increasing your intake of dairy and protein that boost the calcium and iron are incredibly necessary to prepare the mother’s body.
• Use heat pads to reduce any kind of discomfort or pain.
• Stay hydrated.