1st Month of Pregnancy: Signs, Due Date and What to Do
Congrats on your pregnancy! People say pregnancy is the only time you truly fall in love with someone you haven't met yet. Like most women, you may have learned about your pregnancy from a home test. Once you knew you were pregnant, many questions came to your mind. After all, you want to know everything about the little one inside you and how to take care of someone you will not see for months.
We all know that pregnancy is a nine month journey. Doctors also divide pregnancy into 3 trimesters, and each trimester has its own changes. The most important thing to understand is that pregnancy is a normal state of the body, not an illness. So try to relax and not worry too much.
Estimating pregnancy and due date
In most countries, including the US, pregnancy is counted from the first day of your last menstrual period (LMP). The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) says the due date is 280 days after the first day of the LMP. This assumes a 28 day cycle, with ovulation around day 14. This means that during the first 2 weeks of "pregnancy," you are not actually pregnant yet. So by the end of the first month, the embryo is only about 2 weeks old. ACOG says an ultrasound in the first trimester is the most accurate way to find out how far along you are.
What happens during the first month?
After the egg is fertilized, it spends a few days moving down the fallopian tube toward the uterus. As it travels, it divides into a ball of cells called a blastocyst, says MedlinePlus. When the blastocyst reaches the uterus, it buries itself in the uterine wall. This is called implantation. It sticks tightly to the wall and starts to get nourishment from the mother's blood. This is a very early and important time, as the cells keep dividing and growing.
What are the signs of pregnancy?
Not all women feel changes in their body this early. But some may have sore breasts, mood swings, a strong sense of smell, nausea, tiredness or the need to pee more often.
Measures to take
The first trimester is when your baby is most at risk from things that can cause birth defects, like certain medicines and alcohol. The CDC says there is no known safe amount of alcohol during pregnancy. Stop smoking and stay away from other people's smoke. Eat a healthy, balanced diet, with home cooked meals when you can.
The CDC says to get 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid every day before and during early pregnancy, because it helps prevent serious birth defects of the brain and spine. If you already take folic acid or a prenatal vitamin, keep taking it. If you take any medicine, talk to your doctor right away, but do not stop a prescribed medicine on your own. Also ask your doctor before taking any herbal supplements.
The first month is the time to plan ahead, get a full health checkup and choose your prenatal care. Taking time to rest while listening to soft bedtime lullabies and soothing songs can help you stay calm during these early weeks. Many moms like to hum a gentle song like Twinkle Twinkle Little Star or Go To Sleep Lullaby, the same songs they will one day sing to their baby. When you are ready, read what comes next in the second month of pregnancy.
Questions About the First Month of Pregnancy
How is my due date calculated?
ACOG says the due date is 280 days after the first day of your last period. A first trimester ultrasound is the most accurate way to confirm it.
Am I pregnant during weeks 1 and 2?
No. Pregnancy is counted from your last period, so during weeks 1 and 2 you are not pregnant yet. Conception usually happens around week 2.
How much folic acid do I need?
The CDC says 400 mcg of folic acid every day, before and during early pregnancy.
Is a little alcohol OK in early pregnancy?
The CDC says there is no known safe amount of alcohol during pregnancy.
This post is for general information only. It is not medical advice. If you have questions about your health or your pregnancy, please talk to your doctor.