1 Week Pregnant

What Happens During the First Week of Pregnancy?

Even though there is no fetus at this stage, different bodily changes are happening in you, helping you prepare for conception. They include:

Hormonal Changes

During the first week of the ovarian cycle, the eggs mature and get released to the fallopian tube. Here, there is an increase in the Follicle Stimulating Hormone or FSH. It is a hormone that helps follicles prepare for ovulation, and there would only be one dominant egg at the end of this process.

Another hormone that comes to play with FSH is Luteinizing Hormone or LH. It assists in follicle stimulation along with FSH. Once the follicle gets matured, estrogen comes into play. It is a hormone that thickens the uterine lining and would increase the production of LH. These hormonal changes would result in ovulation, which would, in turn, help in conception.

Menstruation

When you are menstruating, your body would be removing the last month's eggs and uterine linings. During this time, there is a higher flow of blood. It is because your body is preparing for the next cycle. After the completion of your periods, a new egg would mature. Due to this, the uterine lining would get thick as it is where the implantation happens.

Fetal Development

Since you are not yet pregnant, there is no fetal development happening. But, you can improve the quality of your pregnancy by bringing in a healthy lifestyle. It includes different factors, ranging from exercising to having a proper diet plan. Taking prenatal vitamins can also be beneficial when it comes to conception. During this time, having a healthy relationship with your partner can also help with your pregnancy.

These are the changes that happen in your body during the first week of pregnancy. Apart from this, you could have symptoms associated with menstruation. They include:

Cramps

You can get cramps in the lower abdomen and back. It occurs before your period starts and would last for two to three days.

Acnes

Due to the increase in the production of sebum in your body, you could get acne. These acnes are known as cyclical acne.

Fatigue

While you are on your period, you might feel disturbances in your sleep pattern. One of the reasons for this is an increase in your body temperature. When this happens, it will become difficult for you to sleep.

Bloating

Bloating happens due to the increase in the level of estrogen and progesterone in your body during your periods.

Mood Swings

Due to hormonal fluctuations that happen, you might show mood swings. It could be minor changes or drastic ones that would need medical attention.

Tips for the First Week of Pregnancy

While you are trying to conceive your baby, you have to take care of yourself. During the first week of pregnancy, ensure that you are preparing your mind and body for conception. It applies to both partners. Here are a few tips that can help you during the first week of your pregnancy.

Have those Extra Nutrients

Getting enough nutrients and maintaining a healthy diet are two factors having a close relationship to your well-being. You can get your nutrients by having food items like meat, poultry, nuts, vegetables. When it comes to veggies, including green leafy vegetables can be helpful for you. Other than that, it is best to avoid seafood items as they can lead to gastrointestinal infections. Similar to the to-be mother, the male partner also has to have vitamins. The male partner has to reduce the consumption of saturated fat and fast food items as well.

Another aspect that you have to focus on would be including folic acid in your diet. While you try to conceive, your body requires 400 to 600 grams of folic acid per day. When you have it in your diet, you can improve the chances of getting pregnant. There are other benefits associated with folic acid for the baby and the mother. When it comes to the child, it will reduce the chances of birth issues. Whereas on the other hand, it can lower miscarriage-related concerns as well.

Stay Physically Active

While you are trying to conceive, you have to stay physically active. If you are someone who exercises regularly, it won't be an issue. But, if you are new to this, it is best to start slow. You can exercise for 30 minutes a day or even begin with 10 to 20 minutes, and then, you can build the duration gradually.

You can try brisk walking, cycling, or stretching exercises like yoga. When you exercise regularly, it will help you to improve your health and be more focused. Through this, you can enhance the chances of getting pregnant. If you are into intense workouts, it may not be an issue while you try to conceive. But, you can always reach out to your medical professional to acquire more information.

Get Enough Sleep

Several pieces of research are happening based on the connections between sleep and getting pregnant. However, there hasn't been any definitive study as of now. But, when changes are happening in your hormone production, it can affect your sleep cycle. The reason behind this is that your brain produces melatonin and cortisol. These are two hormones related to sleep, and they play a role in regulating your reproductive hormones.

Besides that, your circadian rhythm also shows a connection with ovulation. It is best to keep track of your sleep and try to get enough sleep regularly. As per the National Sleep Foundation, you must sleep for seven hours a day.

To or Not to Have Sex

This is a question that most couples have during the first week of pregnancy. Even though you are on your period and your ovulation starts only after 14 days, you can do a lot for your pregnancy. There is nothing wrong with having sex if both partners are comfortable and when you feel it is the right moment. Avoiding oral sex as you try to conceive can be helpful as saliva can impact sperm motility.

However, if you are having sex, it is best to avoid any form of lubricants. You can cross-check this before you use any lubricants by reading the label. The reason is that they can affect the PH level, which could create an unsafe environment. It is a factor that could affect sperm motility rate. But, if you prefer to use lubricants, it is best to opt for water-based lubes. Hence, there is nothing wrong with having sex with your partner while you try to conceive.

Turndown Heat

When there is an increase in heat, it could impact fertility, especially when you try to get pregnant. Hence, it is best to avoid using heating pads, seats, and even electric blankets. It is applicable for both male and female partners. Instead, snuggling with your partner can offer your body an ample amount of heat. It could be beneficial while you try conceiving.

Avoid Drinking and Smoking

It is best to avoid drinking while you try to get pregnant, as it can reduce any form of alcohol-related complications. Smoking is yet another factor that can lead to issues while you are conceiving. Even second-hand smoking can be harmful to the fetus. It could increase the chances of Infant Death Syndrome (IDS). Pregnancy, thus, can pave the way for you to quit smoking as well.

Keep Track of Your Menstrual Cycle

When you track your menstrual cycle, it can help you find the time when you ovulate. It can be beneficial for you in increasing the chances of getting pregnant. Apart from that, your doctor would understand your due dates before conducting your first ultrasound.

You can manually track your cycle with the traditional book and paper technique. However, it is best to use apps like the Women's Health tracker. It is because it can offer you all the required details regarding your menstrual cycle.

Checking in with Your Doctor

When you plan to get pregnant, you can have preconception check ups with your doctor. Here, your doctor can advise you on lifestyle changes that would improve your chances of getting pregnant. If you are on other medicines, you can speak with your doctor and receive their approval. Some medications and herbal products might result in safety concerns.