What to expect first months of pregnancy

Pregnancy Week By Week | First Month Symptoms and Signs

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Month by Month
What happens in the second month?
What happens in the third month?
What happens in the fourth month?
What happens in the fifth month?

What happens in the sixth month?
What happens in the seventh month?
What happens in the eighth month?
What happens in the ninth month?
What happens in the tenth month?

What happens in the first month of pregnancy?

Pregnancy is divided into 3 trimesters. Each trimester is a little longer than 13 weeks. The first month marks the beginning of the first trimester.

What’s gestational age?

Pregnancy timing is measured using “gestational age.” Gestational age starts on the first day of your last menstrual period (LMP).

Gestational age can be confusing. Most people think of pregnancy as lasting 9 months. And it’s true that you’re pregnant for about 9 months. But because pregnancy is measured from the first day of your last menstrual period — about 3-4 weeks before you’re actually pregnant — a full-term pregnancy usually totals about 40 weeks from LMP — roughly 10 months.

Many people don’t remember exactly when they started their last menstrual period — that’s OK. The surest way to find out gestational age early in pregnancy is with an ultrasound.

What happens during week 1 - 2?

These are the first 2 weeks of your menstrual cycle. You have your period. About 2 weeks later, the egg that’s most mature is released from your ovary — this is called ovulation. Ovulation may happen earlier or later, depending on the length of your menstrual cycle. The average menstrual cycle is 28 days.

After it’s released, your egg travels down your fallopian tube toward your uterus. If the egg meets up with a sperm, they combine. This is called fertilization. Fertilization is most likely to occur when you have unprotected vaginal sex during the 6 days leading up to — and including the day of — ovulation.

What happens during week 3 - 4?

The fertilized egg moves down your fallopian tube and divides into more and more cells. It reaches your uterus about 3–4 days after fertilization. The dividing cells then form a ball that floats around in the uterus for about 2–3 days.

Pregnancy begins when the ball of cells attaches to the lining of your uterus. This is called implantation. It usually starts about 6 days after fertilization and takes about 3–4 days to be complete.

Pregnancy doesn’t always happen, even if an egg is fertilized by a sperm. Up to half of all fertilized eggs pass out of your body when you get your period, before implantation is complete.

What are the signs of pregnancy?

For a lot of people, the first sign of pregnancy is a missed period. Most pregnancy tests will be positive by the time you’ve missed your period. Other early pregnancy symptoms include feeling tired, feeling bloated, peeing more than usual, mood swings, nausea, and tender or swollen breasts. Not everyone has all of these symptoms, but it’s common to have at least 1 of them.

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What to Expect, Baby Development

Written by Stephanie Watson

What Is the First Trimester of Pregnancy?

The first trimester is the earliest phase of pregnancy. It starts on the first day of your last period -- before you’re even actually pregnant -- and lasts until the end of the 13th week. It’s a time of great anticipation and of rapid changes for both you and your baby. Knowing what to expect will help you get ready for the months ahead.

First Trimester Changes in Your Body

Pregnancy is different for every woman. Some women glow with good health during those first 3 months; others feel absolutely miserable. Here are some of the changes you might notice, what they mean, and which signs warrant a call to your doctor.

Bleeding. About 25% of pregnant women have slight bleeding during their first trimester. Early in the pregnancy, light spotting may be a sign that the fertilized embryo has implanted in your uterus. But if you have severe bleeding, cramping, or sharp pain in your belly, call the doctor. These could be signs of a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy in which the embryo implants outside of the uterus).

Breast tenderness.Sore breasts are one of the earliest signs of pregnancy. They're triggered by hormonal changes, which are getting your milk ducts ready to feed your baby. Your breasts will probably be sore throughout the first trimester. Going up a bra size (or more) and wearing a support bra can make you feel more comfortable. You probably won’t go back to your regular bra size until after your baby is finished nursing.

Constipation. During pregnancy, high levels of the hormone progesterone slow down the muscle contractions that normally move food through your system. Add to that the extra iron you're getting from your prenatal vitamin, and the result is uncomfortable constipation and gas that can keep you feeling bloated throughout your pregnancy. Eat more fiber and drink extra fluids to keep things moving more smoothly. Physical activity can also help.

If your constipation is really bothering you, talk to your doctor about what mild laxative or stool softeners are safe to use during pregnancy.

Discharge. It's normal to see a thin, milky white discharge (called leukorrhea) early in your pregnancy. You can wear a panty liner if it makes you feel more comfortable, but don't use a tampon because it could put germs into your vagina. If the discharge smells really bad, if it’s green or yellow, or if there's a lot of clear discharge, call the doctor.

Fatigue. Your body is working hard to support a growing baby. That means you’ll get tired more easily than usual. Take naps or rest when you need to during the day. Make sure you're getting enough iron. Too little can lead to anemia, which can make you even more tired.

Food likes and dislikes. Although you may not want a bowl of mint chip ice cream topped with dill pickles, as the old stereotype goes, your tastes can change while you're pregnant. More than 60% of pregnant women have food cravings. More than half have foods they really don’t like. Giving in to cravings from time to time is OK, so long as you eat healthy, low-calorie foods most of the time. The exception is pica -- a craving for nonfoods like clay, dirt, and laundry starch, which can be dangerous for you and your baby. If you experience this kind of craving, report it to your doctor right away.

Peeing a lot. Your baby is still pretty small, but your uterus is growing and it's putting pressure on your bladder. As a result, you may feel like you have to go to the bathroom all the time. Don't stop drinking fluids -- your body needs them -- but do cut down on caffeine (which stimulates your bladder), especially before bedtime. When nature calls, answer it as soon as you can. Don't hold it in.

Heartburn. During pregnancy, your body produces more of the hormone progesterone. It relaxes smooth muscles, like the ring of muscle in your lower esophagus, the tube that connects your mouth and stomach. These muscles normally keep food and acids down in your stomach. When they loosen up, you can get acid reflux, otherwise known as heartburn. To avoid the burn:

Eat a few small meals throughout the day.
Don't lie down right after you eat.
Avoid greasy, spicy, and acidic foods (like citrus fruits).
Try raising your pillows when you sleep.

Mood swings. Increased fatigue and changing hormones can put you on an emotional roller coaster that takes you from joyous to miserable, or from hopeful to terrified in a matter of seconds. It's OK to cry, but if you feel overwhelmed, try to find an understanding ear. You can talk to your partner, a friend, a family member, or even a professional.

Morning sickness.Nausea is one of the most common pregnancy symptoms. Up to 85% of pregnant women have it. It results from hormone changes in your body and it can last through the entire first trimester. For some pregnant women, nausea is mild. Others can't start their day without vomiting. Nausea is usually worse in the morning (hence the name, "morning sickness"). To calm your nausea, try eating small, bland, or high-protein snacks (crackers, meat, or cheese) and sipping water, clear fruit juice (apple juice), or ginger ale. You may want to even do this before you get out of bed. Avoid any foods that make you sick to your stomach. Nausea itself isn't anything to worry about, but if it’s severe or just won’t go away, it can affect the amount of nutrition your baby gets. Call your doctor if you can't stop throwing up or can't keep down any food.

Weight gain. Pregnancy is one of the few times in a woman's life when weight gain is considered a good thing, but don't overdo it. During the first trimester, you should gain about 3-6 pounds (your doctor may suggest you adjust your weight gain up or down if you started your pregnancy underweight or overweight). Although you're carrying an extra person, you really aren’t eating for two. You only need about an extra 150 calories a day during the first trimester. Get those calories the healthy way, by adding extra fruits and vegetables, milk, whole-grain bread, and lean meat to your diet.

Baby’s Growth in the First Trimester

During the first 13 weeks, your baby changes from a fertilized egg into a fully-formed fetus. All the major organs and systems are taking shape. That means your baby could be harmed if you use street drugs, have an illness, or get exposed to radiation. Here’s what’s happening:

The fertilized egg becomes a cluster of rapidly dividing cells that implants in your uterus. The placenta, umbilical cord and amniotic sac all start to grow.
Your baby’s nervous system changes from an open neural tube to a brain and spinal cord. Nerves and muscles start working together. Your baby can move on its own, but it’s too soon for you to feel it.
The heart takes shape and begins to beat. You can hear it on ultrasound as early as week 6. It beats 120 to 160 times per minute. Red blood cells are forming.
Your baby develops a digestive system, including intestines and kidneys.
They have lungs and other major organs, but they’re not fully developed.
A soft skeleton is starting to grow.
Your baby starts to look like a baby, with arms, legs, fingers, and toes. Their face gets eyes, ears, a nose, and mouth. A tongue and tooth buds grow. Eyelids cover your baby’s eyes, and by the end of the trimester, they even have fingernails.
Genitals start to grow, but it’s too early to tell by ultrasound whether you’re having a girl or a boy.

By the end of the first trimester, your baby will be about 2 ½-3 inches long.

First Trimester To-Dos

Having a baby is one of the most joyous times in many women's lives. From thinking about the day you'll bring your little one home, to picking a name and nursery colors, the excitement is intense. But you also need to take some practical steps during the first trimester, including:

Choose a doctor. Do you want an obstetrician or a midwife? Get referrals and find out what your health insurance covers.
Schedule a prenatal visit as soon as you know you’re pregnant. You’ll cover a lot of ground in the first appointment. The doctor will take a full medical history and talk to you about your lifestyle and health habits. They’ll figure out your due date. You’ll also have blood and urine tests and possibly a pelvic exam.
Continue with prenatal visits every 4 weeks. The doctor will check your weight and blood pressure, test your urine and listen to your baby’s heartbeat.
Learn what other tests and screenings you may need, such as tests to look for genetic problems with your baby.
Start taking a prenatal vitamin with at least 400 micrograms of folic acid to help your baby’s brain and spinal cord grow properly.
Ask your doctor what prescription and over-the-counter medicines you can still safely take.
Take a look at your diet and make any changes you need to make sure you and your baby get the right nutrition. Drink plenty of water.
Break bad habits like smoking and illegal drug use. Cut out alcohol and cut down on caffeine.
Keep up your workout routine, but listen to your body. You may need to change what kind of exercise you do, or ease up a little.
Research what it costs to have a baby and start making changes. Will you have to pay for child care? Will you cut back on work? Draw up a new budget that reflects the new addition.
Decide when and how you’ll share your news. You may want to wait until you’ve heard the baby’s heartbeat, or made it safely past the first trimester. It’s also smart to find out your company’s policies on maternity leave and learn your rights before you tell your boss.

Emergency Symptoms During the First Trimester

Any of these symptoms could be a sign that something is seriously wrong with your pregnancy. Don't wait for your prenatal visit to talk about it. Call your doctor right away if you experience:

Severe abdominal pain
Heavy bleeding
Severe dizziness
Rapid weight gain or too little weight gain

Health & Pregnancy Guide

Getting Pregnant
First Trimester
Second Trimester
Third Trimester
Labor and Delivery
Pregnancy Complications
All Guide Topics

First pregnancy, what you need to know?

The first pregnancy in a woman's life is always an important event. Information about what to expect during this period is very easy to find. But often the sources of information are not trustworthy and offer conflicting information.

Facts that expectant mothers need to know

Pregnancy normally lasts 40-42 weeks and ends in vaginal delivery or caesarean section. This period will be divided into trimesters, the first - to 13 weeks inclusive, the second - from 14 to 27 weeks, and the third - from 28 weeks to delivery. Each trimester has its own characteristics.

The first trimester is the most unpredictable. It can pass very easily - some women do not even notice their condition. But in the first trimester, side effects of a sharp hormonal change in the body are also possible. Morning sickness, sudden bouts of weakness, low blood pressure, irritability, increased reaction to smells - all this happens due to the fact that the hormonal background changes dramatically in the body. All of these symptoms in the first trimester are normal, but they should be told to the attending physician.

In the first trimester, the laying and formation of the fetal body takes place. Most congenital pathologies are the result of violations during this period. In order not to provoke developmental anomalies, the expectant mother should avoid pathogens. Alcohol, nicotine, a range of drugs, and toxins in the water and air can adversely affect the health of the unborn child. You should also carefully approach the choice of cosmetics and hair products.

Pregnancy: first week

A woman can assume that the first week of pregnancy has begun only if she carefully prepared for the process of conception, calculated the time of ovulation, and chose the time for sexual intercourse. But even in this case, there can be no 100% certainty. For the first two or three weeks, a woman cannot independently determine whether pregnancy has occurred or not. Even if the fertilization of the egg has occurred, and the rapid process of embryo development has begun, it is still so small that it is not felt in the mother's body.

However, from the first days you can switch to a lifestyle suitable for pregnant women. It is recommended to avoid harmful foods, strong drugs, alcohol, smoking, stress; engage in gentle sports, walk in the fresh air.

In the second trimester, the fetus is almost formed and grows rapidly. At about 4.5 - 5 months, a woman begins to feel the movement of the child. At the same time, the belly appears and begins to grow. The baby acquires the ability to hear sounds, and if the mother or father is talking to him, he can move in response. The second trimester proceeds with a minimum number of complications, this is the best period for official preparation for childbirth: choosing a clinic, paperwork, settling issues with work, and so on. By the end of the second trimester, you should pack a bag for the maternity hospital, and in addition, sign up for a course for new mothers. In such courses, women are taught not only the correct behavior in childbirth, but also the handling of a newborn baby.

In the third trimester, the fetus is already formed, even with the onset of premature birth, the child can be saved. However, normal gestation up to 40-42 weeks is the best option. Due to the large and heavy belly, the expectant mother experiences inconvenience: her back may hurt, her legs may swell, and during sleep, a woman cannot calmly change her position. On the recommendation of a doctor, you can wear a bandage for pregnant women: this is a wide elastic belt that supports the stomach. The third trimester is considered the most difficult.

Whatever the course of pregnancy, it should be remembered that this is not a disease, but a natural state for a woman. Therefore, the expectant mother should lead a familiar lifestyle, excluding only that which can harm the baby. A pregnant woman can continue to work, travel, engage in her favorite hobby. This will create a good mood for the mother, and the hormones of joy, along with the bloodstream, are transmitted to the baby. The psychological comfort of the expectant mother is no less important than compliance with other recommendations.

1 month of pregnancy { 1 - 4 weeks }

Pregnancy is a cardinal change not only in a woman's body, but also in her psychological and moral state. And all these changes are driven by hormones.
There are general patterns of the first signs of pregnancy, fetal development and changes in a woman's body. Today we will tell you more about what happens in the first month after conception, how the fetus grows and about the condition of the woman herself.

In the first week of pregnancy, you are still living life “before” and do not even suspect that a new life has already been born and is starting its 9- a month's journey into the world. A fertilized egg is actively moving through the tubes, transforming every day.

Changes in a woman's body

It should immediately be noted that there are obstetric and embryonic reference dates. Doctors count weeks from the first day of the last menstruation, although there is no pregnancy as such at this time.
Embryonic begins from the moment of conception. You can find out if you remember the date of sexual intercourse or pregnancy occurred in the IVF program.
Usually, in the first week after conception, many women are not even aware of their pregnancy. But the body is already beginning to prepare for childbearing and childbirth, rebuilding to the needs of the baby.
The uterus becomes softer and more loose from the inside, so that the embryo can more securely gain a foothold in the endometrium. The hormonal system also begins to rebuild.

Feeling and signs of pregnancy

Few lucky women can feel the coming changes. Basically, the woman does not care about anything.
Usually, the first signs of pregnancy are similar to premenstrual syndrome - the breasts slightly enlarge, become more sensitive, pulling pains appear in the lower abdomen. The lower back can hurt and appetite increases, irritability and slight drowsiness appear.
Signs of pregnancy in the form of morning sickness and reactions to smells are usually absent.

What happens to the fetus?

But real miracles happen to the embryo. The embryo moves this week through the fallopian tube towards the uterus. At the same time, a cluster of 8 cells, which are called blastomeres, turn into one ball. Later, the outer part will become the placenta, and the inner part will become the fetus. But this will happen only after a couple of weeks.

Recommendations for the first week

You need to monitor your health constantly. Gynecologists at the Ivymed clinic recommend preparing for pregnancy about six months before conception by starting to lead a healthy lifestyle.
In the first week, special attention should be paid to dental treatment, fungal diseases, problems with the uterine cavity and other “female” problems, try to avoid stress and crowds, sleep and eat well.

Usually this week you are not yet aware of the onset of pregnancy, but the body is already beginning to rebuild. The fetus, as such, has formed, it only reaches the uterus and becomes stronger.

What happens to a woman's body

In the second week after conception, the woman continues to suffer from the symptoms of the upcoming menstruation. But there is no delay - and there is no reason to “worry” either.
But the human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) or “pregnancy hormone” is already actively beginning to be produced.
But rapid tests for early diagnosis of pregnancy are not yet reliable: there is not enough hormone in the urine for reliable results. But laboratory blood tests from a vein for hCG are more informative.

Sensations

In the second week, premenstrual symptoms usually continue, as in the first week. Since the hormonal system is already being rebuilt, the mood can change dramatically: from hysteria to violent joy. You may feel more tired and sleepy, even if you slept well.
The belly in the second week of pregnancy is not yet growing: the embryo is too small to somehow affect the size.

How the fetus develops

By the second week of pregnancy, the fetal egg is implanted in the uterus and fixed in it.
The future fetus contains about 200 cells, each of which is responsible for important functions - the development of organs, the formation of the fetus and other genetic information.
At this time, the foundations of vital systems are already being laid: chorion, amniotic stalk, amnion and primary yolk sac.

Advice for moms in the second week

Regardless of whether you feel the symptoms of pregnancy, you should give up alcohol, caffeine, nicotine, heavy physical exertion, stress.
If you haven't fixed your health problems, it's time to fix them. If you have not yet led a healthy lifestyle, it's time to pay attention to it.
To settle an unstable emotional state, take up swimming, yoga, walks in the fresh air. Try to sleep at least 8 hours.

At the 3rd week of pregnancy you have a slight delay in menstruation, you begin to feel the first signs of pregnancy. There is a clear sense of "unusual" condition. But it is easy to confuse it with the harbingers of menstruation, especially if this is your first pregnancy.

What happens in the body at the 3rd week

It is often during the third week of pregnancy that women complain of elevated body temperature (up to 37.5), and their immunity is noticeably reduced. This all happens because the amount of hCG increases at week 3 in order to preserve the fetus.
Increases the amount of estrogen, which can lead to chest pain, dizziness and headaches.
Progesterone is no less active - it is engaged in "calming" the uterus, but it negatively affects the intestines. Heartburn, flatulence, bloating and constipation occur.

Feelings of a woman

At this time, a woman feels all the “charms” of pregnancy symptoms: morning sickness, change in taste preferences, severe fatigue and drowsiness, frequent urination, pain in the chest and lower abdomen, slight bloating.
The belly itself at the 3rd week of pregnancy is not visible to others, but you may experience discomfort from previously beloved skinny jeans and rearrange the fastener in the belt one notch further.
Mood swings are now your "normal" state.

Development of the fetus in the third week

At this time, the future baby is already more like an embryo: the beginnings of the nervous, hematopoietic, and skeletal systems are laid. Future internal organs and bones are formed.
But the fruit is still small - its size reaches up to 2 mm, and weighs only one gram. On ultrasound in the third week, the fetus looks like a poppy seed.

Diet for the third week

As in the previous weeks, it is important to reconsider your lifestyle and give up alcohol and tobacco without fail. All this can then affect the baby and his health.
The 3rd week of pregnancy in a woman's life should be calm: without heavy physical and moral stress, hypothermia and overheating.
The diet at this time should be significantly revised if you have not previously been an adherent of a healthy diet. Now it is important to have a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals.
If necessary, your gynecologist at the Ivimed clinic may prescribe an additional complex of supplements or individual elements, such as folic acid.

It is characterized by all the same signs as in the third week, only menstruation still does not occur, and the symptoms of pregnancy are getting brighter.

What happens in the mother's body

The belly is still not noticeable, but the breasts increase significantly in size. This is how the body prepares for lactation. The nipples may darken.
Hormones continue to “rage”, which is why the expectant mother has problems with the intestines and digestive organs.
If red or brown discharge appears at this time, you should immediately consult a doctor - the risk of miscarriage this week is very high.

How a woman feels

Symptoms of pregnancy become clearer: pronounced toxicosis, severe fatigue. Drawing pains in the lower abdomen and more abundant (not bloody!) Discharge is the norm.
The chest continues to grow and therefore delivers a lot of unpleasant moments. Many women note the inability to sleep on their stomach due to the grown and painful breasts.