First Week Pregnancy Symptoms

 

If you know your Pregnancy Symptoms by week especially week 1, they can help answer the question – “am I pregnant?”

First week of pregnancy

Being pregnant is one of the most exciting and exhilarating experiences any new parents will go through. To begin with, see if you can remember the first day of your last period so you can calculate the babies due date, then you will be able to monitor your progress and pregnancy symptoms by week.

If you haven’t already, now is the time to prepare your body for the journey ahead. Studies show that taking pregnancy vitamins can have positive results for you and your developing baby, in particular Folic Acid. Folic Acid, often referred to as folate helps to prevent neural tube birth defects in new born babies, such as spina bifida. Ideally, the studies recommend you start taking prenatal vitamins 3 months before conceiving, and that it is advisable to continue the pregnancy vitamins throughout the first trimester. You should stop smoking, stop drinking alcohol and start eating a healthy, nutritious and well balanced diet. Include plenty of fruit and vegetables, wholegrain breads/cereals, dairy and meat/fish. A well balanced healthy diet will help your baby to receive all the nutrients he/she needs to grow.

In week one of your pregnancy, one of the most common signs is a delayed or missed period. Some women will experience symptoms, the first signs of pregnancy within the first week of conception. The first most important thing to do is to take an “at home pregnancy test”. If the test is positive you may start to notice some of the following symptoms most commonly found in the first week of pregnancy.

Implantation Bleeding

6-12 days after conception you may experience light spotting, and some cramping. Similar to period cramps, this bleeding occurs when the egg has been fertilized and implants into the lining of the uterus.

Breast Changes

Swollen or tender breasts Breasts may be tender, sore and very sensitive. Your breasts may also feel full and heavy. The breasts should not remain sore or tender to touch past the first trimester. Another change in your breasts you may notice is the skin around your nipples called the Areolas, this area of your breast will begin to darken and as you progress in your pregnancy your nipples will become larger.

Fatigue/Tiredness

When you are tracking your pregnancy symptoms by week, feeling fatigued can start as early as week 1. This is due to the increased emotional and physical changes in your body. The feelings of fatigue and tiredness will subside, and as you enter the second trimester you will start to have a sense of increased energy and enthusiasm and excitement for the wonderful months ahead.

Lower Back pain

Some women will experience lower back pain in the beginning or early stages of pregnancy.

Headaches

Some women suffer from headaches early in the early stages of pregnancy, this is due to the sudden rise of hormones in your body.

What Next?

Firstly, you should contact your doctor or your family’s health care provider and make an appointment for a blood test to confirm your pregnancy. If you want a clear understanding of your pregnancy symptoms by week your doctor is the best person to advise you. Your doctor will also discuss with you details about your first prenatal visit. Your first prenatal visit is generally around the 6-8 week stage of your pregnancy. You may also want to write down a few questions or concerns you have so you can discuss them with your doctor.

Written By Steve Barker