Pregnancy Calendar at Week 1
Hello, Mama!
You know, until I get there — I’m just a border between dream and miracle. But your body is already starting to get ready for our meeting. Right now, the first big step on this exciting journey is happening: your mom is preparing a cozy little corner so that when I arrive, I can grow and develop.
This week, your body is starting to feel like it's getting some kind of sensation—like something important is about to begin. Maybe you notice a little tiredness, some mood swings, or heightened senses—that’s because magic is beginning inside you. Slowly, step by step.
From a medical point of view, pregnancy hasn’t really started yet. But doctors consider this moment to be the first day of gestation — the day after your last period. It’s like a prelude in a book, where the story hasn’t quite begun yet, but the anticipation already fills the air.
If there are two of us (yes, yes, sometimes we’re a little double!), then now the foundation is being laid — everything is decided at the moment of conception. We might be like two drops of water, or totally different, but either way, this is just the beginning.
While I’m just a tiny idea, a little crunchy grain of hope for the future. But you already know you’ll be a mom soon, and that’s the most wonderful beginning 💫
Soon, we’ll meet properly. I’m already looking forward to that moment.
Hold on tight — until delivery,
Your future little one 🌱
What happens to the egg itself
For fertilization of an egg (ova), it needs to exit the ovary, meet the sperm, and then connect with it. This process takes anywhere from a few hours up to several days. The egg's ability to stay alive during this time typically lasts between 12 and 48 hours after ovulation, and during this window, sperm can also be viable for 4 to 6 days.
In other words, pregnancy actually begins 2–3 weeks after fertilization, and the first few days are the most important for testing pregnancy results.
At this stage, future moms usually won't notice any changes in their body. But doctors and midwives emphasize how important it is to follow a healthy lifestyle and proper nutrition right now. This can boost the chances of getting pregnant and help create a supportive environment for the embryo.
Troubles at conception
Even though pregnancy hasn't happened yet, risks and dangers for the future baby still exist. The chances of conception can vary depending on the situation. It's recommended to consult with a doctor both for the woman and her partner before trying to conceive. A specialist can provide useful advice on preparing for pregnancy and what to do if a baby is needed after birth.
What a future mom should avoid:
- Consuming alcohol and drugs, as well as smoking cigarettes, hookah, and other tobacco products.
- Taking biologically active supplements (Vitamins) and medications without consulting a healthcare professional.
- Undergoing any radiation exams.
- Engaging in intense physical exertion.
- Working in conditions with harmful environmental factors, such as constant contact with chemicals.
Proper Nutrition
Before pregnancy and in the early weeks, a woman's body especially needs a variety of nutrients, vitamins, and microelements. To ensure they are adequately supplied, it's recommended to diversify your diet and avoid harmful foods.
In the first week of pregnancy, the following is recommended:
- Include a variety of vegetables, fruits, nuts, lean meats, and fish, dairy, and sour-milk products in your diet, as well as eggs and other healthy foods.
- Avoid fast food and other unhealthy dishes like fried, salted, marinated, and smoked foods. Pregnant women should also limit caffeine intake. Drinking 2 liters of liquids daily, including plain water, tea, broths, bouillon, and juices, is advised.
- Limit coffee and caffeinated drinks containing caffeine, including green and black teas.
Vitamins and Minerals
Micronutrients and vitamins play a key role in the development of the embryo and also support the health of women during pregnancy. These essential substances can be obtained from foods such as meat, milk, dairy products, eggs, grains from whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and other vegetables and herbs.
Vitamin A (Retinol)
Vitamin A is essential for maintaining the function of the body's cells, especially the retina, and internal organs of the embryo. A deficiency of this vitamin during pregnancy can lead to decreased visual acuity, especially at night. Vitamin A can be obtained from animal fats, liver, fish, and marine products, eggs, and dairy products.
Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)
Vitamin B12 helps the structure of new blood cells develop and supports the division of cells in the embryo. A deficiency may cause various immune system disorders. It is found in liver, kidneys, muscle, shellfish, salmon, salads, cucumbers, apples, and eggs.
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant. It blocks free radicals and toxins that can damage the cells of organs and their genetic material. An insufficient amount of vitamin C during pregnancy can lead to increased redness of the gums, low arterial blood pressure, general weakness, and other problems. Sources of vitamin C include citrus, parsley, blackberries, red and green peppers, spinach, salads, carrots, apples, and berries.
Vitamin D (Calciferol)
Vitamin D is the main regulator of calcium and phosphorus exchange in the body. It ensures normal development of bone tissue and teeth in the child during intrauterine pregnancy. A deficiency can impair the development of the nervous system and lead to various health issues. Foods rich in vitamin D include liver, fish, seafood, eggs, milk, and dairy products.
Vitamin E (Tocopherol)
Vitamin E acts as a potent antioxidant. It blocks free radicals and toxins that can damage the cells of the organs and the nervous system. Deficiency may lead to increased blood vessel fragility and blood clotting issues. It is found in non-refined vegetable oils, nuts, shellfish, fish, and green vegetables, as well as in milk and eggs.
Vitamin K (Phylloquinone)
Vitamin K plays an important role in blood clotting factors. Its deficiency can lead to prolonged bleeding and hematomas, and even miscarriage. It is found in liver, fish, and marine products, eggs, shellfish, and various greens, as well as in carrots, cabbage, and fruits.
Vitamin N (Biotin)
Biotin is essential for the synthesis of fatty acids and amino acids in the body, which are the main components of fats and proteins. A deficiency may cause neurological disorders and developmental delays in the fetus, especially if the deficiency arises before pregnancy. Biotin is found in liver, kidneys, milk, dairy products, eggs, and nuts.
Iodine
Iodine is necessary for the formation of hormones of the thyroid gland. Deficiency during pregnancy can lead to goiter in the woman and cretinism in the child after birth. This condition is characterized by underdevelopment of the brain and is irreversible. To ensure sufficient iodine intake, it is recommended to consume sea fish, seaweed, and marine cod liver oil.
Selenium
Selenium participates in blood formation processes and the absorption of vitamins B and E in the body. A deficiency can cause immune system disorders. It is found in liver, kidneys, nuts, arrowroot, salads, and various herbs.
Vitamin U (Biotin)
Biotin is necessary for the synthesis of fatty acids and amino acids in the body, which are the main components of fats and proteins. A deficiency may cause neurological disorders and developmental delays in the fetus, especially if the deficiency arises before pregnancy. Biotin is found in liver, kidneys, milk, dairy products, eggs, and nuts.
Helpful Tips
During the first week of pregnancy, it's a good idea to take a break and relax. For example, enjoy a small getaway. This can help improve your mental state and reduce the impact of negative feelings.
An important tip for future moms—say no to harmful habits. Passive smoking, which exposes women to toxins, can cause changes in your body, including inflammation and hormonal shifts. This negatively affects your nervous system, internal organs, and the development of your baby.
Exercises for Expecting Moms
In the first trimester, it's recommended to keep up with gentle, regular training. Doctors advise avoiding intense workouts and extreme sports. If you’re planning to get pregnant or have recently conceived, chat with your fitness trainer about how to tailor your activity. They can also work with a gynecologist to help you find the most suitable way to stay active while pregnant.
Troubles During Pregnancy
Common Cold and Infections
Ovarian and bacterial infections can appear at any stage of pregnancy. Future moms might experience unpleasant symptoms like a high temperature, sneezing, coughing, headaches, and general fatigue. When planning a pregnancy, it's important to avoid infections because they can create unfavorable conditions for conception and embryo development.
Psychological Disturbances
Sleep disorders, anxiety, and feelings of distress can worsen during pregnancy, affecting the gastrointestinal tract and leading to discomfort. In the first trimester, such issues are usually not connected directly to pregnancy but might indicate underlying stomach or intestinal problems. Women are advised to seek medical advice promptly to identify or treat these symptoms properly.
Exacerbation of Chronic Conditions
Herpes is one example of a condition that can flare up and cause discomfort during pregnancy. Herpes manifests as small blisters on the lips or genitals, which can cause mild discomfort. However, if a developing fetus is infected, herpes can pose serious risks because it may lead to miscarriage or severe developmental issues. Therefore, it’s crucial to follow proper hygiene rules, avoid contact with infected individuals, and consult a healthcare provider for necessary examinations and treatments, which should only be prescribed by a doctor.
Exacerbations of Chronic Diseases
One example is herpes, which can flare up and cause discomfort during pregnancy. Herpes looks like small blisters on or around the lips or genital area, and it can cause mild pain. But if the infection is transmitted to the fetus, it can pose serious health risks, including miscarriage or serious developmental issues. That’s why maintaining good personal hygiene, avoiding contact with infected persons, and consulting your doctor for necessary tests and treatments—only with a healthcare professional’s guidance—are vital when planning for pregnancy.
