Congratulations on your pregnancy! In the first month of pregnancy, you might not even know yet that a baby will be growing inside you over the coming months. Perhaps you have already had the first symptoms and have therefore taken a pregnancy test. A very special journey is now beginning for you, one that is incomparable to anything else in the world.
In our pregnancy calendar, you will find all the important information about your pregnancy and the individual months of pregnancy. In the coming weeks, we will accompany you on this special journey and provide important tips and information for you. This first post offers you everything you need to know when you are 1 month pregnant.
How the embryo develops in the first month of pregnancy
A pregnancy officially begins with the first day of your last period. Strictly speaking, you are not even pregnant in the first and second weeks of pregnancy: it is only in the third week of pregnancy that an egg is fertilized by a sperm and you become pregnant.
Cell division begins. In the process, all of your baby's genetic information is already determined – even if it will only develop in the coming months. This includes things like gender, eye color, and many other characteristics.
Once the egg has been fertilized in the third week of pregnancy, it travels to your uterus and implants itself there. The yolk sac is created, which will supply your baby in the first few weeks before the placenta forms around week 12.
If you are 1 month pregnant, the embryo is in the so-called chorionic cavity. This skin sac forms a protective layer that will also be visible on the ultrasound in a few weeks. Already in the first month of your pregnancy, the first amniotic fluid is produced, which will protectively surround your baby until birth.
How the due date for your baby is calculated
You are 1 month pregnant and wondering when your baby will be born? There are still a few weeks to go until your first appointment with your doctor: you can already try to calculate the due date yourself. A formula is used for this.
The decisive factor for this is the first day of the last menstrual period. This day is mathematically considered the start of the pregnancy. The following formula is then used:
First day of the last period - 3 months + 7 days + year
Suppose your last menstrual period began on 01.08. Then you calculate 01.08 minus three months: that gives 01.05. You then add seven days and arrive at 08.05. After that, you add another year and find out that your baby will be born on 08.05. next year.
You now have a rough idea of when your baby will be born. At your first appointment with the gynecologist, the due date will also be calculated and it will be checked whether your baby is developing on schedule. It is possible that the due date calculated using the formula is not entirely correct, as some women have a shortened or lengthened cycle.
How big your baby is in the first month after fertilization
The fertilized egg in your belly is still very small in the first month. Fertilization only takes place in the third week of your pregnancy: the embryo is therefore only two weeks old at the end of the first month.
Your baby weighs less than 1 gram and is approximately one millimeter in size. This means the size of the fertilized egg is roughly that of a poppy seed. In the coming weeks of pregnancy, however, this will change rapidly. In the first few weeks, your baby's organs and body will develop before your baby then becomes larger and heavier. Exciting months lie ahead of you.
1 month pregnant: Signs & symptoms
When expectant mothers notice their pregnancy can vary greatly. If you have a very regular cycle or are planning to become pregnant, you will probably be very attentive and watch for every tiny symptom. If the pregnancy is a surprise, it can also take a few weeks before you notice your good fortune.
The first signs of pregnancy often occur towards the end of the fourth week. Your body is now producing the first pregnancy hormones, which can lead to symptoms for you. You may feel slight nausea. A feeling of tension in the breasts is also not uncommon and can occur due to the production of pregnancy hormones.
In the days after fertilization, the egg implants itself in your uterus: this can be accompanied by slight abdominal pain or minor spotting. Typically, most symptoms only appear towards the end of the first month of pregnancy and you might already suspect that you could be pregnant.
However, it is still too early for a pregnancy test in the first month. The pregnancy hormone HCG can be detected in your blood towards the end of the 4th week of pregnancy. However, pregnancy tests determine the HCG level in your urine: the pregnancy hormone can only be detected in your urine from the fifth or sixth week of pregnancy. So you have to be a little patient.
Most women feel very uncertain during this time and don't know where they stand. If you are planning a pregnancy, you certainly want to know if it worked this month. However, wait until the fifth or sixth week: only then will a test be able to provide you with a reliable result.
What you should consider in the first month of pregnancy
From the first day of your pregnancy, your baby grows inside your belly. All the food and substances you consume will also reach your baby via your bloodstream. That's why it's important to look after yourself and your body throughout all 40 weeks of your pregnancy.
This applies in particular to the first trimester. Your baby develops significantly during these months and vital organs are formed. During this critical time, it is therefore particularly vulnerable and dependent on you taking good care of yourself.
If you are 1 month pregnant, you should consider the following points:
Avoid stress:
Even if you are perhaps very excited at the moment, you should try to avoid stress and relax. You are certainly thinking about all sorts of things right now and dealing with your pregnancy. However, try to stay calm and spend a lot of time in the fresh air: this can help you in this situation.
Avoid alcohol & nicotine:
If you find out about your pregnancy, you should immediately stop drinking alcohol and smoking. Alcohol and nicotine harm your baby and can have a significant impact on its development. Passive smoking also increases the risk of malformations, which is why you should strictly stay away from smokers.
Eat healthily:
Pregnancy gives you a great responsibility. You are no longer just eating for yourself, but also for your baby. Therefore, make sure to eat a balanced and healthy diet. Already in your first month of pregnancy, you should wash fruit and vegetables thoroughly. Also avoid raw meat, raw fish, and soft cheese.
Take folic acid:
Pregnant women are recommended to take a daily folic acid supplement. Folic acid reduces the risk of neural tube defects in your baby. Folic acid is vitamin B9, which is important for the formation of new cells and also influences iron absorption. It is best to speak to your doctor about taking folic acid.
Take care of your body:
Women who are 1 month pregnant often feel increased fatigue. There is already a lot going on in your body and it first has to get used to the new situation. If you are tired and exhausted, you should listen to your body's signals and rest.
The start of a pregnancy is a big adjustment for you and your body. Your life will change significantly in the coming months. It is not unusual for symptoms to appear as early as the first month. Deal with your pregnancy and ask your partner for help if you have questions or fears. For many women, pregnancy is associated with a wide variety of feelings.
Automatic baby hammock from swing2sleep: Effective sleep aid for your baby
Did you notice you were pregnant because your period stopped? Has the doctor been able to confirm your pregnancy? Then a special adventure awaits you in the coming months. Pregnancy is a beautiful journey associated with a wide variety of feelings.
Even if it is still too early for the first preparations, you certainly already feel the urge to occupy yourself with your future baby. Many pregnant women would love to start buying baby clothes and furniture in the first few months.
If you can't wait any longer either, then you should take a look at the automatic baby hammock from swing2sleep. It offers your baby a cozy nest in which it can sleep restfully. The innovative automatic baby hammock motor gently rocks your baby to sleep, making it easier not only to fall asleep but also to stay asleep.
