Congratulations on your pregnancy! In the first month of your pregnancy, you may not even know that a baby will be growing inside you in the coming months. You may have already had the first symptoms and therefore taken a pregnancy test. You are now embarking on a very special journey that is unlike 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. Over the coming weeks, we will accompany you on this special journey and provide you with important tips and information. This first article provides you with everything you need to know when you are 1 month pregnant.
How the embryo develops in the first month of pregnancy
Pregnancy officially begins on the first day of your last period. Strictly speaking, you are not yet pregnant in the first and second week of pregnancy: it is not until the third week of pregnancy that an egg is fertilized by a sperm and you become pregnant.
Cell division begins. During this process, all of your baby's genetic information is already determined - even if it will only develop in the coming months. This includes gender, eye color and many other characteristics.
If the egg is fertilized in the third week of pregnancy, it migrates to your uterus and implants there. The yolk sac is formed, which will nourish 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 amniotic cavity. This skin blister forms a protective layer that will also be visible on ultrasound in a few weeks. As early as the first month of your pregnancy, the first amniotic fluid will form, which will protectively surround your baby until birth.
This is how the due date for your baby is calculated
Are you 1 month pregnant and wondering when your baby will be born? It will be a few weeks before your first appointment with your doctor: You can try to work out the due date yourself. A formula is used for this.
The decisive factor is the first day of your last menstrual period. In purely mathematical terms, this day is regarded as the start of the pregnancy. The following formula is then used:
First day of last period - 3 months + 7 days + year
Let's assume your last period started on 01.08. Then you calculate 01.08 minus three months: This gives you 01.05. Then you add seven days and arrive at 08.05. Then 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 your gynecologist, the date of birth will also be calculated and it will be checked whether your baby has developed on time. It is possible that the calculated delivery date of the formula is not entirely correct, as some women have a shortened or extended cycle.
How big your baby is in the first month after fertilization
The fertilized egg in your womb is still very small in the first month. Fertilization does not take place until 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 about one millimeter in size. This means that the fertilized egg is about the size of a poppy seed. However, this will change rapidly in the coming weeks of pregnancy. In the first few weeks, your baby's organs and body will develop before your baby gets bigger 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 out for every little symptom. If the pregnancy is a surprise, it may take a few weeks before you realize your good fortune.
The first signs of pregnancy often appear towards the end of the fourth week. Your body is now producing the first pregnancy hormones, which can lead to symptoms. You may experience slight nausea. A feeling of tension in your breasts is also not uncommon and can occur due to the production of pregnancy hormones.
In the days following fertilization, the egg nests in your uterus: This may be accompanied by mild abdominal pain or minor spotting. Typically, most symptoms only appear towards the end of the first month of pregnancy and you may 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'll have to be patient a little longer.
Most women feel very insecure during this time and don't know where they stand. If you are planning a pregnancy, you want to know for sure whether it has worked this month. However, wait until the fifth or sixth week: Only then will a test be able to give you a reliable result.
What you should bear in mind in the first month of pregnancy
From the first day of your pregnancy, your baby will be growing in your belly. All the food and substances you consume will also reach your baby via your bloodstream. It is therefore important that you take care of yourself and your body during all 40 weeks of your pregnancy.
This is especially true for the first trimester. Your baby is developing rapidly during these months and vital organs are forming. It is therefore particularly vulnerable during this critical time and depends on you taking good care of yourself.
If you are 1 month pregnant, you should pay attention to the following points:
Avoid stress:
Even if you may be very excited at the moment, you should try to avoid stress and relax. You are probably thinking about all sorts of things 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 stop drinking alcohol and smoking immediately. Alcohol and nicotine are harmful to your baby and can have a significant impact on its development. Passive smoking also increases the risk of malformations, which is why you should stay away from smokers.
Eat a healthy diet:
Pregnancy gives you a huge responsibility. You are no longer just eating for yourself, but also for your baby. So make sure you eat a balanced and healthy diet. Even 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 talk to your doctor about taking folic acid.
Take care of your body:
Women who are 1 month pregnant often experience increased tiredness. 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 pregnancy is a big change for you and your body. Your life will change a lot in the coming months. It is not unusual for symptoms to appear in the first month. Get to grips with your pregnancy and ask your partner for help if you have any questions or fears. For many women, pregnancy is associated with a wide range of feelings.
Spring cradle from swing2sleep: Effective sleep aid for your baby
Did you realize you were pregnant when you missed your period? Has the doctor confirmed your pregnancy? Then a special adventure awaits you in the coming months. Pregnancy is a wonderful journey that is associated with all kinds of feelings.
Even if it's still too early for the first preparations, you're probably already feeling the urge to get involved with your future baby. Many pregnant women would like to start buying baby clothes and furniture in the first few months.
If you can't wait any longer, then you should take a look at the swing2sleep cradle. It offers your baby a cozy nest in which to sleep restfully. The innovative spring cradle motor gently rocks your baby to sleep, making it easier not only to fall asleep but also to sleep through the night.
