The First Month of Your Pregnancy

What's Happening and How to Start Your Journey with Confidence

"Your body begins to change before you even realise it". Studies show that 70-80% of pregnant people experience early pregnancy symptoms like fatigue and breast tenderness in the first few weeks of their pregnancy.

Congratulations and welcome to your pregnancy! Even though you very likely don't look very pregnant yet, the early signs of pregnancy are likely showing. You might feel happy, overwhelmed, scared and such a mixture of emotions. And you know what? It is totally normal! Regardless of whether the news was a surprise for you or not, it is still a life-changing event! So shall we explore together some of the things that are happening in this first month of your pregnancy?

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Would you like to stay informed and learn more about how the pregnant body is changing, how your baby is growing and how to prepare for the coming months and for parenthood? Subscribe to Parent Path's weekly pregnancy emails and get all the information directly to your inbox.

Got questions or would like more information about a certain topic? Feel free to email me at info@parentpath.eu

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Fertilisation and Impantation: The Hidden Beginning

The countdown of the 40 weeks until the baby arrives, begins in the first week of your menstrual cycle. Even though conception hasn't taken place yet, it is often easier to pinpoint the first day of your last period rather than the exact moment of conception. This is why, in order to get your Estimated Due Date, the first day of your last period is needed.

As soon as the sperm meets the egg, your baby is beginning a transformative journey of changing from a single cell to a fully-formed baby. The fertilised egg will start dividing until the blastocyst (ball of cells) will start its journey to the uterus. One week later, around week 4, implantation occurs in the uterus. This triggers a surge in hCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) hormone which is essential for maintaining the pregnancy. Around this time, implantation bleeding may happen. While this spotting sometimes is not noticeable, it is a subtle early sign of pregnancy.

Early Pregnancy Symptoms

By the time that your period is late, you will probably get a pregnancy test and once you have confirmed your pregnancy, it is good for you to schedule your first prenatal visit. Have you thought about how you will share the news with your partner? Don't think about the others yet - one step at a time!

In the meantime, you are likely experiencing some changes in your body:

• Spotting during implantation time

• Exhaustion, sleepiness or lack of energy

• Breast tenderness, fullness and darkening of the areolas

• Beginning of nausea

Please note that every pregnancy, every pregnant person and every situation is different but this is a list of some common early pregnancy symptoms.

Healthy Start

UNICEF emphasises the importance of early nutritional support in pregnancy, including folic acid daily which helps reduce neural tube defect risk. Also, begin to limit or - even better - avoid alcohol and caffeine intake and start looking at eating healthily. Some of the foods you should avoid during your pregnancy are raw or undercooked meat, fish and eggs, large fish that might have high levels of mercury and unpasteurised products. If you would like to learn more about how to stay healthy during pregnancy and prepare for what is coming in the next few months, consider joining Parent Path's FREE Pregnancy Path Workshop that takes place every month online.

Managing Early Symptoms and Seeking Support

Spotting or mild bleeding, fatigue, and breast sensitivity are quite common during early pregnancies. Try to rest when you need it, relax and take it easy. Sometimes it might be hard to do that, especially if you're working, but try to listen to your body. This last advice ("try to listen to your body") is very important as there are some symptoms that might need immediate attention. If bleeding becomes heavy, you have severe lower abdominal pain, fever, painful urination or you feel unwell, contact your healthcare provider immediately.

Practical First Steps

Begin a pregnancy diary - digital or paper - where you can track symptoms, test dates, and appointments. You can also start taking pictures, or "bumpies" as some might call and create an album with them - hopefully you will enjoy looking at them later and maybe your child will enjoy looking at them too at some point! Having a pregnancy diary can help you stay informed and prepared, write questions for your care team and thoughts or feelings you might be having. It also builds confidence for the journey ahead.

Why This Month Matters

The first 12 weeks are key for your pregnancy - during that time your baby's organs are developing and you're also doing all the hard work creating a baby! Starting early with the right nutrition, supplements, and medical care sets you up for a smoother, more empowered pregnancy. Don't stress around learning everything straight away - you've got time and I've got you!

Ready to feel confident from week one?

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