Week 1

What's Happening To Your Body

Physicians calculate your expected delivery date by adding 40 weeks (280 days) from the first day of your last period. This means that during your first two weeks of “pregnancy” you haven’t even conceived yet.

Your period has just started and you are considering conceiving. Your health will play the ultimate role in the ease of the pregnancy as well as the health of the baby. Now is the time to start developing these healthy pregnancy habits if you haven’t already.

• Diet: It is important for you to eat well during pregnancy for yourself and your baby. Learn more about healthy eating during pregnancy and pregnancy diet do's and dont's.

• Exercise: Staying fit during pregnancy may offer you a more comfortable 9 months and an easier delivery. Learn more about exercise during pregnancy.

• Rest: Make sure to get a good night’s sleep during this time. Once you’re pregnant, it may be harder to slumber.

• Vitamins: Even though you’re not pregnant yet, doctors recommend starting a daily prenatal vitamin three months before conception. Prenatals tend to be higher in folic acid, calcium, and iron than typical multivitamins.

• Avoid alcohol, drugs, caffeine, and smoking: They can lead to birth defects, low birth weight, and fetal alcohol syndrome.

• Drugs (prescription and nonprescription): Taking certain medications can have a negative impact on the fetus. Now is the time to consult with your health care provider on any medications and herbal supplements you take. She might suggest you discontinue some meds while you’re trying to conceive and for the duration of the pregnancy.

What's Happening To Your Baby

During this first week, you are still menstruating. Your body is preparing for its next ovulation in which it will release a new egg — the beginnings of your baby.

 What's Happening This Week?