Hello, dear mom! Congratulations on the beginning of this exciting journey. We hope it’s filled with joy, anticipation, and peace of mind. To make the most of this special experience, it’s important to be aware of certain steps and tips that can help you enjoy your pregnancy and carry your baby safely into the world.
Pregnancy is a journey shared by the entire family, not just the mother. Your partner and your growing baby will be your companions through this beautiful and transformative time.
Because you are strong and capable, and we believe in your ability to complete this journey safely, we will be here for you every step of the way, offering helpful tips and guidance, while explaining the physical and emotional changes your body will go through and how to take care of yourself along the way.
Pregnancy lasts about nine months, or roughly 40 weeks, and is divided into three key stages:
- First trimester
- Second trimester
- Third trimester
Each stage lasts about three months or 13 weeks. The first week of pregnancy technically begins with the first day of your last menstrual period. Your body and uterus start preparing to welcome new life. Yes, by next week you may become a mother, and the embryo could begin developing. Pregnancy happens when sperm meets and fertilizes an egg, given the right conditions.
Ovulation
Ovulation is the release of an egg from one of the ovaries and occurs once a month. It involves several stages, as follows:
- The hypothalamus in the brain releases gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), which stimulates the pituitary gland to secrete follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH).
- Under the influence of FSH, follicles containing immature eggs begin to mature between day 6 and day 14 of the menstrual cycle.
- A mature egg forms within one of the follicles between days 10 and 14.
- A surge in LH levels triggers the release of the mature egg from the ovary, typically around day 14 of the cycle.
The egg then travels through the fallopian tube and remains viable for fertilization for about 12 to 24 hours. In contrast, sperm can survive in the uterus for 3 to 5 days.
If fertilization occurs, the fertilized egg migrates to the uterus and implants in its lining, preventing menstruation. If fertilization does not occur, the egg is reabsorbed by the body approximately 24 hours after its release.
Ovulation is often accompanied by the following signs:
- Cervical mucus becomes thinner and more transparent.
- Mild abdominal or pelvic pain, usually on one side.
- Breast tenderness.
You can also stimulate or track the ovulation process with your doctor to determine the best time for conception.
In some cases, medical intervention may be necessary to achieve pregnancy through procedures such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intrauterine insemination (IUI).
Your mood
In the first week, you might notice slight mood swings. This is due to hormonal shifts as your body returns to baseline levels during menstruation and then begins rising again.
Waiting and hoping for pregnancy can also bring feelings of anxiety, especially if this is your first time. That’s completely normal. You’re stepping into something new, and it’s okay to have questions. Just try to stay calm, avoid overthinking, and remember pregnancy is not impossible or scary, it’s a beautiful journey to bring new life into the world.
Physical changes
Most women won’t feel major symptoms during the first week. While it’s counted as part of the pregnancy timeline, this week is typically when your period occurs — which varies in length for each woman.