What Happens During Week 1
These are the first 2 weeks of your menstrual cycle. You have your period. About 2 weeks later, the egg thats most mature is released from your ovary this is called ovulation. Ovulation may happen earlier or later, depending on the length of your menstrual cycle. The average menstrual cycle is 28 days.
After its released, your egg travels down your fallopian tube toward your uterus. If the egg meets up with a sperm, they combine. This is called fertilization. Fertilization is most likely to occur when you have unprotected vaginal sex during the 6 days leading up to and including the day of ovulation.
When Should I Take A Pregnancy Test
Some home pregnancy tests claim they’re sensitive enough to give a positive result as early as five days before you would expect your period. But you’re more likely to get an accurate result if you wait to test until after the first day of your missed period. If you test too early, you may get a false negative pregnancy test or an unclear result like a faint line.
If you test and get a negative result, but still have pregnancy symptoms and/or no period, try again in a few days. Test first thing in the morning, when your urine is more concentrated. Home pregnancy tests measure the amount of human Chorionic Gonadotropin in your urine. During early pregnancy, hCG levels typically double every two to three days.
Remember that your baby begins to develop before you can tell you’re pregnant, so take care of your health while you’re waiting to find out. If you haven’t already, start taking a daily prenatal vitamin with at least 400 micrograms of folic acid.
Once you’ve gotten a positive pregnancy test result, make your first prenatal appointment. Good prenatal care is essential for you and your baby. If you don’t have a doctor or a midwife to care for you during pregnancy, start asking for recommendations and see who’s covered by your insurance. There are options if you don’t have health insurance or need low-cost prenatal care.
When To Take A Pregnancy Test
A pregnancy test measures the amount of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin hormone in the urine. This hormone is only present when a woman is pregnant. As the egg grows into an embryo, the cells that surround it and later become the placenta produce hCG.
Planned Parenthood indicate that it is best to take a pregnancy test as soon after a missed period as possible. A pregnancy test may return a positive result as early as 10 days after a person has had sex without contraception. However, it typically takes about 3 weeks before theres enough hCG in the urine to produce a positive pregnancy test.
There are many affordable and reliable pregnancy tests available over-the-counter or online. A home pregnancy test can tell whether you are pregnant in a few minutes, with most claiming to offer almost
1 week after a missed period. Results of a pregnancy test are either positive or negative.
If a woman takes the pregnancy test earlier than 1 week after a missed period, it may give a negative result, even if the person is actually pregnant.
If a person believes they are pregnant despite a negative test result, they should repeat the test after 1 week.
To avoid a false negative result, check the pregnancy tests expiration date, and carefully follow the written directions.
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Craving Or Avoiding Certain Foods
Most women dont actually want that mythical pickles-and-ice cream combo, but food cravings do regularly occur, as does disliking a formerly favorite food.
A review of cravings in pregnancy published in Frontiers in Psychology lamented how little research exists for such a common symptom, which Ross says occurs in more than half of pregnancies. Cravings typically start in the first trimester. In one study the reviewers cited, three-quarters of women reported craving at least one food item by the thirteenth week of pregnancy.
What do women most want in early pregnancy? Mostly sweets, including fruits, juices, dairy, desserts, and, frequently, chocolate. But a small number of women prefer savory or salty fare, the review authors noted.
Its not clear why these cravings happen. Some speculate its due to fluctuating hormones, which can change the sense of taste or smell, but others say it fills specific nutritional needs of the fetus or are brought on by cultural norms or other factors.
Round The Clock Peeing Increased Urination
Bolting for the bathroom at every turn is something many women assume happens only in later pregnancy, when the uterus is big enough to press on their bladder. But its also a common symptom in the first few weeks, Dr. Ross says.
Thats because the hormone hCG increases blood flow to your pelvis, and the extra fluid volume can trigger the need to urinate more.
If the urinary frequency is accompanied by pain or cloudy urine, though, its possible you have a urinary infection and should be checked, Taylor says.
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Cramping And Spotting During Early Pregnancy
From weeks 1 to4, everything is still happening on a cellular level. The fertilized egg creates a blastocyst that will develop into the fetuss organs and body parts.
About 10 to 14 days after conception, the blastocyst will implant in the endometrium, which is the lining of the uterus. This can cause implantation bleeding, which may be mistaken for a light period. It does not occur for everyone. If it does occur, it will usually happen around the time you expect your period.
Here are some signs of implantation bleeding:
- Color. The color of each episode may be pink, red, or brown.
- Bleeding. Implantation bleeding is usually much less than your usual period. Its often described as light bleeding that never turns into a flow or enough to need a tampon.
- Pain. Pain is usually milder than your usual menstrual pain. It may involve some cramping. It can be moderate or severe, but its most often mild.
- Episodes. Implantation bleeding is likely to last less than 3 days and does not require treatment. It can sometimes last only a few hours.
What Are Your Chances Of Getting Pregnant Every Month
Generally, a woman whos trying to get pregnant has between a 15% and 25% chance of doing so each month. Despite those odds, most couples conceive within the first year of trying.
Whether you will conceive depends on several factors such as your overall health, age, your and your partners fertility, and having sex at the right time during your cycle.
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Changes In Your Breasts
Your breasts might grow larger and feel tender or highly sensitive. The veins on your breasts may become more noticeable and your areola may darken.
My test said pregnant but I dont feel pregnant how can I be sure?
Mrs Emma Kirk :
Not all women will suffer from pregnancy symptoms, such as morning sickness. Look out for breast tenderness as this is the symptom that is most commonly reported. However all pregnancies are different so do not worry.
Your Cervical Mucus Turns Creamy
If youâre trying to conceive, you may be paying extra close attention to your cervical mucus . Usually, cervical mucus dries up before menstruation.
But if you find that your cervical mucus turns back to a creamy white texture rather than drying out, that could be a pregnancy symptom. Boyce says that this occurs because estrogen is rising during the first few days and weeks of being pregnant.
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When Can I Take A Home Pregnancy Test
Although you may start to feel early pregnancy symptoms before your period, most women have to wait for an average of two weeks from the time they ovulate for a positive home pregnancy test result. Home pregnancy tests measure levels of human chorionic gonadotropin in your urine.
This placenta-produced hormone makes its way into your urine almost immediately after an embryo begins implanting in your uterus, between six to 12 days after fertilization. You can start using most home pregnancy tests as soon as hCG can be detected in your urine and hCG levels usually arent high enough to be picked up by a home pregnancy test until your periods expected.
Cant wait until then? Some HPTs promise 60 to 75 percent accuracy four to five days before you expect your period. Wait until your period and the rate jumps to 90 percent wait another week and the results are 99 percent accurate.
Know that false negatives are much more common than false positives, so if the time for your period comes and goes without your monthly flow, check in with your health care provider. Either way, youll want to get a blood test to confirm your pregnancy status.
No matter what symptoms you’re having, the only way to know for sure that you’re pregnant is to make an appointment with your OB/GYN.
Are There Signs That Youre Carrying Twins
As soon as pregnancy begins, your body begins to produce hormones and undergo physical changes. These changes may be the first sign of pregnancy. Whats more, some of these signs may be slightly different when youre expecting more than one baby.
Many people who experience twin pregnancy report that they had a sense or feeling that they were expecting multiples, even before they knew for sure. On the other hand, for many people, the news comes as a complete surprise.
The following symptoms are commonly reported as signs that you may be pregnant with twins, from the earliest weeks of pregnancy.
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Feeling Sick Or Being Sick In Early Pregnancy
Many people feel sick or vomit in early pregnancy. Most people find they start noticing this around 4 to 6 weeks into their pregnancy. Some only feel slightly queasy and others may be physically sick. And some people have no sickness at all. This is commonly known as morning sickness but it can happen at any time of the day.
Talk to your midwife or GP if you are being sick a lot and you cant keep any food or water down. This is because there is a risk that you may become dehydrated.
Extreme sickness in pregnancy is called hyperemesis gravidarum and can be serious. It is important to seek support if you are worried.
When To Call A Doctor Or Midwife About Symptoms
If you have questions, it’s important to ask a healthcare provider. Even if you don’t have an appointment, they can address your concerns and make sure everything is okay.
They understand that you have a lot of questions and are willing to give you the answers, but you have to . Many practitioners have someone available who just answers patients’ questions all day long.
It’s not unusual for the answers to lead to more questions. It is appropriate to ask clarifying questionsdo not feel like you are taking up too much of your provider’s time. They are there to help.
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Implantation Bleeding Or Spotting
If you’re pregnant, the lastthing you’d expect to see is any spotting or vaginal bleeding. But if you notice light spotting around the time your period is due, it could be implantation bleeding. This might be caused by the fertilized egg settling into the lining of your uterus.
Note: About 1 in 4 women experience spotting or light bleeding during the first trimester. It’s often nothing, but sometimes it’s a sign of miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy. If your bleeding is severe or accompanied by pain or lightheadedness, or if you’re at all concerned, call your doctor or midwife.
Light Bleeding In Early Pregnancy
Some light bleeding or spotting, like a light period, can be a sign of pregnancy. Some women say they also have some cramps in their lower tummy. This is called implantation bleeding and happens when the embryo plants itself in the wall of your womb.
This type of bleeding often happens around the time your period would have been due. It shouldnt be enough to soak through pads or underwear.
If you are bleeding and know you are pregnant, call your GP, midwife or Early Pregnancy Unit. They can check you over, just in case. Find out more about bleeding in pregnancy.
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Other Signs And Symptoms You May Experience During Pregnancy
Throughout your pregnancy, your body will do some unique and wonderful things. Some of these physical changes may subside, while others may continue over the course of your pregnancy.
These are some of the changes you may experience during the second and third trimesters of your pregnancy:
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Sore Sensitive Heavy Boobs
Soreness or tenderness in your breasts can be one of the very earliest pregnancy symptoms. “Changes to the breasts can actually start as early as 1 to 2 weeks after conception,” says Dr Larisa Corda, obstetrician, gynaecologist and IVF consultant. “Pregnancy hormones can make breasts swollen and sore. Or they may feel heavier or fuller or more tender to touch.”
It’s certainly a symptom many of the mums on our forum recognise. “I started getting really sore boobs and sore nipples 7 to 10 days after my last period finished,” says DemWatson. “I thought it was due to my period because I was also experiencing cramping. I took a pregnancy test around 2 weeks later and it was positive!”
“I tested because I had really sore boobs,” adds ErinDsoontobeB. “They were that sore, I had to wear a bra in the bath!”
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Food Aversions And Sensitivity To Smell
Sensitivity to certain smells is a common symptom for pregnant women. You may also find that your tastes have changed for certain types of food.
Any of the above signs can mean youre pregnant, but there are women who conceive and experience none of them. Likewise, you can experience all ten and not be pregnant. The best way to confirm pregnancy is to schedule an appointment with a provider, preferably your gynecologist.
If you notice a few of the early pregnancy symptoms above and think you may be pregnant, wait one or two days after your missed period and take a pregnancy test. If the test is negative, wait a few more days and take another, just in case the first was a false negative. If the test is positive, schedule an appointment with your OB/GYN.
At Baptist Health, were committed to helping women through every stage of their health journeys. If youre trying to conceive or thinking about getting pregnant, read through our preconception to-do list, or if you have an upcoming OB/GYN appointment, learn how you can get the most out of your visit.
What Happens During Week 3
The fertilized egg moves down your fallopian tube and divides into more and more cells. It reaches your uterus about 34 days after fertilization. The dividing cells then form a ball that floats around in the uterus for about 23 days.
Pregnancy begins when the ball of cells attaches to the lining of your uterus. This is called implantation. It usually starts about 6 days after fertilization and takes about 34 days to be complete.
Pregnancy doesnt always happen, even if an egg is fertilized by a sperm. Up to half of all fertilized eggs pass out of your body when you get your period, before implantation is complete.
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When Pregnancy Is Unintentional
If you had unprotected sex or a contraceptive failure and fear you could get pregnant, emergency contraception is an option. Commonly called the morning-after pill, medications are available over-the-counter that can prevent pregnancy if taken within five days of having unprotected sex.
The sooner you take these medications, the more effective they are in preventing unintended pregnancy. These medications do not cause an abortion, but rather prevent a pregnancy from being established.
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What Are The Earliest Signs Of Being Pregnant With Twins
Is there such a thing as being twice as pregnant? As you begin to experience pregnancy symptoms, you may wonder whether having stronger symptoms means something are there signs youre having twins? Is it normal to be this exhausted and this nauseous, or could it mean something more?
While the only definitive way to know whether youre pregnant with twins is an ultrasound, some symptoms may suggest that a little something extra is happening on the inside.
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How Do You Know Youre Pregnant
You may be asking yourself âHow do I know if Iâm pregnant?â If you think you may be pregnant, a home pregnancy test will confirm it. Thereâs no way to know that you are pregnant without taking a test.If youâre experiencing any of the symptoms of pregnancy and take a home pregnancy test but the test comes out negative, thereâs still a chance you may be pregnant. Wait until your period is a week late , and then take the test again.If the test comes out positive, make an appointment with your healthcare provider to confirm the pregnancy.Once your pregnancy is confirmed, check out our go-to pregnancy guide, which includes lots of pertinent information and tools you’ll need to navigate your pregnancy, including infographics, checklists, trackers, and more!If you like, use our due date calculator to find out how far along you are in your pregnancy:
