‘Pregnant, weeks 1 to 4’ is an article about pregnancy. In this article you can read what to expect during the first 4 weeks. Many women often do not even know that they are pregnant, but a lot is already happening in the woman’s body. Curious about all the physical changes, the fusion of the egg and sperm cell and possibly some common complaints? Then read on… In this article you can find information about the first four weeks of your pregnancy. A pregnancy often brings with it many questions. We hope that this article will answer many questions. More information and beautiful detailed pictures of this special process can be found at www.hetgeboortehuis.nl .
Week 1
Even if you are not pregnant yet, this is officially your first week of pregnancy. You have just had your last period, but you are completely unaware of it. Quite special actually!
During this week your body prepares for pregnancy. The uterine lining changes, the ovaries allow an egg to ripen and the cervix is made more accessible for sperm cells. Quite a change, which you are often completely unaware of.
Week 2
Ovulation and fertilization take place during this week. Some women notice that they are ovulating, they feel a kind of pain and there may be a slight change in temperature, but many women do not notice it at all.
At the moment of fertilization, an egg and a sperm cell fuse into one clump of cells. This process takes place in the fallopian tubes. During this week, the clump of cells ‘swims’ to the uterus, and then embeds itself in the uterine lining.
Week 3
This week the clump of cells has completed its journey and implantation has taken place. It is now 0.1 – 0.2 mm in size.
You may lose blood this week. Many women confuse this with menstruation. However, this is incorrect, because the blood loss occurs as a result of implantation.
Week 4
The embryonic period has begun. The fetus will take shape in the uterus this week and soon the heart will start beating. A start is also made on the spine and preparations are made to develop various organs during the course of pregnancy.
You and your baby
In this first month you often don’t even know that you are pregnant. A few women feel ovulation, but the majority don’t notice it at all. For most women, a bell only rings when menstruation does not occur.
Tips
- If you are not yet taking folic acid , it is advisable to start immediately. It is recommended to take this until the 14th week of pregnancy. Longer is always allowed.
- There are also various pregnancy vitamins on the market, containing folic acid and all kinds of other vitamins that may be important during pregnancy. (e.g.: pure mother of VSM)