The first week of your pregnancy is, technically, the week of your menstruation, meaning you aren’t technically pregnant at week 1. But that doesn’t mean things aren’t happening to your body! There are some symptoms women will notice, and hormone levels are changing.
While many women are unaware of their first week of pregnancy, there is lots to discuss. In our post today, we walk you through the entire first week so you know what signs to look out for, what to expect, and more.
Let’s get into it!
In this article
- What Does It Mean To Be 1 Week Pregnant?
- What Happens To Your Body During Ovulation?
- Can You Detect Pregnancy At One Week?
- What Are The Common Symptoms When You Are One Week Pregnant?
- How big is a baby at 1 week pregnant?
- Should you get an ultrasound at 1 week pregnant?
- How to calculate your due date from 1 weeks pregnant?
- What body changes should I expect at 1 weeks pregnant?
- What Precautions Should I Take To Maintain My Health At 1 Week Pregnant?
- What Should I Know About My Cycle?
- What Is The Best Way To Prepare For Pregnancy?
Key Points On Being 1 Week Pregnant
- At one week pregnant, you are not technically pregnent
- Pregnancy is calculated based on your menstrual period, as conception dates are tricky to work out
- During ovulation, the luteinizing hormone (LH) triggers the process of the egg being released from the ovary and travels down the fallopian tube toward the uterus
- Calculating your due date is important, but only 3-5% of babies are born on their due date
- During the early stages of pregnancy, pregnancy symptoms may seem similar to menstrual symptoms.
- During the early stages, tender breasts are the first symptom women typically notice
- During the first week of pregnancy, the body will begin to produce human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), the hormone pregnancy tests detect
- Prepare for pregnancy before your positive test where possible, exercising regularly, eating well, and avoiding alcohol
What Does It Mean To Be One Week Pregnant?
Week one of a pregnancy is a tricky one to define. Technically, at week one, you are not pregnant.
The first week of your pregnancy is your menstrual period. Pregnancy is calculated based on the first day of your last menstrual period rather than the date of conception.
Conception typically occurs around two weeks after the first day of the last menstrual period, so by the time a woman misses her period, she is considered four weeks pregnant.
At one week pregnant, the fertilized egg has not yet been implanted in the uterus. Instead, it is going down the fallopian tube towards the uterus. This process can take up to a week to complete, so a woman may not realize she is pregnant until she misses her period.
So don’t panic if the first week of your pregnancy passes you by!
What Happens To Your Body During Ovulation?
Ovulation lasts sixteen to thirty-two hours, usually around the fourteenth day of your period. During ovulation, a mature egg is released from an ovary. The egg travels down the fallopian tube towards your uterus.
Once released, the egg will survive for twenty-four hours. During this point, and three to five days leading up to ovulation, women have a chance to get pregnant.
Can You Detect Pregnancy At 1 Week?
You can detect pregnancy at one week, but it all depends on the test that you take and the hormone levels in your urine. Home pregnancy tests measure the hormone HCG in your urine, which usually develops around 7 to 10 days into a pregnancy.
If the levels in your urine are high and you purchase an early-detection pregnancy test, you could see a positive pregnancy test. There are lots of pregnancy tests on the market now, boasting results before you miss your period, so there is a possibility the test will detect a pregnancy at one week.
A blood test performed by a doctor will also detect pregnancy at one week. Doctors can test for pregnancy six to eight days after ovulation, measuring levels of hCG in your blood. These tests will tell you during week 1 of pregnancy if you are pregnant or not.
Tests taken this early are not always accurate, so don’t panic if you see a negative result. Wait until your missed period to take a test and use that result instead.
What Are The Common Symptoms When You Are 1 Week Pregnant?
Commonly, women do not notice any symptoms during week one of pregnancy. But that doesn’t mean everyone has the same experience!
Early pregnancy signs at week one include headaches, cramps, and sore breasts. It is easy to see how these symptoms are attributed to a period rather than pregnancy at this early stage!
Sore breasts are the most common pregnancy symptom during week one of pregnancy. This can continue for the next few weeks, too. It is not unusual to have no symptoms either, so don’t panic if you don’t have any symptoms.
Is There Any Change To HCG Levels At 1 Week Pregnant?
Yes, hCG levels will start to increase 7 to 10 days after pregnancy, so the end of the first week is when we see hCG levels increase.
Should I Expect Any Cramping At 1 Week Pregnant?
Mild cramping can happen during week one of pregnancy, similar to those during a period.
Will I Experience Morning Sickness At 1 Week Pregnant?
You will unlikely experience morning sickness as one of your early pregnancy symptoms.
Will My Breasts Feel Tender At 1 Week Pregnant?
Yes, your breasts will likely feel tender at one week pregnant. This is one of the more common early signs of pregnancy symptoms.
Will I Pass Urine More Frequently At 1 Week Pregnant?
You might notice that you urinate more frequently, but this symptom generally appears two weeks after pregnancy and worsens as your pregnancy progresses.
Will I Have Any Food Cravings At 1 Week Pregnant?
You might experience cravings at one week pregnant, as they can happen at any stage of your pregnancy.
Will I Feel Tiredness Or Fatigue At 1 Week Pregnant?
Tiredness can start as soon as one week of pregnancy, so that you might notice fatigue as one of your symptoms.
Will I Feel Bloated At 1 Week Pregnant?
Typically, bloating does not start until week 11 or 12 of pregnancy, but it is possible to feel bloated during the first week.
Will I Get Headaches At 1 Week Pregnant?
Yes, headaches are a common symptom in early pregnancy, so that you might notice headaches.
Will I Experience A Metallic Taste In My Mouth At 1 Week Pregnant?
Not all women do, but you might experience a metallic taste in your mouth at one week pregnant. The metallic taste is linked to the changing hormone levels in your body.
Will I Have A Heightened Sense Of Smell At 1 Week Pregnant?
A heightened sense of smell is usually one of the first symptoms, so you might experience it in your first week or the coming weeks of your pregnancy.
Can You Experience Shortness Of Breath At 1 Week Pregnant?
While it is possible to notice shortness of breath, this symptom usually occurs in later stages of pregnancy
Is It Normal To Get Diarrhea At 1 Week Pregnant?
You might experience diarrhea during week one or early stages of your pregnancy. It is linked to the changing hormone levels in your body.
Can You Get Vaginal Discharge At 1 Week Pregnant?
You could notice a thick, milky white discharge during week one of your pregnancy. This type of discharge is not a cause for concern.
Will I Experience Lower Back Pain At 1 Week Pregnant?
No, lower back pain typically starts from five to eight weeks pregnant.
Will I Experience Mood Swings At 1 Week Pregnant?
Mood swings typically start four weeks into pregnancy.
Is Spotting Normal At 1 Week Pregnant?
Spotting is common and can happen six to twelve days after the egg is fertilized, so you might have some towards the end of your first week pregnant.
What Other Symptoms Are Common When 1 Week Pregnant?
- Raised basal body temperature
- Irritability
- Noticeable blue veins on breasts
- Tingling feeling in breasts
- Nausea
How Big Is A Baby At 1 Week Pregnant?
At one week pregnant, you are not technically pregnant. You have not conceived yet, so there is no fetal growth. This means, technically, there is no baby.
However, your body is working hard preparing to make the conception a reality! Instead of a baby growing, hormones are sending signals around your body, mainly for the lining of your uterus to thicken.
A uterus needs a thick lining ready for a fertilised egg to latch onto and develop into a baby.
Can You Feel The Baby At 1 Week Pregnant?
No, you cannot feel the baby at one week pregnant, as there is technically no baby. However, you might notice some cramps, which could be your uterus lining thickening.
Should You Get An Ultrasound At 1 Week Pregnant?
We do not recommend getting an ultrasound at one week pregnant as nothing will be visible.
Ultrasounds for weeks one and two of pregnancy can sometimes show a small fluid-filled bubble, the embryo, but it is usually too small to be seen.
Are There Any Other Tests Or Scans I Need To Consider At 1 Week Pregnant?
No, there are no other scans or tests you need to consider or book at this stage.
What Are Common Miscarriage Symptoms At 1 Week Pregnant?
Bleeding is the common symptom of a miscarriage at one week pregnant. This could be light bleeding, heavy bleeding, or it might feel like your usual period. Cramps are another common symptom associated with miscarriage at this point in a pregnancy.
Most women who miscarry at week one do not realise they are pregnant and will have the miscarriage at home.
What Are The Chances Of Miscarriage At 1 Week Pregnant?
The chances of miscarriage are high in the first twelve weeks of pregnancy, including week one. The likelihood of miscarriage is around 30%, according to an article published by Oxford Academia.
This 30% chance depends on factors like age, whether it is your first pregnancy, and if the mother has any health conditions.
How Do You Calculate Your Due Date From 1 Weeks Pregnant?
To calculate your due date, you are basing it on the first day of your last menstrual period. This is the best method for women with regular cycles, known as the LMP method.
You need the date of your last period, which you can track with a cycle app on your smartphone. Most pregnancies last 40 weeks or 38 from conception.
To calculate your due date using this method, count forty weeks or 280 days from the first day of your last menstrual period. This will give you your due date.
If you don’t have regular periods or want to try another method, subtract three months from the first day of your last period and add seven days. Say your last period began on July 10, then you would have a due date of April 17.
It is worth noting that while due dates are helpful, they aren’t always accurate. Many pregnancies run longer, with babies arriving up to two weeks after the due date, and some babies come sooner. It is worth calculating a due date to give you a deadline or end goal to work towards during your pregnancy.
What Body Changes Should I Expect At 1 Week Pregnant?
Most women don’t notice any changes to their body during week one of pregnancy—those who do tend to see breast tenderness or changes in feelings to their breasts.
They might feel sore and tingly or notice more blue veins than usual. All of these are normal and no cause for concern. Other body changes include a desire to urinate more often, nausea, and fatigue.
What Is The Body Doing During This Process?
At week one of your pregnancy, your body is releasing last month’s uterine lining and starting a new one, hoping a fertilized egg will be on its way! Your uterine lining will begin to thicken through the week, too.
Your body will release an egg, which will travel down the fallopian tubes and will be ready and waiting to be fertilized. Your body may also start releasing the hCG hormone used to detect pregnancy in a home pregnancy test.
What Precautions Should I Take To Maintain My Health At 1 Week Pregnant?
Women can take a few precautions at this stage to ensure a healthy pregnancy. We have broken them down for you below to check out.
Avoid Alcohol
Alcohol should be avoided throughout your pregnancy, including week one. This is to ensure you have a healthy pregnancy with no complications. Women trying to conceive are often advised to reduce their alcohol intake or stop drinking to aid in conception.
Avoid Tobacco
Tobacco should also be avoided to ensure a healthy pregnancy.
Avoid Substances Not Approved By Your Doctor
Any medication or substances you take that your doctor does not approve should be avoided.
Are There Any Foods I Should Avoid At One Week Pregnant?
The following foods should be avoided for the first trimester of pregnancy, including the first week:
- Seafood with a high mercury content
- Raw sprouts
- Unpasteurised dairy
- Soft cheeses
- Raw or undercooked meat and eggs
- Processed meats
Are There Any Drinks I Should Avoid At One Week Pregnant?
Alcoholic drinks should be avoided.
Are There Any Supplements I Should Avoid When 1 Week Pregnant?
Any supplements that you do not need to take should be avoided. You can consult your doctor about any supplements you need and how they should be used during pregnancy.
Can I Exercise While 1 Week Pregnant?
Yes, you can exercise as normal during week one of your pregnancy.
Is It Safe To Travel When 1 Week Pregnant?
It is safe to travel during the first week of your pregnancy. When travelling to foreign countries, check if any shots are needed or precautions pregnant women must take.
Are There Any Activities I Should Avoid At One Week Pregnant?
Hot tubs, saunas, steam rooms, and whirlpools should be avoided during the first trimester of your pregnancy, including week one. You should also avoid cleaning cat litter, acupuncture, and massage.
Is It Safe To Have Sex When 1 Week Pregnant?
Yes, it is safe to have sex when you are one week pregnant.
How Should I Sleep At 1 Week Pregnant?
You can sleep normally at this point in your pregnancy.
What Position Is Safe To Sleep In When 1 Week Pregnant?
While any position is safe now, you should use the early weeks of your pregnancy to get in the habit of sleeping on your side. You want your knees bent too, which offers a comfortable position as your pregnancy progresses.
What Should I Know About My Cycle?
Your menstrual cycle lasts, on average, for 28 to 29 days, but this can vary, with every woman’s cycle being different. The process prepares your body for pregnancy, but if you are not pregnant, your uterus sheds its lining, giving you the period that greets women worldwide every month.
The cycle is broken into four phases: menstruation, follicular, ovulation, and luteal. Let’s learn more about each phase now.
Menstruation (Phase 1)
Menstruation kicks off the cycle. Day one is the first day of your period, when your uterus lining sheds and flows out of your body through your vagina.
Commonly known as a period, the uterine lining you shed contains blood, mucus, and cells from your uterus lining. The bleeding can range from light to very heavy, varying from woman to woman.
On average, it will last for three to seven days, with some women reporting shorter and longer periods.
Period underwear, tampons, sanitary pads, or menstrual cups can be used to absorb your period. Pads and tampons should be changed every three to four hours, whereas cups should be changed every eight to twelve hours.
Follicular (Phase 2)
Your follicular phase begins on day one of your period and lasts 13 to 14 days. Here, the pituitary gland in your brain releases a hormone stimulating the production of follicles on the surface of an ovary.
Generally, one follicle will mature into an egg on day 10 of your cycle. These numbers can vary slightly from woman to woman. Your uterine lining will start to thicken here, preparing for pregnancy.
Ovulation (Phase 3)
Ovulation occurs at the end of the follicular phase. The mature egg is released from your ovary and travels along the fallopian tube towards the uterus.
This happens monthly if you have a regular cycle, roughly two weeks before your period. Ovulation lasts from sixteen to thirty-two hours. You can get pregnant in the five days leading up to ovulation and the day of ovulation, but it is more likely three days before and on ovulation.
Once the egg is released, it can survive for 24 hours. Should the sperm reach the egg during these 24 hours, you might get pregnant.
Luteal (Phase 4)
The luteal phase happens after ovulation when cells in the ovary, the corpus luteum, release progesterone and some oestrogen. This causes your uterine lining to thicken in preparation for pregnancy.
Should a fertilised egg implant in the lining, the corpus luteum continues producing progesterone, maintaining the thickness of the uterus lining.
Should a pregnancy not occur, the corpus luteum dies, progesterone levels drop, and the uterus lining sheds. Your period will start again, and the cycle continues.
What Is The Best Way To Prepare For Pregnancy?
You can do several things to prepare for pregnancy; we have outlined them below for you to see now.
Start Taking Prenatal Vitamins
Prenatal vitamins provide essential nutrients that are crucial for a healthy pregnancy. These vitamins typically include folic acid, iron, and calcium, which can help prevent congenital disabilities and support the growth and development of the baby.
You can purchase these from most pharmacies or wellness stores or speak to your doctor about them if you have questions.
Eat A Healthy Diet
Eating a healthy, balanced diet is important for you and your baby. Focus on incorporating plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats into your diet.
Where possible, avoid processed foods, sugary snacks, and caffeine.
Exercise Regularly
Regular exercise can help keep your body healthy and prepare you for the physical demands of pregnancy and childbirth. Most days of the week, aim to get at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise, such as brisk walking, swimming, or yoga.
Manage Stress
Pregnancy can be stressful, so it is important to develop healthy coping mechanisms to manage stress. Meditation, deep breathing exercises, or yoga can help you relax and control stress.
Build A Support System
Having a strong support system can be incredibly helpful during pregnancy and beyond. Consider joining a prenatal yoga class, a childbirth education class, or a support group for new parents.
Discuss Health Concerns With Your Healthcare Provider
Before getting pregnant, discussing any health concerns or medications with your healthcare provider is important. They can help you determine if any changes need to be made to your medication regimen or provide guidance on managing health conditions during pregnancy.
Final Thoughts On Week 1 Pregnancy
While there is no baby yet during week one of your pregnancy, your body is gearing up for a fertilized egg to nestle in your uterine lining and develop into a baby.
At week one of their pregnancy, women should pay attention to how their body feels, exercise and eat a balanced diet, and watch for the missed period that indicates pregnancy; it is on its way!