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Your pregnancy update: Week 1

Hello, mom-to-be! 

Welcome to the first of 40-some weeks of pregnancy. If you've already confirmed you're pregnant with a home pregnancy test, then we have some surprising news for you—you're well past one week pregnant. 

You might be confused by that, but we'll explain. Doctors date pregnancy starting from the first day of your last normal menstrual period. It's a more precise way of estimating your due date rather than trying to pinpoint the time of conception. 

How is your body changing?

During what's technically the first week of pregnancy, you're having your period. Your body is shedding last month's unfertilized egg along with your uterine wall. Uncomfortable as it may be, what's happening this week is good preparation. It's paving the way for a new egg and the potential to conceive during ovulation in the coming days. 

Timely tips and to-dos

If you're trying to conceive, there are a few things you can start doing now. Healthy habits matter. 

In fact, eating healthy foods and getting enough exercise may actually increase your chances of conceiving. And it's a must to stop any harmful habits to help ensure the healthiest pregnancy possible. That includes smoking, using drugs and drinking alcohol.  

You'll also want to be sure you're getting folic acid during this time. Why? Folic acid helps prevent birth defects that can occur before a woman even knows she's pregnant. That's why the March of Dimes recommends that all women who could become pregnant take at least 400 micrograms of folic acid every day. 

Otherwise, the best thing you can do right now is to relax and try not to stress about getting pregnant. Good luck, mom-to-be! 

More for mamas

Want to learn more about how your due date is calculated? Read about how your pregnancy is dated.  

Additional source: American Pregnancy Association 

Reviewed 12/12/2023

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