A woman ovulates at approximately three weeks after the first day of her last menstrual period. An egg is released from her ovaries and it moves down one of the fallopian tubes towards the uterus. If intercourse takes place during the period of ovulation there is a possibility of a pregnancy occurring. During ejaculation, millions of sperm from your partner are released but only one of them will succeed in the race towards the egg and will fertilize it while it is still in the fallopian tube. The baby is at this point a cluster of cells which will undergo rapid multiplication in the days to come.
At this point most women have not felt any differently or have not noticed any changes in their body. Some women do report a change is tastes. The fertilized egg has now reached the uterus and after floating around for app. 72 hours it finds a location and implants itself into the uterine lining. The blood vessels of the uterine lining nourish the egg and the placenta begins to form.
Most moms will probably complete the first month without even realising they are pregnant. When they miss the first period they would do the pregnancy test and then schedule a visit with the doctor.
Second time moms understand that small changes in the body can signal a pregnancy like the sensitive breasts, darkened and enlarged areola and the feeling of being slightly bloated.
What you did in the first month without knowing that you are pregnant can surely affect the baby but we would recommend that you do not stress about it. However if you are planning or trying then make sure you follow the pregnancy friendly lifestyle.
When you visit the doctor there will be an early sonogram just to establish the pregnancy and to hear the baby’s heart tones. The doctor may also prescribe some routine tests like blood work, thyroid, sugar and urine tests to ensure that there are no health concerns.
Mom may feel nausea symptoms and although this is generally in the morning it can actually happen all thru the day.
Most of the times this is related to hormonal changes and besides management there is little that you can do about it. If you are unable to hold anything down and are constantly throwing up then make a mention to your doctor and some medications may be prescribed.
At times you may be able to identify a trigger which if you avoid can take care of the nausea feeling. For some women it is certain foods for others it may be smells.
Natural remedies – flakes of ginger, eating a small piece of dry carb like a toast or a cracker every couple of hours, avoiding spicy foods, making sure you eat your high protein foods with enough fibre in the form of fresh fruits of vegetables.
There will be tons of advice which people want to give you. It is also customary to not share the pregnancy news in the first three months as it is considered as bad luck. 26 % of pregnancies are lost in the first trimester and this is due to hormonal reasons. If this happens and is not a regular recurrence your doctor will not be worried.
Folic acid will continue in the first three months. Some doctors may even prefer to continue the same all thru the pregnancy but the neural tube is well formed by week 12 and post which folic acid supplementation is not necessary.
Additionally a multi vitamin suited to pregnancy is also started. It has supplements which help to support the pregnancy and moms should take these without fail.
It may advisable to abstain from intercourse in this period. Moms will also feel a lot of vaginal dryness and this is again due to hormonal changes. Vaginal discharge also increases. There is the urge to urinate frequently and you may be surprised since the uterus is not yet large. But hormonal changes are making the bladder muscles also relax. Due to this the bladder is not able to empty completely and hence may cause the need to urinate frequently. Ensure that you drink plenty of fluids as this will help you keep free from urinary infections.
Its ok to continue your normal routine during this time. There is no need to rest extra or avoid activities that you are normally used to as long as they are safe for pregnancy. For eg: If you were going to work you can continue to do so. However if you were scuba diving or playing tennis then you should avoid these activities.
In the first trimester you can also sleep in any position you find comfortable. Many moms can even sleep on their stomach.
Do not start a new exercise routine but if there was a routine that you were following and it is safe for pregnancy then it is ok to continue the same.
If you are not sure what to do then you can surely continue going for a walk.
Moms will also feel very sleepy and tired in this phase. After all your body is doing the mammoth task of making a new baby. Try and find time to power nap during the day time if possible. Do not behave like super woman. Listen to your body. If you feel like resting then take some time off and rest.
Many new mothers may encounter insomnia in the first few weeks of pregnancy and this is probably due to the excitement and nervousness of finding out and the realisation that soon life is going to change. Also till the first twelve weeks do not pass and the anamoly tests are completed moms may feel concerned and worry about the well being of the developing baby.
A couple may have undergone some pre conception counselling sessions and these can help take care of these concerns.
Additionally it is also a good idea to register for an early pregnancy class to get all your doubts and queries answered.