One Week Pregnant: What to Expect

Pregnancy is an exciting time that’s filled with lots of questions and surprises. One question that many women have is regarding the official start of their pregnancy. If you are one week pregnant, did you know you technically aren’t pregnant yet? Doctors mark the beginning of pregnancy from the first day of your last menstrual cycle, not immediately following intercourse. Let’s take a closer look.

During the week of your period, the follicles in your ovaries are slowly developing and preparing for ovulation, when an egg is released and fertilized by sperm. Ovulation usually occurs around two weeks after the start of your period. At the beginning of week three, conception officially takes place. This is when your baby’s gender, eye color, hair color, and other features are defined by chromosomes. Then, at week four, your baby is roughly the size of a poppy seed, and you may notice your first missed period!

Early pregnancy tips

Once you realize that you’re pregnant, it’s time to take steps to support your baby’s growth. You should always speak with your physician before implementing any new habits, but most women are advised to:

• Load up on folic acid. Folic acid plays an important role in reducing the risk of gestational diabetes and early labor, as well as congenital heart defects for your baby. Most doctors recommend taking 400 micrograms of folic acid every day.
• Stop tobacco use. Smoking can seriously impact your chances of conceiving and cause a wide array of pregnancy complications. Your doctor can help you if you need help quitting.
• Relax! You may be focused on your baby’s health while you are pregnant, but it’s also important to listen to your body and prioritize relaxation.
• Re-evaluate medication use. Make sure you inform your doctor about any and all drugs and supplements that you are taking. You may need to replace or completely stop taking certain medications while you are pregnant.

Obstetrics from Tufts Medical Center Community Care

The complexities of pregnancy can feel a little overwhelming, but you’ll always have somewhere to turn for expert guidance and support as a patient at Tufts Medical Center Community Care. Our multispecialty medical group is a part of MelroseWakefield Hospital and Lawrence Memorial Hospital of Medford, and features a growing team of obstetricians who provide outstanding care to women in all stages of pregnancy. We also collaborate with neonatologists and maternal-fetal medicine specialists from Tufts Medical Center to ensure women and babies with more complex medical needs receive the advanced treatment they require.

If you are pregnant and would like to speak with an obstetrician, contact Tufts Medical Center Community Care today. Our professionals can answer any questions you may have. With ample appointment availability and easily accessible locations throughout north suburban Boston, we make it simple to receive world-class obstetrics.