Pregnancy Diary Week 1-2
Discover your pregnancy journey
Pregnancy Diary Week 1-2
Did you know that you’re not actually pregnant during the first two weeks of your “official” pregnancy? It may seem strange but women, on their first to second week of pregnancy, are not actually pregnant during this period.
These are called gestational weeks. The doctor will begin counting your 40 weeks from the first day of your last menstruation. He or she actually started counting from the period when the sperm and the egg haven’t met yet.
This happens because medical practitioners cannot pinpoint the exact time when the sperm and the egg meet. In effect, they use the first day of your menstrual period as the starting point of your 40-week pregnancy. Scientists believe that conception usually takes place two weeks after the first day of your menstruation.
How your baby is growing
What you can expect at this time
A beneficial food for your pregnancy nutrition
Pregnancy Diary Week 1-2: How Is Your Baby Growing?
Around 20 ripening eggs from your ovaries have begun to occupy follicles, which are fluid-filled sacs. Every month, at least one of these follicles ruptures and is released from the ovary.
On the first week, you will have a bleeding which lasts for 5-7 days. On the second week of pregnancy, the body is preparing for the process of fertilisation.
The uterine lining begins to thicken and the body is preparing to release an egg for fertilisation. The uterus begins to form a new layer of endometrium which is suitable for implantation. In week 2, you will notice a significant change in the consistency of your cervical mucus.
During this period, your mucus may have become more sticky, thick and creamy. And as the conception stage becomes nearer, the volume of cervical mucus tends to increase and it appears cloudier.
Towards the end of the second week of pregnancy, ovulation takes place. It is a period when the woman becomes very fertile. When the egg moves out from the ovary, fertilisation takes place. The egg has 12-24 hours to be fertilised.
The union of the cell and the sperm in the fallopian tube, which is known as the process of fertilisation, results in the formation of a zygote. If the ovary released more than one egg, there would be multiple zygotes. This led to the occurrence of twins, triplets, quadruplets and so on.
Once the fertilisation has taken place, the zygote moves down through the fallopian tubes and then to the uterus. Soon after, it begins to divide until it creates a cluster of cells which looks like a tiny raspberry.
The inner part of the cell is what we call as the embryo while the outer portions of the cell are the membranes which protect and nourish the inner part.
Though smaller than a rice grain, the cells divide rapidly which lead to the formation of the beginnings of the immune system and the digestive system of the baby.
Though you are not yet pregnant during the first two weeks of your pregnancy, you may begin experiencing mild changes which include mood swings, fatigue, twinge sensations in the lower abdomen, breast growth, breast tenderness or swelling and you may tend to produce watery, stretchy, and clear cervical mucus which may resemble egg whites.
Due to abrupt and significant hormonal changes, some pregnant women may become depressed or frustrated more often. They can feel tension in certain areas of their body and veins which may become more visible on their breasts.
Some women urinate more often and they experience mild cramping in the stomach area. While some women do not experience any symptoms at all, some may feel very tired, dizzy and exhausted quite often. Some also tend to faint due to low blood pressure.
What you can expect
If you are trying to get pregnant, you should quit smoking and stop consuming alcohol. Refrain from taking over-the-counter drugs as they may reduce your probability of getting pregnant. However whatever you do should be in tune with recommendations from your medical practitioner.
During this period, you should have started taking folic acid. This supplement helps in reducing your baby’s risk for neural tube defects like spina bifida. Breads, cereals, pasta, rice, beans, legumes, green leafy vegetables, strawberries, avocados and oranges are excellent sources of folic acid.
Avocados For Early Pregnancy Nutrition
Avocado is definitely one of the best fruits to take during this crucial stage. This fruit is fortified with essential vitamins and minerals which are beneficial in optimising your baby’s growth and development.
It contains high levels of folic acid which are found to be vital in the formation of the baby’s nervous system especially the brain. Avocado is also rich in Vitamin B6, potassium and Vitamin C which play vital roles in optimising the growth of the brain and tissues. They also help in reducing the impact of morning sickness.
All articles on the blog and website are intended as information only. Please do not consider any of the information provided here as a substitute for medical advice. At all times seek medical advice directly with your own doctor and medical team.
This website was formerly Merrion Fetal Health. The clinic has undergone a rebrand and is now known as Merrion Ultrasound.