A detailed week-by-week guide to the earliest weeks of pregnancy
Medically, pregnancy is counted from the first day of your last menstrual period (LMP) โ so weeks 1 and 2 actually occur before conception. Week 1 is your period. Ovulation occurs around week 2. Conception (fertilization) happens when a sperm meets the egg, usually in the fallopian tube. Symptoms in weeks 1โ2: your usual menstrual symptoms, then possible ovulation signs (mild pelvic pain, clear stretchy discharge).
The fertilized egg (now called a blastocyst) travels to the uterus and begins implanting. Most women have no symptoms yet, though some may notice:
Light pink or brown spotting as the embryo burrows into the uterine lining. Occurs around days 6โ12 after ovulation. Lasts 1โ2 days at most.
Gentle lower abdominal cramps similar to but lighter than period pain. Not all women experience this.
Some women feel an unusual tiredness in the very first days after conception as progesterone begins rising.
A home pregnancy test will now turn positive. hCG levels are rising rapidly. The embryo is still tiny โ about the size of a poppy seed โ but is developing fast.
Your period was due and hasn't arrived โ this is the most noticeable sign. Take a pregnancy test.
Oestrogen and progesterone are rising rapidly, making breasts sore, swollen, and more sensitive.
A profound sleepiness that many women describe as unlike anything they've felt before โ needing to nap during the day, falling asleep early.
Your kidneys are already working harder to filter increased blood volume.
hCG levels peak around weeks 8โ11, but are already high enough now to cause noticeable symptoms. Your baby's brain, spine, and heart are beginning to form.
One of the most iconic pregnancy symptoms. For many women, nausea begins around week 5โ6. It can occur at any time of day โ not just morning.
Suddenly certain smells are overpowering or nauseating. This is caused by rising oestrogen.
Strong desire for specific foods โ or revulsion toward foods you previously loved.
Rapid hormonal changes cause emotional fluctuations. Tearfulness, irritability, and heightened emotions are all normal.
Your baby's heart begins beating around week 6 โ often detectable by transvaginal ultrasound. The embryo is about 4โ6mm long. Symptoms are often at their most intense this week for many women.
For many women, weeks 6โ10 are the hardest. Eat small, frequent meals, keep crackers nearby, and avoid triggers.
Difficulty concentrating or mild memory lapses โ very common and caused by hormonal changes and disrupted sleep.
Progesterone slows digestion, causing uncomfortable bloating and constipation. Stay hydrated and eat fibre-rich foods.
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