Pregnancy Development on Week 1

Embryo growth

Calculate gestational age and age of the fetus

Before understanding the development of your baby's fetus, note first that the age of the fetus and gestational age are different. The age of pregnancy is calculated from the first day of your last menstrual period (HPHT). Later the estimated day of birth (HPL) will be calculated from the age of your pregnancy.

So, even if your HPHT is not formed because the fertilization has not yet occurred, the week is still counted as the first week of gestation. Because, at that time the body is actually preparing to get pregnant.

Then what about the age of the fetus? It is difficult to accurately ascertain the age of the fetus in the womb and when exactly fertilization occurs. Doctors and midwives can only estimate the age of the fetus based on your gestational age. An ultrasound examination can only help predict the age of the fetus, but there is no one hundred percent guarantee that the calculation is correct.

The age of the fetus can be smaller or greater than the age of your pregnancy. Usually fertilization does occur on days 11 to 21 since your HPHT. However, once again this cannot be accurately ascertained.

How is the development of the fetus 1 week of my pregnancy?

Based on the explanation above, you might have guessed that in the first week of pregnancy, the fetus has not yet been formed because fertilization may not have occurred. Then, an independent pregnancy test withtestpackand the examination at the obstetrician will not be able to detect the fetus in your womb.

Changes in the Body

What is the change in my body?

In this first week, your body is preparing for ovulation, which usually occurs between 12 and 14 days after menstruation. Ovulation is the release of an adult egg from the ovary or ovary, pushed into the fallopian tube, ready to be fertilized. If you are planning a pregnancy, this is the right time to mark the calendar and predict ovulation.

What do I need to pay attention to?

In the development of the fetus 1 week of pregnancy, you do not need to worry about anything. One thing you have to worry about is just having a healthy diet and taking your prenatal vitamins. It is important to get enough vitamin intake, especially folic acid.

Folic acid needed to reduce risk neural tube defects (birth defects caused by incomplete development of the brain and spine), such as spina bifida. The recommended dose at this stage is around 400 micrograms of folic acid a day. The dose can be higher in women who have a history of spina bifida.

Visit to Doctor / Midwife

What should I discuss with the doctor?

If you are planning a pregnancy, you should discuss with your doctor about the prescription and non-prescription drugs that you are using. You need to be careful in treatment because many prescription and non-prescription drugs can have a negative impact on the fetus. However, do not stop prescription drugs without consulting a doctor, which will help you weigh the benefits and risks of stopping treatment.

Things to ask your doctor

• Can or not, if I continue to use prescription and non-prescription drugs while planning a pregnancy?
• What should be done before planning a pregnancy?
• Is there vaccination that must be done before planning a pregnancy?

What tests do I need to know?

To prepare your body for the baby's presence, the doctor will do a complete physical examination. Your doctor may refer to the following tests:

• Pap smears, which can help detect any cause that can affect the likelihood of you becoming pregnant
• Genetic tests, which can detect any genetic disease that can be passed on to your baby. These diseases include sickle cell anemia, thalassemia, and Tay-sachs disease.
• Blood test, which will detect any sexually transmitted diseases or immunity to rubella and chickenpox. This will determine whether you need treatment or immunization before planning a pregnancy.

These tests will help your doctor provide the right guidelines to prepare your body for a healthy pregnancy.

Health and Safety

What do I need to know to maintain health and safety during pregnancy?

You might be wondering what you need to avoid to ensure a healthy pregnancy. When you are pregnant, your immune system is not as strong as when you are not pregnant. You become more susceptible to infection. You might want to discuss with your doctor about immunization that is safe for you. Here are the vaccines you need to know.

1. Measles, Mumps, and Rubella or Measles, Mumps, and Rubella Vaccines (MMR)

Measles is a viral infection. Some signs and symptoms include mild fever, cough, runny nose, and followed by red rash points a few days later.

Mumps is also a contagious viral infection that causes the salivary glands to swell. If you are infected with one of these diseases during pregnancy, the risk of miscarriage will increase.

Virus rubella, also called German measles, provides flu-like symptoms which are then often followed by a rash.

Up to 85 percent of babies from this disease in the first trimester result in serious birth defects, such as hearing loss and intellectual disability. This vaccine is not safe during pregnancy. Usually you have to wait 1 to 3 months after receiving the MMR vaccine before starting the pregnancy. Consult with your doctor.

2. Smallpox vaccine

Smallpox is a very contagious viral disease that causes fever and an itchy and uncomfortable rash. About 2 percent of babies of mothers who develop smallpox during the first five months of pregnancy will have birth defects, including limbs that are not perfectly formed and functioning.

Woman affected smallpox around the time of delivery can transmit life-threatening infections to the baby. This vaccine is not safe to do during pregnancy. It is important to check with your doctor before planning a pregnancy.

2. Flu shots

Centers of Disease Control and prevention (CDC) recommend for flu shots during pregnancy. Flu injections are made from viruses that die and will not harm your baby. You should avoid a nasal spray flu vaccine called FluMist, which is made from living viruses.

If you have any type of flu while pregnant, your chances of getting higher are to continue to serious complications. One serious complication is pneumonia, which has the potential to be life threatening and can increase the risk of preterm birth. You are also at risk of getting flu-related complications during the postpartum period.

Flu vaccine is usually safe to do during pregnancy. There are results of research that state that getting a flu vaccine during pregnancy provides protection for your baby after birth. Your baby can receive some antibodies from you during pregnancy. If you are immune to flu, chances are your baby has a smaller flu.