Whether you've had a positive pregnancy test result or you've noticed those first early pregnancy symptoms, this is the beginning of a new journey for you and your first trimester.
Over the coming weeks, your body will go through a number of symptoms from fatigue and nausea to cramping and bloating. It's important to remember that every pregnancy is unique, and symptoms can vary from one person to person. We're here to guide you through these initial changes, covering everything you need to know about your changing body and your growing fetus.
How many weeks pregnant is 1 month?
We can't measure exactly how many weeks you're pregnant just yet as your pregnancy is tracked using your 'gestational duration' which starts from the first day of your last menstrual period (LMP). Most people think pregnancy lasts for 9 months but it's from the first day of your LMP which adds about a month, making a full pregnancy around 40 weeks or 10 months. Don't worry if you can't remember your LMP, your first ultrasound will tell you your gestational age which will then tell you how many weeks pregnant you are. The first month of your pregnancy also marks the beginning of the first trimester.
1 month pregnant symptoms
A lot of women will notice changes in their body during the first month of pregnancy, and some won't feel experience anything. It’s normal to have a few or no symptoms at all in the first month of pregnancy. It's worth keeping an eye on the following:
Missed period
One of the first major signs of pregnancy in the first month is missing your period if you have a regular menstrual cycle. It's important to mention that your period could be late due to a number of other reasons and doesn't always mean you're pregnant.
Sore nipples
Many women report sore or very tingly nipples as the first sign of pregnancy. It's down to the increased blood supply to your breasts and it will disappear as your body gets used to the pregnancy hormones.
Fatigue
Fatigue and extreme tiredness are a common early pregnancy symptom. You might find you don't have as much energy as normal, and may even be tempted to take an afternoon nap.
Nausea
If you've started feeling nauseous or have even vomited, it's likely you're experiencing what's known as morning sickness. Despite the name, you'll probably find that this can happen at any time of the day.
Cravings
These can be chalked up to surging hormones. You may suddenly crave something you've never tried before and conversely you may have no desire to eat something that you previously enjoyed eating. It’s fine to give in to cravings every so often as long as you try and stick to a well-balanced diet.
Emotions
During pregnancy, you'll set off on an emotional rollercoaster feeling glum and frustrated one minute to jumping with joy the next. This is often caused by a change in hormones, so if you find yourself a little more sensitive than normal, it could be sign.
Cramping and bloating
At around 4 weeks pregnant nobody else will notice any physical changes, but you'll probably be feeling quite bloated, you may even experience cramping and belly pains. As your body is making extra blood, you have more fluid and your hormonal activity will likely have you in that ‘I feel bigger’ headspace - a bit like it does just before a period.
Spotting
As the implantation process begins, you may notice a bit of implantation bleeding. This is perfectly normal and nothing to worry about. To prepare for the early stages of your baby's growth and development, the placenta will also produce oestrogen, progesterone, and human chorionic gonadotropin, which is referred to as the pregnancy hormone.
Vaginal discharge
Pregnant woman can have clear or milky vaginal discharge when you’re pregnant. If you notice discharge that has a strange or unpleasant smell or is green or yellow, call your doctor or midwife as this could be a vaginal infection.
Baby development at 1 month pregnant
Ovulation
A few weeks after your last period, an egg is released - this is called ovulation.
Fertilisation
Your egg travels down your fallopian tube toward your uterus. If it combines with the sperm, it is called fertilisation. The fertilised egg divides into more and more cells. It reaches your uterus about 3–4 days after fertilisation.
Embryo
Your embryo will go down the fallopian tube and grow into a ball about four days after conception and become a blastocyst. The embryo will move around until it finds a perfect spot to implant in the uterus lining. This is when pregnancy begins around week 4 of pregnancy. An amniotic sac will form around this fertilised egg. Your placenta and the umbilical cord will also form.
Your baby is microscopic at this point, but, three cell layers are beginning to form:
• The ectoderm layer will be your baby's nervous system, hair, and skin.
• The endoderm layer, will develop your baby's gastrointestinal tract, liver, pancreas, and thyroid.
• The mesoderm layer will develop into your baby's skeleton, connective tissue, blood system, urogenital system, and muscles.
By 1 month, your baby will only be about 6 or 7 millimetres in size, about the size of a pumpkin seed.
Your body at 1 month pregnant
Despite how much is going on inside your body, you're unlikely to notice any physical changes to your body. Some women may experience bloating but they are just early pregnancy symptoms and your changing hormones rather than a physical baby bump.
Looking after yourself at 1 month pregnant
Diet
An important part at this stage is diet. The NHS recommends eating plenty of fruit and vegetables as these provide vitamins and minerals. Try and eat enough fibre which help prevent constipation in pregnancy. If you haven't already, kick bad habits like smoking or drinking alcohol.
Vitamins
You can also start taking pregnancy vitamins like vitamin D and at least 400 micrograms of folic acid. Talk to your midwife if you're unsure what else to take.
Sleep
As the months pass you may have trouble sleeping, let alone when your baby arrives! So get as much shut-eye as you can now.
Stay active
If you're already active, it's still safe to carry on exercising when you're pregnant. Staying active and healthy while you’re pregnant will help you adapt more easily to the changes you’re about to go through as well as labour.
What to do at 1 month pregnant
Figuring out your due date
Your due date is worked at as 40 weeks from the first day of your last period. The midwife or doctor will work this out for you when you go to confirm the pregnancy. If you can't wait, you can use our due date calculator to find out earlier.
Pelvic floor exercises
Don't underestimate how beneficial these exercises are during pregnancy. These simple muscle clenches can help strengthen the muscles that you’ll be using during childbirth and lower the risk of incontinence afterwards.
Try to stop smoking and drinking alcohol
It can be difficult to stop smoking, but one of the best things you can do for your baby is to try and stop. If you like to drink, it's also best to stop as drinking alcohol can also cause serious complications, especially during the first 3 months. The NHS explains that "when you drink, alcohol passes from your blood through the placenta to your baby and can seriously affect their development."
Conclusion
Although you're in the very early stages of pregnancy, it's important to stay positive and look after your general wellbeing. While outwardly things might still appear the same, something incredible is happening inside. This early stage is a precious time so it's important to lay the foundation for the growth and transformation that's soon to follow.
This article has been compiled using information, advice and guidance provided by the NHS.
About the author
Lorna White is a Senior Digital Writer and has written for Mother&Baby since 2020. She has a keen interest in a range of topics, from potty training and nutrition to baby names and maternity fashion.