WeMoms
2 Apr 2024
Fetal Development at Month 1
Fetal Development at Month 1
In the first month, your baby is technically called an embryo.
You might be surprised to know that the fertilized egg, or zygote, begins this amazing transformation the moment it attaches itself to the uterine wall.
- Week 1: Technically, this counts from the first day of your last menstrual cycle. Yep, you're "pregnant" before you're actually pregnant.
- Week 2: The miracle of life starts as the sperm and egg meet, forming the zygote.
- Week 3: The zygote begins its journey down the fallopian tube and starts to divide and grow in complexity.
- Week 4: By now, the zygote has made it to the uterus and burrows into the uterine wall. Voila, you've got an embryo!
Baby's First Organs: Let the Building Begin!
You might be feeling all sorts of things right now, but guess what?
Inside you, your tiny embryo is already getting to work forming its first organs. This process is called organogenesis, and it's crucial for the development of your baby's heart, spinal cord, and brain.
- Heart: Around the 22nd day, a tiny heart starts to form and will begin to pump blood in the coming weeks.
- Spinal Cord: The neural tube, which becomes the spinal cord and brain, starts to form.
- Brain: At this stage, it's not more than a neural plate, but it will fold and grow into a more complex structure soon enough.
At this stage, everything is still very rudimentary, but the foundations are being laid. It's truly astonishing how much is happening in such a short span of time.
What's Up With You: Early Pregnancy Symptoms
Now let's talk about you, because pregnancy is as much about the mom as it is about the baby, right?
During this first month, you might not even know you're pregnant unless you're actively looking for symptoms. And those can range from very subtle to hard-to-ignore.
- Missed Period: The classic sign, but not a guarantee.
- Tender Breasts: Hormones are already at work, making your breasts more sensitive.
- Fatigue: Growing a baby takes energy, and your body knows it.
- Frequent Urination: Your kidneys are processing more fluid, leading to more bathroom trips.
Feeling a little off? Listen to your body and consider taking a pregnancy test if you think you might be expecting.
The Dos and Don'ts: Healthy Choices in Month 1
Let's set the stage for a healthy pregnancy. This month, it's all about you and the choices you make, from nutrition to lifestyle.
Do:
Don't:
More info
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