First week of pregnancy

   First week of pregnancy

THE 280-DAY COUNTDOWN BEGINS HERE—EVEN THOUGH YOU HAVEN’T YET CONCEIVED

It’s business as was common for your body in the week . You’re having a period, so you recognize you’re not pregnant. But if you conceive during this menstrual cycle, the primary day of your period will count because the first day of pregnancy. It’s an honest idea to review your lifestyle and to form sure that you understand how everything works “inside.” Knowing the facts may help to boost your chances of conceiving.

 THIS IS DAY 1 OF YOUR MENSTRUAL CYCLE
279 days to go...

  WHAT’S HAPPENING INSIDE On the first week of pregnancy ?

The lining of the uterus builds up in the first two weeks of the menstrual cycle to prepare for pregnancy. The yellow and blue areas seen here are cells and the pink area, secretions. If no pregnancy occurs, the lining breaks down and menstruation occurs. 

This is day one of your period. If you are trying to conceive during this menstrual cycle, keep a note of this highly significant date.

Although this is officially the first day of your pregnancy, you won’t conceive until around two weeks from now. This is classified as “day one” because once you conceive your pregnancy will be dated from the first day of your menstrual period. It would be more logical to date a pregnancy from the day of ovulation or conception, but, like most women, you’re unlikely to know the day on which you ovulate, let alone conceive. You are, however, far  more likely to remember when your last period started, especially if you’re hoping to get pregnant and are keeping a record of your menstrual cycle. While dating a pregnancy in this way is a handy, if slightly baffling, convention, it does mean that your body is getting geared up for pregnancy from today. In around 280 days, or nine months’ time, you could be holding your newborn baby in your arms. Good luck and enjoy the journey!

FOCUS ON... NUTRITION   " First week of pregnancy" 

Take folic acid

Start taking this vital supplement now, from day one, if you haven’t already. You should take folic acid as soon as you begin trying to conceive because it will be essential to your baby’s development in the first few weeks of pregnancy. 

 The amount of folic acid that has been shown to be effective is a daily supplement of 400 mcg. A diet of foods rich in folate is also advisable so eat plenty of green vegetables, such as green beans, spinach, and broccoli; legumes, such as peas, beans, and chickpeas; fortified cereals; and wheat germ and other fortified grains. 

TIME TO THINK ABOUT

 Having a baby

 There’s no perfect time to become parents, but you might want to bear in mind the following: 

• While practical matters such as the state of your finances and the size of your house are considerations, remember that being parents is about more than what you are able to offer your baby materially. 
• This is a decision only you and your partner can make. Don’t act on the advice of family members and friends. 
• You might conceive immediately or it could take several months, so relax and don’t have a set date in mind.

AS A MATTER OF FACT 

Just 20 percent of couples actively trying to conceive become pregnant in the first monthly cycle. 

For 75 percent of couples it takes six months. So be patient and try not to get too stressed if you don’t manage to conceive immediately

THIS IS DAY 2 OF YOUR MENSTRUAL CYCLE 

278 days to go... 

 WHAT’S HAPPENING INSIDE  On your  First week of pregnancy ?

Your eggs are already developing, as can be seen in this color-enhanced ovary. The small white structures are the immature follicles that contain the eggs at different stages of development. Once one of the follicles matures, the egg will burst out.

By tracking your menstrual cycle and understanding how it works, you may increase your chances of conceiving.

This is day two of your period and day two of your complete menstrual cycle, which starts on the first day of your period and ends on the first day of your next period. A full cycle is, on average, 28 days, but many women have a shorter or longer cycle. 

This may be the time when your period is at its heaviest, since the tissue and blood that make up the lining of the uterus (the endometrium) is shed. The average blood loss during menstruation is around two tablespoons (30 ml). While the lining is being sloughed off.

the blood vessels in the uterus constrict, which can cause cramplike period pains. As soon as your period has finished, an egg begins to mature within its follicle in one of your ovaries, ready to be released around mid-cycle. This is called ovulation. 

Meanwhile, the lining of the uterus starts to build up again under the influence of the hormones progesterone and estrogen, ready to receive a fertilized egg. If the egg is not fertilized, hormone levels fall, the lining sheds, and the cycle begins again.  

AS A MATTER OF FACT 

Periods can synchronize in women who live or work together.

Scientists claim that pheromones (chemicals that trigger a biological response in someone) waft from one woman to another. Receptors in the nose detect these pheromones and a biological process takes place whereby one woman naturally adjusts her menstrual cycle.

 THIS IS DAY 3 OF YOUR MENSTRUAL CYCLE 

277 days to go...

 WHAT’S HAPPENING INSIDE?

The lining of the uterus, known as the endometrium, can be seen here (pink structure) shedding during menstruation. This happens if a fertilized egg does not implant. The red dots are red blood cells, released when the blood vessels break down.

 

When you’re trying to get pregnant, it helps to be aware of lifestyle and medical factors that can affect your menstrual cycle.

You may notice the timing and volume of your period differs. Your menstrual cycle can be affected by stress as well as by medical conditions, such as an overactive thyroid. In both these cases, periods can become lighter or less frequent. If your periods are erratic, it can be difficult to predict when you might ovulate. Unpredictable or missed periods may mean that ovulation isn’t occurring at all. If you know this to be the case because you’re monitoring the signs of ovulation, or using ovulation predictor tests, seek medical advice about your fertility. 

You may be able to become pregnant naturally and easily despite problems related to your period, but some conditions that cause long, irregular, or heavy periods are linked to lower fertility. Heavy periods can be caused by conditions such as fibroids, which can affect fertility. A higher than average level of blood loss can also make you anemic, which is not the best start for pregnancy for you or your baby, so you may want to look at boosting your iron intake. 

Painful periods can impact fertility. Endometriosis is a common disorder that can make periods painful and cause discomfort during sex. If you have these symptoms, see your doctor who might arrange a scan or refer you to a specialist. In endometriosis, cells resembling those that line the uterus come to lie outside the uterus on structures such as the ovaries, the fallopian tubes, and walls of the pelvis. There are treatments for endometriosis, including laser surgery, that can boost a woman’s chances of conceiving.

ASK A... DOCTOR

Should I monitor my menstrual cycle? Yes, monitoring your cycle is an important part of planning for pregnancy because it can help you figure out roughly which day you’re ovulating and thereby improve your chances of conceiving. It means you can ensure you have sexual intercourse at roughly the right time. 

It’s also helpful to note the length of your cycle, which may vary. The most important thing to note is that from ovulation to the start of your next period is always around 14 days so when you get your next period, you can figure out roughly when you ovulated.

FOCUS ON... IVF 

Stimulating egg follicles

IVF (in vitro fertilization) may be an option if a woman is having trouble conceiving. The first stage with this procedure is to stimulate the ovaries to produce many follicles, so that multiple eggs can be fertilized outside the body. 

Starting on around day three of your cycle, you will be given drugs to stimulate your ovaries. You will need to inject yourself (see right) or use a nasal spray to suppress the normal cycle, followed by injections of a follicle-stimulating-like hormone. Egg retrieval will then take place.

THIS IS DAY 4 OF YOUR MENSTRUAL CYCLE 
276 days to go... 

 WHAT’S HAPPENING INSIDE?

In this color 3-D scan of the human brain, the green central structure is the hypothalamus. This controls emotions and body temperature, and releases chemicals that regulate the release of hormones from the pituitary gland (green circle at bottom). 

Like many women, you may sometimes feel ruled by your hormones, and it helps to understand why they fluctuate.

The hormone build-up to ovulation starts right now in week one of your menstrual cycle. Your pituitary gland, which lies in the base of your brain, produces follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). During your period, the level of FSH rises steadily, triggering the development of the follicles (around 15– 20 each month) in each ovary. As well as containing each egg, the follicles produce estrogen. 

The hormone estrogen circulates, affecting the pituitary gland and causing it to produce luteinizing hormone (LH)—this triggers ovulation. This week your estrogen levels are low and steady, but will rise dramatically later in your cycle. 

Progesterone levels are low during your period, but start to rise several days afterward and stay high for the second part of the cycle. Under the influence of progesterone, the muscles in the cervix relax, easing open the cervical canal. Changes also affect the mucus, which becomes more fluid, so sperm find it easier to swim through. It is progesterone that enables the lining of the uterus to thicken in preparation for implantation of the fertilized egg.

AS A MATTER OF FACT 

Men get PMS too! 

Scientists have confirmed there’s a male version of PMS—Irritable Male Syndrome. Mood swings, temper tantrums, and loss of libido in men were found to be caused by falling levels of testosterone due to stress.

THE LOWDOWN

Fertility rites 

Rooted in folklore, these fertility tips require a leap of faith and a good sense of humor!

Use the moon. Exponents of “lunaception” believe that women whose menstrual cycle aligns with the lunar cycle—so they menstruate during the new moon and ovulate when the moon is full—have more chance of conceiving. It’s based on the theory that women’s cycles are influenced by natural light.

Dance around the Maypole. Maypoles are thought to herald the arrival of spring and celebrate fertility.

THIS IS DAY 5 OF YOUR MENSTRUAL CYCLE 
275 days to go... 

 WHAT’S HAPPENING INSIDE?

This cross section through the ovary shows several ovarian follicles. Between each follicle, the connective tissue can be seen. Each month about 15–20 follicles mature, but it is usually only one that will fully mature and release an egg.

Making some lifestyle changes is essential when you’re trying to get pregnant and cutting down on alcohol is a good start. 

Even though it’s still the week of your period, and some time before you ovulate, try to ensure you’re in the best possible health to maximize fertility. One way is to cut down your alcohol intake. 

Heavy drinking can reduce the chances of conceiving and, if you do get pregnant, it can also harm your unborn baby’s development. There is plenty of evidence that drinking beyond the recommended amounts is harmful. What’s lacking is evidence of the effects on conception and pregnancy of the occasional alcoholic drink. There is no known safe level of alcohol consumption for pregnant women. However, many women decide to err on the side of caution and stop drinking alcohol entirely while trying to conceive and in early pregnancy. Some find that morning sickness naturally reduces desire for alcohol. 

Alcohol also affects male fertility. It has adverse effects on the quantity and quality of sperm produced, and drinking large amounts can cause impotence. 

You may find a drink helps you and your partner relax and puts you in the mood for sex, thereby increasing your chances of conception, but you may want to rethink having the occasional glass of your favorite tipple. The US Surgeon General recommends that women trying to get pregnant abstain from alcohol to eliminate potential problems. 

Opt for nonalcoholic drinks if you’re trying to get pregnant. A high intake of alcohol can adversely affect your chances of conceiving. 

AS A MATTER OF FACT 

Illicit or “street” drugs can harm your unborn baby.

You should try to stop using drugs before you conceive. However if you regularly use drugs, or find it hard to manage without them, it is essential to get medical support. Ask your doctor for advice. He or she will be able to help and put you in touch with a support group.

TIME TO THINK ABOUT 

Medical checkups

Before you try to conceive, speak to your doctor about the following tests:

• Rubella: have a blood test to check that you have antibodies against rubella (German measles). Being infected by the rubella virus for the first time in early pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of the baby developing an abnormality, and increasing the risk of miscarriage. If you were vaccinated against rubella as a child, your antibody level may be high enough to protect your baby. If it isn’t high enough, you’ll be offered a MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine and advised not to conceive for three months. 

• O Sexually transmitted infections: go to your doctor for tests to rule out infections such as chlamydia, genital warts, and herpes. You may also want to consider having an HIV test at your as well. Women with HIV can still bear children, but may be prescribed a medicine to reduce the chances of passing the infection to their child. A cesarean may be recommended.

THIS IS DAY 6 OF YOUR MENSTRUAL CYCLE 
274 days to go... 

WHAT’S HAPPENING INSIDE ?

In this artwork of the uterus, the green central structure is the pear-shaped uterus itself; the red part is the cavity of the uterus. The blue structures to either side are the fallopian tubes, which each have an ovary, seen in pink here, at the end.

Eating well is an essential part of conception and pregnancy so you and your partner should get into good habits now.

FOCUS ON... NUTRITION 

Vital B vitamins 

Your diet should include foods containing B vitamins. Take a pregnancy multivitamin if needed. 

• B1 deficiency has been linked to failed ovulation and implantation. 
• B2 deficiency has been linked to infertility and miscarriage. 
• B5 is important for conception and fetal development. 
• B6 is essential for the formation and functioning of sex hormones. 
• B12, with folate, is essential to fetal development.

Take the time in this first two weeks of your cycle, before you ovulate, to look at what you eat on a daily basis—if you and your partner make some simple changes to your diet, it might just improve your chances of conception. 

Use this opportunity to check your weight ie. your Body Mass Index (BMI) since a BMI of under 19 or over 24 could adversely affect fertility. 

If you’re overweight, excess fat tissue may affect your metabolism and hormones and you may not ovulate as regularly, or at all. If you need fertility treatment, the chances of success are also lower if you’re overweight, because you may respond less well to the drugs that stimulate ovulation. Once you’re pregnant, being overweight can also cause an increased risk of complications, decreasing the chance of carrying the pregnancy to full term.

Weighing too little when you’re trying to conceive isn’t healthy either. Pregnancy takes its toll on a woman’s reserves, so a little stored fat is a good thing for mother and baby. Being seriously underweight can affect ovulation and make periods irregular or absent, and conception unlikely. 

Your BMI when you conceive is also a good indication of how much weight you should gain once you’re pregnant so it’s worth getting it checked at this point.

THIS IS DAY 7 OF YOUR MENSTRUAL CYCLE 

273 days to go... 

WHAT’S HAPPENING INSIDE ?

Here an egg can be seen, in orange, developing in the ovary. The cells of the follicle, in which it is contained, can be seen surrounding the egg. At birth, baby girls have millions of follicles present in their ovaries.

When you’re trying to get pregnant, you need to take your age into account because your fertility will change as you get older. 

In about a week’s time you are likely to ovulate. At the start of puberty, you had no more than about 400 eggs in your ovaries, and will have made no new eggs. Your lifetime of eggs were there when you were born. Given these facts, it’s hardly a surprise that your fertility falls as you age. 

Women 20–24 are generally at their most fertile and although, for most women, periods continue until their early fifties, the rate of fertility gradually lowers in the 30s, 40s, and 50s and the rate of chromosomal abnormalities and miscarriage increases. Nonetheless, every year thousands of babies are born to women in their late thirties and forties. Women can conceive beyond that age, which is why doctors advise menopausal women to use contraception for two years after their last period. 

If, however, you’re hoping to start a family, it’s safe to assume that fertility begins to fall off sharply after age 35. Your age also affects the quality of your eggs. In women in their early 20s, around 17 percent of eggs have a chromosomal abnormality, but the figure rises to over 75 percent in women in their 40s. Chromosomal problems increase the chances of having a child with a disorder such as Down syndrome.

The follicle lies below the surface of the ovarian wall and protrudes just prior to ovulation. The follicle is most likely to rupture and release an egg mid-cycle, around days 13 and 14 of a 28-day cycle.

If you’re concerned about your fertility, it is possible to have a blood test that can give an indication of your remaining ovary function so that you know how much reproductive time you have left. While some tests are based on levels of FSH and estrogen, newer tests use other markers found in the blood, such as anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) and inhibin B. 

But making a baby depends on more than releasing an egg; it must travel down the fallopian tube, be fertilized, implant, and the pregnancy be maintained. There’s also the father’s contribution to consider (see box, right).

THE MALE BIOLOGICAL CLOCK? 

A man can continue to make sperm more or less throughout his life, so you might not expect male fertility to fall significantly. There are plenty of older fathers around that seemingly prove this. 

Recent research from France, however, found that men over 35 took a lot longer to get their partner pregnant. For those who conceived, there was a slightly higher risk of miscarrying. This is because sperm from older men is more likely to contain damaged DNA. So although older couples do conceive, it’s a fact that men, like women, pass their peak fertility

AS A MATTER OF FACT 

Sperm have a long and perilous journey of 12–16 in (30–40 cm) to reach the egg.

This is why nature is bountiful when it comes to sperm, producing many millions with each ejaculation. On average each ejaculation produces 2–8 ml of semen, with over 40 million sperm in each milliliter.

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