Symptoms of Pregnancy in First Month

Are you noticing some changes in your body? It may include late periods, sore breasts or just the thought of eating a pickle that leaves your mouth watering. Changes like these may make you wonder, “Could I be … pregnant!?”. Having this first thought is normal. If you have your suspicions, you'll probably want to take a home pregnancy test. If the result is positive, it means good news is on its way! Congratulations, soon-to-be mom! Read on to find out more about the early signs and symptoms of pregnancy, how your one-month fetus develops in your one-month pregnant belly, and much more that is in store for you this month.

Understanding first month of pregnancy

At one month pregnant, you’re at the start of the first trimester. Though there is no standard way of grouping pregnancy weeks into months (as they don't fit evenly), the first month usually includes week one through week four of pregnancy.

Common first month pregnancy symptoms

At one month pregnant, you may not experience many or any first month pregnancy symptoms. However, some of the first month pregnancy symptoms that you must know are:

• A missed period:

If you have a regular menstrual cycle, this is perhaps the most telling sign of pregnancy. You might first suspect you could be pregnant when your period is late, and then when it never arrives at all.

• Mood Swings:

It’s also common to experience a range of moods — anything from being anxious and overwhelmed to feeling excited and ecstatic — when you find out you are pregnant. This is because the hormone levels start to rise dramatically during this period. Read more about mood swings during pregnancy.

• Bloating:

The surge of pregnancy hormones can lead to bloating, which you might even mistake for a normal symptom of PMS. Eating more fibre and getting regular exercise can help relieve bloating.

• Cramps:

Some moms-to-be get light uterine cramping in the early days and weeks of pregnancy. If the cramps are painful or are bothering you, schedule an appointment with your doctor. These sensations can sometimes feel like menstrual cramps, so you might think you're about to get your period. If cramps are painful or are bothering you, ask your doctor to recommend suitable pain relief medication.

• Spotting:

If you notice some spots of blood on your underwear, it could be what’s called implantation bleeding. This 1st month of pregnancy sign can happen when the fertilised egg implants itself in the uterine lining in early pregnancy. Wearing a panty liner can help prevent any accidental leaks or stains.

• Frequent urination:

When you become pregnant, the amount of blood in your body starts increasing. This means your kidneys have to work overtime to process the extra fluid, which then ends up in your bladder. Although some early symptoms of pregnancy may ease up over time, this might not be one of them. Don’t cut back on your fluid intake — it’s important to stay hydrated — but think about trying to pee before you leave your home or any time you might be away from a restroom for any length of time, such as before a meeting or a car trip.

• Sore or tender breasts:

Your breasts may be sensitive or even sore right now, but this early pregnancy symptom may subside in a few weeks as your body gets used to the hormonal changes taking place.

• Fatigue:

It’s not uncommon to feel a little more tired than usual, and the hormone progesterone may be to blame. Take it easy as much as you can and know that many moms-to-be experience a burst of energy once they enter the second trimester.

• Nausea:

The dreaded morning sickness (nausea with or without vomiting) often doesn’t hit until after the first month of pregnancy, but some moms-to-be may get it a bit sooner, and some lucky women may never experience any queasiness associated with early pregnancy at all. Try to stay hydrated, take a multivitamin, and sip ginger ale or ginger tea to help soothe your stomach.

• Constipation:

If you’re feeling a bit blocked up, chalk it up to those rising levels of hormones as it can slow down your digestive system. Prenatal vitamins, which typically contain iron, may also be a factor. Ask your doctor for advice on how to help get things going again.

• Food aversions:

When you’re newly pregnant, you might find that certain odours and flavours aren’t quite as appealing as they used to be. Feeling nauseous when you encounter certain foods and smells can sometimes go hand in hand with morning sickness. Use a kitchen fan when cooking and ask your partner to take out the garbage if certain smells start to bother you.

• Food Cravings:

This is one of the most common signs of early pregnancy experienced in the first trimester. You suddenly would crave something spicy, sour like a pickle, Pani Puri or even something sweet like a tub of ice cream or Gulab Jamun. These food cravings during pregnancy can occur due to the raging hormones or the extra work your body is doing to pump more blood.

How Is Your One-Month Fetus Developing This Month?

After conception, the fertilised egg travels along the fallopian tube to the uterus, where it will implant in the uterine lining. The egg divides into a bunch of cells, some of which become the embryo and some of which eventually become the placenta, which will provide nourishment for your baby during your pregnancy. The umbilical cord also forms between the embryo and the placenta, delivering nutrients and removing waste. The upcoming month is a time of rapid growth for your little one, as internal organs, bones, and tiny limbs are beginning to form. One quick note on the terminology you might see when reading up on baby development: During the first eight weeks, your little one may be referred to as an embryo in medical circles, whereas after this point your baby may be called a fetus until she is born.

How Big Is Your Baby When You’re 1 Month Pregnant?

At this stage your 1-month fetus is teeny-tiny, but by the start of the second month of pregnancy, your little one will be about ¼ of an inch long – or about the size of a pumpkin seed.

What Does an Embryo Look Like at 1 Month?

You and your partner would be excited to see your one-month pregnancy pictures, right? So, here’s a glimpse at how your little one might be looking inside your one-month pregnant belly.

Changes to Your Body at 1 Month Pregnant

You probably won’t be noticing any changes to your body just yet, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t a lot going on under the surface.

At this point, it’s important to prepare your body for pregnancy and childbirth by paying attention to your overall health and nutrition. This often means taking a multivitamin supplement to make sure you have all the nutrients you and your little one will need for the months ahead. Talk to your doctor at your first prenatal visit to make sure you’re getting the right amounts of the right vitamins.

It can also be helpful to begin or continue an exercise routine this month. Check with your doctor to make sure your favourite activities are safe during your 1-month pregnancy, but in general, getting regular exercise can help build the strength and endurance you’ll need throughout your pregnancy.

How Far Along Are You at 1 Month Pregnant?

At one month pregnant, you’re at the start of the first trimester. Though there is no standard way of grouping pregnancy weeks into months (as they don't fit evenly), the first month usually includes week one through week four of pregnancy.

The breakdown of weeks into trimesters also varies; here is a common method we'll follow:

• First trimester: 1 to 13 weeks

• Second trimester: 14 to 27 weeks

• Third trimester: 28 to 40 weeks (or until you give birth)

How Is Your Due Date Calculated?

At one month pregnant, you’ll be eager to know when your newborn will arrive. Our Due Date Calculator can give you an estimate, but your doctor may be able to give you a more accurate date. Your due date is calculated as 40 weeks pregnant, or 280 days, from the first day of your last menstrual period. Keep in mind that your due date is just an estimate. You may not remember the date of your last period; the length of your menstrual cycle may be shorter or longer than the 28-day average, and it’s very difficult to know exactly when ovulation or fertilisation occurred. Keep in mind, only a small percentage of babies are born exactly on their due date and most babies are born in the two weeks on either side of their due date.

When to contact a doctor during the first month of pregnancy?

We suggest you seek professional help immediately if you have:

• High fever

• Unusual vaginal discharge or heavy bleeding

• Persistent constipation or vomiting

• Dizziness

• Severe cramping

• Blurred vision

The mantra is to not hesitate to ask questions to your OB-GYN regarding any 1 month pregnancy signs or symptoms you witness in your first month of pregnancy. Remember that the right prenatal care is critical to ensuring that the mother and the baby are safe and healthy during the entire course of pregnancy.

Checklist For When You’re 1 Month Pregnant

• Research and select a prenatal doctor.

• Confirm your pregnancy by taking a home pregnancy test. Read about the pregnancy hormone hCG as it’s what most home pregnancy tests work to detect.

• Arrange a doctor’s checkup. Your doctor will confirm your pregnancy and give you guidance on the appointments you’ll need to keep over the coming months.

• Speak to your doctor about pregnancy nutrition and whether you need to take any prenatal vitamins, such as folic acid during pregnancy.

• Ask your doctor about what type of exercise is right for your situation. Exercise can help you get a better night’s sleep and can also help with pregnancy body aches and pains.

• Quit unhealthy habits like smoking and drinking and try to reduce stress.

• Although rare, it’s a good idea to read up on the signs of an ectopic pregnancy – just in case.

• Rest up whenever you can.

• If your partner doesn’t know you are pregnant yet, check out our fun ideas for how to announce your pregnancy to your partner.

• If you want to do something fun, start looking up baby names by heading to our Baby Name Generator. You can also take inspiration from mythological characters, or even your favourite celebrity names.

• You can opt for Garbhsanskar, a route that believes education starts in the womb. As per Ayurveda, your mind needs to be in a good emotional and spiritual state to promote the healthy growth of your baby in the womb and Garbh Sanskar is said to enable you to achieve this right.

• Speak to your loved ones about how you are feeling. This can be an emotional time, and you might be feeling all kinds of physical symptoms and pregnancy emotions that it may be best to share.

• Additionally, if you are an Indian woman expecting a baby, there are so many ceremonies that would leave you excited:

  • Godhbharai: The beloved baby shower/ Godhbharai which takes place in the seventh month of your pregnancy.

  • Naamkaram ceremony: The baby naming ceremony/ Naamkaran is done within a few days after your baby is born. Typically, this ceremony is performed 11 days after childbirth, just before the ‘Sutika’ period.

  • Annaprashan: This ceremony is performed to mark your baby’s first intake of foods, other than milk. In Kerala it’s called choroonu, mukhe bhaat in Bengal and bhaatkhulai in the Garhwal hills. In some cultures, for a baby boy child, the Annaprashan ceremony is performed in the even months (your child’s sixth or eighth month) and odd months for a baby girl (which includes the child’s fifth or seventh month).

  • Mundan: Mundan is a hair shaving ceremony primarily performed by Hindus. The Mundan Ceremony is usually performed when your child is seven, nine or eleven months old.

The Bottom Line

Being pregnant can be the most joyous feeling you would ever experience! At first, all of it can be a little too overwhelming. But gradually, your body and mind will ease into it. As your pregnancy will be progressing, there are a few things that would excite you. In the next month of pregnancy your little one will start to develop a tiny nose, mouth, and ears. Additionally, you might continue experiencing nausea and bloating. But worry not, just think about your precious little one who has started growing in your belly and the memories you are about to make with him or her.