[an error occurred while processing this directive]

Pregnancy Week by Week
Week One

Mother:

Your last period has just started and you may be considering a pregnancy. Preconceptional health planning is a good idea. However, if you haven't started before now, make sure that you "act pregnant" until you know other wise. Taking a prenatal vitamin (available at most drug or grocery stores), with .4 mg of folic acid (to help prevent neural tube defects) is a good idea. Discontinuing any form of chemical birth control, and avoiding other chemicals such as: alcohol, tobacco (even second hand smoke), x-rays, over the counter medications, and even discussing the prescription medications you are currently taking with your care provider.

Baby:

As the uterus sheds it's lining, the hormones are preparing another egg for release.

Suggested Reading:

Taking Charge of Your Fertility by Toni Wenschler
An excellent resource for anyone trying to achieve or avoid a pregnancy, it can even tell you when you are pregnant! Better than a pregnancy test and more accurate than an ovulation prediction kit, it includes great pictures, stories, and charts!

Return to the Week by Week

Explore Pregnancy & Childbirth

More from About.com

Browse All About.com

Pregnancy & Childbirth

  1. Home

©2008 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.