Fetal development 1 week of pregnancy • hello healthy

Embryo growth

Calculating gestational age and fetus at fetal development 1 week of gestation

Before understanding fetal development at 1 week of pregnancy, first note that fetal age and gestational age are different.

Gestational age is calculated from the first day of your last menstrual period (LMP). Later the estimated day of birth (HPL) will be calculated from your gestational age.

So, even though on your HPHT the fetus has not been formed because fertilization has not occurred, that week is still counted as the age of fetal development at 1 week of pregnancy. Because, at that time the body actually has prepared itself for pregnancy.

Then what about the age of the fetus? It is difficult to accurately ascertain how old the fetus is in the womb and when exactly conception occurs.

Doctors and midwives can only estimate the age of the fetus based on your gestational age. Ultrasound examination can only help estimate the age of the fetus.

However, there is no one hundred percent guarantee that the calculations are correct, including fetal development at 1 week of gestation.

In the development of the fetus 1 week of pregnancy, the age of the fetus can be smaller or larger than your gestational age.

Usually, fertilization does occur on days 11 to 21 since your HPHT. However, once again this cannot be ascertained with accuracy.

How is the development of the fetus 1 week of my pregnancy?

At 1 week of pregnancy, the fetus has not actually formed because fertilization may not have occurred.

So, independent pregnancy test withtestpackand examination at the obstetrician will not be able to detect the fetus in your womb.

Changes to the Body

How will my body change at 1 week of pregnancy?

At 1 week of pregnancy, your body is preparing for ovulation, which usually occurs between 12 and 14 days after your period.

Ovulation is the release of an adult egg from the ovary, aka the ovary, pushed into the fallopian tube, ready to be fertilized.

If you are planning a pregnancy, this is the perfect time to mark the calendar and predict ovulation.

What do I need to watch out for at 1 week of pregnancy?

In the development of the fetus 1 week of pregnancy, you don't need to worry about anything.

The only thing you should think about is sticking to a healthy diet and taking your prenatal vitamins. It is important to get adequate intake of vitamins, especially folic acid.

According to Kids Health, folic acid is needed to reduce risk neural tube defects (birth defects caused by incomplete development of the brain and spine), such as spina bifida.

The recommended dose at this stage is around 400 micrograms of folic acid a day. The dose may be higher in women who have a history of spina bifida.

Visit to Doctor / Midwife

What should I discuss with the doctor to help develop the fetus at 1 week of pregnancy?

If you are planning a pregnancy, talk to your doctor about the prescription and non-prescription drugs to use.

You need to be careful in your treatment because many prescription and non-prescription drugs can have a negative impact on the development of the fetus 1 week of pregnancy.

However, do not stop prescription drugs without consulting your doctor. It is the doctor who is allowed to weigh the benefits and risks of stopping treatment.

Here are some things to ask your doctor at 1 week of pregnancy:

Is it okay or not if I continue to use prescription and non-prescription drugs while planning a pregnancy?
What to do before planning a pregnancy?
Are there vaccinations that should be done before planning a pregnancy?

What tests do I need to know at 1 week of pregnancy?

To prepare your body for the baby's presence, the doctor will perform a complete physical examination.

Your doctor may refer to these tests to help maximize fetal development at 1 week of pregnancy:

PAP smear

The Pap smear is a test that can help detect any causes that could affect your chances of getting pregnant

Genetic test

This test can detect any genetic diseases that can be passed on to your baby. These include sickle cell anemia, thalassemia, and Tay-Sachs disease.

Blood test

This test will detect any sexually transmitted disease or immunity to rubella and chickenpox.

This will determine whether you need medication or immunizations before planning a pregnancy.

These tests will help your doctor provide precise guidance to prepare your body for a healthy 1 week pregnancy and fetal development.

Health and Safety

What do I need to know to maintain healthy fetal development at 1 week of pregnancy?

You may be wondering what you need to avoid to ensure a healthy pregnancy. When you are pregnant, your immune system is not as strong as when you were not pregnant.

You become more susceptible to infection. Therefore, you can discuss with your doctor about immunizations that are safe for you. Here are the vaccines you need to know, launching from the Parents page.

1. Measles, mumps, and rubella or measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccines

Measles is a viral infection. Some of the signs and symptoms include a low-grade fever, cough, runny nose, and a rash followed by a few days later.

Mumps is also a contagious viral infection that causes the salivary glands to swell. If you become infected with one of these diseases while pregnant, the risk of miscarriage is high.

The rubella virus, also known as German measles, gives off flu-like symptoms which are often followed by a rash.

Up to 85 percent of babies of mothers who develop this disease in the first trimester have serious birth defects, such as hearing loss and intellectual disabilities.

However, this vaccine is not safe during pregnancy for fetal development including at 1 week of age. You usually have to wait 1 to 3 months after receiving the MMR vaccine before starting pregnancy. Consult your doctor.

2. Smallpox vaccine

Smallpox is a highly contagious viral disease that can cause a fever and an itchy, uncomfortable rash.

About 2 percent of babies of mothers who get smallpox during the first five months of pregnancy will have birth defects, including limbs that are not formed and function properly.

A woman who catches smallpox around the time of giving birth can pass a life-threatening infection to her baby.

However, this vaccine is not safe to use while pregnant. It is important to check with your doctor before planning a pregnancy.

3. The flu shot

The Centers of Disease Control and prevention (CDC) recommends getting flu shots during pregnancy.

The flu shot is made from a dead virus and will not harm your baby. However, you should avoid the nasal spray flu vaccine called FluMist which is made from a live virus.

If you catch the flu of any type while pregnant, you are more likely to develop serious complications.

One serious complication is pneumonia, which is potentially life-threatening and can increase the risk of preterm birth. You're also at risk for flu-related complications after giving birth to your little one.

The flu vaccine is usually safe to take during pregnancy. There are studies that state that getting the flu vaccine during pregnancy provides protection for your baby after birth.

Your baby can receive some antibodies from you during pregnancy. If you are immune to the flu, your little one is less likely to catch the flu.