The early symptoms of pregnancy and the first stages of fetal development.

Your Baby

Pregnancy is calculated from the first day of your last period.  Even though a woman does not ovulate until about two weeks after the her period’s onset, the days before conception actually occurs are still considered as part of your pregnancy time count.

Implantation occurs 10-14 days after conception.  Some slight spotting or bleeding is common and is caused by the fertilized egg burrowing inside the lining of the uterus.

The neural tube forms.  This will later develop into the nervous system, forming the brain, spine, skin and hair.  The heart begins to develop at this early stage.

Changes in your Body

Early symptoms of pregnancy are similar to those of the onset of your period.  You may feel fatigue and a soreness of the breasts.  It is important to remember that pregnancy symptoms vary in different women and from pregnancy to pregnancy.  You may find yourself experiencing certain symptoms earlier or later than average.

If you suspect you are pregnant or are considering becoming pregnant, be sure to take a supplement of Folic Acid.  Make sure your body gets enough Folic Acid is very important to ensure a healthy formation of the baby’s neural tube and can prevent spinal bifida, a defect in the spinal chord.  Avoid x-rays, smoking (even second hand smoke), alcohol, and limit your intake of caffeine.  Overheating may damage the fetus, so avoid very hot baths, saunas and hot tubs.

Further reading

Pregnancy week 5 >

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