Pregnancy Week By Week: Week One

Wahoo, you're pregnant! Or are you? Okay since there's really no such thing as being one week pregnant, let's call this the hopeful week. Maybe you're planning to get pregnant?

Why is there no such thing as one week pregnant? That's because the official counting of pregnancy weeks begins on the first day of your last menstrual period (LMP). And of course you can't actually be pregnant on this date because a new egg needs to drop and be fertilized.

Figuring Your Due Date

Your doctor figures out a due date by counting from the first day of your LMP for a good reason. The thing is, so many women don't know when they last ovulated. Do you? You may not know the LMP either, but it's easier to pin down than ovulation. It's the best predictor doctor's have to determine your baby's due date.

LMP is different from your gestational age, which is calculated based on the date you actually conceived. These estimates are both valuable, but keep in mind they are just that - estimates.

Timing Is Everything

If you're trying to become pregnant you may want to pick up an ovulation kit from your local drug store. If you have a regular 28-day cycle, you'll probably ovulate on about the 14th day after you started your last period, or LMP. However, not every woman conforms to this cycle. That said, ovulation kits can still be helpful in predicting whether or not it's a good time to try to conceive.

Contrary to what your mother told you, it's actually not that probable that you'll conceive when you want to. If you can get a rough idea of your ovulation date you have a much better chance at conception, especially if you try for ten days in a row. Get those sperm in there before, during, and after the egg drops for best results.

Oops - I Didn't Know...

Okay so what if say, hypothetically, you sort of maybe tie one on and then later find out you're pregnant? Not to worry. Many a healthy baby has been born nine months after that wild birthday bash or New Year's Eve celebration. Of course, if you're planning to get pregnant go ahead and start to get your body prepared. This means healthy diet choices, pre-natal vitamins, and abstaining from drugs, smoking, and just saying no to alcohol.

Knowledge Is Power

If you're set on getting pregnant, you may want to read up on what's ahead. The good news is that there are plenty of books, articles and websites out there to appeal to every personality. Just be careful not to compare yourself too much with the play by play according to the books. Everyone else's experience is but a roadmap for your own. It can be comforting to know what other people have gone through. Make sure you pick up a journal and keep notes along the way - you'll be glad you did!