When does pregnancy begin?

Pregnancy is a unique state during which a woman's body undergoes numerous physiological changes, from the moment of conception until the birth of the child. But when does pregnancy actually begin? This is one of the most frequently asked questions by expectant parents. In this article, we will see how to correctly calculate the term of pregnancy, what happens in a woman's body during the first days and weeks, and we will discuss the main recommendations that will help maintain the health of the project until the birth of the child.

How to correctly calculate the term of pregnancy?

When it comes to determining gestational age, it is easy to get lost in the numbers, especially considering that there are two ways to calculate it:

1. The obstetrical term starts on the first day of the last menstrual period. This is the calculation method used by doctors worldwide. The obstetrical term includes the entire menstrual cycle before conception, so it is always longer than the actual (embryonic) pregnancy by about 2 weeks.
2. The embryonic due date - counted from the moment of ovulation, that is, the day when the egg is released from the follicle and can be fertilized. For women with a regular menstrual cycle (such as a 28-day cycle), ovulation occurs between the 12th and 16th day, making the embryonic due date two weeks earlier than the obstetrical due date.

The confusion often arises because doctors and healthcare professionals use obstetrical weeks, while expectant mothers tend to focus on the embryonic term. However, in global practice, it is customary to use exactly the obstetrical term, as it takes the entire menstrual cycle into account and allows for more accurate predictions of fetal development.

What happens to the future mother's body?

In the first week of obstetrical pregnancy, a woman cannot yet be considered pregnant in the usual sense of the term. This is actually a period of renewal of the body, which is preparing for future conception. At this time, in one of the ovaries, a follicle begins to form - a fluid-filled sac containing an egg. Under the influence of hormones (primarily follicle-stimulating hormone - FSH), one of the follicles begins to develop more rapidly than the others and becomes "dominant."

When the dominant follicle reaches maturity, the woman's body increases estrogen levels, a hormone that helps prepare the uterus for pregnancy. A network of blood vessels forms in the endometrium (the inner lining of the uterus), which plays a key role in nourishing the embryo once it is implanted.

When approaching the process of pregnancy from the perspective of artificial insemination, it is important to consider the different options:

1. In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is a method in which the fertilization of the egg takes place outside the woman's body. As part of IVF, embryos obtained in the laboratory are transferred to a uterus prepared for this purpose. In this case, the conception date is known precisely, making it easier to calculate gestational age.
2. IVF with egg donation is used when a woman's eggs cannot be used for any reason (for example, low ovarian reserve or hereditary diseases). In this case, eggs from a donor are fertilized with sperm from the partner or a donor, and then the embryo is transferred to the future mother's uterus.
3. IVF with double donation - when donor eggs and sperm are used. This method is suitable for couples where both partners have medical indications for the use of donor cells.

Each of these methods has its own specificities and nuances, but the ultimate goal remains the same: the birth of a healthy child.

What are the basic recommendations for a pregnant woman?

The first obstetrical week of pregnancy is a period of preparation for the female body for an important event. If a woman is considering pregnancy, she should follow these recommendations:

1. Diet correction: it is important to exclude harmful products and add more greens, vegetables, and vitamin-rich foods to the menu. Special attention should be given to foods containing folic acid: green salads, spinach, green peas, asparagus, broccoli, and avocados. Fish, especially those containing omega-3 fatty acids, should also become a regular guest at your table.
2. Giving up bad habits: tobacco, alcohol, and excessive caffeine consumption negatively impact conception possibilities and the normal course of pregnancy. Therefore, it is important to quit these habits as early as the planning stage.
3. Hydration: it is recommended to calculate your individual water intake according to the following formula: your weight (in kg) x 30 ml. This amount of fluid helps maintain an optimal level of hydration in the body.
4. Vitamin intake: Folic acid is essential for the formation of the embryo's neural tube. If a woman has genetic mutations that interfere with folate metabolism, it is helpful to take metafolin (methylfolate), a form of folic acid that is easily absorbed by the body.
5. Correcting deficiencies: if tests reveal deficiencies in vitamins and micronutrients such as vitamin D, it is advisable to compensate for these deficiencies under a doctor's supervision.
6. A healthy sleep and mental well-being: An 8-hour sleep promotes the normal functioning of all systems in the body. Rest and a positive attitude also play an important role in preparing the body for successful ovulation.
7. Keeping a calendar: Tracking your menstrual cycle helps determine the exact day of ovulation, which is particularly important when planning natural conception.

Thus, the first week of an obstetrical pregnancy is a preparatory phase during which a woman and her partner lay the foundations for a successful conception and the birth of a child.

Ultimately, regardless of how conception occurs - naturally or with the help of reproductive technologies - one thing remains important: the right attitude, self-care, and preparation for the future changes brought about by this amazing process called pregnancy.