Well, if you have a regular 28-day menstrual cycle, your egg will be released from your ovaries about 14 days after the first day you receive your previous period. The egg will merge with the sperm in the fallopian tubes.
It’s important to note that sperm can last up to five days in your body. However, an egg can only last up to a day. If you want to get pregnant, you should have sex during this time which is referred to as the “window of fertility.” Or visit Jacaranda Maternity for a Gynaecology consult. Gynaecology consult at Umoja Branch (Wallet Centre, opposite Shujaa Mall) is on convenient days and times, every Wednesday and Saturday from 8am to 5pm.
Week 1 and 2 are when your body is preparing to become pregnant.
Week 1
Well, this is mind-blowing but you're technically not pregnant at week 1. Here’s why; pregnancies are calculated as 40 weeks from the first day of your previous period. To calculate your pregnancy, healthcare providers calculate the week but you’re really not pregnant since you haven’t conceived yet.
Week 2
During this week, chances are, your period has already ended and ovulation might be days away. If you have sex during this week, once the egg and sperm merge, conception occurs and that’s the beginning of your pregnancy journey.
Symptoms
Typically, the first sign of pregnancy is missing your period after these two weeks. Some of the signs and symptoms of pregnancy will come in the next few weeks. However, some of the early symptoms are:
Spotting
Bloating
Frequent urination
Gas
Fatigue
Self-care
Taking care of yourself is essential during this time since you are preparing yourself for pregnancy. Here are a few pointers:
1. Exercise
Continue exercising to remain healthy. It is ok to continue your regular exercise routine, however, once you are pregnant the goal is to remain healthy and active but not to lose weight.
2. Diet
While you prepare to get pregnant, it’s important to add healthy foods to your diet; especially foods that are rich in folic acid and iron. Good nutrition gives you energy and provides your growing baby with the nutrients it needs to develop. You can visit your healthcare provider for nutrition advice. It’s also important to stop using alcohol, drugs and cigarettes during this time by adapting to a healthy lifestyle. If you are considering a pregnancy, you start a prenatal vitamin with folic acid to build up your body’s stores. These nutrients are important for the earliest stages of development before you may even know you are pregnant.
3. Mental health
During this time, you need to mentally prepare yourself to carry a baby. It can be stressful especially if you’re a new mother but your mental and emotional well-being is a very important factor that needs to be taken care of as much as your physical well-being.
You need to get enough rest and avoid stress and anxiety if possible.