1 month

In the first month of pregnancy, twins and triplets are formed as identical or separate twins/triplets. As a result of fertilization of an egg with a sperm, identical twins/triplets are formed by dividing into two or three zygotes. Separate/fraternal twins/triplets are formed by releasing more than one egg and fertilizing it separately.

Gender chromosomes are divided into two groups as X and Y. Eggs carry only the X chromosome. Sperms carry an equal number of X and Y chromosomes. When the sperm with X chromosome fertilises the egg, an XX baby, i.e. a girl, begins to form. As a result of the fertilization of the egg by the sperm with Y chromosome, XY, that is, a male baby, is formed. In this case, it is the sperm that determines the sex of the baby.

After the pregnancy sac was formed, a yolk sac was formed in the baby. However, this sac is not visible in the 1-month pregnancy examination. This sac is also called the yolk sac. It plays an important role in the development of the embryo and acts as a liver due to its structure. The yolk sac, which provides immune formation, decreases between 10-12 weeks and disappears. The length of the sac varies between 3-5.5 mm, although it differs in each pregnant woman. The yolk sac, which looks black on the inside, can be easily observed on ultrasound when the baby reaches 8-10 mm in length. The yolk sac is almost attached to the wall of the gestational sac. As the baby grows, as the chorionic space between the gestational sac and the uterus decreases, the yolk sac also compresses and disappears.

During the first formation of the baby, the expectant mother will not feel anything. Some women are very sensitive and realise and feel that they are pregnant before their period. By the 4th week, some expectant mothers may have a slight brownish spotting. It is stated that this spotting may occur as a result of the placement of the embryo in the uterine wall.

Symptoms of 1 month of pregnancy begin when the woman notices that the menstrual day has passed. Expectant mothers usually do a pregnancy urine test first to find out if they are pregnant. The urine test may not show 3-4 weeks of pregnancy, but some of the tests performed during these weeks may show a faint line. A faint line means pregnancy. If the test result is positive, it is necessary to see a doctor immediately. The doctor asks the expectant mother for a blood test. Thus, the levels of Beta hCG, the pregnancy hormone, in the blood are determined. This gives an idea of the course of the pregnancy. Although Beta HCG value varies among expectant mothers during 1 month of pregnancy, normal values are between 3-426 (mIU/L). Beta hCG value increases 1 times every two days. At this initial examination, the doctor evaluates the possibility of an ectopic pregnancy. Ectopic pregnancy is most common in the fallopian tubes, ovaries, and abdominal cavity.

After fertilisation has taken place and the embryo has formed, pregnancy hormones begin to be secreted rapidly in the body of the expectant mother. Fat deposition may begin in the waist area of the expectant mother in the 1st month of pregnancy. This tendency to rapid fat deposition in the body is explained by the fact that the body takes precautions against the possibility of any scarcity.

After the pregnancy hormones begin to be secreted, the expectant mother’s metabolic rate begins to increase. Blood circulation is accelerated and more blood is pumped to the organs.

Symptoms of first-month pregnancy also include:

• Fatigue and drowsiness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Groin pains

If it is a particularly desired pregnancy, the expectant mother feels an indescribable sense of happiness and excitement. With the instinct to take care of her baby in the best way, she quickly starts to investigate and take precautions. She decides to make some adjustments in her life.

When the expectant mother learns that she is pregnant, she first wants to know the estimated date of birth of the baby. Ready-made calendars can be used for this. Or, the expectant mother can calculate the estimated date of birth by adding 280 days to the first day of the last menstrual period. This practical calculation can also be made by adding 7 to the last menstrual day in the calendar and subtracting 3 from the month digit.

•  As soon as pregnancy is detected, the doctor recommends folic acid supplementation to the expectant mother. Folic acid is an important vitamin for the neural tube development (development of the spinal cord structure) of the baby. It is recommended to be used without interruption during the first trimester of pregnancy. Women planning a pregnancy should take folic acid supplements from the days they plan and continue for the first trimester of pregnancy
• Expectant mothers mostly wonder whether factors such as drugs, alcohol, etc. will harm the baby during the period of fertilization. The prevailing opinion is that such factors do not harm the baby until the pregnancy is learned. However, the same is definitely not true after learning. Expectant mothers should be sensitive about these issues. From the moment pregnancy is planned, all factors that may be negative for the health of the baby and mother should be eliminated.
• Expectant mothers who have had a miscarriage before, completed their pregnancy by overcoming the risk of miscarriage, or experienced problems such as preeclampsia during the previous pregnancy should inform their doctor about these and similar issues at the first examination. If a miscarriage occurs at 1 month of pregnancy, the expectant mother will not feel anything significant. It overcomes this process similar to menstrual bleeding.
• After learning that she is pregnant, every expectant mother should give up habits such as smoking and alcohol, if any, without delay. It is much more ideal to quit such habits, if possible, from the period when pregnancy is planned. If she routinely uses antidepressants and other medications, she should inform her gynecologist about these issues from the first examination. No medication should be used during pregnancy without consulting a doctor.