Week 3

This week you will excrete higher levels of pheromones at this time, making you even more sexually attractive than usual. Have fun! Also, ovulation occurs during the course of this week. One of your ovaries has ripened and released an egg (ovum). It is swept up by the bell shaped end of the fallopian tube and begins its journey toward the uterus.

During intercourse, your partner will ejaculate anywhere from 140 to 350 million sperm. If the conditions are just right with your cervical fluid, some of those sperm can live up to 5 days. However, only about 200 sperm will actually make it through the uterus and into the correct fallopian tube eventually encountering your ovum. And then, sometime between 12 and 24 hours after you ovulate, only one, or in some cases of twins, two of the sperm will have enough strength left after they reach the egg in order to break through the outer layers of the ovum and complete conception.

And… Voila! You are pregnant!

Your progesterone levels will increase this week causing the lining of the uterus to build up its supply of glycogen, arterial blood, secretory glands, amino acids and water. Those higher levels of progesterone also have a calming effect on the uterus, making it less contractible, thereby stopping your menstrual period and allowing the pregnancy to continue. This is why progesterone is often called the hormone of pregnancy.

The fertilized egg, will spend the next 3 to 7 days traveling down the fallopian tube to the uterus. When it arrives, it will float freely within the uterus for another few days before it implants in the wall of the uterus. You may experience a little bloody spotting at the time of this implantation.

Week 2

Your last period is finished and now your uterus is building a new layer of endometrium to cushion and nourish your soon to be conceived baby. Interestingly, deep within the uterine walls circular groups of lymphoid aggregates or immune system cells are beginning to develop.

One of your ovaries is growing and ripening an egg, preparing for ovulation. You will experience a rise in your estrogen levels accompanying ovulation making you more receptive to others. Many women find they are at their peak level of energy and creativity during this week of their cycle.

Week 1

You started your period on the first day of this week. It will be your last period for at least the next nine or ten months. Some women, especially those who choose to breastfeed exclusively, may not have another period for a year and a half!

It seems odd to begin counting the weeks of your pregnancy with your last menstrual period, however, most women are not conscious of the day they ovulate, much less the day they conceive their baby. Since most can remember the day their period started, it makes a very clear starting point for determining the due date for your upcoming birth.

Remember that your due date is just an estimate! The average pregnancy last 40 weeks. Most women deliver their babies between 38 and 40 weeks from the first day of their last period.

Oh, by the way, if you are hoping or planning to become pregnant this is the time to begin improving your diet and adding vitamin supplements such as folic acid and iron.

Help with Swelling Problem During Pregnancy

Swelling or scientifically known as Edema is a common problem during pregnancy especially those who have reached the third trimester. Your blood chemistry is experiencing some changes therefore causing some fluid to go into your tissue. Besides, your uterus that is obviously growing by the day puts pressure on your pelvic veins and your vena cava which is the large vein on the right side of the body that carries blood from your lower limbs back to the heart. This kind of pressure slowing the return of blood from your legs, causing it to pool, which forces fluid from your veins into the tissues of your feet and ankles.

As weird as it may sound, the best thing you can do to combat swelling is to drink more water. You may be thinking, wait a minute, if the cause of my swelling is from excess fluid than why should I drink more of it. Wouldn’t it make me look like a balloon instead? Well, no. In truth, the more water you drink the less water your body will hold on to.

Don’t forget to put your feet up whenever you can. And avoid crossing your legs or ankles whenever you sit. That way, you could help keeping pressure from your legs and making it easier for blood to move around. Whenever you lie down, it helps if you lie on your left side to keep pressure off the vena cava as it is on the right side.

You might also consider wearing some support stockings during your pregnancy. These will not only help combat swelling, but may help prevent or minimize the effects of varicose veins later in pregnancy. Most medical care suppliers carry support hosiery that works well for women during pregnancy.

Avoid socks or stockings that are tight around the ankles. Also, find yourself a pair of comfortable shoes to accommodate the swelling.

Pregnancy is not an excuse to be lazy. In fact, you should exercise regularly, be it walking, swimming, or riding an exercise bike. Or you could even take up water aerobics class, immersion in water may temporarily help reduce swelling, particularly if the water level is up near your shoulders. And it’s fun!

Don’t let swelling bring your mood down or making you feel miserable. Just keep in mind that this is just temporary. Once you give birth, the swelling will disappear quickly. So, chin up, soldier. You’ll be fine.