Week 1

My Baby's Development

This first week is actually your menstrual period. Since your EDD is calculated from the first day of your LMP, this week counts as part of your 40-week pregnancy, even though your baby hasn't been conceived yet.

My Body

During pregnancy, both your healthy habits and your baby's health will go hand in hand. While planning to conceive, take the time to prepare your body for motherhood. Before becoming pregnant, you should:

Avoid alcohol, drugs and tobacco products.

These substances can cause birth defects, fetal alcohol syndrome, respiratory problems, low birth weight and other health problems.

Tell your doctor if you take any prescription or nonprescription (OTC) drugs.

You'll need to take special precautions with medicines because many prescription and over-the-counter medicines can negatively affect the fetus. But don't stop taking prescription drugs without consulting your health care provider. They will help you to weigh the potential benefits and risks of stopping your medicines.

Maintain a diet with adequate amount of vitamins, especially folic acid.

Women who are attempting to become pregnant should take 400 micrograms of folic acid per day. Adequate folic acid intake reduces the risk of neural tube defects (birth defects caused by incomplete development of the brain or spinal cord), such as spina bifida. Be sure to talk to your health care provider about taking a folic acid supplement while you are trying to conceive.