1 Month Pregnant: Symptoms, Precautions, and What To Eat

'Congratulations! You are pregnant!' This good news of being pregnant is exhilarating enough for the couple to be on cloud nine. As soon as the news is broken and even before it sinks in, the pregnant couple is bombarded with advice from friends and relatives. Most of the advice focuses on precautions, food choices and health.

The first month of pregnancy is very crucial. The news could come in as a surprise, but the physical changes may start to occur even before the woman gets to know she is pregnant. The body is working overtime to grow a human. Hormonal changes also accelerate and cause mood swings during the first month.

All this could be overwhelming for the pregnant woman to deal with. During this delicate time, the precautions and being aware of changes taking place in the body could prepare the mom-to-be for a smooth pregnancy.

Most common symptoms at One Month Pregnant

A missed period is the first sign of pregnancy noticed by the woman. The early signs of pregnancy in the first month are not usually always apparent. Some of the symptoms which may appear include:

• Bloating

• Mood swings

• Lower backache

• Cramping

• Spotting

• Frequent urination

• Fatigue

• Sensitive and sore breasts

• Nausea

• Feeling full

• Food cravings and food aversions

• Constipation

• Headaches

• Sensitive gums

• Nasal congestion

• Redness in palms

• Not having much of a sex drive

• Pigmentation in face and body

• Itching

• Spider veins

All women might not necessarily experience most or any of these changes. Besides, there is no fixed time to go through these conditions. Some might experience these symptoms in the first trimester, some in the second and/or third and while others might not experience these at all.

How Early Can the Pregnancy Be Confirmed?

As early as ten days after the first period is missed, pregnancy can be confirmed. The levels of HCG hormone in the urine increase substantially on becoming pregnant. Home pregnancy kits can test this increase once HCG reaches detectable levels. The body needs time to develop detectable levels of HCG.

How To Check Pregnancy At Home?

OTC (Over-the-counter) pregnancy tests are available in medical stores which typically test the urine for a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). hCG is present only if one is pregnant. It is released only if a fertilized egg attaches outside the uterus or to the uterine lining. Most of these home tests are accurate. Retesting is advisable if one gets a negative pregnancy test and still does not have her periods within a few days.

Related read: How to check pregnancy at home - 5 easy and natural DIY tests

Should You Visit a Doctor Immediately After Discovering Pregnancy?

The pregnant couple should schedule a prenatal visit as soon as they get to know they are pregnant i.e. when you are about 6-8 weeks pregnant counting from the first day of the last menstrual period.

What Precautions To Take During the First Month of Pregnancy?

The pregnancy will bring changes that could be overwhelming for the moms-to-be. The handy checklist given below will guide you with tips that will help you cope up with the physical and mental demands of pregnancy.

• Schedule an appointment with your obstetrician/gynaecologist as soon as the home test comes positive

• Take supplements such as folic acid as advised by your doctor

• Quit smoking and alcohol

• Reduce intake of caffeine

• Have a balanced diet

• Get ample rest

• Maintain hydration

• Avoid stress

• Do moderate exercises (if there is no complication), including pelvic floor exercises

• Have a massage

• Maintain a healthy lifestyle

• Consult your doctor before taking any medication or home remedy

• Avoid foods/strong smells that cause nausea

• Avoid dipping feet in hot tubs and sauna baths

• Limit contact with pets

Is Travel By Air Safe In the First Month?

The chances of miscarriage are highest in the first trimester. It is advisable to get a green signal from your doctor before you plan any such trips, especially those involving long haul flights. Sitting or not moving for long periods of time can increase the risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) which is a condition in which blood clots form in the veins in the legs or other parts of the body.

What Food to Eat During the First Month of Pregnancy?

Healthy nutritious foods will ensure a healthy pregnancy. The highly nutritious food that pregnant women must eat during pregnancy includes:

• Dairy products such as Greek yoghurt, milk, probiotics

• Legumes such as lentils, peas, beans, chickpeas, soybean and peanuts

• Whole Eggs and organ meats

• Green leafy vegetables such as mustard greens, chulai, mint, methi and bathua

• Whole grain cereals such as rice flakes, wheat Dalia, wheat bran, wheat germ, seeds

• Fruits such as watermelon, apple, mangoes, pears, pomegranates, banana and other vitamin-C rich fruits

• Dry fruits such as raisins, nuts like pistachios, walnuts

• 8-10 glasses of water including milk, soups and other fluids

What Food To Avoid During Pregnancy?

Avoid any uncooked poultry, raw meat like sushi or seafood that has an increased risk of being contaminated by bacteria such as salmonella. Raw eggs should also be avoided as these too could be potentially contaminated with salmonella. Avoid soft cheeses and unpasteurized milk which can cause listeria. Abstain from having unwashed fruits and vegetables as traces of soil present in them can contain a parasite called toxoplasma which can cause toxoplasmosis.

Nurturing another life inside your womb is a unique experience that is the basis and essence of motherhood. Pregnancy is an emotionally and physically challenging period for women. The first month is an extremely critical time for your baby's development. 

How did you manage in the crucial first month of pregnancy? Do share your experience with us.

References:

1. Signs of Pregnancy & Physical Limitations: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3599678/

2. Risk of Pregnancy Loss: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK532992/

3. Home Pregnancy Test: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4119102/

4. Diet in Pregnancy: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5084016/

5. Physical Activities During Pregnancy: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4206837/

6. Food to Avoid: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5682869/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6294644/