1st to 2nd week of pregnancy

Did you know that during the 1st and 2nd weeks of pregnancy (short SSW ), you’re actually not pregnant yet? Still, this time is already counted as pregnancy in retrospect. Why this is the case, how you can recognize ovulation, and how to increase your chances of getting pregnant—you’ll find out here.

The 1st week of pregnancy: How it is calculated

In fact, pregnancy begins with the fertilization of the egg cell. From this point, it takes approximately 266 to 267 days, or 38 weeks, for your baby to be born. However, since the exact day of fertilization is often difficult to determine, the start of pregnancy is usually calculated from the first day of your last period. The estimated due date (also ET ) is then calculated as 280 to 282 days, or 40 weeks, later. The first two weeks before fertilization are therefore retrospectively designated as the 1st and 2nd weeks of pregnancy. You can also learn more about this topic in the article „ Calculate due date and pregnancy week ".

1st and 2nd week of pregnancy: This is what changes for you

1st week of pregnancy

Your period marks the start of your cycle, and your body creates the conditions for a possible pregnancy: the old uterine lining is shed, and a new one is built up—so a fertilized egg can soon implant there.

Week 2 of pregnancy

Illustration of the female menstrual cycle with ovulation and fertile days

Around the middle of your cycle, ovulation ( Ovulation ) approaches, and the fertile
phase begins.
Your brain now sends the start signal for hormones to be released into the bloodstream that promote the maturation of the ovarian follicles ( Follicle ) in the ovaries. Normally, one follicle matures per cycle.
In a regular 28-day cycle, ovulation occurs at the end of the 2nd week of pregnancy, approximately 14 days after the start of your period.
During ovulation, the follicle bursts, and the mature egg is released into the fallopian tube. From there, it travels to the uterus within approximately 12 to 24 hours. During this time, the egg can be fertilized.
However, you can become pregnant not only if you have intercourse within 24 hours after ovulation—because sperm can survive in the body for up to five days before they encounter a fertilizable egg. Immediately before and after ovulation, you are therefore especially fertile. In total, about six fertile days are counted per cycle. Only one sperm cell manages to penetrate both the outer shell and the inner membrane of the egg and fertilize it. This changes the chemical structure of the egg, preventing any further sperm from entering.

Good to know: How to recognize your ovulation

Some women feel a slight pulling sensation in the lower abdomen during ovulation. You can also recognize it by your cervical mucus: in the days before ovulation, its color and consistency change from milky-cloudy to clear, and from sticky to stretchy. Alternatively, you can measure the hormone concentration in your urine with an ovulation test from the pharmacy. It rises significantly one to one and a half days before ovulation. You can also calculate your ovulation with our LILLYDOO Ovulation Calculator .
Signs of pregnancy are not noticeable in the first days after fertilization, but only once the embryo has actually implanted in the uterus—however, not all expectant mothers are consciously aware of this development.
Your pregnancy is not officially detectable in the first few days: a pregnancy test is possible as a blood test from the 4th week of pregnancy, or as a urine test from the calculated day of your next period in the 5th week of pregnancy.

Tips for the 1st and 2nd week of pregnancy: How to increase your chances of getting pregnant

The probability of becoming pregnant with regular, unprotected intercourse is about 30 percent per cycle. You can increase your chances of a healthy pregnancy by preparing your body in advance with a suitable lifestyle:

Avoid alcohol and cigarettes, as the harmful substances they contain can negatively affect your fertility. Your partner should also refrain from alcohol and nicotine, as both can impair sperm quality.
Start taking folic acid now if you’re trying to conceive. All the essential information about the importance of this vitamin can be found in the article "Why folic acid is so important for pregnant women".
With a balanced diet, you also create the right conditions for pregnancy. A handy list of foods that provide essential vitamins and nutrients can be found in the article "The right nutrition during pregnancy".
Talk to your doctor about which medications you can continue to take safely while trying to conceive, and which ones you should avoid.

In the 1st and 2nd weeks of pregnancy, you’re actually not pregnant yet—but these days still mark the beginning of an exciting time. Even if you don’t feel much yet, it’s important to take good care of yourself and your body now. This way, you’re already creating the best possible conditions for your baby’s healthy development.

With our pregnancy calendar, we want to accompany you through this exciting time and provide you with relevant information, created in exchange with our
LILLYDOO experts. Nevertheless, the information listed here can
never replace a personal consultation with your doctor or midwife. Always contact your healthcare professional with questions and for professional care.

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