The First Stage of Pregnancy – What Happens in Your Body

When Does Pregnancy Begin?

Pregnancy is counted from the first day of your last period, even though conception usually occurs about two weeks later. This means that when you're “4 weeks pregnant”, the embryo has only existed for around two weeks.

Early Signs of Pregnancy

Many people realise they’re pregnant when their period doesn’t come, but there are other early symptoms that can appear even before that:

• Tender breasts
• Fatigue
• Nausea (often called “morning sickness”)
• Mood swings
• Needing to urinate more often
• Mild cramping or a dull ache in the abdomen

Remember, every body is different – some feel symptoms right away, others not at all.

What Happens in the Body During the First Weeks?

Several important changes take place early on:

• A fertilised egg implants in the uterus
• The hormone hCG starts to be produced – this is what pregnancy tests detect
• The body begins building the placenta
• The uterus starts to grow, although it’s not yet visible externally

Your immune system also changes to avoid rejecting the growing embryo. This may make you feel extra tired or experience mild cold-like symptoms.

Things to Keep in Mind in Early Pregnancy

When you first find out you’re pregnant, you might have lots of questions. Here are a few helpful tips for this early stage:

• Book your first midwife appointment (usually between weeks 8–12)
• Start taking folic acid if you haven’t already – it helps reduce the risk of neural tube defects in the baby
• Avoid alcohol, tobacco, and other harmful substances
• Eat nutritious, regular meals – even if you're feeling nauseous
• Rest when you need to – tiredness is your body’s way of telling you something big is happening

Emotions in Early Pregnancy

It’s very common to feel emotionally overwhelmed. Maybe your pregnancy was planned – or maybe it came as a surprise. Either way, it’s okay to feel anything from excitement and joy to worry or uncertainty. Don’t hesitate to talk to your partner, a friend, or a midwife about how you’re feeling.

When to Contact Healthcare Services

At this early stage, it’s usually enough to book an appointment with a midwife. But if you experience strong pain, bleeding, or fever – contact your healthcare provider straight away. These may be signs of something that needs medical attention.