Health

Teenage mothers may be at especially high risk for bone loss during pregnancy and for osteoporosis later in life. Unlike older women, teenage mothers are still building much of their own total bone mass. The unborn baby's need to develop its skeleton may compete with the young mother's need for calcium to build her own bones, compromising her ability to achieve optimal bone mass that will help protect her from osteoporosis later in life. To minimize any bone loss, pregnant teens should be especially careful to get enough calcium during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Pregnancy, Breastfeeding, and Bone Health

Both pregnancy and breastfeeding cause changes in, and place extra demands on, women's bodies. Some of these may affect their bones. The good news is that most women do not experience bone problems during pregnancy and breastfeeding. And if their bones are affected during these times, the problem often is corrected easily. Nevertheless, taking care of one's bone health is especially important during pregnancy and breastfeeding, for the good health of both the mother and her baby.

Pregnancy and Bone Health

During pregnancy, the baby growing in its mother's womb needs plenty of calcium to develop its skeleton. This need is especially great during the last 3 months of pregnancy. If the mother doesn't get enough calcium, her baby will draw what it needs from the mother's bones. So, it is disconcerting that most women of childbearing years are not in the habit of getting enough calcium. Fortunately, pregnancy appears to help protect most women's calcium reserves in several ways:

• Pregnant women absorb calcium from food and supplements better than women who are not pregnant. This is especially true during the last half of pregnancy, when the baby is growing quickly and has the greatest need for calcium.
• During pregnancy, women produce more estrogen, a hormone that protects bones.
• Any bone mass lost during pregnancy is typically restored within several months after the baby's delivery (or several months after breastfeeding is stopped).

Some studies suggest that pregnancy may be good for bone health overall. Some evidence suggests that the more times a woman has been pregnant (for at least 28 weeks), the greater her bone density and the lower her risk of fracture.

In some cases, women develop osteoporosis during pregnancy or breastfeeding, although this is rare. Osteoporosis is bone loss that is serious enough to result in fragile bones and increased risk of fracture.

In many cases, women who develop osteoporosis during pregnancy or breastfeeding will recover lost bone after childbirth or after they stop breastfeeding. It is less clear whether teenage mothers can recover lost bone and go on to optimize their bone mass.

Becoming a mother might be the last thing on your mind right now. But you should set some goals about having (or not having) children — especially if you are sexually active. This is called a reproductive life plan, and it also involves knowing what actions you will take to support your goals. Your personal values and beliefs will help you make your plan. See some examples below:
"I will wait to start having sex until after I'm married. I won't get pregnant until that time. Once I'm married, my husband and I will decide together when it's the right time for us to start a family."

"I would like to have two children, at least two years apart in age. I also have diabetes. I will meet with my doctor now to discuss my preconception health. I will start trying to get pregnant as soon as I'm healthy. I will use birth control after my first baby to make sure I don't get pregnant again before I am ready."

"I want to finish school and be financially secure before starting a family. My husband and I will use an effective birth control all the time until we have met our goals and are ready to start a family."

"I will let pregnancy happen whenever it happens. Because I don't know when that time will be, I'll make sure that my body is healthy and ready for pregnancy at all times."

It's no fun being sick, especially during pregnancy, when you're likely to worry about your developing baby's health as much as your own. Fortunately, you may already be immune to a number of contagious diseases. And thanks to a successful vaccination program, German measles — the most dangerous infection of all for a developing baby — is now very rare in this country.

You can also take comfort in the fact that most babies aren't harmed if their mother gets an infection during pregnancy. But some bugs can be transmitted to babies through the placenta or during birth, and when that happens, it may have serious consequences for the baby. What's more, some infections can make you sicker if you get them when you're pregnant or may lead to other complications like preterm labor.

Although you can't avoid all infections while you're pregnant, you can take certain steps to make it less likely that you'll get sick and reduce the risk of serious problems for you or your baby if you do get an infection. Getting prenatal care is crucial. For example, simple blood tests can tell you whether you're immune to certain infections, such as chicken pox and rubella. You'll also be tested for infections you may not even know you have, including urinary tract infections, group B strep, hepatitis B, and HIV. If you think you've been exposed to a serious infection or do get sick, getting care in a timely manner can often help prevent complications.

You can do a number of things on your own, too. Basic measures like washing your hands, not sharing drinking glasses or utensils, not changing cat litter, using gloves when gardening, and staying away from anyone with a contagious disease will reduce your risk of getting sick.

Practicing safe sex will help prevent many sexually transmitted infections. Visiting your dentist regularly will help ensure that you don't have gum disease, which may increase your risk of preterm labor. And you can take measures to avoid food-borne infections too — such as not eating certain foods, washing fruits and vegetables, and making sure that your meat, fish, and eggs are well cooked and your work surfaces aren't contaminated.

Pregnancy is seen as mostly a mom thing. Few women believe that Dad really gets it. And the fact is, we mostly don't. We talk about it. We show interest. We empathize (without going overboard). We even try to read about it, at least a little. But let's face it, our experience of having a baby is fairly removed until we're face to face with diapering and sleep deprivation. No dad can possibly relate to the minute-by-minute, close-to-the-heart, kick-in-the-gut reality of carrying a baby to term.

But we can participate. We can be there to listen to the first heartbeat, we can swear off our dinner wine, we can pore over the naming books together, and more. Here are some ways you can be there, too.

Pay attention

You can't be pregnant, but you can participate by being an active observer. Let your wife know you're enjoying seeing her belly grow. Feel the baby kick. Play music and read to your baby. Keep a father's journal both as a way to record your inner thoughts and to help you think about what you'd like to discuss with your spouse or partner. Keep track of your baby's development during pregnancy — no doubt you'll be amazed.

Be there

Try to make it to at least some of your partner's many prenatal care appointments, and ask questions. (It shows you're involved, not just a bystander.) Also, don't miss the chance to get a glimpse of your baby during an ultrasound. If your partner has an amniocentesis or other procedure to test for genetic defects, make sure you're there. (One dad we know missed the appointment, and he still hears about it five years later.) And, of course, attend childbirth classes, so you can participate with your partner in your child's birth.

Get healthier, too

As your wife tries to modify her diet, give up alcohol, and drink more fluids, you can support her by sharing these lifestyle changes. Eliminate bad-for-baby foods that might tempt her. Cut down on or cut out alcohol yourself. Don't smoke. Spend time walking or exercising together. And try to find ways to cut back on the hours you spend at your workplace, so you have more time at home together.

Why are my breasts so sore now that I'm pregnant?

Hormonal changes during pregnancy cause increased blood flow and changes in the breast tissue, which may make your breasts feel swollen, sore, tingly, and unusually sensitive to touch. Some women describe the sensation as an exaggerated version of how their breasts feel before their period.

Breast tenderness is one of the earliest signs of pregnancy. It usually starts around 4 to 6 weeks and lasts through the first trimester.

What other changes can I expect?

Starting at around 8 weeks, your breasts also begin to get bigger, and they'll continue to grow throughout your pregnancy. It's common to go up a cup size or two, especially if it's your first baby. Your breasts may feel itchy as the skin stretches, and you may even develop stretch marks on them.

You may be able to see veins under the skin of your breasts, and you may find that your nipples are getting bigger and darker. After the first few months, your areolas — the pigmented circles around your nipples — will also be bigger and darker.

You may not have noticed the little bumps on your areolas before. But now these bumps, which are a type of oil-producing gland called Montgomery's tubercles, may become much more pronounced. Your breasts go through these changes in preparation for nursing your baby.

Around your third month of pregnancy, your breasts start producing colostrum, the special milk your baby will get when he first starts nursing. During the last few months of pregnancy, you may begin to leak a small amount of this thick yellowish substance, although some women start to leak earlier and some never leak at all.

Can I do anything to reduce the soreness?

Your best bet is to find a few good, supportive bras. Take the time to get fitted by a knowledgeable salesperson in a large department store or maternity shop.

You may find that bras with underwires are less comfortable now. To prevent chafing, look for soft material with no seams near the nipple. Cotton bras will be more comfortable and breathable than synthetic.

For extra support during the day, try a maternity bra. (During your third trimester, you might want to invest in a nursing bra, since you'll need one anyway if you'll be breastfeeding.) For nighttime, try a pregnancy sleep bra — a soft, nonrestrictive cotton bra available at maternity stores.

It's especially important to wear a supportive bra that fits properly while you exercise, because your breasts are heavier. A bra designed for exercise will provide the additional support you need and minimize discomfort.

Consider buying your bras with a bit of room to grow, since you may go up a size or two (both in cup size and chest circumference) as your breasts grow and your belly expands. Choose the ones that fit when the clasp is on the tightest setting, so you'll have some room to let them out. This is definitely a good idea if you end up buying a nursing bra before you deliver.

Is it normal to have some abdominal pain during pregnancy?

Occasional abdominal discomfort is a common pregnancy complaint, and while it may be harmless, it can also be a sign of a serious problem. (Severe or persistent abdominal pain should never be ignored.)

Below we'll describe the most common causes of abdominal pain and discomfort during pregnancy, but don't try to diagnose yourself. If you experience abdominal pain or cramping along with spotting, bleeding, fever, chills, vaginal discharge, faintness, discomfort while urinating, or nausea and vomiting, or if the pain doesn't subside after several minutes of rest, call your practitioner.

What serious problems can cause abdominal pain during pregnancy?

Ectopic pregnancy
An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, typically in one of the fallopian tubes. It usually causes symptoms at about six or seven weeks after fertilization, but symptoms may occur as early as four weeks, before you even know you're pregnant.

If left untreated, an ectopic pregnancy can rupture and be life threatening. Call your practitioner immediately if you have any of the following symptoms: abdominal or pelvic pain or tenderness, vaginal spotting or bleeding (can be red or brown, copious or scant, continuous or intermittent), pain that gets worse during physical activity or while moving your bowels or coughing, or pain in the tip of your shoulder.

If you're bleeding heavily or having signs of shock (such as a racing pulse, dizziness, fainting, or pale, clammy skin), call 911.

Miscarriage
Miscarriage is the loss of a pregnancy in the first 20 weeks. Vaginal spotting or bleeding is generally the first symptom, followed by abdominal pain a few hours to a few days later.

The bleeding may be light or heavy. The pain may feel crampy or persistent, mild or sharp, and may feel more like low back pain or pelvic pressure.

Call your practitioner if you have signs of a miscarriage. If you have severe pain or heavy bleeding, you need to be seen immediately.

Preterm labor
You're in preterm labor (also known as premature labor) if you start to have contractions that efface or dilate your cervix before 37 weeks of pregnancy.

Call your doctor or midwife right away if you're having any of the following symptoms in your second or third trimester (before 37 weeks):

• An increase in vaginal discharge or a change in the type of discharge (if it becomes watery, mucus-like, or bloody — even if it's just pink or tinged with blood)

• Vaginal spotting or bleeding

• Abdominal pain, menstrual-like cramping, or more than four contractions in one hour (even if they don't hurt)

• An increase in pressure in the pelvic area

• Low back pain, especially if you didn't previously have back pain.

Placental abruption
Placental abruption is a serious condition in which your placenta separates from your uterus, partially or completely, before your baby's born.

There's wide variation in symptoms. A placental abruption can sometimes cause sudden and obvious bleeding, but in other cases there may not be any noticeable bleeding at first, or you might have only light bleeding or spotting. Or you might see bloody fluid if your water breaks.

You might have uterine tenderness, back pain, or frequent contractions, or the uterus might contract and stay hard — like a cramp or contraction that doesn't go away. You might also notice a decrease in your baby's activity. Immediate medical attention is a must.

Preeclampsia
Preeclampsia is a complex disorder of pregnancy that causes changes in your blood vessels and can affect a number of organs, including your liver, kidneys, brain, and the placenta. You're diagnosed with preeclampsia if you have high blood pressure and protein in your urine after 20 weeks of pregnancy.

Symptoms may include swelling in your face or puffiness around your eyes, more than slight swelling in your hands, and excessive or sudden swelling of your feet or ankles. (This water retention can lead to a rapid weight gain.)

With severe preeclampsia, you may have intense pain or tenderness in the upper abdomen, a severe headache, visual disturbances (such as blurred vision or seeing spots), or nausea and vomiting. If you have symptoms of preeclampsia, call your doctor or midwife immediately.

Urinary tract infections
Being pregnant makes you more susceptible to urinary tract infections of all kinds, including kidney infections.

Symptoms of a bladder infection may include pain, discomfort, or burning when urinating; pelvic discomfort or lower abdominal pain (often just above the pubic bone); a frequent or uncontrollable urge to pee, even when there's very little urine in the bladder; and cloudy, foul-smelling, or bloody urine. Call your caregiver if you have any of these symptoms because an untreated bladder infection can lead to a kidney infection and premature labor.

Signs that the infection has spread to your kidneys — and that you need medical attention immediately — include a high fever, often with shaking, chills, or sweats; pain in your lower back or in your side just under your ribs, on one or both sides (and possibly in your abdomen as well); nausea and vomiting; and possibly pus or blood in your urine.

Other causes
Many other conditions can cause abdominal pain, whether you're pregnant or not. Some of the most common causes of abdominal pain that your practitioner will consider are a stomach virus, food poisoning, appendicitis, kidney stones, hepatitis, gallbladder disease, pancreatitis, and bowel obstruction.

Both gallbladder disease and pancreatitis are often a result of gallstones, which are more common during pregnancy. The pressure of the growing uterus on previously scarred intestinal tissue may cause bowel obstruction. It's most likely to occur in the third trimester.

Get early prenatal care
Watch what you eat
Take prenatal vitamins
Exercise regularly
Get some rest
Just say no to alcohol
Swear off all illicit drugs
Stop smoking
Cut back on caffeine
Eliminate environmental dangers
See your dentist
Take care of your emotional health

Now that you know you're pregnant, it's more important than ever for you to take care of yourself both physically and emotionally. You can boost your chances of having a problem-free pregnancy and a healthy baby by following a few simple guidelines:

Get early prenatal care

Good prenatal care is essential for you and your baby. At your first prenatal visit, you'll be screened for certain conditions that could lead to complications.

If you haven't yet chosen a practitioner, get started right away. Finding the right person — whether you're looking for a doctor or a midwife — can take a while. In the meantime, if you're taking medication or have any medical problems, call your current caregiver now and let her know that you're pregnant.

Watch what you eat

Now that you're eating for two, you'll need more protein, as well as certain vitamins and minerals such as folic acid, iron, and calcium. You may be surprised to learn that you only need about 300 additional calories per day.

You'll want to steer clear of undercooked eggs and meat, unpasteurized dairy products and juices, raw seafood, and cold deli meats to avoid ingesting bacteria that could harm your baby. Also avoid certain fish that may contain high levels of mercury or other contaminants.

Take prenatal vitamins

Most prenatal supplements contain more folic acid and iron than you'll find in a standard multivitamin.

It's important to get enough folic acid before conception and during early pregnancy. Folic acid greatly reduces your baby's risk of developing neural tube birth defects such as spina bifida.

Ideally, you should start taking 400 micrograms of folic acid at least one month before becoming pregnant. Once your pregnancy is confirmed, up your daily dose to 600 mcg.

You also need to make sure you're getting enough iron. Your iron requirement increases significantly during pregnancy, especially during the second and third trimesters.

But more is not necessarily better — taking too much of certain things can actually be harmful. Avoid megadoses of any vitamin, and don't take any additional supplements or herbal preparations without your caregiver's okay.

Exercise regularly

A good exercise program can give you the strength and endurance you'll need to carry the weight you gain during pregnancy, help prevent or ease aches and pains, improve sluggish circulation in your legs, and help you handle the physical stress of labor. It will also make getting back into shape after your baby's born much easier.

What's more, exercise is a great way to reduce stress, and some research suggests that staying active can boost your level of serotonin, a brain chemical linked to mood.

Just remember not to push yourself too hard or let yourself get overheated or dehydrated. (You'll also need to avoid hot tubs and saunas while you're pregnant.)

Get some rest

The fatigue you feel in the first and third trimesters is your body's way of telling you to slow down. So listen up and take it easy as much as you can. If you can't swing a nap in the middle of the day, give yourself a break and let your other responsibilities slide a little. If you can't sleep, at least put your feet up and read a book or leaf through a magazine.

Relaxation techniques such as yoga, stretching, deep breathing, and massage are all great ways to combat stress and get a better night's sleep.

Just say no to alcohol

Don't drink while you're pregnant: Any alcohol you drink reaches your baby rapidly through your bloodstream, crossing the placenta, and your baby can end up with higher levels of blood alcohol than you have. As little as one drink a day can increase your odds of having a low-birthweight baby and increase your child's risk for problems with learning, speech, attention span, language, and hyperactivity.

Women who have more than two drinks a day are at greater risk for giving birth to a baby with fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). Children born with this condition suffer from mental and growth retardation, behavioral problems, and facial and heart defects.

Drinking also increases your risk for miscarriage and stillbirth. So play it safe — avoid alcohol completely and have a nonalcoholic drink instead. Let your caregiver know if you're having trouble giving up alcohol, so you can get help.

Swear off all illicit drugs

Any drug you use gets into your baby's bloodstream as well. Some studies suggest that marijuana may restrict your baby's growth and cause withdrawal symptoms (like tremors) in your newborn.

Using cocaine is extremely dangerous. It restricts the flow of blood to the uterus and may lead to miscarriage, growth problems, placental abruption, or premature delivery. Your baby could be stillborn or have birth defects or developmental and behavioral problems.

Other drugs can be very harmful, too. If you have a drug problem, seek help now.

Stop smoking

Smoking increases the risk of miscarriage, growth problems, placental abruption, and premature delivery. Some research has even linked smoking to an increased risk of having a baby with a cleft lip or palate.

Not convinced yet? Smoking during pregnancy increases the chance that a baby will be stillborn or die in infancy. It's never too late to quit or cut back. Every cigarette you don't light gives your baby a better chance of being healthy. If you're unable to quit on your own, ask your caregiver for a referral to a smoking cessation program. Even if you're not a smoker, stay away from secondhand smoke.

Cut back on caffeine

Although most experts agree that one or two 8-ounce cups of coffee a day won't harm your baby, heavy caffeine consumption has been linked to a higher risk of miscarriage and some studies suggest that excessive caffeine intake may slightly increase your risk of having a low-birthweight baby.

What's more, caffeine has no nutritive value and may even cause you to lose a small amount of calcium. It's also a stimulant, so it can make it even harder for you to get a good night's sleep, give you headaches, and contribute to heartburn.

Limit your consumption or consider switching to decaffeinated tea or coffee. (Be aware, though, that there's almost always some caffeine in decaf coffee and that other beverages, including many sodas, also contain caffeine.)

Eliminate environmental dangers

Some jobs can be hazardous to you and your developing baby. If you're routinely exposed to chemicals, heavy metals (like lead or mercury), certain biologic agents, or radiation, you'll need to make some changes as soon as possible.

Keep in mind that some cleaning products, pesticides, solvents, and lead in drinking water from old pipes can also be harmful. Talk to your doctor or midwife about what your daily routine involves, so you can come up with ways to avoid or eliminate hazards in your home and workplace.

See your dentist

Don't forget about your oral health: Brush, floss, and get regular dental care. Hormonal shifts during pregnancy can make you more susceptible to gum disease. Increased progesterone and estrogen levels can cause the gums to react differently to the bacteria in plaque, resulting in swollen, bleeding, tender gums (gingivitis). So see your dentist for a checkup and cleaning now if you haven't had a visit in the last six months.

Take care of your emotional health

Many women feel like they're on an emotional roller coaster at one time or another during pregnancy. But if your mood swings are extreme or interfering with your daily life, you may be suffering from depression, a relatively common condition.

If you've been feeling low for more than two weeks and nothing seems to lift your spirits — or if you're feeling particularly anxious — share your feelings with your caregiver so you can get a referral for professional help.

Also let your caregiver know if you're in an abusive relationship. Pregnancy can cause stress in any relationship, and it's a common trigger of domestic violence, which puts your health and your baby at risk.

You may notice some pregnancy-related discomforts already. Many women report sore breasts, fatigue, and frequent urination starting in the early weeks. You may also have nausea, though it's more likely to show up in the coming weeks.

The outside world won't see any sign of the dramatic developments taking place inside you — except that you're turning down that glass of wine with dinner, perhaps. It's important to avoid alcohol throughout your pregnancy since no one knows exactly how much — or how little — alcohol can harm a developing baby.

You'll also want to continue or start an exercise routine. Exercise helps you develop the strength and endurance you'll need to manage the extra weight you'll be carrying. It may help prevent some of the aches and pains of pregnancy, and many women find that it's a great stress-reducer. Exercise can also help you get ready for the physical rigors of labor.

Finally, it's easier to bounce back after you give birth if you've continued some form of exercise throughout pregnancy. Choose a safe, moderately vigorous activity you enjoy. Walking and swimming are fine choices for pregnant women.

Dads, there are plenty of ways to participate in your partner's pregnancy — even this early in the game. Check out these great tips on how to get involved.

Deep in your uterus your embryo is growing at a furious pace. At this point, he's about the size of a sesame seed, and he looks more like a tiny tadpole than a human. He's now made up of three layers — the ectoderm, the mesoderm, and the endoderm — which will later form all of his organs and tissues.

The neural tube — from which your baby's brain, spinal cord, nerves, and backbone will sprout — is starting to develop in the top layer, called the ectoderm. This layer will also give rise to his skin, hair, nails, mammary and sweat glands, and tooth enamel.

His heart and circulatory system begin to form in the middle layer, or mesoderm. (This week, in fact, his tiny heart begins to divide into chambers and beat and pump blood.) The mesoderm will also form your baby's muscles, cartilage, bone, and subcutaneous (under skin) tissue.

The third layer, or endoderm, will house his lungs, intestines, and rudimentary urinary system, as well as his thyroid, liver, and pancreas. In the meantime, the primitive placenta and umbilical cord, which deliver nourishment and oxygen to your baby, are already on the job.

See what's going on in your uterus this week.

Deep in your uterus your embryo is growing at a furious pace. At this point, he's about the size of a sesame seed, and he looks more like a tiny tadpole than a human. He's now made up of three layers...

This week marks the beginning of the embryonic period. From now until ten weeks, all of your baby's organs will begin to develop and some will even begin to function. As

If you see a positive result on your test, even if it's very light, chances are good that you're pregnant. For a home pregnancy test to show a positive result, your body has to be making a detectable level of hCG. You may get a faintly positive result if you're not as far along as you thought. To be sure, take another test in two or three days.

If the second positive result is more pronounced, congratulations. If the second test is completely negative, you may have had a very early miscarriage. Experts estimate that 20 to 30 percent of all pregnancies end in miscarriage, so unfortunately this is very common.

First, check the expiration date on the test and make sure it's still good. If you've been storing the home pregnancy test anywhere that gets moist or warm (like the bathroom), it may have deteriorated, so throw it away and get a new one.

When you're ready to test, read the directions carefully because the instructions vary with different brands. For the most accurate results, take the test first thing in the morning, when your urine is most concentrated.

If the test shows a negative result and you still haven't gotten your period, wait another few days or a week and try again. Don't assume that one negative result means you're not pregnant. If you don't get your period as expected, remember that you might still be pregnant. (It's no time to go off on a drinking binge or do other things that are unsafe during pregnancy.)

It's best to wait about a week after you miss your period to take a home pregnancy test. By that time, most newly pregnant women have enough human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in their urine for the tests to detect it.

Many home pregnancy tests claim to be "greater than 99 percent accurate" and imply that you can use them as early as the day you miss your period, but a study published in 2004 in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology has shown that this can be misleading.

Researchers at the University of New Mexico evaluated 18 tests and found that only one was consistently sensitive enough to detect the levels of hCG that most pregnant women were likely to have on the first day of their missed period. Most of the other tests were able to pick up about 16 percent of pregnancies at that point.

Right now your baby is an embryo the size of a poppy seed, consisting of two layers: the epiblast and the hypoblast, from which all of her organs and body parts will develop.

The primitive placenta is also made up of two layers at this point. Its cells are tunneling into the lining of your uterus, creating spaces for your blood to flow so that the developed placenta will be able to provide nutrients and oxygen to your growing baby when it starts to function at the end of this week.

Also present now are the amniotic sac, which will house your baby; the amniotic fluid, which will cushion her as she grows; and the yolk sac, which produces your baby's red blood cells and helps deliver nutrients to her until the placenta has developed and is ready to take over this duty.

See what's going on in your uterus this week. (Or see what fraternal twins look like in the womb this week.)

Note: Every baby develops a little differently — even in the womb. Our information is designed to give you a general idea of your baby's development.

How your life's changing:

Sometime this week, you may be able to find out whether you're pregnant. For the most accurate results, wait until the end of the week to take a home pregnancy test. (You can try one now if you like, but you're more likely to get a correct result a week past your expected period.)

If the test is positive, call your practitioner's office and schedule your first prenatal appointment. Most practitioners won't see you until you're about eight weeks along, unless you have a medical condition, had problems with a previous pregnancy, or are having symptoms that need to be checked out.

If you're taking any medications — prescription or over-the-counter — ask now whether it's safe to keep taking them. And be sure to alert your caregiver to any other issues of concern.

You should already be taking a multivitamin that contains at least 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid. Once you're pregnant, you'll need a bit more — 600 mcg a day — so switch to a prenatal vitamin if you haven't already.
This week marks the beginning of the embryonic period. From now until 10 weeks, all of your baby's organs will begin to develop and some will even begin to function. As a result, this is the time when she'll be most vulnerable to anything that might interfere with her development.

The next six weeks are critical to your baby's development. The rudimentary versions of the placenta and umbilical cord, which deliver nourishment and oxygen to your baby, are already functioning. Through the placenta, your baby is exposed to what you take into your body, so make sure it's good for both of you.
If your home pregnancy test is negative, take another at five weeks if you still haven't gotten your period. Many urine tests are not sensitive enough to detect a pregnancy at four weeks.

If you've been trying to conceive with no success for a year or more (or for six months if you're over 35), talk to your healthcare provider about a workup exam for you and your partner to spot possible fertility problems. While the results may be upsetting, finding out about a problem sooner rather than later will get you started on the road to treatment — and to your ultimate goal: having a baby.

How your baby's growing:

What's going on in your womb now? A lot. Your baby-in-the-making is just a tiny ball consisting of several hundred cells that are multiplying madly. Once the ball of cells (called a blastocyst) takes up residence in your uterus, the part of it that will develop into the placenta starts producing the pregnancy hormone hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), which tells your ovaries to stop releasing eggs and triggers increased production of estrogen and progesterone (which keep your uterus from shedding its lining — and its tiny passenger — and stimulates placental growth). HCG is the hormone that turns a pregnancy test positive; by the end of this week, you may be able to take one and get a positive result! (If your test is negative and you still haven't gotten your period in
Meanwhile, amniotic fluid is beginning to collect around your ball of cells in the cavity that will become the amniotic sac. This fluid will cushion your baby in the weeks and months ahead. Right now, your little blastocyst is receiving oxygen and nutrients (and discarding waste products) through a primitive circulation system made up of microscopic tunnels that connect your developing baby to the blood vessels in your uterine wall. The placenta won't be developed enough to take over this task until the end of next week.

Note: Every baby develops a little differently — even in the womb. Our information is designed to give you a general idea of your baby's development.

How your life's changing:

A momentous meeting has taken place inside you — a single sperm has broken through the tough outer membrane of your egg and fertilized it. Several days after conception, the fertilized egg burrowed into the lining of your uterus and started to grow. A baby is in the making! You probably don't know you're pregnant yet, but you may notice a little spotting by the end of this week. This so-called "implantation spotting" may be caused by the egg burrowing into the blood-rich uterine lining (a process that began last week at 6 days after fertilization), but no one knows for sure. In any case, the spotting is very light and only a minority of pregnant women experience it at all.

Surprising Facts: Early pregnancy symptoms

Some women feel pregnant even before the test turns positive. The earliest signs include:

• Tender, swollen breasts Many women say the tenderness they feel is an exaggerated version of how their breasts feel before a period.

• Fatigue Feeling tired all of a sudden — no, make that exhausted? Increased levels of the hormone progesterone and the extra effort required to start making a baby can make you feel as if you've run a marathon when all you've done is put in a day at work.

• Frequent urination Shortly after you become pregnant, you may find yourself hurrying to the bathroom at an alarming frequency.

• Heightened sense of smell Many newly pregnant women find they're overwhelmed by gag-inducing smells early in pregnancy. This may be a side effect of rapidly increasing levels of estrogen in your system.

• Food aversions Food turn-offs are even more common than cravings during pregnancy. You may suddenly find that certain foods you used to enjoy are now completely repulsive to you.

• Nausea or vomiting Morning sickness usually doesn't start for a few weeks, but some women feel queasy earlier.

• Your basal body temperature stays high If you've been charting your temperature and it stays elevated after you've ovulated, you're probably pregnant.

• Bleeding or spotting Some women notice a small amount of red spotting or pink or reddish brown staining around the time they should get their period. (If you have pain along with spotting or bleeding, call your caregiver immediately since this can be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy.)