Pregnancy

What To Expect in the 1st Month of Pregnancy

Dr. Hena Dhingra

Obstetrics & Gynecology

21 March 2025


Written By: Dr. Hena Dhingra

Consultant - Gynaecology

Sohana Hospital, Mohali.

Experience: 15+ Years

Speciality: Obstetrics and Gynaecology

 

Published:  March 21, 2025

Last Updated:  March 21, 2025

 

The moment a woman finds out that she is pregnant, her world changes completely. It is just a tiny Pregnancy test​ result that suddenly makes the mind go spinning with questions, excitement, and even some sort of panic. Are those cramps normal? Is that tiredness normal? What changes should one bring to her diet? And a lot more! The First month of pregnancy​ might be nothing short of a whirlwind, where most of the women might not even feel that they are pregnant. During this crucial period, the baby is still at microscopic stages, probably still appearing like just a rapid division of cells, but nonetheless, the body of the mother has already started to work overtime. Even before the obvious signs like morning sickness and a growing belly, certain understated changes like hormonal surges and metabolism shifts might start. The mother might feel unusually and overly exhausted, with mild cramping or a superhuman-level sense of smell! In this article, we will discuss in detail about the changes that the mother’s body might undergo, and what should be expected during the First month of pregnancy​.

 

 

Which changes take place in the body?

After an Early pregnancy scan​ has detected that a woman is pregnant, she might still appear normal to the outside world. However, on the inside, the changes would already have begun. By the end of the first month, the embryo grows to the size of a poppy seed. If it’s the first pregnancy of a woman, she might not show any signs of it until at least 12 weeks, which is by the end of First trimester pregnancy. Women who have already had pregnancy earlier might show symptoms like an enlarged belly earlier since the muscles of their uterus have already been stretched during the previous pregnancy. During this time, the body of the mother produces more estrogen as compared to the entire life when she is not pregnant. This high surge in hormones can cause many unpleasant symptoms. Pregnant women might feel moody, tired, and bloated during this time frame. While a prominent baby bump might not be visible yet, the muscles of the uterus are expanding and the blood volume is also increasing.  However, it is completely normal and natural to feel very excited and confused at times. 

 

What are the symptoms that can be felt during the first month?

 The first month of pregnancy can bring about a wide range of symptoms along with it. These symptoms include:

  1. The first sign of pregnancy might often come as a missed period

  2. A metallic taste in the mouth

  3. Nausea and tiredness, especially in the morning, also known as morning sickness

  4. Breast pain pregnancy and soreness in breasts

  5. Changes in urine pattern, often more frequent urination

  6. Development of new preferences in food and drinks 

  7. The mother-to-be might develop a higher sense of smell

  8. As the fertilized egg is burrowed in the uterus, light spotting is also common during this period

  9. Pregnant women might experience milky white discharge from the vagina

  10. Cramps similar to period cramps are also very common during the First trimester pregnancy 

  11.  Brown skin or dark patches on the face are also very common. This is also called a ‘pregnancy mask’.

  12. The hair of a pregnant woman might also turn to be thicker and shinier. 

 

What should the mother do during the first month of pregnancy?

Since it is the very onset of pregnancy, it is of utmost importance to have regular checkups, screenings, and tests in order to make sure that the fetus is healthy and is growing normally. The care given to the mother during pregnancy is also known as prenatal care. The Best gynaecologist near me​ will suggest the mother with appropriate tests and discuss what she can expect during pregnancy and while giving birth. During the first visit, the doctor will calculate the due date, while also checking for the blood pressure and weight, a pelvic exam, a check for some sexually transmitted diseases (STIs), and hormonal levels. During pregnancy, it becomes extremely important to understand and follow the guidelines provided by the gynecologist. There are also a few things to be avoided, including alcohol consumption, smoking, drug abuse, activities that put any kind of pressure on the abdomen, heavy and tiring sports like football, and foods that are difficult to digest.

 

If you are looking for the Best gynaecologist near me or Ectopic pregnancy treatment, Sohana Hospital might be an ideal choice for you. Sohana Hospital Mohali boasts of the world’s most advanced cutting-edge technology and North India’s most trusted and renowned Gynecologists who provide the most holistic and comprehensive pregnancy care in the region. With its state-of-the-art, highly advanced NICU, Sohana Hospital ensures the best treatment possible for the baby in cases of complex births, and other serious conditions. Sohana Hospital aims to provide the gold standard of healthcare to every pregnant woman, being her trusted ally during the most amazing moments of her life. 

 

Frequently Asked Questions 

How do I feel at 1 month pregnant?

The first month of pregnancy feels like a strong case of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) combined with deep exhaustion. This is usually because of a rapid surge in hormones like progesterone and hCG. 

 

How can Sohana hospital help with pregnancy?

Sohana hospital has a wide range of treatments for pregnancy complications, so that your term faces no downside, and you are able to have a safe full term baby. Their expert set of gynecologists, and advanced technology makes the best pregnancy care. 

 

What are the top 3 signs of pregnancy?

A missed period is the most reliable and common first sign of pregnancy, especially for women with regular cycles, while other signs include Breast Changes, fatigue and tiredness. Any of these symptoms should be checked out with the help of the best gynaecologist in Chandigarh. 

 

What to avoid in the 1st month of pregnancy?

In the first month of pregnancy, you must completely avoid alcohol, smoking, recreational drugs, and unpasteurized dairy or raw or undercooked meats and eggs. Unsafe Foods and Drinks include excess caffeine, and certain fruits which should be avoided at all costs. 

 

How to be careful at 4 weeks pregnant?

At four weeks of pregnancy, you should take care of yourself and the baby by consulting the best gynaecologist in Chandigarh. Essential Dos include taking prenatal vitamins, staying hydrated, and rest, whereas don'ts include avoiding alcohol and smoking, limiting caffeine, skip risky foods, avoiding high heat and avoiding cat litter. 

 

Medically Reviewed By: Dr. Hena Dhingra

Sohana Hospital, Mohali.

 

 

Credentials of the Author:

-MD Internal Medicine

-DM Obstetrics & Gynaecology

-16+ Years of Clinical Experience

-Specialist in gynaecologic Diagnostics, Treatment & Prevention

 



Author Profile

Dr. Hena Dhingra

Obstetrics & Gynecology