The last menstrual period at the start of pregnancy

Adam December 21, 2021 0 Comments

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That might sound a little strange, but in simple terms, the first day of the last menstrual period is the first day of pregnancy. In purely mathematical terms, you are in the first week of pregnancy (1st week of pregnancy).

The lining of the uterus breaks down once a month. You probably still know that from those bad copies that existed in the 7th grade in biology class. The textbooks assume a cycle that is 28 days long. However, we know of large fluctuations, which can also be caused by stress, among other things.

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1st week of pregnancy: the period – cleaning the house before pregnancy

The period is like cleaning the house again before the big celebration of pregnancy starts. A mega-event, so to speak – and for that you need a prepared uterus. The last period (LP) for the time being then takes place before the pregnancy.

Last day of period (LP) — Image: © Alexander / Adobe Stock

ASK

Why do midwives or gynecologists not count from ovulation or implantation, but from the last day of your period (LP)? Wouldn’t it be much more logical?

REPLY

The answer is simple: while many women may know the date, most of them are more likely to remember the last menstrual period.

How was that with the hormones?

Now the egg cell comes into play. Several egg cells mature every month. However, usually only one egg cell can make it to jump maturity. Maturation takes place in the follicle. The follicle is the covering of the egg cell in the ovary.

In the pituitary gland, the Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), stimulates the maturation of the follicles. Estrogens create a clear and stringy mucus in the uterus, which creates optimal conditions for the sperm to move.

Progesterone levels are low during your period but increase after your period. In the second half of the cycle, the hormone progesterone is decisive. It ensures relaxed muscles in the uterus and the build-up of a thick uterine lining. This is the ideal prerequisite for a fertilized egg cell to settle down and implant.

Midwifery tips for the 1st week of pregnancy:

You are doing yourself something very good if you take folic acid at the beginning of your desire to have children. It is important for blood formation and the growth processes during pregnancy. Folic acid is highly recommended to prevent neural tube defects. Stiftung Warentest has tested some products as very good.
An iodine intake contributes to the development of the child’s body and brain development. (Otherwise you would have to eat a lot of sea fish.)
The desire to have children is always a good reason for the consultation in the gynecologist’s practice. Rubella vaccination protection will also be an important topic there. Because a rubella infection would be very dangerous for the unborn child during pregnancy.

Expectant parents should also think about the following:

nutrition

Alcohol consumption

smoking

Move

Yes, dear partners, you read that right. You want a child. The sperm quality is also definitely better if the man keeps his hands off glowing sticks and participates in a healthy diet and exercise. That can be fun too!

Pregnancy calendar

This post is the start of our pregnancy calendar. In it we accompany you through the entire pregnancy. Every single week there are exciting facts to discover about you and your baby.