Your baby’s brain starts to develop at the age of one month. These special months are the best time to keep track of your baby’s progress through each stage. This will help you have a healthy pregnancy and baby.
Pregnancy Symptoms When You’re 1 Month Pregnant
You may not be aware that you are 1 month pregnant. You haven’t missed your period yet at this point. You may still notice signs and symptoms of pregnancy.
Your baby is now settled in your uterus during the First Month. Already, your body is going through some amazing changes. Both the placenta and amniotic cavities are beginning to form in order to care for your baby1.
- Light spotting1 may be a sign of pregnancy at week 4. This is caused by the implanted fetus in your uterus. Consult your obstetrician for further evaluation if you experience light spotting1 in the first trimester.
- Morning sickness is a serious condition. Pregnant women often experience nausea and vomiting during the first trimester. This usually occurs between the sixth and ninth weeks of their pregnancy.
- Prenatal vitamins and supplements are best for those who are already pregnant or are planning to become pregnant. Folic acid is an essential nutrient that should be consumed throughout pregnancy. Folic acid supplements taken before conception can reduce the risk of developing neural tube defects.
Pregnancy Stages, Explained
Your little achiever starts early! Your baby’s cognitive center begins to develop from the moment he is born. This will continue throughout his pregnancy.
Although it might sound confusing, your baby’s growth is measured in weeks or months. These stages are called trimesters.
The term Gestational Age is used to indicate the length of a pregnancy. It’s measured in weeks from the beginning of a woman’s last menstrual period to the current date. Normal pregnancy can last between 38 and 42 weeks.
How does my baby’s brain develop in the first month?
Brain development starts almost right away. The neural tube develops in the first two to three weeks of pregnancy. This important structure is a groove-like shape that will eventually become your baby’s brain and nervous system.
Your baby’s brain begins to develop distinctions by week 6. Your baby’s brain is not the only thing that is changing; at the end of the second month, his heart and circulatory systems are developing. This means that your baby’s heart begins to beat within you. In fact, his heart beats twice as fast as yours!
How can you support your baby’s development?
Your baby’s development is dependent on you for their nutrition. Your diet during your first month of pregnancy can have a significant impact on your baby’s development and health.
A well-balanced diet rich in nutrients like DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid) and ARA [Arachidonic acid] can aid your baby’s cognitive development. These nutrients are rich in omega-3 and 6 fats, which are crucial for the development of your baby’s brain5 6. These healthy fats are found in fish like salmon, bass, and anchovies7.
The US Department of Agriculture and US Department of Health and Human Services recommend pregnant women consume eight to twelve ounces (226 – 340 grams) of seafood per week. Two servings of salmon or fatty fish should be consumed each week during your first month of pregnancy.
DHA is a valuable source of fish, but avoid shellfish and fish that have high mercury levels during pregnancy. Too much can cause harm to your baby’s nervous systems. Mercury is generally found in larger and older fish, so avoid tilefish8, shark, and swordfish8.
Enfamama A+ can also be used to support the overall development of your baby. Get your free sample of Enfamama A+. It is rich in essential nutrients like DHA that promote healthy brain and eye development.
Did You Know?
The sense of touch is one of five senses that are necessary for development. It includes sight, hearing and taste. The fifth to sixth weeks of your pregnancy are when your baby’s sense of touch will be developing.
What does your Developing Baby look like?
Your baby’s first month will be the most difficult for you to see their facial features. However, your baby will soon begin to show signs of development such as their eyes, ears, and mouth. You and your partner are unique, so your unborn baby is unique. You won’t be able to see the child until you both meet them. A set of 46 chromosomes determined their potential height, colour, hair, skin, and personality traits at conception.
This pregnancy stage was a time of intense work for you both. It’s no surprise that feeling tired is one of the first signs of pregnancy. With all these changes, your baby will be more than half an inch long or slightly longer than one centimetre. This is about the size of your thumb nail. It’s an impressive first milestone.
Did you know that the second month of your pregnancy is when your baby begins to move? Learn more about the Pregnancy stages: Month 2
The brain development of your baby is continuous throughout pregnancy. It’s therefore important to eat foods that support cognitive growth. Find out more about DHA, and other nutrients that support brain development in your child.
Learn more about the development of your baby’s brain during pregnancy. Get nutritional advice and support online. Register for Enfamama A+ Club and receive useful tips, rewards and new articles that will help you and your baby.
