Being newly pregnant can leave you drained of emotions and new physical symptoms. 

But don’t sweat it, we’ve got you covered as you’re starting your 40-ish week journey to baby. Here we get started by helping you navigate through what you may experience during the first 6 weeks of pregnancy. 

Week 1 – 2

Let’s talk pregnancy math. An egg is released at ovulation, about 2 weeks from the end of menstruation. A sperm must fertilize a mature egg within 24 hours of ovulation, before the egg starts to degrade.  About a week after sperm meets egg, embryo implants into the uterus. However, the start of pregnancy is measured at the date of the last period, in turn, making ovulation 2 weeks in pregnancy terms.  

Essentially, the first 2 weeks of pregnancy is the time that your body is preparing an egg and fertilization is occurring. If you are someone who notices when you ovulate (cervical mucus changes or you can physically feel it), this would be the only symptoms to note during this time. 

Week 3 – 4

After an embryo implants into your uterus, your body starts to produce HCG.  HCG is the pregnancy hormone that pregnancy tests are looing for, which turns positive around 2 weeks after ovulation (or two weeks after an IUI or IVF procedure). 

When you are actively trying to conceive then you know all about the dreaded two-week wait. Post-ovulation anxiety can leave you peeing on multiple pregnancy tests and squinting at results looking for a positive line. 

During these first couple of weeks, it is important to find ways to take your mind off the potential pregnancy. Practicing mindfulness, enjoying hobbies, spending time with family and friends can help occupy your time and get you through the agonizing wait.

Less frequently does someone find any pregnancy symptoms or positive results before a missed period or before 4 weeks of pregnancy.

Week 5 – 6

Just a month and a half since your last menstrual cycle, you may notice your first pregnancy symptoms. The biggest symptom for most people is the lack of a period. When you are 5 weeks or 6 weeks pregnant, other symptoms include: 

• Feeling bloated or pressure in your lower abdomen
• Having a metal taste in your mouth
• Nausea
• Feeling more tired than usual

At six weeks of pregnancy, you may experience all or none of these symptoms. The lack of abundance of pregnancy symptoms do not convey pregnancy health. Do not worry about not feeling nausea or feeling bloated. Be sure to book an appointment with your OB, Nurse Practitioner, Midwife, or other healthcare professional to start prenatal health exams. 

Every body and every pregnancy is different. You should always reach out to your healthcare team if you have questions or concerns about the way your body feels regardless of pregnancy status. Your healthcare team will always be best suited to guide and advise you on what is going on with your personal health.