At the end of the first month, your pregnancy is just beginning, and most changes remain subtle. You'll likely notice your missed period, which occurs around 15 days in. Early signs may include nausea, fatigue, food cravings, and tender breasts, but your belly stays flat for now.
Your embryo is tiny—about 4 mm long and weighing just 1 gram by month's end. Yet, major milestones are underway: organs are forming, limbs are budding, the nervous system is developing, and the heart has begun beating. The placenta starts facilitating nutrient exchange, while your baby floats in protective amniotic fluid.
Confirm your pregnancy with a urine or blood test, which also helps estimate your due date. No additional appointments are needed yet, but schedule your first prenatal visit (with a gynecologist, doctor, or midwife) within the first trimester. This comprehensive check includes weight, blood pressure, urine tests for sugar and protein, HIV screening, and infection checks. Register for maternity care early, as some facilities fill up quickly.
