Because we are counting with the gestational age method, week one begins with the first day of your menstrual period. Conception hasn't yet occurred, but you already get to start counting. Such a deal - see how time flies when you're having fun!

Your period has just started and you may be thinking about conception. For women with a 28 day cycle, ovulation occurs around 14 days after the start of your menstrual cycle. Now is a good time to begin healthy habits (if you haven't yet!). Start your pregnancy diet with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables; exercise; start taking additional folic acid if you haven't already; and stop smoking, drinking alcohol, and using over-the-counter medications. Stay away from toxic materials and rest well. Start "thinking pregnant" before you conceive so you can give your baby the best start possible.

Read these important articles on conception:

• Increasing Odds For A Healthy Pregnancy
• A Woman's Reproductive System
• A Man's Reproductive System
• Are You Ready to Have a Baby? The Emotional, Physical and Financial Things to Consider
• Fertility Signs Primer
• Fertility Awareness
• The ABCs of Basal Body Temperature Charting

For help in determining the best days to determine ovulation based on the length of your cycle, visit our Pregnancy Planner/Ovulation Calculator. It will give you details regarding fertile days and ovulation for three months based on the first day of your last menstrual period and length of your cycle.

Rest this week Dad. At the end of next week, you have an important job to do!

Inspirational Thoughts:

Once you bring life into this world, you must protect it. We must protect it by changing the world. ~Elie Weisel

Nothing yet!

Maternal Changes:

Your uterus has shed its lining through your period and is now preparing a lush new bed of blood-rich tissue designed to house a growing fetus. Your eggs are ripening in one of the ovaries and preparing to release one.

Multiples:
Same as for singletons except that in the case of fraternal twins, your ovaries will release two eggs (or 3 in the case of fraternal triplets, etc.)

Okay Dad, on day 14, if Mom has a regular 28-day cycle, (counting from the first day of Mom's last period) which should be the end of this week, you know what to do! Enjoy, but remember, your involvement is needed throughout the pregnancy, not just for conception.

A baby is Mom and Pop art. ~Patricia Warner

Sperm meets egg within the fallopian tube and the miracle of life begins. Although several sperm may penetrate the egg's outer layer, only one sperm will enter the ovum and fertilize it. In the middle of the ovum, the chromosomes of mother and father splash about and bits of information from both begin to form the chromosomes of your baby. At the moment of conception, your baby's gender is determined thanks to the sex chromosomes in the father's sperm. If you don't like the gender of your baby, blame dad.

Multiples: If two eggs are released from the ovary (or one egg from each ovary) and are fertilized by two separate sperm, fraternal twins (dizygotic) have been conceived. Fraternal twins can be the same sex or boy/girl, and will look as much alike or as different as any siblings. If one egg is fertilized and later divides in two, identical twins will develop (or divides into three, identical triplets will develop, etc).

Identical multiples have the same chromosomal makeup so will be the same gender, and have the same hair and eye color, blood type, etc. Only one-third of all twins are identical (monozygotic).

In the case of triplets or quadruplets, etc., any combination is possible. Three (or four or more) eggs can be fertilized creating fraternal triplets, etc. One fertilized egg can split into identical twins with another fertilized egg making it a triplet pregnancy (two identical babies and one fraternal). Or one egg can split into three creating identical triplets, etc.

Maternal Changes:

Around the 14th day from the start of your last menstrual cycle, one of the ripened eggs is released from your ovary and is drawn into your fallopian tube where conception occurs.

You may experience some spotting or bleeding at the time the blastocyst implants into your uterus. Don't be alarmed ~ it's normal, but not all women will experience this. Most women are unaware of the exact moment of conception.

Multiples: Same as for singletons except times two (or three or four . . .)

Ideas for Dad:

You may still be making regular deposits in the conception effort. Enjoy because your life is about to change dramatically!

Inspirational Thoughts:

That most sensitive, most delicate of instruments: the mind of a little child. ~Henry Handel Richardson

Fetal Development:

Taking root! Implantation occurs. Once the blastocyst gets to the uterus, it searches for a spot to settle down. Blastocyst means "sprout pouch," and these cells begin to divide into two groups - those that form the placenta and those that form the baby. The blastocyst will burrow itself into the lining of the uterus which is called implantation.

Multiples: Same as above times two, or three, etc. See week three for more information on twinning.

At the end of this week, you'll be expecting your period (or hoping it won't come if you've planned your pregnancy). Some of the first pregnancy symptoms are very similar to those experienced at the time your period is due such as fatigue, breast soreness and mood swings. You may be feeling these things and thinking "I guess it didn't happen this month." Just wait a few days . . .

Multiples: You probably aren't even thinking twins yet unless you've had infertility treatments. Your symptoms will be similar to singleton moms but intensified.

Is Mom ignoring you while she's waiting and hoping her period will (won't?) start at the end of the week? Or is she a clinging vine? Whichever (and nearly everything in between) she is, she's normal. It can be an emotional time for her.

Let us make pregnancy an occasion when we appreciate our female bodies. ~Merete Leonhardt-Lupa

The developing embryo has three layers. In the top layer (ectoderm), the neural tube will form which will further develop into the nervous system (brain, spinal cord, skin and hair). In the middle layer (mesoderm), the heart and circulatory system, bones, muscles, kidneys and reproductive organs will develop - eventually. At this stage, however, the heart and primitive circulatory system will rapidly form. In fact, the circulatory system is the first organ system to function. In the inner layer (endoderm), a simple tube will develop into the intestines, liver, pancreas and bladder.

Maternal Changes:

Your period is late and you may be wondering if you're pregnant. There are many home pregnancy test kits available that are fairly reliable a few days after a missed period.

The hormonal changes that come with pregnancy may cause your breasts to be swollen and tender as the milk glands multiply. You may feel hungry often or nauseated as morning sickness kicks in. Your growing uterus will begin to press on your bladder causing frequent trips to the bathroom. Not only do these symptoms vary in intensity from woman to woman but also from pregnancy to pregnancy in the same woman.

Multiples: Your appetite will probably shift into high gear as you need about 1 1/2 times the calories as a singleton mom. Fatigue may also be taking its toll. Rest and eat!

What Type of Care Provider?

It's time to think about what type of caregiver will follow you through your pregnancy. It's important to find someone you trust and who will strive to make this a positive experience for you. Many parents have insurance constraints making the freedom of "choice" in selecting a caregiver difficult. Be sure to look into your insurance policy and then start working on finding the best caregiver for you and your baby.

Mom may be feeling crummy and taking it out on you (or anyone else around). Try not to take it personally. Plan a special date to celebrate your positive pregnancy test.

Happy is he that is happy in his children. ~Thomas Fuller

My Heart Belongs to You!
The first heartbeats have begun! The baby is now an embryo and is about 1/17 of an inch long. Growth is very rapid this week. The umbilical cord develops. The eyes and ears begin to form as well as an opening for the mouth. The heart has begun to pump blood and most of the other organs are well under construction. Buds form on the body that will become the arms and legs.

Exciting week!

Multiples: Same as for singletons.

Maternal Changes:

This week tends to bring on the nausea. Morning sickness is a constant companion any time of the day. You may be craving certain foods while the very thought of other foods will send you to the porcelain goddess.

Because this is a critical time in your baby's organ development, avoid alcohol, substances, drugs, and treatments (perms, hair coloring, manicures, etc.) that you don't really need. If you haven't yet, make your first prenatal appointment with your care provider.

Multiples: Morning sickness can be very severe with multiples' pregnancies. Since your fluid requirements have increased, be sure to drink lots of water to keep hydrated when the vomiting is severe. Contact your care provider if you have any concerns at all.

When and How Do You Tell the World?

You may be so excited that you want to tell the world immediately. Or, you may want to wait and cherish the secret. Some parents worry about miscarriage and prefer not to tell "just in case" and wait until the threat of miscarriage is past. (However, friends and family can be an enormous source of support in the event of a miscarriage, and you may be missing out on this support by not sharing the news.) The bottom line . . . do what feels the most comfortable. Make it a special event whenever you do spill the beans. Our StorkNet readers have shared some of their unique and special ways they've shared their great expectations.

Signs of Miscarriage:

Every mom worries about the possibility of miscarrying. If you have any of these signs, contact your caregiver immediately:

• Bleeding
• Cramping and/or abdominal pains
• Passing of grayish or pinkish tissue or blood clots

Not every cramp or every drop of blood is a sign of a miscarriage. Many women bleed during pregnancy and go on to have healthy babies. It is an important warning sign, however, and you should notify your caregiver.

In the case of multiples, it's very possible to miscarry one twin and carry the remaining twin safely to term.

If morning sickness has hit home, there are a few things you can do to help: 1) Certain smells can make Mom queasy - even things like coffee can set off a wave of nausea. Try to keep these things away until the morning sickness abates; 2) encourage Mom to maintain a healthy diet high in protein and carbohydrates and to drink lots of fluids, especially water; 3) set some saltine crackers or pretzels by the bed and encourage her to eat some BEFORE she gets out of bed; 4) understand that she may not feel up to cooking, cleaning and other household chores right now. You can be a big help to her (and baby) by suggesting she rest while you do some of her chores you don't normally do.

It is the child in man that is the source of his uniqueness and creativeness. ~Eric Hoffer

Fetal Development:

Multiples: Early Signs and Symptoms of a Multiple Pregnancy: (from Twins! Pregnancy, Birth and the First Year of Life by Connie L. Agnew, MD, Alan H. Klein, MD and Jill Alison Ganon:

• Faster rate of weight gain
• Size of abdomen and increased itching on its surface
• A feeling of heaviness in the pelvis or vagina
• Greater tendency to retain water
• Varicose veins
• Increased fatigue

For more information, visit our Multiples Mania Cubby where multiples parents discuss the signs and symptoms they had (if any!).

Morning Sickness Tips:

Having your head in a toilet bowl or bucket most of the day is NO FUN, and you may have discovered that "morning" may mean all day and not just the morning. One important thing to remember is to never let your stomach get completely empty or overly full. Ginger (the real thing, not artificial) helps. Drink ginger ale or ginger tea, try ginger snaps or ginger root capsules. Lemons also help - lemonade or sucking on raw lemons. Many people swear by Seabands which are a form of acupressure. Visit our Morning Sickness Tips Page where readers have submitted what has helped them survive morning sickness and our Coping With Nausea and Vomiting information.

Do you have a cat? If so, Dad, PLEASE take over the job of cleaning the litter box. Cat feces can contain a parasite that causes toxoplasmosis - an infection that can cross the placenta and harm your baby.

When morning sickness hits, remember this:
The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain. ~Dolly Parton

An ultrasound done at this stage should show a fluttering heartbeat. Elbows begin to form in the arms and fingers start to develop. The leg buds begin to show feet with tiny notches for the toes. The face continues to change as the ears, eyes and the tip of the nose appear. The intestines start to form in the umbilical cord. Teeth develop under the gums.

Multiples: Your babies are developing at the same rate as singletons and each are about the length of two grains of rice.

Maternal Changes:

Your uterus is the size of an orange now, and you may find your waistline expanding. If this is your first pregnancy, you're probably not showing. If it's not your first, you may have a "pooch" already. You will tend to show earlier in subsequent pregnancies since your muscles and ligaments aren't so tight.

You may be feeling like a teenager if you find yourself with pimples and other skin problems. Don't fret ~ pregnancy causes an increase in oil secretions not to mention those rampant hormones! Your break-outs will go away either after the first trimester as your hormones level off or after delivery.

Multiples: Your breasts are probably very tender and swollen, and your tummy is probably starting to "pooch out," particularly if you've been pregnant before.

When mom goes to her first prenatal appointment, you'll be doing yourself a huge favor by making every effort to go with her. Be an involved parent NOW! Ask the doctor/midwife questions and share in this adventure. Take mom out for a nice meal afterwards to celebrate and talk about the appointment.

We don't see things as they are, we see them as we are. ~Anais Nin

Cartilage and bones begin to form. The basic structure of the eye is well underway and the tongue begins to develop. The intestines start to move out of the umbilical cord and into the abdomen as the body grows and makes room. The fingers and thumb have appeared but are short and webbed.

Multiples: The babies are developing just like singleton babies. Each baby is about one gram in weight and about the same size as singleton babies.

Maternal Changes:

You're missing your second period this week. Your breasts may be fuller now than ever before and may feel very sensitive. Wearing a supportive bra can ease some of the tenderness. Your waistline may be growing and you may experience some heartburn and indigestion as your body adjusts to pregnancy hormones. Visit StorkNet's Pregnancy Discomforts page for remedies that helped other parents.

Ideas for Dad:

Sex got you to this point so let's talk about it. Many women go through a change in their desires during the first trimester. Mom may feel so crummy with morning sickness that she won't even let you in the bedroom. (Don't take it personally - there's that line again). On the other hand, without the hassles and worries of birth control and with the surge of hormones, she may be a sexual maniac. In either case, she's normal.

What about you? Dads can also experience a change. At this point, mom isn't showing (or isn't showing very much) but her breasts are expanding in a glorious way. The figure changes may be quite attractive to you, and you may feel like a 16-year old boy again. But, you may be worried about hurting the baby or doing something to disrupt the pregnancy. If you're worried about this Dad, talk to the doctor/midwife so you can alleviate your fears.

If mom isn't on the same wavelength you are, this can be tough. Be understanding and remember that her hormones can make her moods look like a yo-yo in perpetual motion. If you're both in the mood, enjoy it. If you're not, you can still be close/intimate without having intercourse. TALK ABOUT IT with her so you aren't playing guessing games.

Visit our interview with the authors of the Mother's Guide to Sex.

And do respect the women of the world; remember you all had mothers. ~Allen Toussaint

Weight Gain:

The amount of weight pregnant women gain varies from woman to woman and even pregnancy to pregnancy in each woman. Your pre-pregnancy weight affects how much you should gain during pregnancy. Here are some guidelines but keep in mind, the numbers don't count as much as the food you eat. If you consume nutritious food in adequate quantities, you'll be eating good enough for your baby. If you gain more than these recommended amounts but have eaten healthy foods, chances are the weight will come off easily and quickly after delivery. Remember - do NOT diet during pregnancy! Eat wisely!

Weight Gain for Singleton Moms