You at 1 week pregnant
You’re not pregnant at the moment. In fact, this week you have your period.
Your pregnancy is calculated from the first day of this period. This is because it can be hard – impossible, even – to know exactly when your baby was conceived. But you can probably remember the day your period started.
Things to do before pregnancy
If you’re hoping to get pregnant, health professionals recommend the following.
Health and medical checks and changes
- Take a folic acid supplement of 400 micrograms (μg) a day for at least 1 month before the pregnancy and the first 3 months of your pregnancy.
- Get recommended vaccinations.
- Speak to a doctor or a genetic counsellor if a condition seems to run in your family.
- Have a medical check if you have a chronic health problem like high blood pressure, diabetes or epilepsy.
- Ask your doctor about the safety of any medicines you’re taking and skincare products you're using.
Lifestyle checks and changes
- Stop drinking alcohol, and avoid too many drinks with caffeine in them, like coffee, tea, cola and energy drinks.
- Stop smoking or vaping and using non-prescribed drugs.
- Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet, full of vitamins and minerals.
- Be physically active, and talk to your doctor about a healthy weight range for pregnancy.
You might also want to think about practical things like your pregnancy and work entitlements, family finances, home, transport arrangements and plans for child care.
Your pregnancy might not have been planned. That’s OK. It’s a very good idea to see your GP as soon as possible to start planning your pregnancy care.