Pregnancy Week 1: Your Journey Starts Here
Here’s something unexpected: you’re not actually pregnant during Week 1 of pregnancy. In fact, this week marks the start of your menstrual cycle—the first day of your last period.But this date plays an important role in estimating your due date later on, so it’s where most medical professionals (including in Germany) start counting.
What’s happening in your body? Your body is shedding the uterine lining from the previous cycle. Hormones like estrogen and progesterone are getting ready for a new cycle and eventual ovulation. Think of it as laying the groundwork for what might happen in the coming weeks.
If you're trying to conceive (TTC) in Germany:
Start taking a prenatal vitamin with folic acid (Folsäure), available in every Apotheke or DM/Rossmann.
Start tracking your cycle if you aren’t already—apps like Clue, Flo, or Ovy are popular.
You might hear about NFP (Natürliche Familienplanung)—a natural tracking method recommended by some midwives and gynecologists here.
It might feel strange to think of yourself as “pregnant” during your period, but Week 1 sets the clock in motion. Whether you're actively trying to conceive or just getting curious, it’s a great time to get to know your body and what’s ahead.
Pregnancy Week 2: Getting Ready to Conceive
While you’re still not technically pregnant, your body is gearing up to release an egg. That’s ovulation—your fertile window. If sperm meets egg during this time, conception could happen next week.Ovulation usually happens around day 14 of a 28-day cycle, but this varies by person. Learning to recognize your own signs of ovulation can help if you’re trying to conceive. In Germany: what you need to know
Ovulation tests (Ovulationstests) are sold at DM, Rossmann, Müller, and Apotheken.
Some Frauenärztinnen* (gynecologists) offer Kinderwunsch consultations for couples planning a pregnancy.
If you’re usingprivate health insurance, you may have easier access to fertility-focused appointments.
Things you can do this week:
Watch for ovulation signs: changes in cervical mucus (Zervixschleim), a slight rise in basal body temperature (Basaltemperatur), or ovulation cramps.
Try to maintain a healthy lifestyle—sleep, movement, and nutrition all matter.
Have fun! TTC can be emotional, so take breaks when needed and be kind to yourself.
Even though you may not see anything happening on the outside, Week 2 is a key moment in your fertility timeline. In Germany, there are plenty of resources to help you feel informed and supported—whether you’re just starting out or have been trying for a while.
Pregnancy Week 3: The (Possible!) Moment of Conception
This could be the week when sperm meets egg. If it happens, fertilization occurs in the fallopian tube, and a single cell—called a zygote—begins dividing rapidly. Over the next few days, it will travel toward the uterus to try to implant.You won’t feel pregnant yet, and it’s too early for a test. Most people don’t notice any symptoms this early (though some swear they do!).How does this play out in Germany?
No need to rush to the pharmacy just yet— pregnancy tests (Schwangerschaftstests) are more accurate starting from Week 4.
Fertility clinics (Kinderwunschkliniken) offer help after a year of trying without success—or sooner if you're over 35.
If you're already pregnant and didn’t know it, continuing folic acid is still important.
Quick tips:
Avoid alcohol and smoking just in case.
Continue taking folic acid daily.
Make a note of how you feel—it can be interesting to look back later.
Week 3 is one of the most mysterious points in the journey. You may or may not be pregnant yet—but your body is quietly preparing for something big. Next week is when most people find out, so hang in there!
Pregnancy Week 4: The First Big Clue
This is the week when many people first suspect they might be pregnant. By now, the fertilized egg may have implanted in the uterus, and your body is starting to produce hCG—the hormone that pregnancy tests detect.If you’ve missed your period and are wondering whether it’s time to test: yes, it is.What’s happening in your body?
Implantation would have occurred at the end of last week or early this week.
If pregnant, your body is producing hCG, which supports the pregnancy and helps maintain the uterine lining.
You might start to feel early pregnancy symptoms, though it’s still early days. Some people notice fatigue, sore breasts, or light cramping. Others feel nothing at all—and that’s totally normal, too.
In Germany: what to do next
Home pregnancy tests (Schwangerschaftstests) are widely available at DM, Rossmann, Müller, or any Apotheke. You don’t need a prescription.
If the test is positive, you can call a Frauenarzt/Frauenärztin (gynecologist) or Hebamme (midwife) to schedule your first prenatal appointment—usually around Week 8.
Some women choose to book a Hebamme (midwife) early. In some areas, they book out fast—so it’s worth looking into already.
If you test positive, your due date will likely be calculated from the first day of your last period (Week 1!), not the actual day of conception.
What else can you do?
Keep taking folic acid daily.
Eat well, get rest, and avoid alcohol and smoking.
Don’t worry if you don’t feel pregnant—every pregnancy starts differently.
Week 4 is often the turning point from “maybe” to “wow.” Whether you’re feeling over the moon, cautiously excited, or overwhelmed—it’s all valid. If your test was positive, welcome to a brand-new chapter. And if not, there’s still a lot of helpful info ahead.
