Conception usually takes place about two weeks after your last menstrual period. However, the start of your pregnancy is calculated from the first day of your last period. It means that in the two first weeks the egg (ovum) was not fertilised and you were not actually pregnant.
The ovum is fertilised when it is penetrated by a sperm cell. The egg begins as a single cell, but five to six days after fertilisation it starts dividing many times. It moves towards the womb and attaches to the wall. It is now a bundle of cells and forms an embryo. When you are eight weeks pregnant it is called a foetus.
The first signs of pregnancy
You may experience the first signs of pregnancy when the period is overdue (week 5). You may need to urinate more frequently and your breasts may be sore, swollen and slightly bigger. The growing womb may cause lower back ache similar to period pain.
Some women experience slight pressure or tension in their pelvic area. Hormone production may cause tiredness and "morning sickness". Nausea and vomiting is common, but is rarely harmful for the mother or child.
Maternity care in Norway
If you think that you might be pregnant, you should take a pregnancy test. After a positive test, you should get in touch with a midwife or doctor to start your antenatal (pregnancy) care. One way you can make sure that you and your baby stay healthy is to get the antenatal care you are entitled to.
There are usually nine antenatal appointments (including one ultrasound) and they are free of charge. You can choose if you want to see a midwife (at the municipal maternity and child health centre) or your regular GP. The first regular appointment is usually between week 8 and 12 of pregnancy.
Some midwives offer an additional appointment as soon as you know that you are pregnant. The purpose is to talk about a healthy lifestyle during pregnancy.
Book your first appointment as early as possible. You can bring someone with you if you like, and if you don't speak Norwegian, let the midwife or GP know this when you book.
Light bleeding is not unusual
Light vaginal bleeding is not unusual early on even in a normal pregnancy. If the bleeding is heavier and you have cramping pains, contact your GP or midwife, because it can indicate a miscarriage. The risk is highest in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.
Even though a healthy foetus is resistant to the ordinary strains and stresses of daily life, it is best to follow good daily habits and get enough sleep and rest.