The First Two Weeks of Pregnancy: What’s Really Happening?

August 10, 2025

When most people think about pregnancy, they imagine a growing belly or hearing a baby’s heartbeat for the first time. But long before those milestones, something incredible is already happening in your body, even before you’ve technically conceived. At Amnion, we believe knowledge is power, and understanding what’s happening in your body from the very beginning can give you confidence, clarity, and peace of mind.

So, what’s going on during Weeks 1 and 2 of pregnancy? Let’s take a closer look.

Week 1: Your Body is Preparing for Life

Here’s something that surprises many people: during the first official week of pregnancy, you’re not actually pregnant yet.

Pregnancy is measured from the first day of your last menstrual period (LMP), not from the day of conception. This is because it’s often difficult to determine the exact day fertilization occurs, but the start of your period is a known, trackable event. In Week 1, your body is shedding the uterine lining from the previous cycle in preparation to build a new one.

What’s happening during Week 1:

  • Your body releases hormones like estrogen and progesterone to regulate your cycle and prepare for ovulation.
  • The uterus begins forming a fresh lining (endometrium) that could support a fertilized egg.
  • Your ovaries begin developing several follicles (tiny sacs that each contain an immature egg). Only one will become dominant and ready for ovulation in about two weeks.

Though fertilization hasn’t happened yet, this week is vital. Your body is laying the groundwork for new life.

Week 2: Ovulation and the Window of Conception

By Week 2, your hormone levels are rising, and your body is preparing to ovulate. Ovulation typically occurs around day 14 of a 28-day cycle but can vary from woman to woman. This is when the mature egg is released from your ovary into the fallopian tube, where it may meet sperm and become fertilized.

What’s happening during Week 2:

  • Hormonal shifts increase levels of luteinizing hormone (LH), which triggers ovulation.
  • One dominant egg is released into the fallopian tube during ovulation.
  • If sperm is present, fertilization can occur within 12 to 24 hours of ovulation.
  • After fertilization, the now-zygote begins a journey toward the uterus, where it will hopefully implant in the lining and begin developing further. This process takes several days.

You may not feel any different yet, but this is when pregnancy can officially begin if fertilization takes place.

Can You Test for Pregnancy During Week 1 or 2?

Most pregnancy tests detect the hormone hCG, which isn’t produced until after implantation occurs (typically about 6–10 days after fertilization). That means it’s too early to get a positive pregnancy test during Weeks 1 and 2.

If you’re tracking your cycle, ovulation, or experiencing early symptoms like fatigue, breast tenderness, or mood changes, we encourage you to reach out to Amnion. We can provide free, confidential pregnancy testing and talk with you about your next steps.

Why Early Care Matters

Even before you know you’re pregnant, your choices matter. Proper care in the earliest days of pregnancy can help protect your health and set the foundation for the baby’s development. Here’s how Amnion can support you:

  • Free pregnancy testing so you can confirm a pregnancy as soon as possible.
  • Limited obstetrical ultrasounds (usually available beginning at 6–7 weeks gestation) to confirm a viable pregnancy and estimate how far along you are.
  • Options counseling to help you process your emotions and make informed, confident decisions with no pressure, just care.
  • STI testing and treatment, which is important for anyone who is sexually active or considering abortion.

Whether you’re feeling excited, overwhelmed, or somewhere in between, our licensed medical staff and client advocates are here to walk alongside you.

Schedule Your Free Appointment Today

If you think you might be pregnant or just want more information, contact us to schedule a free, confidential appointment. Our caring team is here to support you every step of the way.

📍 Norristown, PA & Drexel Hill, PA
📞 Call: 610.622.9957
💌 Email: info@amnion.org
💻 Visit: AmnionPregnancyCenter.com

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*Pregnancy Factsheet published by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development [https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/factsheets/pregnancy]

*Fetal Development article published by the Cleveland Clinic [https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/7247-fetal-development-stages-of-growth]

*Pregnancy article published by the Cleveland Clinic [https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/pregnancy]

*Pregnancy Week by Week article published by Mayo Clinic [https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/in-depth/prenatal-care/art-20045302]

Amnion Pregnancy Center is a life-affirming medical center. We do not perform or refer for abortions, but we are here to offer accurate information, free services, and supportive care for every woman navigating pregnancy.