Pregnancy Countdown — 1 Week Left Until Due Date
You have 1 week left until your estimated due date (EDD). That means you are currently around week 39 of pregnancy. Below is a countdown-focused plan — what to prepare, what to pack and which milestones you should hit this week.
Pregnancy Countdown Calculator
Enter the first day of your last menstrual period (LMP). EDD = LMP + 280 days.
Baby at week 1
With 1 week left, your baby has already: Technically not yet conceived — this is the first week of your last menstrual period (LMP). Ovulation is expected around day 14.
Mother's body — what changes
With 1 week to go, your body is: You are menstruating. Body is shedding the previous cycle's endometrial lining and preparing follicles for the next ovulation.
Nutrition & supplements
Focus on folic acid 400–600 mcg/day (neural tube), iodine 150 mcg, and small frequent meals to counter nausea. No extra calories yet — normal maintenance intake is adequate. With only 1 week left, focus on iron-rich foods to build baby's stores for the first 6 months of life, and vitamin K-rich leafy greens.
Safe exercise
150 minutes/week of moderate activity — brisk walking, stationary cycling, prenatal yoga. Stop any exercise that leaves you unable to hold a conversation. With 1 week left, prioritise perineal massage, pelvic tilts and squats — active preparation for the pushing stage.
Doctor visit checklist — week 1
- ✓Start prenatal folate 400 mcg/day if trying to conceive
- ✓Weekly antenatal visit from week 36
- ✓Group B Strep swab at 35–37 weeks
- ✓Discuss induction/C-section timing at 39–40 weeks
Warning signs — call your provider immediately
- ⚠Heavy bleeding (soaking a pad in an hour)
- ⚠Severe abdominal pain that does not ease
- ⚠Fever above 38°C / 100.4°F
- ⚠Sudden loss of pregnancy symptoms + spotting
- ⚠Severe one-sided pain (ectopic pregnancy signal)
Week 1 — Frequently asked questions
How accurate is the Pregnancy Countdown Calculator at week 1?
The calculator uses standard gestational-age arithmetic (LMP + 280 days for standard; egg retrieval + 266 days for IVF day-5). Ultrasound crown-rump length between weeks 8–13 is more accurate (±5 days) than LMP — adjust EDD accordingly if the scan differs by more than 7 days.
What size is my baby at week 1?
Approximately the size of a poppy seed — length 0 cm and weight 0 g. These are median values from NHS antenatal guidance and ACOG term-delivery references.
Which symptoms are normal in week 1?
You are menstruating. Body is shedding the previous cycle's endometrial lining and preparing follicles for the next ovulation. Every pregnancy is different — call your provider if anything on the warning-signs list appears.
Should I have an ultrasound at week 1?
Start prenatal folate 400 mcg/day if trying to conceive. Routine scan windows are: dating (10–13w), anatomy (18–22w), growth (28–32w).
How much weight should I gain by week 1?
Approximately 0.1 kg cumulative if you started at a normal BMI (IOM guideline). Underweight mothers gain more; overweight mothers less.
What should I pack 1 week before due date?
Hospital bag essentials: ID + insurance, birth plan, comfortable labour clothes, going-home outfit for baby (0–3M), 3 nursing bras, maternity pads, phone charger, snacks. Pack the bag by week 36 regardless of your 1-week countdown.
Signs of labour at 1 week to go?
Regular contractions <5 minutes apart lasting >60 seconds, waters breaking (gush or slow leak), bloody show (mucus plug + streak), and 4+ cm cervical dilation. Go to hospital when contractions are 5-1-1 (every 5 min, lasting 1 min, for 1 hour).
Content aligned with NHS antenatal guidance and ACOG term-delivery. Reviewed by Dr. Maria Rehman, MD (OB/GYN). This page is educational and does not replace personal medical advice — call your obstetrician for any concern.