You are 4 weeks and 6 days

The placenta, the structure that will become your baby's lifeline, is forming.

246 days until your due date

Your positive test may be the only sign you're pregnant, but fascinating changes are happening inside you. The basic structures of the placenta are now in place. The outer layer of cells that first pushed into the uterus lining is now covered in projections of placental tissue, and these outer cells are in direct contact with small pools of your blood. The inner projections, or fronds, are called villi. Some villi anchor the pregnancy to your tissues, and smaller free-floating villi grow from them. Later they'll branch further, eventually looking like a fern leaf. The villi are still immature and don't yet have their own blood supply, and it will be several weeks before the placenta is mature enough to supply all the oxygen and nutrients your baby needs.

Time to think about

Seeing your doctor

If you've had a positive test, call your doctor's office to book your first prenatal visit, which will be between 8 and 12 weeks. You'll probably be asked the date of your last period so the appointment can be timed properly.

At the appointment, your doctor will confirm the result with urine and blood tests, and possibly an ultrasound, and work out your due date from your last period.
This first visit is usually the longest. Your doctor will give you a thorough physical exam, take your personal and family health history, and answer any questions or worries.
You'll be weighed and have your blood pressure checked.
You'll have blood taken for several tests, including your blood type, Rh status, and various sexually transmitted diseases.

Ask a Mum

I really wanted a baby, but now I'm not so sure. Is this normal?

I felt exactly the same at first, and after talking to friends, I found many of them had mixed feelings too, especially early on. What helped me was writing down why I wanted the baby, then working out what I was really worried about: losing some freedom, money, or whether I'd be a good parent. That put things in perspective, and I realized I really did want the baby.

Explainer

Talking through doubts

If you have doubts during pregnancy, talk to a close female relative, perhaps your mom, or a friend. They probably had similar doubts at times but went on to enjoy pregnancy and motherhood.

This is general information based on NHS guidance, not medical advice, and every pregnancy is different. Talk to your midwife or GP about anything that worries you. If your baby's movements slow down or change, or you have bleeding, severe pain or leaking fluid, call your maternity unit straight away. In an emergency, call 999.