In the week 3, your baby is
the size of a Poppy Seed
In Week 3 of pregnancy, your baby is just a tiny embryo, but important developments are already underway. Your body is beginning to prepare for the exciting journey ahead!
Week 3 marks an exciting stage in the pregnancy journey, even if no changes are noticeable yet. After ovulation, if the sperm fertilises the egg, a fertilised ovum or 'zygote' is formed.
About a week later, this zygote implants into the womb lining, beginning embryo development. Remember, pregnancy is typically measured from the first day of the last menstrual period, not conception.
During Week 3, symptoms can be subtle, but if you’re closely tracking your cycle, you might notice a few early signs of pregnancy.
Gas and Bloating
Progesterone relaxes muscles throughout the body, including the digestive tract. This relaxation slows digestion, leading to gas, bloating, and discomfort in the gut.
Sore Breasts
Breast soreness in early pregnancy can feel like a mild version of premenstrual tenderness. Breasts may become tender, or tingly, and nipples may feel sensitive.
Spotting
Slight vaginal bleeding, known as implantation bleeding, may occur as the fertilised egg implants in the uterus. This spotting is much lighter than a period and typically lasts one to three days.
Basal Body Temperature Remains High
Basal body temperature typically remains elevated this week for those tracking their temperature. To monitor this change, use a basal body thermometer to check temperature upon waking and before getting out of bed.
At this stage, your baby is a tiny blastocyst, a rapidly dividing cluster of cells carrying unique DNA. It begins its journey to the uterus, where it will soon implant.
Organ Development
Organ development hasn’t begun at this stage, but every cell sets the stage for it, arranging itself in ways that will shape organs and systems in the coming weeks.
Physical Features
Physical features won’t be visible for a while, but genetic information is already present, determining everything unique about your baby.
Weight of the Child
At Week 3, your baby still has no measurable weight, but the blastocyst is growing rapidly, with cells dividing and preparing for future development.
Baby Movement
Baby movement is still far off, but knowing these early days set the foundation made it easier to imagine the flutters and kicks that would come much later.
Every tiny heartbeat is a promise of the incredible journey ahead. Stay strong, embrace the beautiful changes, for you are growing a miracle within.
Your body begins subtle changes as hormones rise. Progesterone relaxes muscles, and implantation may cause light spotting. Early symptoms like bloating or tenderness can appear.
Breasts
Tenderness is often one of the earliest signs of pregnancy. Breasts may feel slightly sore, sensitive to touch, or like premenstrual discomfort.
Skin, Hair, and Nails
Hormonal changes in Week 3 can make skin feel clearer or more sensitive, although noticeable changes might not occur immediately for everyone.
Respiratory and Cardiovascular Systems
The cardiovascular system begins adjusting to support increased blood flow, though significant changes may not yet be noticeable.
Uterus and Cervical Position
Implantation can cause subtle changes in the uterus and cervix as the body begins preparing for pregnancy.
Vaginal Discharge
Slightly thicker discharge may occur, potentially signalling implantation and reflecting the body's quiet adjustments for the pregnancy.
Calm labour
Practice yoga or hypnotherapy techniques to ease stress and discomfort in abnormal labour.
Prenatal guide
Attend all your prenatal appointments like vaccinations, tests, ultrasounds
to track vitals
Stay active
A moderately intense 30-minute physical activity on most days of the week is great.
Take Prenatal Vitamins
Ensure you take prenatal vitamins throughout your pregnancy and the postpartum period
Dental hygiene
Having healthy teeth and gums matters as poor dental care is linked to premature labour.
Week 3 is early for scans, but understanding ovulation and tracking implantation can be helpful. Blood tests may be recommended to detect early signs of pregnancy.
Ultrasound (First Trimester)
A painless, non-invasive scan performed within the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. It confirms the number of babies and estimates the due date based on development.
Tests for Specific Medical Conditions in Pregnancy
Certain tests can screen for conditions like Down syndrome, neural tube defects (e.g., spina bifida), or genetic disorders present in the family. In India, these screenings are mandatory as part of routine prenatal care.
Diagnostic Tests
It is used when there's an increased chance of specific conditions due to factors like family history or maternal age. Examples include chorionic villus sampling (CVS) and amniocentesis.
Routine Blood Tests
Conducted to confirm pregnancy, check vitamin levels, screen for infections, and assess maternal health.
In Week 3, early pregnancy symptoms like mild cramping, spotting (implantation bleeding), and tender breasts can start to appear. However, it’s still too early for many to notice significant changes.
It’s too early to get accurate results from a home pregnancy test in Week 3. You may need to wait until after you miss your period, typically around Week 4, for a reliable test result.
In Week 3, fertilisation occurs, and the baby starts developing into a blastocyst. It will travel down the fallopian tube and begin preparing to implant in the uterus lining.
Implantation bleeding is a common occurrence in Week 3 for some women. It happens when the fertilised egg attaches to the uterine lining, causing light spotting.
Eating a balanced diet is important, even in the early weeks. Focus on healthy foods rich in folic acid, vitamins, and minerals to support early pregnancy development.
Stress can potentially impact early pregnancy, especially during Week 3, as the body is undergoing hormonal changes. It's important to try and manage stress through relaxation techniques and self-care.
hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) is the hormone produced once the embryo implants. It’s essential for maintaining the pregnancy and can be detected in your blood or urine in the following weeks.
In Week 3, if you're not feeling overly fatigued or experiencing cramping, light exercise like walking or gentle stretching is generally safe. Always consult your doctor if you’re unsure.
