In the 3rd week of pregnancy, most expectant mothers have no idea that they are pregnant. If they have been trying to conceive for some time then; the changes within and outside their bodies will be apparent. However, most expectant mothers at this stage of pregnancy are unaware of it.
Here let us know what all developments happen in the 3rd week of pregnancy.
How big is your baby?
The fetus at this stage is the size of a pin's head. The future growth and development of your baby is soon to commence.
Baby’s growth and developments
At this time of the pregnancy, there is no baby. However, there is a fetus. Once the fertilized egg travels through the fallopian tubes and plants itself in the uterus, it will float around it for a few days. Amniotic fluid begins to collect around the fertilized egg which will later become the amniotic sac that protects the baby.
The placenta providing food and nutrients to the baby has not yet developed. However, the fetus will receive the much needed nutrients through a primitive circulatory system that connects the baby to the blood vessels in uterine wall which in turn feeds and nourishes the baby till the placenta is formed.
Mother’s development
Physical development
The mother’s womb for one now includes a tiny ball of several cells which are multiplying in order to make a baby. This ball of cells makes its home in the uterus and a part of it will start making the placenta. This part will produce a hormone known as human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG).
This hormone helps in detecting the pregnancy when a test is done. It stops the releasing of eggs and will produce estrogen and progesterone which will strengthen the placental lining and growth. Most often, if this does not occur in the proper manner, many expectant mothers miscarry and lose their baby within the first three weeks of pregnancy.
How you may feel?
Most expectant mothers will experience symptoms hinting towards period. They will have some cramping and pain in the lower stomach. Women who are unaware that they are pregnant will assume that the period is nearing.
Some women have spotting or small amounts of bleeding during this time, which makes them believe that they aren't pregnant. This bleeding is called implantation spotting which is thought to be caused by the egg planting itself into the uterine lining.
Complications
Constant bleeding during this week could be problematic and should be checked by the gynecologist. This type of bleeding is very different from the clotting or discharge as mentioned above. This will be accompanied by unbearable cramping in the stomach. This could lead to a miscarriage if not checked immediately. Another reason women may bleed excessively is if they have conceived elsewhere other than the uterus, such as the fallopian tubes.
Test
Get yourself a home pregnancy kit. What expectant mothers should watch out for with a home pregnancy test are the two lines which will appear on the small window of the test. With the positive information in hand, expectant mothers can now calculate the approximate time their babies will be due. For more accurate results, test it in the morning.
Dietary needs
If the test result confirms pregnancy, then she should start taking care of her diet and health. Most expectant mothers will have cravings during this time of their pregnancy followed by bouts of nausea.
Exercise
Exercise depends on what one’s doctor recommends. If you have been working out before conceiving, talk to your doctor whether you should continue your regime or not. A tedious workout may harm you and your baby. You will have to reschedule your workout to lower levels and lessen your duration as well. Most women have been told to keep their exercise down to walking till the first three months of pregnancy has passed. This is due to the possibility of a miscarriage.
Expectant mothers should remember they have a long way to go. Nine months of expectations which will give them the opportunity to get ready for the responsibilities they will face by giving birth. Being careful in everything they do will ensure that they have a healthy baby at the end of this journey.
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