At 3 weeks pregnant, the fertilized egg created after conception passed through to the uterus and then implants on uterine linings or walls. The fertilized cell then begins multiplying into many cells. During this stage of 3 weeks pregnant, the mother will experience a variety of hormonal and physical changes in her body.
Ultrasound at 3 weeks pregnant will usually not show any results as its too early to detect a baby or fetus. Doctors will usually perform an ultrasound at 3 weeks pregnant to verify the occurrence of pregnancy.
What happens to fetus?
- At 3 weeks pregnant, the unborn baby is only a ball-shaped embryo made up of quickly multiplying cells, known as a blastocyst. It gradually travels via the fallopian tubes into the uterus where it will eventually implant or imbed itself into the uterine wall.
- Placenta develops from a section of the blastocyst at a later date, but at 3 weeks pregnant, it begins secreting the hCG/human chorionic gonadotropin hormone into the urine and blood.
- Home pregnancy test kits check for hCG presence in urine to verify a pregnancy. The hormone gets produced only during pregnancy and it instructs the ovaries to stop the release of eggs. The hormone also causes increased release of progesterone and estrogen hormones so as to prevent the shedding of uterine lining and ensure the safety of the unborn baby for the following 9 months.
- The baby’s length is around .006 inches at 3 weeks pregnant. The process of amniotic fluid accumulation around the fetus as well as development of the amniotic sac commences during this stage.
- Women can take a home pregnancy test at the end of 3 weeks pregnancy. This may or may not result in positive pregnancy test results due to very low levels of hCG, which some tests cannot detect. Expectant women may however take the test again after some days.
3 Weeks Pregnant – Signs and Symptoms
- At 3 weeks pregnant, women may or may not have missed their period. But they may experience a variety of signs and symptoms which may be indicative of pregnancy. The common symptoms of pregnancy at 3 weeks are listed below:
- Light bleeding or implantation spotting. It is not a cause of concern and is usually caused by burrowing of fertilized egg into the wall of the uterus. The spotting is very light and has a light brown or pinkish hue.
- Implantation may also result in mild cramping in the abdomen. Abdominal cramping is often one of the first signs of conception. Cramping occurs as an effect of the body trying to adjust to the pregnancy hormones. It is brief, mild, and lasts for a day or two.
- Fatigue, tiredness, and exhaustion for no apparent reason. Fatigue persists through the term of first trimester and is caused by elevated progesterone levels surging across the body.
- Instant nausea is a distinctive sign of pregnancy. It may or may not occur with vomiting at 3 weeks pregnant.
- The breasts are swollen and tender. They may also be painful and sore to touch.
- Elevated basal body temperature for a period of 15 successive days is another universal symptom of pregnancy.
- At 3 weeks pregnant, mothers will have a heightened sense of smell; it occurs due to rapidly rising estrogen levels in the body. A lot of expecting women get overwhelmed with different kinds of gag-causing odors during early pregnancy.
- A sense of being bloated, similar to one experience during menstruation, is also experienced during early pregnancy.
- Other symptoms include food cravings and food aversions; occasional episodes of constipation; and increased urge to pass urine frequently. Constipation is caused by elevated progesterone levels that relax stomach muscles and slow down the process of food digestion.
3 Weeks Pregnant – Diet, Nutrition, and other tips
- Nutrition is vital during early pregnancy. It will help ensure that healthy growth of the baby in an ideal environment for the term of pregnancy. Nutritional deficits can result in pregnancy complications.
- Eat a balanced diet with vital nutrients like calcium, protein, iron, folic acid, and vitamins.
- Include iron abundant whole grains like wheat, oats, rice, corn, barley, etc; folic acid and vitamins containing dark green, leafy, orange, red, and starchy veggies; different fruits; yogurt, cheese, and other calcium-rich dairy products; and low fat, protein-rich foods like peas, beans, seeds, nuts, seafood, lean meats, eggs, and poultry. Also take prenatal multivitamins, and vitamin and folic acid supplements prescribed by doctor
- Exercise and maintain an active lifestyle.
- Avoid stress. Do meditation, yoga, or other stress-busting techniques
- Take adequate rest, enjoy the pregnancy, and relax
- Do not do anything that harms the body as it will have an adverse effect on the developing baby and even cause birth defects. Avoid alcohol, smoking, caffeine, certain medicines, illegal drugs, and certain foods.
Consult a doctor, for proper diet, exercise regimen, and other aspects that will ensure a healthy pregnancy and delivery.
