The third week of your pregnancy
Your changing body
Minority of women may experience faint spotting by the end of this week. This is called "implantation spotting" and is caused by the egg burrowing into the blood-rich uterine lining of the Uterus. In any case, the spotting is very light and some women may not even observe it.
Your growing baby
Your baby is a minute ball of cells, called the blastocyst, that are multiplying at a very fast pace. Part of the blastocyst which will give rise to the Placenta starts producing the hormone: human choriogonadotropin (hCG). This Hormone is responsible for turning the pregnancy test positive and triggers the production of Estrogen and Progesterone. Estrogen and Progesterone inhibit the uterine lining from being shed and cause the Placenta to start developing.
Simultaneously hCG also signals the ovaries to stop releasing eggs. By the end of this week, Amniotic Fluid that will cushion the baby throughout pregnancy will begin to get collected in a cavity that will develop into the amniotic sac. Right now, your developing baby is deriving nutrients and oxygen and getting the waste removed through a primitive circulation which is connected to the blood vessels in the lining of your Uterus through microscopic tunnels. Only by the end of the next week will the Placenta start to take up this function.
Tips for the third week of pregnancy
If you suspect that you are pregnant, don’t take the pregnancy test now. The chances of getting a positive result are low up till the fourth week of pregnancy. Refrain from taking medicines as far as possible. However, if you are receiving treatment for a chronic medical condition such as diabetes, high blood pressure, epilepsy or so on, do not stop taking your medicines. Consult your doctor and tell him that you suspect that you are pregnant. Follow his advice closely.
Supplements to be taken during the third week of pregnancy
Folicacid, 400 micrograms, is essential to prevent the baby from developing Neural tube defects, such as spina bifida. Folic acid can be started before conception occurs and should be continued throughout pregnancy.
Common problems in the third week of pregnancy
Though you may have any of the following problems, these are usually mild and are the early signs of pregnancy: fatigue, tiredness, mild nausea, tender breasts, frequent urination, bloating, aversion to different odors, metallic taste in the mouth, sleep problems.
Common tests in the third week of pregnancy
Blood tests for assessing hemoglobin levels.
|