3rd week of pregnancy - the baby's development and the mother's well-being

About a week ago, ovulation, i.e. the release of an egg, took place. If you had unprotected sexual intercourse with your partner during this time, it is likely that fertilisation has taken place. You are now facing a beautiful, but sometimes difficult time. Although the 3rd week of pregnancy is only the beginning, your body may already be giving you subtle signals that you will become a mother in 9 months.

3rd week of pregnancy

In the third week of pregnancy, the embryo appears. It is the result of cell division that begins immediately after the sperm has penetrated the egg. It can therefore be considered the actual time of pregnancy. Note, however, that the gestational age is calculated according to the Naegele rule, i.e. from the first day of the last menstruation and not from the day of conception.

Baby in the 3rd week of pregnancy

A baby in the 3rd week of pregnancy does not look like a human being at all. At this stage, the embryo is formed by numerous cell divisions. It also goes through various stages from the morula to the blastula to the blastocyst. Its goal is to pass from the fallopian tube into the uterine cavity and implant itself in its wall. In the 3rd week of pregnancy, your baby is so small that you could only see it under a microscope.

The mother's feelings in the 3rd week of pregnancy

How you feel in the 3rd week of pregnancy is completely normal. You do not feel any pregnancy symptoms yet. The first characteristic symptoms will only appear later. Your hormone levels will rise, but only when the embryo has settled in the uterus. You will then notice a lack of periods, breast tenderness, mood swings, tiredness, sleepiness and other complaints.

Some women experience an early sign of pregnancy in the 3rd week of pregnancy. This is implantation bleeding. Implantation bleeding is caused by damage to the small blood vessels during implantation of the embryo in the uterus. There is little discharge from the genital tract. It is light pink or brown in colour. You should know that implantation bleeding does not occur in all women. It is also a symptom that can easily be overlooked. Don't worry if you don't see it - you still have a good chance of becoming a mother.

Tests in the 3rd week of pregnancy

In the 3rd week of pregnancy it is still much too early for tests. You are certainly looking forward to positive news, but hold off on a pregnancy test. Even the most sensitive test can give a false negative result. Only do the test at home on the day of your expected period.

As for the ultrasound scan in the 3rd week of pregnancy, it is also too early to do it. The fertilised egg is just on its way into the uterine cavity to implant. Even the most experienced doctor is not able to see the embryo at this early stage.

What is important in the 3rd week of pregnancy?

The 3rd week of pregnancy is the time when you should take care of yourself. If you suspect conception, stop smoking and drinking alcohol immediately. Make sure that your diet is balanced. Your meals should provide you with enough energy and all the vitamins and minerals you need.

The first weeks of pregnancy are crucial for the proper development of your baby's nervous system. If you haven't started taking folic acid yet, don't wait any longer. It has been shown to be a key element in the prevention of neural tube defects (e.g. spina bifida). The recommended dose is 0.4 mg daily.