Symptoms and Signs of Pregnancy at 3 Weeks

You need to know what to expect at 3 weeks pregnant because it is a crucial week for your embryo. But, you probably won’t even know you are pregnant yet! Many pregnancies are lost in the early stages and mistaken for a heavy period. For this reason, pregnancies are typically not confirmed until at least week 4.

When you notice the first signs of pregnancy at 3 weeks, your baby is still a ball of constantly dividing cells. By the end of this week, it will travel down the fallopian tube where it will attach itself to the plush lining of the uterine wall. This process is known as implantation. In 9 months, you will have a baby in your arms – what a miracle!

Changes to Your Body

Light vaginal bleeding is one of the early signs and symptoms at 3 weeks pregnant. The bleeding occurs because the egg attaches to the uterus; it is called implantation bleeding.

The blood will likely appear as spotting on your underwear or when you go pee; look for this spotting as one of the first symptoms and signs of pregnancy at 3 weeks. You may also experience sore breasts and cramping, much like you would with PMS.

If, however, you experience heavy bleeding along with sharp, stabbing pain or mild cramping, call your doctor right away. These early signs and symptoms of being 3 weeks pregnant could indicate an ectopic pregnancy, in which the embryo implants itself in the fallopian tubes rather than the uterus. This condition can be quite dangerous.

Lifestyle Considerations

If you are trying to get pregnant or notice symptoms of being 3 weeks pregnant, it is beneficial to find an obstetrician or midwife to start caring for you during this time. Start looking early as finding an available obstetrician (let alone one that you connect well with on a personal level) can be a lengthy process. Often there are patient waitlists for these specialists.

Do not feel pressure to use the first obstetrician you meet either. Ideally, you want to feel comfortable with the practitioner and research this person’s ability to provide quality patient care as well as their credentials.

You will want to ensure you consume enough calcium too. If your levels are too low, then the baby can take it from your bones. Aim to consume about 1,000 mg per day now that you exhibit symptoms at 3 weeks pregnant.

General Advice

The first signs of pregnancy at 3 weeks is a good time to see a dentist too. Get a checkup and take care of any issues now as you will probably want to steer clear of anesthetic for the next 37 weeks. The hormones that produce during pregnancy can trigger swollen gums and increase risks of gingivitis, so continue to see your hygienist regularly during pregnancy.

Also, you may want to start making practical decisions that come with expecting a baby soon, including moving house and saving money. You can also begin to buy items that you will need to care properly for the newborn, from baby clothes to bathing items.

X click to search
X