Week 3 of pregnancy: Size of a vanilla bean

At week 3 of your pregnancy, your child is just starting to become an embryo. Up until now, your child was referred to as a zygote, which is the fertilised egg that contains the DNA of each parent. The zygote is a single cell that multiplies to become a blastocyst, which is a bigger cluster of cells that has an outer layer and an inner layer. The inner layer will become your child, and the outer layer will become the placenta. It takes about six days for the blastocyst to make its way to your uterus. Once it reaches your uterus, the blastocyst will start to burrow down into the uterine lining where it becomes an embryo.
 
After the blastocyst attaches to the uterus, three layers will form. They are the:
•    Ectoderm layer: Your child’s skin, hair, glands, and brain, among other things
•    Mesoderm layer: Your child’s bones, muscles, blood, and connective tissues
•    Endoderm layer: Your child's internal organs

Your body in week 3 of pregnancy
You probably won’t feel big changes taking place inside, or face any major pregnancy symptoms. However, your body has already started to create a friendly environment for the newly-fertilised egg. To provide nutrients to your child your body will produce higher levels of hormones. 
 

You may notice a few general pregnancy symptoms in this early stage, such as:
•    Breast tenderness: Your breasts may become tender and extremely sensitive. They also may feel fuller and heavier. When this starts to happen, it’s a good idea to wear an extra-support bra or a sports bra.

•    Nausea: It’s usually called morning sickness because most women experience it in the morning. For some, nausea can last all day. Do contact your doctor if this pregnancy symptom is severe, where you cannot keep food down, feel dizzy when you stand up, there is blood in your vomit, or if you are only passing a small amount of urine.

•    Fatigue: This pregnancy symptom is a result of increased hormone production. To prepare for your child, your body is now using extra resources such as blood and nutrients. Your heart is beating faster, and you get tired quicker than usual. So, make sure that you get plenty of rest and include some light physical activity daily.

What should you do as you deal with these pregnancy symptoms?
You should continue eating well, exercise, and take pregnancy milk. Frisomum® Gold is formulated with DualCare+™ and has the essential nutrients you need to support physiological changes during pregnancy, and provides a good foundation for your ever-growing child. In most cases, the third week of pregnancy is still too early to detect your child. Home pregnancy tests will not reveal a pregnancy until 3 to 5 days before or after a missed period. If your menstrual cycle is regular, then the first indication that you could be pregnant is missing your period. There are many other reasons for a delayed or missed period, and the only way to know for sure is to take a pregnancy test.

If your test is positive, calm down, and your next priority is to make an appointment with a doctor. You are just at the start of your pregnancy journey, but your doctor will be able to advise on the best way to take care of yourself and your child.