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Pregnancy Symptoms Week 3: Early and Third Week Symptoms & Signs of Pregnancy Before Missing Period

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This is where the exciting phase of pregnancy starts. The fertilization and successful conception happened last week with a child. It is still quite early to pinpoint that you are pregnant since you have not likely missed your period yet.

At their third week of pregnancy, some women don’t feel any severe symptoms, while a few others start experiencing pregnancy symptoms. However, if you don’t feel anything yet, don’t worry because it is normal. However, now that you have conceived, your body will start changing, some of which you wouldn’t even feel or realize.

This article walks you through the detailed outlook on Week 3 Pregnancy symptoms.

Also Read: Pregnancy Symptoms Week 2: Early and Second Week Symptoms & Signs of Pregnancy Before Missing Period

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What Changes does the Body Undergo in Week 3?

With the right timing and all the right cards, the chances are that the sperm fertilizes your released egg, and you have conceived. The diploid zygote travels down the fallopian tube and moves towards the uterus to implant as a blastocyst.

Hormonal Changes and Gearing up for Pregnancy

Although you aren’t experiencing drastic changes to your body from the exterior, things are changing internally. Your body is undergoing physiological changes to prepare for the term of pregnancy.

Once the egg is fertilized, the follicle that released the egg then transforms into the corpus luteum, which forms a yellowish clump of cells. The corpus luteum regulates the female hormone production in the body, ensuring optimal secretion of estrogen and progesterone into the bloodstream.

Also Read: Pregnancy Symptoms Week 1: Early and First Week Symptoms & Signs of Pregnancy Before Missing Period 

The corpus luteum continues with the production of hormones up to 10 weeks into the pregnancy. After this, the placenta takes over.

Simultaneously, a week following the fertilization, the zygote divides and multiplies into a blastocyst and prepares itself for implantation inside the uterine lining. This mainly happens during week 4 of pregnancy. That is when the human chorionic gonadotropic (hCG) hormone starts escalating in the bloodstream and when you take a pregnancy test, it is likely going to show positive.

Sense of Smell

Another significant physiological change the mother’s body goes through starting Week 3 is a heightened sense of smell. This is often treated as a boon and a curse. While some smells are enticing, some become too bad and induce nausea.

Some women even produce an aversion towards certain smells, significantly stronger and more intense. This can also lead to morning sickness, which is very prevalent during the first trimester of pregnancy.

Week 3 Pregnancy Symptoms

Although we sound repetitive, week 3 is also too early to notice pregnancy symptoms. You haven’t likely yet missed your period, so you don’t know what to expect and what not to. It is also too early to notice the early pregnancy symptoms because the implantation will take another week.

However, you might experience a few potent symptoms as mentioned:

Implantation bleeding

If your baby is too excited as you are, the chances are that your embryo has already made its way to the uterus earlier than it should. In that case, you might experience minor spotting in your panties. It is a sign of successful implantation.

Changes in breast

Besides the tenderness in the breast, you will also feel soreness in the nipples. Some women notice the darkening of the skin around the nipples. This is because the breast is undergoing changes and preparing for lactation for your baby when they are born.

Nausea/ Morning Sickness

For the most part, experiencing morning sickness in Week 3 is quite rare. However, it is not impossible. Some pregnant women develop a heightened sense of smell very early on in their pregnancy, leading to nausea or aversion to certain smells.

Missed period

Some women have a shorter menstrual cycle. If that is the case with you, the chances are that you will miss your period. If you do, and you are trying for a baby actively, get a pregnancy test to confirm your suspicions.

Lower abdominal pressure

A mild pressure around the lower tummy during Week 3 is prevalent. You might experience mild cramping too. Don’t worry about thinking that something is wrong. It could be a sign of embryo implantation or a sudden increase in blood flow. Some women even experience gas pains during that phase.

Metallic taste

One of the most significant symptoms you might experience during Week 3 is feeling a metallic taste. This is a side effect of the surge in pregnancy hormones, so nothing is to worry. The same happens quite frequently in the first trimester.

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Tips for the Mother in Week 3

Week 3 won’t make you feel like you are pregnant yet. However, if the embryo is on its way to its implantation site, you need to start taking care of your health now. And, this includes a lot of changes and tweaks to your diet and regular habits.

Amp up on the Iron and Vitamin C

Folic acid, iron, and Vitamin C are crucial for your pregnancy. So, increase the intake of foods enriched with iron and Vitamin C, including berries, melons, tomatoes, spinach, beef, poultry, etc.

Switch to a healthier diet

Week 3 might bring on an onslaught of specific cravings, and you might feel like eating junk from fast-food restaurants. While it’s okay to indulge in your cravings, pick healthier alternatives. Stick to restaurants that offer fresh and organic food instead of calories and deep-fried junk.

Include more calcium

Calcium is a crucial mineral for pregnancy. It contributes to the healthy development of the baby’s build and bones, not just for the mother. Calcium is also vital for developing the heart, muscles, and nervous system. Your doctor should prescribe you a daily consumption limit of calcium. Try to get those from food sources instead of supplements.

Take hydration seriously

Week 3 can bring on morning sickness. Feeling nauseous throughout the day can be tiring and taxing on the body. The best way to combat that is by hydrating yourself. Drink water, ginger tea, and other fluids to keep yourself energized. Since you might lose fluids due to vomiting, it is ideal for replenishing the lost fluids.

 

Increase protein intake

Week 3 is also when you need to increase your protein intake. Stick to three servings of protein, one with each main meal. Try to stick to lean protein sources so it is light on the stomach and doesn’t make you feel queasy or uncomfortable.

The end of Week 3 is likely when you might miss your period. It is time to get an at-home pregnancy test and check for yourself. Since the implantation is likely successful during the end of Week 3, you will have a surge of hCG hormones in the bloodstream. A positive pregnancy test will surely envelop you with incalculable joy and happiness if that is the case.

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Somapika Dutta (B.Sc Physiology, Honours)
Somapikar holds Bachelors Degree in Physiology from University of Culcutta. She has 6+ years of experience writing in different niches, including health, tech and lifestyle. An animal enthusiast and a raging foodie, experiencing life - one day at a time.

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