3rd Week of Pregnancy

At this point in time, you may have a hint that you are pregnant but most women do not yet know their pregnancy status during this period. Despite your unawareness, the truth that there is a baby growing inside you is something that you should be thankful once you learn your situation. Many women out there have been waiting for an angel in the family and the fact that you're blessed to conceive one makes you a winner already!

The Mother

The baby needs sufficient nutrients such as folic acid, calcium, iron and protein as it develops. Folic acid aids in preventing the defects of the neural tube. This provides the proper alignment or rise of your brain and spinal cord which happens at an early stage of pregnancy.

Protein helps to create new tissues while calcium is essential for the development of bones and teeth. Green leafy vegetables, legumes and dairy products are all rich in calcium. Iron on the other hand, supports the continual increase of the blood volume of the baby. Good sources are red meat, eggs, green leafy vegetables and legumes.

The Baby

Your baby actually does not rest but continue to develop until such time that it is fully grown. The baby works overnight and tends to develop.

The fertilized egg goes through cell division. It divides into two cells, around 30 hours after the process of fertilization. It then divides into four, eight and continues to divide as it passes through the fallopian tube going to the uterus. When it reaches the uterus, the group of cells will look like a tiny ball and this is now called morula.

The morula becomes hollowed and filled with fluid known as blastocyst which is about 0.1 - 0.2 mm in diameter. Before the week ends, the blastocyst will attach to the endotrium, the lining of the uterus. You're now having the process called implantation. The endometrium will provide nutrients to the embryo as it develops and the wastes will then be removed.

At the end of the third week, the embryo is now well attached to the wall of the uterus. The baby is no longer just a fertilized egg but now an embryo. The backbone and the brain begin to form.

The heart already beats despite that it is not yet fully developed. The external covering changes and begins to start the process of forming the placenta and the amniotic cavity that will surround it.

This week is the time where you are ready to take the test. At this point, some women already experience the nausea; however, there are others who are very lucky for nor experiencing the same thing.

Set an appointment with your ob gynecologist because you need it this time. He will tell you what to do to cope up with the changes you are going to have soon.