In just a few days, you may be receiving congratulations and warm wishes from loved ones celebrating the arrival of your new baby. Yes, your little one may already be forming or could be growing inside you as we speak.
At the start of this week, your true pregnancy journey begins. By the end of it, a new life is growing inside you—ready to come into the world in just a few months, bringing light and joy into your life.
Fertilization
Fertilization occurs when sperm successfully penetrates the outer layer of an egg. Once this happens, the fertilized egg (called a zygote) begins its journey to the uterus, which takes about a week.
During this journey, the zygote divides multiple times, forming the blastocyst, which consists of two parts: the embryo and an outer layer that will later develop into the placenta. It implants into the uterine lining around the end of this week, and the body begins to release hormones that help support the pregnancy and prevent menstruation.
The cells of the placenta also produce human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), a hormone that signals the ovaries to stop releasing eggs and to continue producing progesterone, which keeps the uterine lining intact.
HCG levels rise steadily in the blood and urine, and a pregnancy test may detect it about 10 days after fertilization. For best accuracy, it’s recommended to take the test using the first urine sample in the morning.
If the result is negative, it doesn’t necessarily mean you’re not pregnant, HCG levels vary from woman to woman. You might just need to wait a few more days and test again after your missed period.
It’s important to note that the accuracy of a pregnancy test is not affected by the use of antibiotics or pain relievers, as some may believe. However, fertility medications can influence the results and may lead to false positives.
Physical Symptoms
Some early symptoms may appear, often bringing hope and excitement to expectant mothers. These may include:
- Increased vaginal discharge, usually clear or milky white
- Mild cramps or light spotting due to implantation
- Nausea, especially in the morning
- Breast tenderness
Week 3 Tips
You’re now closer than ever to becoming a mother, and it’s time to take care of yourself and your baby. Here are a few helpful tips:
- Try to avoid stress, especially the anxiety of waiting. Keep yourself busy with hobbies you enjoy.
- Eat foods rich in vitamin C, iron, and calcium, such as strawberries, watermelon, tomatoes, oranges, kiwi, meats, dried fruits, and dairy products.
- Avoid alcohol and smoking.
- Drink 8–12 cups of fluids daily to improve nutrient absorption.
- Take folic acid supplements but consult your doctor first.