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Week 3 of Pregnancy

At week 3 of pregnancy you will not actually know that you are pregnant. You have to wait 14 days from ovulation.

Changes in your body at Week 3 of Pregnancy


At week three of pregnancy some women have a tiny bit of spotting called implantation bleeding. This is nothing to worry about.  It is where the egg burrows into the uterine lining causing it to shred a bit. This egg is known as the ‘zygote’. Once this implantation has occurred you can now be properly classed as pregnant. Your body also releases an immunosuppressant protein called Early Pregnancy Factor (EPF) to prevent your body from seeing the baby as an invader.

Some symptoms of early pregnancy may include:

  • Breast swelling or tenderness
  • Mood swings
  • Fatigue
  • Slight ache in your lower abdomen.
  • Breast growth
  • Frequent urination

Baby's Development at Week 3 of Pregnancy - Baby size: 0.2 to 0.5 mm


Towards the end of week three pregnancy, the fertilized egg divides into hundreds of cells and is now called a blastocyst. The blastocyst releases the hormones that will stop your menstrual cycle. When it reaches your uterus, the blastocyst will implant itself into the inner lining of the uterine wall, which is also called the endometrium. This endometrium will provide the developing embryo with nutrients, and it will remove any waste. This implantation over time will develop into the placenta, which will nourish and protect your developing baby throughout the pregnancy. How to Stay Healthy When You're 3 Weeks Pregnant.

Healthy Eating Tips for Week 3 of Pregnancy


By week three you should ensure you have adequate vitamins which are essential in nourishing your baby.  You must ensure you get enough folic acid, calcium and iron. Folic acid helps prevent defects of the head, spine, and related structures which form very early in pregnancy.  Calcium is necessary for the development of bones and teeth. Iron is essential to the increase of your baby's blood volume.

Foods you should be eating are:


Some foods high in calcium include:

  • Dairy products, such as cheese, milk, and yogurt
  • Leafy green vegetables
  • Legumes

Iron-rich foods include:

  • Red meat
  • Legumes
  • Eggs
  • Leafy green vegetables
 
 
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