Finding out you are pregnant can be a sheer joy for most and a completely unexpected surprise for few. While many couples plan, and in fact, try hard to conceive, some couples can have “accidents”. When you suddenly realize you could be pregnant, you take a test, and those two lines can change your life as you know it. Discovering pregnancy and experiencing it are the most precious and important life stages and weeks 1 to 3 are especially delicate and the most crucial part of pregnancy
So, what exactly happens once you conceive? When a woman misses her monthly menstrual cycle, it is the first indication she could be pregnant, and the tests confirm it. While the entire pregnancy lasts about 40 weeks, what happens in the first few weeks? What changes does the woman’s body go through in the initial weeks when the “bump” is not visible, and no one can guess they are pregnant?
In This Article
- What Happens in The Weeks 1 to 3 of Pregnancy?
- Are There Any Visible Symptoms of Pregnancy?
- How Can You Confirm Pregnancy?
- Are There Any Precautions to Take During The First Three Weeks of Pregnancy?
- FAQ’s
What Happens in The Weeks 1 to 3 of Pregnancy?
Technically the first three weeks are before you actually miss your period. When you miss your monthly menstrual cycle and take a pregnancy test, you are already in your 4th week of pregnancy. Pregnancy is always calculated from your last menstrual period date (LMP).
During the first three weeks, the egg starts descending your fallopian tube and implants itself in your uterus. Your body starts producing hormones to support the pregnancy. At this time, your body will undergo a lot of changes but it will all be on the inside. You may not feel anything or notice anything odd in these initial weeks.
Very few women experience changes and symptoms in these weeks. If you don’t experience anything, it does not impact your pregnancy in any way.
Are There Any Visible Symptoms of Pregnancy?
Do you experience any tell-tale signs that you are pregnant? Can others around you find out you are pregnant in the first 2 or 3 weeks itself?
In the first three weeks of pregnancy, the woman will look the same and everything about her will remain the same externally. Unless she tells it, no one can guess about the pregnancy.
Here are some symptoms you may experience in your first three weeks of pregnancy:
1. Spotting
You just missed your monthly periods. Your hormones are coping up to retain that fertilized egg and not bleed like usual. However, some women may experience mild spotting. There is nothing to worry about.
The fertilized egg will travel down the fallopian tube and implant itself in the uterus. During this implantation, bleeding can occur. Many women experience this implantation bleeding; some with cramps and some without.
However, if you experience an increase in spotting along with pain, consult your doctor immediately to rule out an ectopic pregnancy or any other complications.
2. Breast Tenderness
As your body fills with hormones to support a new life, you will notice changes in various areas of the body. Your breasts will be one of the first areas to experience a change. Though you have another good 35 weeks until you need to breastfeed, your breasts will change.
They will start feeling heavy and tender. You may find wearing your usual tight-fitting tops or clothes might not be comfortable now. If you work out regularly, the jerks and movements in the breasts may feel uncomfortable. For some women, they may be slightly tender, and some women can experience actual pain in the breasts when touched. The nipples might also become darker in shade for some women.
Some of the other symptoms you may experience are:
- Smell – You may become very sensitive toward smells. You may find certain smells from the kitchen or even your regular perfume could trigger you.
- Appetite – Some women may notice an increase or a loss of appetite.
- Sleep – If you are experiencing implantation cramps, it might be difficult to get a good night’s sleep.
- Mood Swings – the surge in hormones can make you very moody, mood swings are common throughout the pregnancy.
- Bloating – Pregnancy causes a surge in progesterone, a hormone that relaxes your muscles. As a result, your digestion will slow down and may cause an excess of gas formation. You might also experience constipation.
- Body Temperature – If you have been tracking your body basal temperature to identify your ovulation, you may notice your body temperature is higher than usual.
How Can You Confirm Pregnancy?
There are many old wives’ tales, which tell us various ways to confirm a pregnancy. Today, with scientific knowledge and awareness we have the smartest and the surest way to confirm a pregnancy is by taking a proper test.
You can take an at-home pregnancy test or get a blood test at the lab. You can choose one of the many home pregnancy test kits available on the market today. Follow the instructions and confirm your pregnancy. If you see two pink lines that indicate you are pregnant, fix an appointment with a reliable gynaecologist.
Your doctor will ask for some blood work as follow-up tests. They will generally check your hCG levels to see the rate of increase. It is an important indicator of a positive healthy pregnancy as it is still too early for a scan.
Blood and urine samples will help the lab confirm your pregnancy. This is the most reliable manner in which you can confirm your pregnancy.
Are There Any Precautions to Take During The First Three Weeks of Pregnancy?
The first three weeks of pregnancy are very crucial. Your body is still adjusting to the new development, and you need to do everything possible to help it. While a pregnant woman can carry on with her life as usual (like pre-pregnancy), it is advisable to be a little cautious.
Here are a few precautions you can take to ensure you and your growing baby are safe in the initial weeks of your pregnancy:
- Don’t undertake any rigorous physical activities that involve a lot of lifting or straining
- Avoid overly hot baths as they can increase your body temperature, which is not safe for pregnancy
- Quit smoking, drinking, and any drugs as these can harm the unborn baby
- Avoid eating foods that can increase constipation or bloating as it will make you feel more uncomfortable.
- Take sufficient rest and get a good night’s sleep as your body needs all the help it can to support the new life growing inside.
- If you are doing vigorous workouts or are physically very active, avoid anything that can result in a fall or hurt your stomach (boxing, climbing, body contact sports).
The weeks 1 to 3 of pregnancy can be tricky to manoeuvre. You don’t feel much of a change, but you may have to follow a few restrictions and advice. While some may adapt to this change easily, many women struggle and need to consciously make changes for their fetus’s safety. It is also OK if you don’t enjoy this phase as you expected.
FAQ’s
1. Will The Stomach Feel Hard in The First 3 Weeks of Pregnancy?
No, it will take a few more weeks for the uterus to get hard. The uterus hardens up to protect the implanted egg inside. The egg implants only in week 3, so you can expect this hardening in the next few weeks.
2. Will You Experience Morning Sickness in Weeks 1 to 3 of Pregnancy?
It varies from person to person. Hormonal changes can cause nausea and vomiting. If you are sensitive to smells, it can also cause nausea or vomiting.
3. Can You Eat All Foods in The First 3 Weeks of Pregnancy?
Yes, you can, by week 3 you are mostly not aware you are pregnant. If you have been trying to conceive, you can consult your doctor about what foods to avoid and when.
