Can You Confirm Pregnancy at 3 Weeks?
Lucy Woodbridge
Table Of Content
Reading Time: | Word Count:
At 3 weeks pregnant, you are technically pregnant as your egg has been fertilised, and the implantation process occurs. This is where the fertilised egg moves through the fallopian tubes into your uterus, where it attaches to the lining of the uterus and eventually grows into your baby.
How big is your baby at 3 weeks?
At Week 3, your baby is still at the very initial stage of development. Technically, the baby is not yet an embryo but a rapidly dividing cluster of cells known as a blastocyst. Your baby at this stage is incredibly small, approximately the size of a pinhead, measuring about 0.1 to 0.2 mm. Despite this minuscule size, this is a crucial stage for the baby as it travels from the fallopian tube to the uterus and begins the implantation process.
What are the early signs of implantation?
Implantation is a significant event of Week 3. You may experience bloating, light spotting (bleeding), changes to your breasts and mild cramping. It can easily be mistaken for your period! As discussed previously, the fertilised egg (the blastocyst) arrives in the uterus and attaches itself to the uterine lining. This process is vital for the continued growth and development of the baby and triggers hormonal changes in the mother’s body that support pregnancy. This is the start of your pregnancy journey. In 40-ish weeks you will be meeting your brand new baby – how amazing is that!
Your body at week 3: changes and developments
While the baby is too small to cause physical changes in the body, hormonal changes start to occur. The body begins to produce human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), the hormone detected by pregnancy tests. Additionally, oestrogen and progesterone levels increase to support the pregnancy.
Common symptoms at week 3 of pregnancy
Every body, every baby and every pregnancy is different. You may experience all or some of the below common symptoms during early pregnancy. If you’re ever worried about symptoms or changes to your body then do consult your GP.
Here are some of the symptoms you may experience at week 3:
Breast Changes
Hormonal fluctuations can make breasts tender or slightly swollen. Breasts can also go up in size, and this can happen rapidly! Changes in breast size and condition is normal as your hormones increase to support your changing body. If you are at all worried about changes to your breasts then please speak to your GP for an assessment.
Implantation Bleeding
You might experience light spotting known as implantation bleeding. It’s usually lighter and shorter than a regular period, perfectly normal, and nothing to worry about. Some women don’t experience any bleeding so please don’t worry if you don’t notice any spotting at week 3. Some women also worry that bleeding is a sign of miscarriage which is completely understandable. If you are at all worried about miscarriage, then please speak to your GP, and if helpful, share your fears with those closest to you.
Mild Cramping
Mild uterine cramping can occur, often mistaken for the onset of a menstrual period. Week 3 can be a confusing time as it’s unlikely you would have a positive pregnancy test this early on in your pregnancy. Cramping and light spotting can easily be mistaken for a period when in actual fact it’s your baby finding it’s place within your womb!
Fatigue
Increased progesterone levels can lead to tiredness. Tiredness in the 1st trimester is common, and this is due to the fact that your placenta hasn’t developed enough to take over supporting your pregnancy. Tiredness should subside once your placenta has taken over (around the 12-week mark). Many women find new levels of energy in the 2nd trimester – until then, rest as much as you need!
Heightened Sense of Smell
Some women report a heightened sense of smell, which can lead to food aversions or nausea. You may also experience food aversions and nausea without any heightened sense of smell. It can be surprising how you are suddenly turned off particular foods or suddenly have an urge to consume foods you’ve not been interested in before.
Bloating
Hormonal changes can cause bloating similar to premenstrual symptoms, which makes this time very confusing. Bloating can make you feel slightly uncomfortable but is a normal part of the early pregnancy process.
Emotional changes at week 3 of pregnancy
Finding out you are pregnant or waiting for a positive test can bring on a whole host of emotions. This is exasperated by the surge in hormones, which will be new to your body and can be the cause of fluctuations in mood. Our advice during this period is to take it easy. If you’re waiting for a positive pregnancy test and you don’t get the result you’re hoping for then try not to blame yourself. Getting pregnant is surprisingly hard for lots of women; for most, it takes 6-12 months. If it takes longer than 12 months, then be sure to check in with your GP. If you have just had a positive pregnancy test and you’re experiencing changes to your body that you didn’t expect then this can really throw you. Be sure to rest and if you can, enjoy the changes as your body prepares to do something utterly incredible – growing a brand new human!