Pregnancy – Week 3

Mum

You haven’t even missed your period yet so it’s too early to notice any changes.

The lining of your uterus is thickening and secreting a lot of nutritious fluid in preparation for implantation of an embryo, usually 7–12 days after fertilisation.

If the egg and sperm join successfully, the embryo will be present as a group of about 100 cells growing and multiplying and is only about the size of a pin head. These cells form a blastocyst of two layers which will seperate. The placenta will be formed from the outer layer of cells and the embryo from the inner layer.

Bub

The dividing cells contain all the DNA (genetic information) necessary to become a child. The embryo first moves into the uterus around 80 hours after ovulation and several days later the implantation process commences. The fertilised egg makes its way down the fallopian tube then burrows into the uterus where your growing bub now attaches to the lining of your womb.

Tips

Restrict any amount of alcohol you’re drinking.
Quit smoking to avoid developmental problems with your baby.
Start taking folic acid if you haven’t already.
Some herbal preparations and teas cause problems in pregnancy. Seek clarification from your health care professional.
When taking home pregnancy tests, read the directions carefully and make sure all equipment is clean to ensure accuracy.