Congratulations, you’re really pregnant!

Even though you are officially three weeks pregnant, thanks to how pregnancy is calculated, your tiny zygote is on its first week of growth in your uterus.

This early in pregnancy, it may not even seem real yet. You likely haven’t gained any pregnancy weight, your body shape hasn’t visibly changed, and you certainly won’t be feeling your baby move.

However, you may be experiencing some early symptoms, and your body is already hard at work nurturing new life.

Your Baby’s Development At 3 Weeks Pregnant

Right now, your baby is a blastocyst — a tiny clump of cells, but they’re dividing rapidly to begin the process of growing into a fetus.

Your baby is now smaller than a pin’s head, with no discernable features yet. However, big things are happening in those tiny cells, including the steps determining the baby’s physical sex. This is also a point at which the zygote can divide and become twins, according to Perinatology!

The zygote also starts to secrete the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), which will set off many changes in the mother’s body to prepare for growing a human.

Quick Overview: Baby's Development At 3 Weeks Pregnant:

• Your baby is blastocyst, a tiny clump of rapidly dividing cells.
• The baby is smaller than a pinhead with no discernible features yet.
• Crucial developments are occurring, including the determination of physical sex.
• This is the stage where the zygote can divide and form twins.
• The zygote begins secreting human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), which triggers changes in the mother’s body to support pregnancy.

Mother’s Symptoms At 3 Weeks

A pregnant woman may not have many (or any) symptoms at all at three weeks.

Some unlucky souls report starting morning sickness this early or may begin sensing tenderness in their breasts. You may notice increased sensitivity to smells, fatigue, or changes in sleep patterns.

Some women may also experience bloating, cramping, or other mild discomfort but may not recognize it as a pregnancy symptom other than PMS until later.

Most women will not know they are pregnant for at least another week, and most home pregnancy tests are not likely to pick up hCG at this point, though some of the most sensitive boast the ability to do so well before you notice a missed period. In another week, hCG levels will have multiplied many times and should be discernable by most tests.

Nonetheless, changes are happening. The uterine lining thickens and prepares to protect your baby, and your body temperature may be slightly elevated.

3 Week Pregnancy Symptoms Quick Recap:

• Many women may not experience any symptoms at three weeks pregnant.
• Some may begin to experience morning sickness this early.
• Breast tenderness can develop.
• Increased sensitivity to smells may occur.
• Fatigue and changes in sleep patterns can be noticed.
• Some women experience bloating and cramping, which may be mistaken for PMS.
• Most women will not yet realize they are pregnant.
• Slightly elevated body temperature may be present.

When To Contact Your Doctor

Most women do not need to contact a doctor yet. However, in the case of an ectopic pregnancy — a pregnancy that implants outside of the uterus — there may be symptoms, including shoulder pain, lightheadedness or fainting, and/or vaginal bleeding accompanied by severe pain in the pelvis or abdomen, according to the Mayo Clinic.

An ectopic pregnancy always warrants contacting a doctor or seeking emergency care immediately.

What Should Mom Be Doing At 3 Weeks Pregnant?

At three weeks, most moms won’t make many lifestyle changes since most won’t yet know they’re pregnant.

However, if you do know, or if you’re trying to conceive and expect that you may be pregnant, you should avoid alcohol and recreational drugs, as research shows that it can be harmful early in pregnancy, including before you even know that you’re pregnant.

One study found that as many as half of fetuses are exposed to alcohol around the point of conception and that it can increase the risk of miscarriage.

Once you are aware you’re pregnant, or in advance if you are trying to conceive, you should also speak with your doctor about any medications you’re using and whether you should continue them or if there’s a safer substitute.

You may also consider beginning a multivitamin. Your body needs plenty of iron and folic acid, and it will need calcium, vitamin D, protein, and other vitamins and nutrients more than ever.

Other than that, this early in the pregnancy, your primary task is to listen to your body. Get the rest your body demands, take in the nutrients it needs, and, in general, take care of yourself.

Quick Recap Of What Mom Should Be Doing At 3 Weeks Pregnant:

• Most moms won’t make significant lifestyle changes since they may not know they are pregnant.
• Avoid alcohol and recreational drugs, as they can be harmful early in pregnancy.
• Consult a doctor about any medications to determine if they’re safe or if alternatives are needed.
• Start taking a prenatal multivitamin.
• Prioritize rest, proper nutrition, and overall self-care to support early pregnancy.

What To Look Forward To

You should have a positive pregnancy test in the next week or so.

As soon as you’re sure that you’re pregnant, you’ll start taking steps to secure prenatal care. Some offices may have longer wait times, and the practice you prefer may not always accept new patients, so you’ll want to call sooner rather than later.

If you haven’t yet, you’ll soon start experiencing early symptoms, which may include breast tenderness, more frequent urination, and exhaustion. Plan to give your body the rest and nutrition it needs.

Feeling the baby move and getting your first ultrasound glimpse are weeks away, but these first signs are much closer!