Fetal development in pregnancy week 3:
Although your belly is still the same size and shape as it was pre-pregnancy, a plethora of amazing and dynamic changes are taking place despite this fact. Right now your little zygote is already 1.5 – 2.5mm in size. This is quite a change from the microscopic pack of cells you had just two weeks ago. Your microscopic little one is already composed of three complex “germ” layers: the ectoderm, endoderm and mesoderm. Although you could hardly see them at this point, these layers are the beginnings of your baby’s nervous system and brain, stomach and inner organs, and skeleton and connective tissue. Your baby is also starting to take on recognizable physical dimensions somewhat comparable to a very tiny pear. The round part of the pear will eventually become the head and the pointy part will be the spine. Perhaps the best part of this week is that somewhere around the 21st day, your miraculous little pear will have a beating heart, although the heart chambers and valves will not be completely developed for another couple weeks.
Maternal Changes
By 3 weeks pregnant, you will probably not be aware of any significant changes. You may be aware that you are ovulating. This might be a good time to put your scale away for a while. Weigh yourself one time for the record. You may find that you are slightly bloated due to ovulation. As your pregnancy continues, you’ll find your waistline expanding. Some women enjoy keeping track of the incredible shifts in their size and shape during their pregnancy week by week, whereas others dread the inevitable weight gain. Remember that it is natural and healthy to have weight gain during pregnancy.
Most women will gain between 25 and 35 pounds during their pregnancy, more if they are carrying multiples. Much of this weight is distributed among the placenta, uterus, amniotic fluid, fluid in the tissues and your baby. You will also put on about 7 pounds of maternal fat stores, to help support breastfeeding.
Take this time to appreciate and embrace the remarkable changes that are about to occur in your body, and remember that every pound gained is a pound that is going to help support your baby throughout your pregnancy.
If you are trying to get pregnant, you are probably filled with excitement and anticipation. Unfortunately you won’t be able to test for pregnancy for another 10 days or so. Even the most sensitive pregnancy tests usually cannot detect a pregnancy until two or three days before your period is scheduled to arrive.
Dad
You’re probably blissfully unaware of what is going on at this point. Or you might be anxiously awaiting the results of the pregnancy test. Either way continue with good habits previously started or work towards forming new habits.
Maternity Clothes
You need to look great at work but don’t want to spend a fortune on maternity wear, right? Don’t worry! Fortunately for today’s mom-to-be there is a huge selection of career collections that range in price to suit every working mom-to-bee’s budget, size and even style preferences!
If you plan on working throughout your pregnancy you will benefit from buying career collections that contain several mix and match pieces. Consider Pants and a few different blouses or blazers from Destination Maternity .
Believe it or not, you can survive your entire pregnancy with just a few carefully chosen outfits if you invest in one of the many career collections available today! Whether you are the CEO of a major corporation or work for a small office of less than 20 employees, rest assured you can find just what you are looking for when it comes to career maternity wear!
Pregnancy Health Tips
If you are trying to become pregnant, now is the time to give up your glass of wine and avoid drinking alcohol during pregnancy. Consider embarking on new rituals during your pregnancy. Meditation is a wonderful and easy way to relax and is beneficial for both you and your baby. If you find yourself missing the occasional treat, consider an alternative such as a grapefruit juice spritzer. Decaffeinated teas are also a great option throughout your pregnancy. Don’t stress out about any drinks you had prior to realizing you were pregnant. It is unlikely that these will have serious effects on your baby. It is important however when you make the decision to become pregnant or when you find out that you are pregnant that you adopt healthy practices to ensure the well being of your child. Ask your partner to encourage you during the process, and you might find that he is willing to give up his nightly cocktail as well to show support for you during your pregnancy.
Twin Tips
If you’re having fertility treatments your chances of having multiples is increased, depending on which treatment. The rate of twins can be as many as 1 in 40 pregnancies.
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