Things are changing for me – Pregnancy Week 3

Things are changing for me. I have all my parts to become a functioning human being now, although they do not look right as yet. The pictures I have this sense that my mother is looking at give her odd sensations. She is still not quite sure that I exist in her body. I shall give her signs soon. Deep down, she senses me, but her consciousness is not really sure.

In the third week of pregnancy, the zygote is almost an embryo and attaches to the wall of the uterus. Sometimes, it attaches over the mouth of the uterus, and this can cause large problems when birth is due, as when the mouth of the womb stretches for the birth, the placenta may detach, and the baby and mother may be in big trouble.

While one is letting this knowledge sink in is a good time to begin really planning the pregnancy. There may be some lingering doubts, but these will quickly fade. Have some fun by choosing a name or a nickname for the child that is on the way.

This week, the embryo’s brain is forming now, and it is almost time for the backbone to grow. Around itself, it will weave a special cover known as an amniotic cavity inside the placenta. This tiny little speck has also a heart, which also circulates plasma at a very quick speed.

None of the changes is visible on the outside of the mother-to-be. They are taking place within her womb. However, the mother-to-be will be having changes of her own to notice on the outside. The breasts may now be very tender and sensitive, and there may be a bloated feeling. A small amount of bleeding may be noticed. If the bleeding is heavy and continuous, immediately contact the doctor or health professional.

Mood swings are very common. One may be extremely happy one moment and crying violently the next. Tiredness may be present in the morning, as well as an awkward feeling. The head may feel heavy and nausea appear.

The hormone levels dip and swing out of one’s comfort zones, especially the hormone oestrogen. Breathing may feel strange, as though one is out of breath all the time, and have low stamina. It is a good idea to ensure one has a lot of fresh air and one’s diet is supporting healthy growth in the baby.

If one works, it is also time to make a decision whether one will continue to work after the child arrives. If one does want to continue, it is time to check around day care centres. With so many people needing to work, there are often centres that are booked out for many months in advance. If one finds a centre one likes, leave one’s name with them, and ask them to get back to one when they have a vacancy.

If one’s blood pressure feels odd, and there is much fatigue, consult the doctor or the health provider. The body is working very hard to get ready to support the new life that is forming inside. It is filtering the blood cleaning it of any impurities, and getting rid of them through the kidneys.

So it is very important to drink lots of water, and juices to aid this rinsing out. Do not worry about the amount of times one needs to pee, as this is perfectly normal. There are huge emotional changes also occurring and one can feel very weary or want to sleep most of the day and night.