Beginning Of Fertilization - Baby’s Growth And Development During 3 & 4 Week

By Author: stephaniecutter
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When you are 3 weeks pregnant, the sperm comes into contact with the egg inside the fallopian tube and the fertilization occurs. But you are not even aware that you have conceived as you didn’t miss a period. Week 3 is the actual beginning of pregnancy and also the time when the gender of the baby is determined.

Some women experience slight spotting and bleeding because of the fertilized egg moving into the uterus. They may even experience nausea but there is nothing to worry about.

Week 3 of pregnancy is the time when doctors usually prescribe folic acid tablets as it helps in preventing the baby from defects.

During this week, the amniotic fluid starts collecting around the cells that comprise the embryo. It helps in cushioning your baby during the entire nine months of pregnancy.

During this time your baby is growing remarkably fast but is still too small to detect with the naked eye. But it will change rapidly in the weeks that come. It starts developing its head, spinal chord and the gastrointestinal tract.

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... will even notice that your waistline is expanding but you shouldn’t fear the weight gain that is inevitable at this time. In fact, it is very natural and healthy to gain weight during pregnancy as much of it is due to the growing placenta, amniotic fluid, and the fluid collecting in the tissue and the baby. The weight gain is also because of the accumulation of the maternal fat that helps in supporting the breastfeeding.

The third week of pregnancy is the time when a lot of changes are about to occur in your body. Appreciate these changes and remember that they help in supporting you and the baby throughout your pregnancy.

When you are 4 weeks pregnant, your baby is about ½ to 1 mm long. Quite an accomplishment for the little one! It will now start imbedding itself deeper into the uterus lining as the amniotic cavity and the placenta is beginning to form.

The placenta helps in transporting the oxygen and nutrients to the baby from vascular networks and blood from your body. Week 4 of pregnancy is the time when your baby starts developing its organs as different layers of cells develop in your body.

Pregnancy symptoms are greater in the fourth week. Morning sickness, dizziness, and tender or sore breasts are some of the common symptoms during the fourth week. Other symptoms such as nausea, fatigue, and mood swings may also occur during this time.

The week 4 which marks 1 month of pregnancy is actually vey crucial for the woman and her baby as this is the time when the fetus is prone to different kinds of abnormalities. It is thus very important that the mother takes utmost care of herself by starting to take a healthy and well-balanced diet.

This is the time when she needs a lot of rest and should give up smoking and drinking. It is even recommended that you schedule an appointment with your obstetrician. Prenatal care is very important during the initial weeks of pregnancy that are crucial for your baby’s development.

Week 4 of pregnancy is the time when, along with placenta, the umbilical cord develops which helps in supplying oxygen and other nourishments to the fetus. That warns you to be extra careful about your nutrition during pregnancy.

Author Bio:

Stephanie writes on health, pregnancy and parenting. Visit ThePregnancyZone.com for more information on pregnancy week by week and everything you want to know about getting pregnant and childbirth.