Inside Your Body
Congratulations! You have successfully conceived. Technically speaking, your egg has successfully met its sperm “mate”, hence, your zygote (fertilised egg) will undergo the beginning of its transformation into ultimately your darling baby. Do you want to know what is happening inside you?
This week, the cells in the zygote will continuously divide to transform into a blastocyst, a disc-like structure with two layers of cells. The blastocyst (don’t you wish the medical field could have come up with a simple name?) will begin its journey through your fallopian tubes towards your uterus.Your uterine lining hasn’t taken a rest and thickens day by day to allow for more secured implantation of the blastocyst.
You need to look after yourself as you adjust to changes in your body. Your hormone levels are shooting up, your heart-rate will increase, your blood sugar is down, and you are expending a lot of energy, nutrients and water.
Implantation of the blastocyst into your uterus occurs 5 to 10 days after conception i.e. at the end of this week or during the next week. When this occurs, your placenta is being formed simultaneously. The placenta is very important because it provides nourishment to the developing baby and releases hormones such as estrogen and progesterone that further strengthen the uterine lining and prevent shedding of the blastocyst by menses. In other words, your body is preparing a warm and cozy home for your baby.
Your Signs And Symptoms
There are no baby bumps yet and you may not realize that you are pregnant even if your body is changing,.
The most noticeable symptoms of early pregnancy may include the varying consistency levels of your cervical mucus, mild cramps and some blood staining or spotting. This means that the outer lining of the uterus is strengthening and an egg is being fertilized and being implanted into your uterus. However, you should consult your doctor immediately if your bleeding is excessive, as it maybe a sign of miscarriage or complications.
There are many typical symptoms of pregnancy but most pregnancy symptoms don’t appear until week 6:
- Your breasts will become tender and fuller as it gets ready for breastfeeding 8-9 months later. The tenderness should stop by the third or fourth month but your bra size will continue to increase over the course of your pregnancy but will reduce after birth. Tributaries of little veins will also appear all over your breasts and return to normal after breastfeeding is stopped
- Your areolas (the area around your nipples) become darker and may spread. Your lubrication glands (bumps on your areoles) will become more noticeable. These conditions will return to normal after birth
- Unexplained fatigue and feeling of lethargy because you are expending energy in preparing your body for your baby. This is likely to last for 3-4 months
- Feeling feverish with an increase of up to 1 degree in your body’s normal temperature.
- Frequent urination because of your hormonal changes, your kidneys are working more efficiently, and your uterus will press against your bladder as it grows
- Nausea or vomiting but it should only be slight if any. It should last until week 12-14. However, a small percentage may continue this symptom for a longer period.
- Troubles in sleeping
- Rounder tummy due to bloating as water retention increases
- Constipation and flatulence
- Strange cravings and sensitivity to smells, e.g. perfume
Your looks may either improve or worsen due to the change in your hormones. Your hair may become oilier or drier, flatter or frizzier. Your face may glow because of greater blood flow or oil production. However, you could also develop acne. Your hands and feet will become bigger over time due to water retention. Your gums in your mouth will become more sensitive. Your hair and nails will grow faster than ever.
What Tests To Expect
If you are not certain if you are pregnant, then you can try to conduct a simple blood test by the end of the 3rd week to see. But don’t worry if it shows up negative as it may still be too early for you to show a positive reading. The test measures your β –HCG level. It is a hormone that is essential for pregnancy, because if it is not produced in sufficient amount (which happens in very young girls or very old women), your uterus will not be able to hold pregnancy all the way to term, as this hormone strengthens the uterus and its walls.
Most people will wait until the 4th week to see if they have a monthly period and get a home pregnancy urine test that can be easily bought off-the-shelf from pharmacies.
