Week 3: The Journey Begins

The Moment of Conception

Your Baby This Week

Fertilization has happened! A sperm and egg have united to form a single cell called a zygote, which contains all of your baby's future genetic information. This tiny cell is now rapidly dividing, becoming a small cluster of cells as it travels down the fallopian tube on its way to the uterus. Your body is already producing hormones to prepare for its arrival.12

Your Body This Week

At this early stage, you probably won't feel pregnant yet, but amazing things are happening inside. Cleveland Clinic says conception is usually unnoticed: you might have dull post - conception aches or light spotting (from implantation), but fertilization itself is rarely felt3. Emotionally, you're in the 'two-week wait' until you can take a test. Find relaxing distractions and try not to stress. Most women don't feel a thing at this stage.4

Tips for Your Partner

This 'two-week wait' can be a rollercoaster for both of you. Your main role is to be a source of support. Keep communication open and do something fun together to take your minds off the waiting game. Your presence and understanding mean the world.5

References

[1]

Fetal development: The first trimester - Mayo Clinichttps://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/in-depth/prenatal-care/art-20045302

[2]

Embryology, Fertilization - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf - NIHhttps://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK542186/

[3]

Conception: Fertilization, Process & When It Happens - Cleveland Clinichttps://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/11585-conception

[4]

Am I Pregnant? Early Symptoms of Pregnancy & When To Test - Cleveland Clinichttps://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/9709-pregnancy-am-i-pregnant

[5]

Healthy relationships with partners in pregnancy - Raising Children Networkhttps://raisingchildren.net.au/pregnancy/pregnancy-for-partners/relationships-and-feelings/healthy-relationships-with-partners-pregnancy