Though ovulation has just occurred at this point, for convenience, pregnancy weeks are calculated from the first day of the last period. So at 3 weeks pregnant, fertilization is just occurring and the baby is actually at its first week of existence.
Mom
Usual ovulation signs can be occurring during this time. This would be the time for women who are trying to get pregnant to have sexual intercourse. For those women who are avoiding pregnancy, birth control should be used or a woman should abstain from intercourse during the time she is most likely to become pregnant.
Signs of ovulation:
• Increase in clear, stretchy vaginal mucus
• Cramps on one side in the area of the ovaries
• Increase in sex drive
• Rise in basel temperature
• Breast sensitivity and growth
• Higher energy level
Baby
Fertilization occurs when the egg is released from the ovary. If there are sperm waiting there is an increase chance of a boy. If the sperm arrive within 24 hours (average lifespan of an egg) after ovulation, there is an increased chance of a girl.
It is at the time of ovulation and fertilization that multiples are determined. If a woman has multiples in her family, she is more likely to have multiples. Since multiples are determined by how the egg divides or how many eggs are released, it doesn’t matter if the father has multiples in his family.
Once fertilized, the baby is no longer bigger than a head of a pin. Amniotic fluid begins to collect around the cells and a primitive circulation system begins to develop. The baby will travel down the fallopian tube to the uterus to implant. Tubal pregnancies occur at this time if the baby doesn’t make it to the uterus (to implant or be expelled) and begins to grow in the fallopian tube.
Life
Before implantation, the baby is independent of the mom. At implantation the baby will begin to receive nutrients from the mom. A mom should already have started a healthy life style and exercise routine. At the time of implantation it is important the mom doesn’t introduce harmful things like tobacco, drugs, and alcohol into her body. Since she may not realize she is pregnant, healthy habits should begin if they weren’t already
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