Ultrasound at 3 weeks of pregnancy is a way to find out accurate information about the presence of a fetus. After all, at this stage there are no obvious signs that the woman is pregnant.
In the third week it becomes clear whether fertilization has occurred or not. In addition, at this stage the embryo must attach to the walls of the uterus.
When a woman is a couple of weeks late, not everyone thinks about pregnancy. Some believe that there was a slight inflammation, others attribute the delay to stress.
And only after 3-4 weeks does a woman decide to visit a gynecologist, since a long absence of menstruation makes a woman think about a possible pregnancy.
A period of several weeks is considered an early stage of fetal development. This stage will last approximately 10 weeks.
After this, the embryo enters the embryonic stage, it develops the outlines of a person, and the woman’s pregnancy becomes visible.
In the third week, a woman will not yet be able to feel that she is pregnant. There are no obvious changes in her body, but they are actively occurring - the hormonal balance is being rebuilt in preparation for bearing a baby.
What can you see during an ultrasound procedure at the stage of pregnancy at 3 weeks?
Ultrasound examinations are carried out in antenatal clinics, perinatal centers, maternity hospitals, and in specialized institutions.
To undergo the procedure, you need to contact your gynecologist, who will give you a referral for an ultrasound scan, if necessary.
To carry out the procedure, a woman must have a diaper and a condom with her, since some institutions do not provide these items.
Ultrasound can be performed in two ways: transabdominal and transvaginal. In the first case, examination will be possible only when the expectant mother’s bladder is full.
To do this, you need to drink about one and a half liters of any liquid. During the ultrasound, the woman lies on her back, her legs should be slightly bent at the knees.
The doctor installs a special sensor in the pubic area, which is pre-lubricated with a special gel, which will help establish contact for examining the woman’s internal organs.
Using the sensor you can see the uterus and appendages.
No special preparations are required to perform a transvaginal ultrasound. For the study, a vaginal sensor is used that is inserted into the vagina.
This type of examination is more accurate, the pelvic organs are much better visible.
At such an early stage of pregnancy, the baby cannot yet be seen. At this stage, it is a set of cells - a blastocyst, which is in constant division.
During division, the foundation of future organs and systems is laid. By the end of the third week, the number of cells reaches about 250 pieces.
The layers formed in the fertilized egg are transformed into the nervous, circulatory systems, and skeleton.
The unborn baby is so small that it is impossible to see it using an ultrasound in the third week due to its microscopic size.
At the current stage, the specialist controls the thickening of the uterine mucosa - the endometrium.
In gynecology, this condition of the uterus is called endometrial hyperplasia. By enlarging the mucous membrane, the uterus prepares for an important period - gestation.
During pregnancy, the corpus luteum forms in the ovaries and blood flow increases as a result of increased hormonal activity. Using ultrasound, the level of blood flow is assessed, because the corpus luteum must ensure the formation of the placenta.
Progesterone is a hormone that is formed at this stage of pregnancy. It helps building and nutritional components enter the endometrium in large quantities.
At the same time, it normalizes the tone of the muscular wall of the uterus and suppresses menstruation.
During an ultrasound, the doctor determines the location of the thickening of the uterine mucosa. The corpus luteum may resemble a cyst. Where there is a thickening is considered the site of fetal implantation.
During an ultrasound, the doctor takes measurements of the reproductive organ and examines the appendages.
If the fertilized egg has already appeared, then measurements are taken and the cavity is examined to see whether there is a yolk sac there or not. It will be the embryo.
The procedure shows the state of the muscle layer and the tone of the uterus. After analyzing the data, the doctor will determine the course of pregnancy.
So, if the corpus luteum is poorly supplied with blood, there may be a threat of termination of pregnancy. If the fallopian tube is very thickened, there is an assumption of the presence of an ectopic pregnancy.
Sometimes the doctor can make a verdict - a frozen pregnancy. Do not despair ahead of time and rush to do curettage. A specialist who does not have sufficient experience may make a mistake.
At 3 weeks it is impossible to see the embryo and measure its heartbeat. At this stage, only the presence or absence of a fertilized egg is determined. It is worth repeating the ultrasound examination after 2-3 weeks for an accurate diagnosis.
At three weeks of pregnancy, the fertilized egg will appear as a small speck during an ultrasound scan.
However, each woman may have her own feelings. Some will not feel any changes in the body at all, while others will experience discomfort and toxicosis.
At week 3, the implantation period is already completed, so with the help of ultrasound you can find out whether a new life has arisen in the woman.
In the third week, an ultrasound examination may show only indirect signs of pregnancy.
To verify with one hundred percent accuracy the presence of an embryo in the uterus, you can do a blood test for hCG.
At 3 months of pregnancy, experts recommend performing an ultrasound examination for women with complaints of pain and discomfort in the abdomen and its lower part.
Such symptoms may occur with an ectopic pregnancy or threatened miscarriage. Bloody discharge is also a reason to prescribe an ultrasound examination.
Sometimes a woman has all the signs of pregnancy, but there is no fetus in the uterus. Instead, bubbles appear, their number is constantly growing. This disease can be detected by ultrasound.
If there are any negative manifestations of pregnancy, ultrasound makes it possible to identify all problems at an early stage and carry out the necessary treatment.
If the study is carried out at an early stage, the gestational age can be more accurately determined. At later stages, information about the time of embryo development will be less accurate.
A missed period does not always mean pregnancy. Sometimes it is the result of a disease. This is why an ultrasound is recommended.
A disease detected in its early stages can be cured faster than an advanced disease.
If there are no negative signs of early stage pregnancy, then specialists most often will not prescribe an ultrasound examination.
There is an opinion that ultrasound has a bad effect on the fetus and its development, on the structure of DNA. But this statement has not been proven.
There is also no evidence that ultrasound is completely harmless to the unborn baby. All theories about the dangers of ultrasound are just hypotheses.
Ultrasound diagnostics is the most accurate way to determine the presence of pregnancy. An ultrasound will show an “interesting” position already in the third week after fertilization has occurred.
Thus, pregnancy can be determined 4-5 days after a delay in menstruation occurs.
Sometimes a woman feels changes in her body, but during the research procedure the result is negative.
In this case, the specialist may refer the woman for a repeat ultrasound. If the fertilized egg is not detected, it is worth conducting more thorough studies to exclude or confirm an ectopic pregnancy.
Baby's first photo
Many young mothers, not knowing what the fetus looks like in the third week of pregnancy, ask the doctor to take the first photo of the child.
When determining pregnancy by ultrasound, doctors often use the embryological period - this is the moment when the fusion of germ cells occurred.
In other cases, the obstetric term is used. It is counted from the very first day of the last menstrual cycle.
To compare these two periods, it is necessary to add a little more than two weeks to the embryological one. As a result, the third week of pregnancy according to ultrasound corresponds to five weeks of the obstetric period.
During this period, the fetus is an egg with a diameter of only 4 mm. The embryo, like all its organs, cannot be distinguished, since their formation has not yet occurred.
The egg attaches to one of the parts of the uterus. One can understand the desire of parents to see their unborn child as early as possible. But at this stage, the embryo will look like a small spot in the photo.
Just so that mommy can look at this spot and make sure that she is really pregnant, the doctor will not prescribe an ultrasound.
Despite the fact that studies have been conducted in the field of the safety of ultrasound on the fetus, health workers play it safe and do not prescribe this study at 3 weeks of pregnancy if there are no pathologies.
At 3 weeks of pregnancy, an ultrasound examination can confirm or deny the presence of pregnancy.
After the doctor tells you the good news that a new life has arisen inside you, you should pay more attention to your health.
After all, during the period when all the systems and organs of the baby are being formed, it is the woman who is responsible for his health.
If any discomfort occurs, do not expect it to go away on its own. You should immediately contact your doctor for examination and consultation.
The third week of pregnancy is the starting point for the development of the unborn child. If conception did not take place earlier, then at that time fertilization of the egg and, accordingly, the birth of a new life must have already occurred - a huge event! However, the expectant mother may not even know about this yet, since a delay in menstruation occurs in most cases a little later.
First, you should define the concept of “3 weeks of pregnancy.” Gynecologists define this period as the third week from the beginning of the last menstrual cycle. In a simple, “philistine” understanding, this is the period from the moment of conception, or 6 obstetric weeks. And if you calculate from the last missed period, then the 8th obstetric week.
In order not to fall into error and avoid confusion, you should count from a medical point of view, especially since in the antenatal clinic the doctor marks the dates precisely on this counting scale. In fact, it turns out that 3 obstetric weeks are equivalent to 1 embryonic week, that is, the beginning of the existence of a new life.
Thus, the 3rd week of pregnancy is the transition of the planned pregnancy to the “real” category, the beginning of the division of the fertilized egg, as well as its transition from the fallopian tube to the uterine cavity.
It is at the end of the second or at the beginning of the third week (12-16 days) from the moment of the last menstruation that women with a standard cycle experience ovulation - the most successful period for the fusion of the egg and sperm. But conception can happen a little earlier, or a little later - everything is very individual.
In an unfavorable combination of circumstances, the resulting embryo does not move to the corner designated by nature for development, but is fixed in the fallopian tube - this is how an ectopic pregnancy occurs. This is the main danger of this period.
Signs, symptoms and sensations in the 3rd week of pregnancy
Some women already at this stage claim that they intuitively feel the birth of a tiny person within themselves. But most are still unaware of the global changes in their body.
However, there are symptoms that are often encountered in expectant mothers at the 3rd week of fetal development, the presence of which can suggest pregnancy:
- changes in appetite (increase or decrease);
- new extraordinary taste preferences;
- high fatigue;
- slight nausea after meals;
- sharply fluctuating emotional state;
- increased sensitivity to all kinds of odors;
- frequent trips to the toilet in small ways.
In addition, at the 3rd week of pregnancy, there is often a special sensitivity of the breast, in which even light touches cause hostility. The mammary glands increase slightly in size, the nipples become coarser and harden. It should be noted that this symptom is also characteristic of premenstrual syndrome, and therefore cannot be considered in isolation as a sign of pregnancy.
Abdominal pain is present both during PMS and during pregnancy (but not always). Tugging sensations appear often, but do not cause much concern. At the same time, women, as a rule, notice a change in the nature of the discharge: it becomes more abundant, has a pink, beige or yellowish tint and a slightly sour smell. Bloody spotting is also noted, which sometimes women mistake for “critical days” occurring ahead of schedule.
Under the influence of hormones, during the 3rd week of being in an “interesting position”, libido changes towards increasing or decreasing. There are no contraindications for making love at this stage, except for the presence of a threat of miscarriage or, in fact, the reluctance of the woman herself.
Purchasing and conducting a pregnancy test during this period does not make sense, since the amount of hCG in the urine is not yet high enough for detection. Only very sensitive tests for early ovulation will demonstrate a barely visible second line, but this will only contribute to confusion with the timing. Therefore, it is advisable to go to the pharmacy only if you notice a delay in your period.
Female body at 3 weeks of pregnancy
Soon after fertilization has occurred, the expectant mother’s body is completely rebuilt and begins to work in a “special” mode necessary for the development and growth of the tiny person.
The immune system of a woman at 3 weeks of pregnancy tries to resist the introduction of a half-foreign organism (this is why nausea and seemingly unreasonable fatigue occur). And in order to avoid rejection of the embryo, nature provides for the release of a specific protein that can suppress the immune system of a pregnant woman.
During this period, the placenta begins to form around the embryo - a unique organ present only in pregnant women. The purpose of the placenta is to deliver nutrients and oxygen to the small creature that has settled in the uterus, as well as to filter toxic elements.
There are no visible external changes in women at this stage of pregnancy, but inside there is a real hormonal flurry. Estrogen and progesterone are synthesized in the required quantities, providing conditions for the advancement of the unborn baby into the uterus and subsequent consolidation therein. These same hormones will essentially influence the development of pregnancy in the future.
Fetal development at 3 weeks of pregnancy
During fertilization, which usually occurs at the beginning of the third week of pregnancy, the embryo is a zygote consisting of one cell. After half a day, the zygote is divided into 2 equal cells, then into 4, and so the process continues further in geometric progression.
When a fertilized egg splits into 2 or more zygotes, the development of identical twins begins.
Approximately 3 days after the successful fusion of germ cells, the “little man in the project” becomes similar in appearance to a blackberry and consists of 20-30 identical particles. Next, it begins to move through the fallopian tubes, which takes 3-4 days, after which the zygote is implanted into the wall of the uterus. The process of penetration into the endometrium takes 36-40 hours and is accompanied by bleeding, but not always. The embryo seems to choose the most favorable place for attachment. Loosening the endometrium, it makes a small depression and clings to the wall with the help of special villi. In this case, fixation can occur both on the anterior and posterior wall of the uterus.
At this time, the cells continue to rapidly divide, and an embryo is formed inside the fertilized egg. Now the connection between the mother and the unborn child becomes continuous, and the two organisms begin to exist as a single whole: the tiny person will receive resources for nutrition and breathing from his mother.
There are three types of cells, the division of which leads to the formation of a complex organism:
- Ectoderm. From it comes the formation of the nervous system, nose, ears, eyes, hair, skin.
- Mesoderm. Thanks to the middle germinal leaf, the basis is created for the formation of the spine, viscera, cartilage, muscles, blood vessels, lymph, blood, and gonads.
- Endoderm. This is the foundation for the development of the mucous membranes of the respiratory system, gastrointestinal tract, and liver.
At the 3rd week of pregnancy, the fetus is unimaginably small: it is a ball no more than 0.2 mm in diameter and about 2-3 mcg in weight. But compared to the state when the embryo was formed, these are not small parameters at all, because it has increased in size several dozen times!
The future baby already has all the genetic material received from the parents: 23 chromosomes from mom and dad, respectively. The sex of the child is also determined. At this stage, the formation of the neural tube (the so-called rudimentary heart) takes place and the formation of the spinal cord and brain occurs.
By the end of the third week of pregnancy, the fetus looks like a tiny lump, firmly established in the thickness of the endometrium. Now both the embryo and the developing placenta will undergo rapid changes and begin to grow very rapidly.
Video - 3rd week of pregnancy: sensations, discharge, signs, fetal development
Nutrition of the expectant mother at 3 weeks of pregnancy
Proper nutrition is one of the most important aspects of caring for the development of the baby’s future during the planning period, as well as throughout pregnancy. Since week 3 marks the start of a new unique life and the emergence of a subsequent bond between mother and child, it is extremely important for a woman to control what she eats.
In the third week of pregnancy, you need to increase the amount of the following products in your daily menu:
- fish (preferably stewed or boiled);
- fresh vegetables and fruits;
- dairy and fermented milk products with low or medium fat content;
- turkey meat, lean beef, veal, chicken breasts;
- hard-boiled eggs;
- nuts (especially almonds) and raisins.
All these products contain a sufficient amount of valuable microelements, thanks to which the unborn child will more actively build the cells of his body and develop in accordance with the norms.
Especially useful at the beginning of pregnancy are fruits with yellow skin (peaches, bananas, apricots, melons), whole grain bread with hard cheese, natural yoghurts with berries, carrots, oatmeal.
At 3 weeks of pregnancy, the advice to “eat for two” is absolutely not relevant. It is enough to increase the usual daily calorie content of the menu in the region of 2000 calories to 2200-2300 calories. It would be good to distribute the entire daily menu into 4-6 meals in small portions - this way you can protect the digestive tract from overloads, which are not at all necessary during this period.
But the variety of fast food, so widely presented in modern cafes, is not at all advisable to eat, since it contains a lot of extra calories, and has no benefit either for the developing baby or for the expectant mother. Homemade snacks like sandwiches and sweet rolls should also be avoided for a similar reason.
According to the recommendations of nutritionists, the amount of sweet and savory foods should be significantly reduced, as they often provoke an increase in early toxicosis. At the same time, if any of the healthy products causes rejection, then you do not need to force yourself to eat it - it is much easier and more effective to find a replacement.
In the early stages of pregnancy, it is incredibly important to be attentive to any manifestations of your body and remember that only the food you like can bring true benefits. Many expectant mothers notice at the 3rd week of pregnancy that their appetite has dropped sharply. This is an absolutely normal reaction to the restructuring of the entire body and its adaptation to the new “tenant”. At a later date, the desire to eat heartily will definitely come.
The consumption of coffee and tea should be reduced, but done gradually. It is known that an excess of caffeine can negatively affect the nervous system of the unborn child and impede the access of oxygen through the placenta. However, too drastic changes in the habitual lifestyle of the expectant mother will also not bring any benefit.
Folic acid is stored longest in meat and dairy products, but it is almost impossible to obtain it in full from food. Therefore, it is worth purchasing this component in pharmacies in the form of capsules, and also try to “lean” on lettuce leaves and a variety of cereals.
In the early stages of pregnancy, folic acid is the most important vitamin for a woman, a deficiency of which can lead to developmental disorders of the fetus, premature birth, as well as problems in the mental development of the unborn child. Additionally, you should take vitamin complexes designed specifically for pregnant women.
At the 3rd week of pregnancy, it is important to drink vitamins containing selenium, because this microelement takes an active part in the construction of the neural tube of the embryo.
In addition, during this period it is very important to eat foods rich in iodine (which promotes the proper development of the sex glands of the unborn baby), zinc (affects the growth of the fetus), calcium (forms teeth and bones) and protein (helps the formation of additional blood in the woman’s body and builds the muscles and tissues of the embryo).
The basic rule regarding a woman’s lifestyle during the 3rd week of pregnancy is self-care and careful attention to her own well-being. Against the backdrop of a natural decrease in the body's defenses, it is necessary to avoid colds and any illnesses in general, because treating pregnant women is always difficult due to contraindications to the use of many medications. In addition, many infections can even provoke a miscarriage or lead to serious developmental disorders of the fetus.
For the favorable development of the new little person, the expectant mother should follow some simple recommendations:
- Reduce the intensity of physical activity. There is no need for extra expenditure of energy when the body is already working in an intense mode.
- Taking regular walks at a calm pace saturates the body with oxygen and greatly reduces the risk of involuntary miscarriage.
- Take control of the amount of liquid you drink. It is enough to consume about 1.5 liters per day, including not only plain water, but also milk, kefir, and juices. But if there is no tendency to edema, then you can increase the norm to 2 liters.
- Try not to be nervous and not to get involved in conflicts: a mother’s stress and turmoil harms the unborn baby and can even lead to miscarriage.
- Consult a specialist about taking certain medications.
- Give up alcohol, and it’s better to completely, since there is no “safe” dose for a developing fetus.
- Quit smoking if you haven't already.
As we can see, pregnancy can be an excellent incentive for a woman to reconsider her habits and lifestyle, to take more care of her health, because now responsibility increases.
Photo of ultrasound of the fetus at 3 weeks of pregnancy
At such an early stage, an ultrasound examination to confirm pregnancy is performed transvaginally using a special sensor. The embryo appears as a tiny dot against a darkened background. After a few weeks, the “lump” will already begin to resemble the outlines of a miniature person.
It should be noted that ultrasound is not always able to show the presence of pregnancy at such a short period.
Photo of the belly at 3 weeks of pregnancy
At this stage, the uterus enlarges slightly, but there are no external changes in the abdomen.
Belly at 3 weeks pregnantUltrasound diagnostics is one of the safest and most informative diagnostic methods, which, along with the hCG test, helps to establish pregnancy in a timely manner. Even from the very beginning of gestation, including at 3 weeks, this procedure does not pose a threat to the gestational process.
It is during the 3rd week that it is determined whether the pregnancy will develop or the unattached egg will be carried out of the body through the bloodstream. Ultrasound diagnostics is a comfortable procedure for the patient that does not require prior preparation.
Ultrasound can be performed either transvaginally or transabdominally. The transvaginal ultrasound method is more informative.
Gestation period: embryonic and obstetric
- embryonic – calculated according to the day of conception;
- obstetric - calculated according to the first day of the last menstruation (usually the middle of the cycle).
Ultrasound diagnostics determines the obstetric gestational age. In many cases, ultrasound diagnostics is the main method for determining the gestational age, for example, in cases of menstrual irregularities or lactational aminorrhea.
From an obstetric point of view, at the 3rd week pregnancy has not yet occurred, since the uterus is just preparing to receive a fertilized egg. This cell contains a complete set of chromosomes and is ready to divide.
At this stage, the expectant mother does not have information confirming the gestation, but quite often guesses about her condition. Not only by the delay of the next menstruation, but also by the small estates occurring in her body:
- increased nipple sensitivity;
- increased sensitivity to odors;
- the emergence of interesting food preferences and much more.
The initial stage of pregnancy is often detected by a woman by a strong change in taste preferences and increased sensitivity to smells. What happens in the third week?
During this period, when the winning sperm, the only one of the many, reaches its goal and is implanted into the egg, the egg receives the “father’s” set of chromosomes. The embryo begins to grow, within 3 days it already consists of 32 cells, by 21 days it already consists of 250 cells. Visually, it is a very small ball (up to 2 mm in diameter).
In 10 days, the embryo implants into the wall of the uterus, this prevents the release of menstruation. To provide protection to the fetus, the walls of the uterus thicken and produce the placenta. Thanks to the placenta, the baby will receive nutrients and oxygen. If you feel changes in your body, you can contact your obstetrician-gynecologist to confirm the onset of the gestational process. Ask for a referral for an ultrasound and a blood test for hCG. The third week is a very important time for gestation, since three important processes (ovulation, fertilization and implantation of the embryo into the myometrium) occur at this time.
Egg
When the egg matures and is ready for fertilization, the follicle ruptures and releases it. The egg enters the oviduct (fallopian tube). As the egg moves, its membrane is attacked by sperm. The most active and viable of them is introduced into her body, thus conception occurs. If the act of conception does not take place, the cell atrophies and is removed from the body with menstrual bleeding.
The process of an egg leaving the follicle is called ovulation. The process itself takes a few moments. The changes in a woman’s body that occur before the moment of ovulation, at the moment of ovulation, and after it are called the ovulation process, and the time they take is called the ovulatory period. After the egg leaves the ovary, it remains fertilized for 12 to 48 hours.
At conception, the most active sperm unites with the egg. If conception does not occur, the shell of the egg dies and is excreted from the body - this is the process of menstruation Zygote
As soon as the sperm has penetrated the shell of the egg, the body begins restructuring to begin the gestational period. This includes reducing immune reactions so that the body does not reject the fertilized egg.
A fertilized egg has an individual genetic code containing 23 chromosomes from the mother and 23 chromosomes from the father. A neoplasm containing the full 46 chromosome set is called a zygote. The zygote constantly divides; by the end of the 3rd week it begins the process of implantation into the myometrium. At this moment it has a size of up to 0.2 mm.
At the time of passage of the zygote through the oviduct, it is an autonomous structure, the vital activity and development of which is ensured by the corpus luteum. Therefore, the mother’s nutrition for 1-2 weeks is not so important; even alcohol and medications do not have a direct effect on the egg. This helps protect our offspring from the harmful effects of negative environmental factors, while the expectant mother is in the dark about her situation.
But as soon as the zygote is implanted into the wall of the uterus, diet, bad habits, and the psycho-emotional state of the mother become of paramount importance for the life and normal development of the embryo. The implantation process is accompanied by nagging pain in the lower abdomen, and sometimes mild bleeding. Within 40 hours, the cells divide and implant into the myometrium. External cells are dividing intensively, penetrating into the wall of the uterus, forming a system that will nourish the child until his birth. An embryo is formed from the embryonic nodule, and the structures that ensure its vital activity (umbilical cord, membranes of the embryo) are formed from external cells.
Placenta
The placenta is a unique and irreplaceable component of the “uterus-placenta-egg” system, which ensures the vital activity of the fetus throughout the entire gestation period. The purpose of the placenta is to supply oxygen and nutrition to the baby through the umbilical cord and remove fetal waste. In addition, the placenta is the fetal respiratory system, its filter that protects the baby from toxins, and the producing organ of hormones and active biological substances involved in the development of the fetus.
Within 3 weeks, a woman may develop a special discharge that is thicker, mucous, and streaked with blood. This is normal, since during this period a mucous plug begins to form, which will serve as a protective mechanism that protects the fetus from infection from the outside.
After 3 weeks of pregnancy, women usually notice the appearance of a new quality of discharge - thick and mucous. These changes are quite normal and indicate that a mucous plug is already forming in the uterus, which is necessary to protect the fetus. Ultrasound diagnostics for a period of 3 weeks
At 3 weeks, an ultrasound examination is performed for several reasons. The main ones include:
- regarding pathology of the female genital organs;
- with targeted and controlled conception;
- to clarify the situation in which there is a delay in menstrual bleeding and a home pregnancy test is negative.
At the time of the ultrasound, if the gestational process is 3 weeks, pregnancy has begun, but it is practically impossible to visualize the zygote. Only indirect signs of gestation are visualized. When performing an ultrasound of the uterus, endometrial hyperplasia is noted. In addition, when performing an ultrasound, a place is detected where the mucous membrane has the maximum thickening, which is a possible sign of preparation of this place for the implantation of the embryo. Ultrasound at week 3 allows you to assess the condition of the muscular layer of the uterus and the tone of the uterus. With hypertonicity, pregnancy failure is possible.
An ultrasound scan of the ovaries reveals increased vascularization of the corpus luteum. The corpus luteum performs placental functions until the “baby place” is formed, so the blood flow in the corpus luteum is increased. The endometrium, under the influence of the hormone progesterone (which supports pregnancy), develops, its glands are preparing to accept the zygote. The same progesterone acts as an inhibitor for the menstruation process.
If there is insufficient progesterone production, menstrual bleeding may begin. And the egg, which did not have time to implant into the myometrium, is removed from the body along with bloody discharge.
During this period, the corpus luteum has the appearance of a cystic formation. An ultrasound scan using duplex scanning of the vessels of the corpus luteum may reveal insufficient blood flow. This is caused by a decrease in progesterone levels in the blood. In such a situation, a blood test is prescribed to determine the content of this hormone and the issue of drug support for gestation is decided. If by this time a fertilized egg is visualized, the doctor measures its size (SVD of the egg) and examines its cavity for the presence/absence of a yolk sac, which will eventually develop into an embryo.
What to do after an ultrasound at 3 weeks?
If the procedure reveals local thickening of the fallopian tubes, the doctor may suspect an ectopic pregnancy on ultrasound. This is a reason for immediate surgical intervention.
Thus, it becomes clear that an ultrasound at the 3rd week of gestation is not the time when you can see your unborn baby, assess its condition or determine its gender. During this period, only the preparatory processes occurring in the woman’s reproductive organs and which indicate the onset of pregnancy are assessed. At this time, a more accurate indication of the onset of gestation is the result of a blood test for hCG.
It is necessary to understand that a 3-week ultrasound will not yet allow the mother to find out the gender of her baby, see him on the monitor or learn about his healthy development. At this stage, the doctor can assess the quality of tissue preparation of the woman’s reproductive system, identify the very presence of pregnancy and the consolidation of the fertilized egg in the uterus If after an ultrasound procedure you experience pain in the lower abdomen and faint spotting, this is not a reason to panic. Most likely, these are signs of embryo implantation. During this period, it is worth reducing physical activity. If the pain becomes stronger or the discharge intensifies, then you should definitely consult a doctor and possibly repeat the study.
This is the period when a woman should think about her lifestyle. And also normalize your diet and sleep patterns.
During this period, the expectant mother may feel dizziness and weakness caused by temporary hypotension. There is nothing terrible about this phenomenon for the health of a pregnant woman or the development of her child. If early toxicosis develops, nausea may be felt in the morning, but not too intense. The nausea worsens after eating. There is no relief after vomiting.
During this period, performance decreases. And there is a desire to devote more time to sleep and rest. In addition, a woman’s mood during this period is subject to sudden mood swings. All these phenomena fit into the norm of the gestational process.
The early period of pregnancy is a rather exciting time. It is at this time that the formation of vital organs begins to occur in the unborn baby. This article will help expectant mothers figure out whether it is possible to perform an ultrasound in the initial weeks of pregnancy.
When is it held?
In most cases, the first ultrasound performed during pregnancy is performed only at 10-12 weeks. Doctors did not set this deadline by chance. It is believed that exposure to ultrasound early in embryonic development can lead to various adverse effects. The most dangerous of them are the formation of various disorders of intrauterine development.
To estimate the duration of pregnancy, doctors use a special term - “obstetric period”.
It is counted from the first day of the last menstrual cycle. Usually this period differs significantly from the gestational period, which is used by ultrasound diagnostic doctors. This period, for obvious reasons, will be less than the obstetric period.
It should be noted that currently the situation with determining the duration of pregnancy has improved significantly. Modern ultrasound devices used in work immediately establish the obstetric gestational age. This is determined by introducing the initial parameters that the doctor indicates before conducting the study. In this case, in the conclusion after the test, the doctor indicates the obstetric gestational age. This is much more convenient, especially for obstetricians and gynecologists in their work.
To ensure that future mothers do not get confused when using these concepts, they should use obstetric gestational age. This will allow pregnant women to speak the same language with their obstetricians and gynecologists.
An ultrasound at 2-3 weeks is performed in most cases to exclude or confirm pregnancy. However, this type of examination is not the “gold” standard for this. The presence of pregnancy in the female body at this stage is confirmed by a clinical examination performed by a gynecologist, as well as a special biochemical marker - hCG. An increase in the blood of this hormone in most cases indicates the possible emergence of a new life in the female body.
An ultrasound examination performed on a woman who has a delay in her next menstruation, quite often it reveals not pregnancy, but various pathologies. As a rule, the development of this situation is caused by the patient’s polycystic disease or cystic ovarian formations. Hormonally active neoplasms in this case lead to an imbalance of female sex hormones, which ultimately contributes to a delay in menstruation.
How is it carried out?
To conduct the study, doctors use special sensors. Ultrasound can be performed using two methods - transabominal and transvaginal. Each of them has its own indications and contraindications. These methods make it possible to determine what the uterus and other reproductive organs of the expectant mother look like.
The gynecologist chooses which method is best to use in each specific situation.
There are cases when the date of expected conception is set incorrectly. In this situation, when conducting an ultrasound examination, doctors determine that the baby is 2 weeks older than the expected term. Experts can also establish that the fetus is developmentally delayed by 2 weeks. In such a situation, doctors prescribe a screening study, which is carried out after a few days.
To conduct the study, doctors use special sensors. With the transabdominal method, the examination is carried out through the skin of the abdomen. A transvaginal probe is inserted into the vagina. Many experts believe that research using this method in early pregnancy is more informative.
During the ultrasound, the doctor may take pictures. They are backed up in a medical card. Such pictures are taken in cases where a woman has any abnormalities or pathologies. For repeated studies, the ultrasound specialist can repeat this image. This is necessary in order to to track the dynamics of the development of this pathological condition.
What can be determined at this time?
An ultrasound performed early after conception can only show the presence of an egg that remains in the uterine cavity. This is the time when a small fertilized egg can leave the reproductive organ along with the bloodstream. In this case, the woman may not even understand that she was “pregnant” for a couple of weeks. A delay in menstruation after unprotected sexual intercourse is usually perceived by her as a hormonal imbalance.
Obstetricians say that at 3 weeks the pregnancy has not actually occurred. At that time the risk that a fertilized egg will leave the uterus is quite high. However, it is worth noting that she already has a double set of chromosomes, received during conception from the future father and mother. During this period, the fertilized egg develops quite quickly. The cells that form it rapidly divide and differentiate.
Doctors note that in the first week after conception, such a fertilized egg already consists of 32 small cells. By the end of the third week, it already contains more than 260 cells. Subsequently, active growth will occur throughout the entire first trimester of pregnancy.
The first weeks of such development are the most intense and important.
By the 20th day from the moment of conception, very important events begin to occur. The most important of them is implantation of a fertilized egg directly into the wall of the uterus. At this time, the pregnant woman, who is still completely unaware of her new status, begins to experience characteristic changes in behavior and her general condition. She may experience a dislike for certain smells, her appetite increases and her mood changes.
By the time the dividing zygote attaches to the inner lining of the uterus, it is less than 0.3 mm in size. In most cases, such a tiny “formation” is not visible during an ultrasound. Later, as the embryo develops and grows, it can already be seen in the uterine cavity during an ultrasound examination.
Typically, obstetricians-gynecologists prescribe an ultrasound at -3 weeks from the moment of conception for medical reasons. It is assigned to exclude concomitant diseases of the internal genital organs, which the mother has and can aggravate the course of pregnancy in the future. Also, an ultrasound scan at this time can be performed to assess the effectiveness of in vitro fertilization after embryo transfer.
There are cases when doctors prescribe an ultrasound examination 2-3 weeks after conception to confirm the fact of pregnancy. It’s worth saying right away that such examination is not always indicated. In practice, there are a huge number of cases of false diagnosis. In this case, a repeat ultrasound will be indicated in 1-2 weeks. Frequent ultrasound examinations, especially those carried out in the early stages of fetal development, can lead to the development of the most unfavorable consequences in the future.
The main sign by which ultrasound diagnostic doctors are guided is endometrial hyperplasia. This fact is an indirect sign of pregnancy. However, hyperplasia (increase in volume) of the inner lining of the uterus can also be a consequence of certain diseases of this reproductive organ.
Experienced ultrasound specialists identify a small depression in the mucous membrane, in which the baby will subsequently be located.
They determine it by measuring the initial thickness of the endometrium. During the examination, specialists can also determine the size and tone of the uterus. The presence of hypertonicity in a pregnant woman is an extremely unfavorable symptom, especially in the early stages of pregnancy. In some situations, hypertonicity can lead to spontaneous abortion or miscarriage.
Also, during the examination, the ultrasound doctor must evaluate the corpus luteum. In the early stages of pregnancy, its active vascularization occurs - blood supply. The blood vessels supplying the corpus luteum become more dilated. They also significantly increase the speed of blood flow.
This feature in the corpus luteum is due to the fact that it plays a very important role during pregnancy. It is this anatomical formation that doctors call the “baby bed.” From it in the future the main fetal structures will be formed, which protect the body of the unborn baby from the influence of external factors. The corpus luteum also has a pronounced hormonal effect. Progesterone synthesized under its active influence has a preparatory effect on the endometrium so that the embryo can be implanted into the inner wall of the uterus.
To assess the blood flow of the corpus luteum, ultrasound doctors use a special type of scanning is duplex. It allows you to assess the level of blood flow in any anatomical zone. A decrease in this indicator may indicate a disruption in the course of pregnancy. In such a situation, doctors decide on the need to prescribe corrective drug therapy.
Is it possible to do?
2-3 weeks of pregnancy is not at all the best time to perform an ultrasound. During this period, it is impossible to examine the fetus, let alone determine any pathologies of intrauterine development or the sex of the unborn baby. Carrying out an ultrasound examination at this time is mainly of a forced nature.
Scientists have found that the abuse of ultrasound, especially those performed in the early stages of pregnancy, subsequently leads to many different negative consequences. Babies who underwent frequent ultrasound examinations during early organogenesis after childbirth they have low weight.
Also, many pediatricians believe that exposure to ultrasound at an early stage of a child’s formation can lead to the formation of persistent disorders in the functioning of the nervous and cardiovascular systems.
Scientists have long established the fact that ultrasonic waves have a significant effect on the fetal brain. In the future, this contributes to the fact that the child develops various behavioral characteristics. This situation manifests itself after childbirth. American researchers believe that performing an ultrasound at such early stages can contribute to the development of autism in the future baby.
It is rational to carry out ultrasound examination at this stage only according to emergency medical conditions. Such an examination may also be indicated for women who have serious problems with bearing and conceiving a child. In this case, the need for an ultrasound is determined by a gynecologist. Thoughtlessly carrying out such research can lead to irreparable consequences. The expectant mother must be warned about this.
Pregnant women are interested in knowing what happens in their body immediately after conception. 2-3 weeks of pregnancy is the period when the baby begins to develop rapidly. The stage of implantation of the egg into the uterine wall has been successfully completed. The active formation of all systems and organs of the child begins. During this period, a woman may still not know about the pregnancy or only guess. The lifestyle remains the same. Some women may continue to smoke or drink alcohol. Later, when they learn about pregnancy, they worry about the baby's health. How serious can be the harm caused by bad habits in the most?
Pregnancy at 2-3 weeks, what happens
At the end of the first and throughout the second week after conception, the fertilized egg is immersed in the wall of the uterus. At the same time, the formation of the chorion, a branched membrane, begins. With its help, the embryo attaches to the wall of the uterus. The placenta will eventually develop from the chorion, through which the baby will receive the necessary nutrients, including oxygen. Until the end of the second week, the laying of fetal organs has not yet begun.
The fertilized egg at this moment is very vulnerable, and any negative factors can destroy it. If at this moment you become poisoned with alcohol or get sick, the egg will die. But if the egg survived, it means that the negative factors turned out to be insignificant in strength. They also did not affect the child’s development in any way, since he had not yet begun to form. Thus, if the pregnancy continues to develop successfully, there is no need to worry about harm to the unborn baby at this stage.
Starting from the third week, the process of embryo development begins. In the period from 3 to 13 weeks, the formation of all human organs and systems occurs.
It is called the period of organogenesis. Any harmful factors at this moment can cause serious harm to the fetus, cause failure in the formation of one or another organ and lead to pathology of fetal development.
Which specific organ will be damaged depends on the duration of pregnancy and the harmful factor affecting it.
How does a woman feel when she is 2-3 weeks pregnant?
At this time, many women already realize their interesting situation.
In addition to the delay of the critical days, the pregnant woman begins to experience various ailments. You may experience slight dizziness, mood changes, or weakness. Some women complain of drowsiness. As a rule, during this period women already pay attention to changes in their breasts. The chest may become painful and sensitive, and may burst from the inside. At such an early stage of pregnancy, a woman may unexpectedly and very strongly want some dish. Or, conversely, categorically refuse to try any product. These are harbingers of upcoming toxicosis. They indicate that the pregnancy hormone is being successfully produced. However, quite a lot of women do not notice any unpleasant sensations during this period.
How to determine pregnancy
Whether a woman is unwell or not, in the third week of pregnancy a delay in menstruation is already obvious. Therefore, at this stage, many people run to the pharmacy for tests to determine pregnancy. Research using a test at this moment usually gives the correct result. There is already enough hormone in the urine for modern tests to detect it. The main thing is that during the procedure the woman correctly fulfills all the requirements of the instructions that are attached to the test.
A positive test result gives grounds to visit a doctor. The doctor will examine the pregnant woman, determine the approximate duration of pregnancy and calculate the approximate date of birth.
How do obstetricians-gynecologists determine the duration of pregnancy?
Most women mistakenly count the weeks of pregnancy from the date of the first day of missed menstruation. Therefore, they may be very surprised when the doctor determines a much longer period than expected. In the understanding of an obstetrician-gynecologist, 1-2 weeks of pregnancy is the period when menstruation ends and the body begins to prepare for ovulation. No conception has yet occurred at this point. This period is called 1 and 2 obstetric weeks. The countdown of the obstetric period of pregnancy begins with them. Since conception occurs approximately 2 weeks after the start of the last menstruation, the obstetric period differs from the actual one by 2 weeks. An obstetric pregnancy lasts 40 weeks. And the embryo develops in 38 weeks. These are two different methods for calculating the deadline. Thus, 2-3 embryonic weeks of pregnancy correspond to 4-5 obstetric weeks. In their practice, doctors use obstetric dates, and only these numbers will appear in the records everywhere.
Ultrasound at 2-3 weeks of pregnancy
After visiting the doctor, a woman can go for an ultrasound examination, which can confirm the presence of pregnancy and more accurately determine its duration. The specialist will also detect multiple or ectopic pregnancy.
Ultrasound at this early stage is often performed transvaginally by inserting a probe into the vagina. This method allows you to view all the necessary details from a closer distance.
An ultrasound is prescribed only if the doctor has any concerns about the woman’s health. The first planned ultrasound is usually done later.
How to survive toxicosis easier
Those who became pregnant in the summer and fall were luckier. During this period, there are many products that help make it easier to endure the torment of the first weeks. The best way to reduce nausea is to eat more fruit. It is good to eat some juicy apples every day. It is recommended to start the day with an apple.
It is better to take your first meal in bed, before nausea sets in. Breakfast should not be abundant, but satisfying.
Meals can be taken more often, but in small portions. It's good if the menu has a lot of fruits and vegetables. Nausea from such food is not so strong.
There is no need to force yourself to eat unpleasant foods. You can replace fish with white meat chicken or rabbit. If soups cause disgust, you can avoid them for a while. Fermented milk products, as a rule, are easily tolerated during toxicosis.
Do not overuse cabbage and grapes. These products cause fermentation in the intestines and can cause miscarriage in a very short time.
But if you have an unbearable desire to eat some harmful product, you should not deny yourself. You just need to try to eat a minimum portion. As a rule, pregnant women only need a small piece or a few sips to satisfy their desire.
Lifestyle changes
The new situation obliges to change the usual way of life. If there is the slightest suspicion that pregnancy is occurring, you must act as if this fact has already been confirmed. If the alarm turns out to be false, the body will only benefit from this.
You should immediately stop smoking and drinking alcohol. Do not overuse coffee. In addition, you need to limit your stay in smoky rooms as much as possible. You should also avoid rooms with polluted air. You need to spend more time in the fresh air. The living space should be regularly ventilated and not get carried away with air conditioning.
If a girl is used to intense sports activities, it is recommended to significantly reduce the load.
You must categorically refuse any medications, no matter how harmless they may seem. Medicines should be taken only in emergency cases under the supervision of a doctor. Self-prescribing medications is strictly prohibited. Only a doctor can really assess the degree of harm to the embryo and the threat to the woman’s health. He will select the most gentle treatment option.
It is also necessary to review the diet. Without regret, you need to remove all harmful products from it. Nutrition should be filled as much as possible with natural vitamins and minerals. It should be varied, rich in proteins. Proteins are a building material, so there should be a lot of protein products on the menu.
A woman and her loved ones must understand that the health of the unborn child depends entirely on them.
