Signs & Symptoms of the Third Week of Pregnancy

In the third week of pregnancy, most women don’t yet know they are pregnant. It’s too early to have missed a period, and most pregnancy tests won’t produce a positive result this soon. There are some signs to watch for, however; though some women won’t experience these until later in pregnancy, others may notice these symptoms very early on.

Sore Breasts

For many women, changes or tenderness in the breasts are the first noticeable sign of pregnancy. The American Pregnancy Association states that you may notice that your breasts are tender to the touch or swollen as early as 1 to 2 weeks after conception. Of course, if you normally experience breast tenderness before your periods, it can be hard to tell if the soreness is due to pregnancy or is part of your normal cycle. You may notice increased breast fullness, heaviness, or feel a tingling sensation.

Spotting

You may have some spotting when the egg implants into the side of your uterus, which happens around a week after conception. According to the American Pregnancy Association, implantation bleeding can be one of the very first signs of pregnancy.

Depending on when ovulation occurs in your monthly cycle, this spotting may happen during the third week, before your normal period would occur. However, it may occur during the fourth week when you would normally have your period.

Fatigue

Extreme tiredness–even when you haven’t exerted yourself–can be a symptom of early pregnancy. Mayo Clinic reports that fatigue is one of the most common early symptoms of pregnancy. Though the baby is still tiny, your body is working overtime to get everything in place for a healthy pregnancy. Those interior workings may weary you to the point of exhaustion.

Nausea

Though most women don’t experience morning sickness as early as the third week of pregnancy, some do. The Mayo Clinic states that nausea–either with vomiting or without–can be present as early as two weeks after conception. Pregnancy induced nausea can range from a continual but mild queasiness to intense nausea and vomiting. Usually, this morning sickness subsides after the first trimester of pregnancy.