In pregnancy week 3, it might feel as if your period is on its way, even though you might be pregnant. Many describe it as classic menstrual pain or a dull ache in the lower abdomen. It can be confusing, but at this stage, it's also completely normal for symptoms to resemble PMS. Here, you'll find practical guidance on what the pain might be due to, how you can alleviate it, and when you should contact a doctor.

In week 3 (counted from the first day of your last period), it is typically around ovulation and fertilization can occur, and shortly after, the fertilized egg cell may be on its way to the uterus. Discomfort or mild menstrual-like pains can have several explanations, including:

• Natural changes in the uterus and uterine lining.
• Ovulation, which can itself cause pain similar to menstruation.
• Early pregnancy changes, which can be felt as pressure or pinching.

If the pains are mild, you can often try:

• Heat (e.g., a heating pad) on the abdomen or lower back.
• Rest, fluids, and gentle movement if it feels comfortable.
• Note your symptoms and when they occur; this can help you if you later need to speak with a doctor.

The short, honest answer is: often not. In week 3, symptoms can be almost identical because, in both cases, the body can react with tenderness, fatigue, and lower abdominal discomfort.

You may, for example, experience:

• Bloating and a "heavy" feeling in the lower abdomen.
• Tender breasts.
• Mood swings.

None of these alone can confirm pregnancy. The most useful indicator is typically whether your period is missed, and what a test shows when the timing is right.

If fertilization has occurred, implantation (when the egg attaches to the uterine lining) can cause mild cramps and possibly very light spotting in some women. However, far from everyone notices anything, and bleeding can also have other causes.

Contact a doctor or out-of-hours doctor if you experience:

• Severe or increasing pain, especially on one side.
• Dizziness, feeling faint, or shoulder pain.
• Heavy bleeding.

This is not to alarm you, but because it is important to assess symptoms that may require urgent help.

In week 3, the pregnancy hormone hCG is often still low. Many will therefore get a negative result, even if they are pregnant, if they test early. For most, home tests are most reliable around the expected period or after.

• Test closest to your expected period, if you can wait.
• Test again after 48-72 hours if your period is missed and the first test is negative.
• With an irregular cycle, it may make sense to base it on ovulation, if you know when that occurs.

It can be a good idea to contact a doctor if:

• The pain affects your daily life, or you become worried.
• You have persistent pain along with fever or foul-smelling discharge.
• You have a positive test and experience severe pain or bleeding.

As a general rule, it's always okay to seek an assessment, especially if you feel uneasy.

If your stomach or lower abdomen feels tender, soft, forgiving clothing can make a surprisingly big difference in everyday life. Many choose, for example, maternity leggings that support without constricting, such as Seamless maternity support leggings. If you also experience tender breasts early on, a seamless, flexible bra without underwire can be comfortable, e.g., Seamless Original maternity & nursing bra.

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• Sundhed.dk: General information about pregnancy and symptoms (sundhed.dk)