Pregnancy is an incredible journey that typically lasts about 40 weeks, divided into three trimesters. Each week brings new changes, both for you and your developing baby. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect week by week.
What’s Happening: Technically, you’re not yet pregnant! This period includes the weeks leading up to conception.
What to Do: Start taking prenatal vitamins with folic acid to prepare your body for pregnancy.
Week 3:
What’s Happening: Conception occurs this week. A fertilized egg, called a zygote, begins to travel down the fallopian tube to implant in the uterus.
What to Do: Continue taking prenatal vitamins. Consider avoiding alcohol and tobacco.
Week 4:
What’s Happening: Implantation occurs. You may start experiencing early pregnancy symptoms, such as missed periods, nausea, and fatigue.
What to Do: Take a home pregnancy test if you suspect you’re pregnant.
Week 5:
What’s Happening: The embryo is developing rapidly. The heart starts to beat, and early brain structures begin forming.
What to Do: Schedule your first prenatal appointment.
Week 6:
What’s Happening: Your baby is about the size of a pea. You may experience more pronounced pregnancy symptoms, such as morning sickness.
What to Do: Stay hydrated and eat small, frequent meals to manage nausea.
Week 7:
What’s Happening: Facial features are beginning to develop. The limbs are starting to form.
What to Do: Consider lifestyle changes like moderate exercise and a healthy diet.
Week 8:
What’s Happening: Your baby is now about the size of a raspberry. All major organs are forming.
What to Do: Discuss any concerns or questions with your healthcare provider.
Week 9:
What’s Happening: The embryo is now called a fetus. The arms and legs are more developed.
What to Do: Continue with prenatal care and avoid harmful substances.
Week 10:
What’s Happening: Your baby is developing more distinct facial features. You may notice your pregnancy symptoms stabilizing.
What to Do: Keep up with regular prenatal visits.
Week 11:
What’s Happening: The fetus is about the size of a lime. Most organs are fully formed.
What to Do: Start discussing birth plans and options with your healthcare provider.
Week 12:
What’s Happening: The first trimester ends, and your baby’s vital organs are functioning. You may have a growing baby bump.
What to Do: Consider prenatal screening tests.
Second Trimester (Weeks 13-27)
Week 13:
What’s Happening: You may start to feel more energetic as morning sickness often diminishes. The fetus is growing quickly.
What to Do: Celebrate reaching the second trimester!
Week 14:
What’s Happening: Your baby is about the size of a lemon. Their reproductive organs are developing, which may allow you to find out the gender at your next ultrasound.
What to Do: Stay active with moderate exercise.
Week 15:
What’s Happening: The fetus is beginning to move, but you might not feel it yet. Bones are starting to harden.
What to Do: Keep monitoring your diet and hydration.
Week 16:
What’s Happening: Your baby is now about the size of an avocado. Their skin is translucent, and they are developing hair.
What to Do: Discuss any concerns about pregnancy symptoms with your healthcare provider.
Week 17:
What’s Happening: You may begin to feel the first flutters of movement, often described as “quickening.”
What to Do: Start thinking about maternity clothes as your body changes.
Week 18:
What’s Happening: Your baby is growing and becoming more active. You might experience round ligament pain as your uterus expands.
What to Do: Continue regular prenatal visits.
Week 19:
What’s Happening: Your baby is about the size of a mango. They can now hear sounds and may respond to them.
What to Do: Consider talking or playing music to your baby.
Week 20:
What’s Happening: You’re halfway through your pregnancy! You may have an ultrasound to check the baby’s growth and development.
What to Do: Enjoy the opportunity to find out your baby’s gender if you choose.
Week 21:
What’s Happening: Your baby is now around the size of a banana. They’re gaining more fat and may be moving more frequently.
What to Do: Keep a log of your baby’s movements to discuss with your healthcare provider.
Week 22:
What’s Happening: Your baby’s senses are developing. They may respond to external stimuli like light and sound.
What to Do: Stay active and continue preparing for the baby’s arrival.
Week 23:
What’s Happening: Your baby is about the size of a grapefruit. They are developing lungs, though they won’t be ready for breathing yet.
What to Do: Continue with prenatal care and nutrition.
Week 24:
What’s Happening: Your baby is now viable outside the womb, although they would still require medical assistance if born prematurely.
What to Do: Consider starting childbirth classes.
Week 25:
What’s Happening: Your baby’s skin is becoming less translucent as they gain fat. They may be more active, leading to increased kicks.
What to Do: Monitor your symptoms and discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider.
Week 26:
What’s Happening: Your baby is about the size of a cucumber. Their brain is developing rapidly, and they can respond to stimuli.
What to Do: Keep practicing relaxation techniques for labor preparation.
Week 27:
What’s Happening: The second trimester ends. Your baby is now about the size of a head of cauliflower. They are starting to sleep and wake in cycles.
What to Do: Prepare for the third trimester and continue regular check-ups.
Third Trimester (Weeks 28-40)
Week 28:
What’s Happening: Your baby is gaining weight rapidly. You may start to feel more uncomfortable as your body continues to expand.
What to Do: Discuss your birth plan with your healthcare provider.
Week 29:
What’s Happening: Your baby is about the size of an eggplant. They are becoming more aware of their surroundings.
What to Do: Consider organizing a baby shower or gathering necessary supplies.
Week 30:
What’s Happening: Your baby’s lungs are developing, and they are storing fat for insulation after birth.
What to Do: Stay active with gentle exercises and focus on relaxation techniques.
Week 31:
What’s Happening: Your baby is now the size of a pineapple. They may be kicking more as they grow.
What to Do: Keep monitoring fetal movements.
Week 32:
What’s Happening: Your baby is becoming more cramped as they run out of space in the uterus. You might notice less intense kicks but more rolling movements.
What to Do: Start packing your hospital bag in preparation for labor.
Week 33:
What’s Happening: Your baby is about the size of a cantaloupe. Their organs are maturing, and they are beginning to position themselves for birth.
What to Do: Review your birth plan with your healthcare provider.
Week 34:
What’s Happening: Your baby is gaining weight quickly. The body is storing nutrients and fat.
What to Do: Stay hydrated and maintain a healthy diet.
Week 35:
What’s Happening: Your baby is about the size of a honeydew melon. They are likely head-down, preparing for birth.
What to Do: Continue practicing breathing and relaxation techniques.
Week 36:
What’s Happening: Your baby is getting bigger and more active. You might experience increased pressure in your pelvis.
What to Do: Confirm your birthing plan and ensure everything is ready for the baby’s arrival.
Week 37:
What’s Happening: You are now considered full-term. Your baby is fully developed and ready for birth.
What to Do: Monitor for signs of labor and keep in touch with your healthcare provider.
Week 38:
What’s Happening: Your baby continues to grow and may have dropped lower into your pelvis.
What to Do: Stay prepared for labor and focus on self-care.
Week 39:
What’s Happening: Your baby is about the size of a pumpkin. The body is preparing for delivery.
What to Do: Continue to rest and prepare for the big day.
Week 40:
What’s Happening: Your due date may arrive this week. Your baby is ready to be born, but they may take a little longer.
What to Do: Stay in close contact with your healthcare provider for monitoring.
Conclusion
Pregnancy is a unique and transformative journey filled with numerous physical and emotional changes. Understanding what to expect week by week can help you prepare and feel more confident during this exciting time. Always consult with your healthcare provider for personalized guidance and care throughout your pregnancy.
Sign Up For Daily Newsletter
Be keep up! Get the latest breaking news delivered straight to your inbox.
By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.
