Published on January 4th, 2018 and Updated on April 11th, 2024
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It takes just 40 weeks to grow a brand-new human. Across the stages of the pregnancy timeline, there are so many changes taking place in your body—and your baby’s body—that it can feel overwhelming. But we’re here to help with this handy pregnancy week by week guide, equipping you with everything you need to know as you track your memorable journey into motherhood. Know what to expect during your first, second, and third trimesters for a happy and healthy pregnancy.
The First Trimester
During the 1st trimester, which encompasses weeks one to 12, you and your baby are developing in amazing ways. Generally, your body will experience rapid changes, including breast tenderness, morning sickness and fatigue. You may experience some or all of these symptoms. You might also feel like you’re on an emotional roller coaster! Your mood swings may be partially hormonal, but who doesn’t experience a wide range of feelings when they are about to become a parent?
Weeks 1-4
Your Body: This early pregnancy stage might not bring noticeable physical changes, but internally, your body begins the incredible process of pregnancy. Hormonal shifts can lead to early signs such as slight fatigue or tenderness in your breasts, which are your body’s initial responses to pregnancy. A pregnancy test can confirm your status, marking the beginning of your journey.
Your Baby: Fetal development begins after conception, and your baby starts as a fertilized egg. By the end of the 4th week, this tiny cluster of cells implants itself in the uterine wall, initiating the critical phases of baby development.
Tips: Ensure you’re taking prenatal vitamins, especially folic acid, to support baby development. Staying hydrated and maintaining a balanced diet are crucial even at this early stage.
Weeks 5-8
Your Body: Pregnancy symptoms like morning sickness and heightened sense of smell might emerge. Your body is adjusting to pregnancy, expanding blood volume to support the growing fetus, which can lead to increased fatigue.
Your Baby: Major organs begin to form, including the spinal cord, brain, and heart, which starts beating around the 6th week. With Sneakpeek’s baby heart monitor, you can connect with your baby at any moment.
Tips: Small, frequent meals can help with morning sickness. Listen to your body’s needs for rest, and schedule your first prenatal appointment with your healthcare provider if you haven’t already.
Weeks 9-12
Your Body: By now, pregnancy symptoms are part of your daily experience. For many, this period marks the peak of morning sickness. You might notice some physical changes, like the appearance of a baby bump!
Your Baby: By the end of the 1st trimester, your baby will have fingers and toes, be about three inches long and will weigh nearly an ounce! They can move around and are fully formed, though still tiny.
Tips: Continue focusing on a nutrient-rich diet to support your baby’s growth. Begin to explore comfortable clothing options as your body changes.
The Second Trimester
The second trimester, weeks 14 to 26, is Mother Nature’s gift to pregnant moms. This is when you’ll experience the fabled “pregnancy glow!”.
Weeks 13-16
Your Body: Your energy will return, your nausea will dissipate and you’ll start to show that adorable baby bump!
Your Baby: Rapid development continues, with your baby’s facial features becoming more defined. The unique fingerprints start to form, and your baby may even begin to suck their thumb.
Tips: Begin to monitor your baby’s movement patterns, as they might start to become noticeable. This is also a good time to start researching childbirth classes.
Weeks 17-20
Your Body: The baby bump becomes more pronounced, and some women experience an increase in appetite around this time.
Your Baby: It’s time to start talking, because your baby can hear you now! This is the time when you will also start to feel your baby move, kick and swim. Your baby’s skeleton is hardening, changing from soft cartilage to strong bones and the baby’s eyelids and even eyebrows are now fully formed.
Tips: Start talking and reading to your baby; this can help with bonding and development. It’s also important to continue focusing on a balanced diet to support your baby’s growth. This trimester also marks the halfway point, when you hit 20 weeks. Make sure you have regularly scheduled appointments with your doctor.
And, in case you’re curious, this is the week you can discover your baby’s gender! Start brainstorming the perfect baby name as they prepare to reveal themselves to the world.
Weeks 21-24
Your Body: Some women, particularly if it’s their second pregnancy, begin to experience Braxton Hick contractions in this second trimester period as the body starts preparing for labor. You might also notice changes in skin pigmentation and a greater increase in appetite.
Your Baby: The baby’s movements become more pronounced, and they may begin to respond to external stimuli, such as light and sound. The lungs are developing rapidly, but they’re not fully functional yet.
Tips: Maintain a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise tailored to pregnancy, and ensure your living environment is ready for your growing baby. Begin thinking about your maternity leave and making any necessary arrangements at work.
The Third Trimester
The third trimester, weeks 27 to birth, can be challenging at times. But hang in there, it’s almost time to meet your little one.
Weeks 25-28
Your Body: Fatigue will return and it may be harder to sleep at night. You may also experience swelling in your ankles and backaches, and you might begin to have pre-labor contractions, also known as Braxton-Hicks contractions. Other common experiences during this period include heartburn, constipation, and the continuation of swelling in your ankles and feet.
Your Baby: Your baby’s senses are developing rapidly; they can now respond to sound, light, and touch. The brain is also growing quickly, enhancing the baby’s ability to dream, and the lungs are preparing for breathing outside the womb.
Tips: Continue to focus on nutrition that supports both your and your baby’s growing needs. Begin pelvic floor exercises to strengthen muscles for birth, and ensure you’re getting enough rest to cope with physical changes.
Weeks 29-32
Your Body: As your baby grows, you might find breathing more difficult and experience more pronounced backaches. Braxton-Hicks contractions may become more frequent, serving as practice for the real thing.
Your Baby: Your baby is gaining weight like a champ, and the lungs are in the final phase of development. Your baby’s eyes can open and close and even follow a light! Their bones are fully developed, but still soft and pliable at this stage. Those adorable layers of baby fat are in their final weeks of development, too.
Tips: Practice relaxation and breathing techniques for labor. You’ll be ramping up visits to your physician, with weekly appointments as you close in on your due date. Start preparing your hospital bag, and consider a maternity tour at your birthing center or hospital. Now might be the best time to throw a baby shower, introducing a new little human to friends and family!
Weeks 33-36
Your Body: The countdown truly begins. You may feel more tired as your baby grows larger, making it hard to find a comfortable sleeping position. It’s also common to experience nesting instincts, prompting you to get your home ready for the baby.
Your Baby: Your baby’s skin is becoming smoother as they gain more fat. They are also practicing breathing, sucking, and blinking.
Tips: Finalize any last-minute preparations for your baby’s arrival. Continue monitoring fetal movements and patterns, and rest as much as possible and stay hydrated.
Weeks 37-40
Your Body: You’re in the final stretch! It’s common to feel a combination of excitement and nervousness as your due date approaches. Watch for signs of labor, which can include the water breaking or regular contractions.
Your Baby: Don’t worry if you give birth a little bit early – your baby is considered full-term by week 37, meaning they are ready for life outside the womb. They might now be in the head-down position, preparing to make their life debut.
Tips: Keep your healthcare provider’s contact information handy. Make sure to review telltale signs of labor, like water breaking and intense contractions, as well as when to go to the hospital. Enjoy these last moments of pregnancy, and don’t forget to rest as much as you can.
You and your baby have been through 40 weeks of incredible change, but the wait is almost over. Soon, you’ll be holding your newborn in your arms!
This post has been reviewed for accuracy by the following medical professional:
Katie Smith is a seasoned Certified Nurse Midwife and a nurturing mother to six children, offering a unique blend of professional expertise and personal experience. She is the founder of Birth Your Way Midwifery and Women’s Wellness Center in Bay County, Florida. Katie's comprehensive approach to care is informed by her hands-on experience in motherhood and her passion for empowering women through their birthing journey. Her dedication extends beyond her center as she actively engages in community wellness and family health education.
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SneakPeek aims to provide the most accurate and up-to-date information to help our readers make informed decisions regarding their health before, during, and after pregnancy. This article was written based upon trusted scientific research studies and/or articles. Credible information sources for this article are cited and hyperlinked.
