What to Expect Week by Week During Pregnancy

• First Trimester (Weeks 1–12): Embryo formation, hormone surge, common early symptoms.

• Second Trimester (Weeks 13–26): Organ development, energy rebound, fetal movement starts.

• Third Trimester (Weeks 27–40): Rapid growth, preparation for birth, nesting instincts.

• • Fertilization and zygote travels to uterus (days 1–6).
• • Implantation occurs around day 7–10, may cause light spotting (“implantation bleeding”).
• • Hormones hCG and progesterone rise; early symptoms: fatigue, breast tenderness, mild cramping.
• • Recommendation: begin prenatal vitamins with folic acid (400 µg) and rest.

• • Heartbeat detectable by ultrasound around week 6.
• • Basic facial features and limb buds form; embryo size ~1 cm by week 8.
• • Symptoms: nausea (“morning sickness”), frequent urination, mood swings.
• • Recommendation: small frequent meals, hydration, gentle exercise like walking.

• • Organs begin to function; fetus ~5–6 cm long by week 12.
• • Physical symptoms: decreased nausea for many, continued breast changes.
• • First prenatal visit: screening tests (blood work, ultrasound), genetic counseling.
• • Recommendation: discuss screening results, plan nutrition, start pelvic floor exercises.

• • Fetal movements (“quickening”) often first felt around week 16.
• • Energy levels rebound; nausea usually subsides.
• • Symptoms: round ligament pain, appetite increase, slight weight gain.
• • Recommendation: begin gentle prenatal yoga, ensure balanced protein and calcium intake.

• • Anatomy scan (18–20 weeks) checks fetal structure and placenta.
• • Fetus ~20 cm long; gender often visible on ultrasound.
• • Symptoms: backache, leg cramps, nasal congestion.
• • Recommendation: discuss scan results, adjust workstation ergonomics, continue iron supplementation.

• • Fetus reaches ~600 g; lungs develop but not fully mature.
• • Viability outside womb improves significantly after week 24.
• • Symptoms: Braxton Hicks contractions may begin, increased appetite.
• • Recommendation: practice breathing exercises, monitor movement patterns daily.

• • Rapid weight gain; fetus ~1 kg by week 28.
• • Screen for gestational diabetes (24–28 weeks).
• • Symptoms: heartburn, swelling of ankles/hands, sleep disturbances.
• • Recommendation: small frequent meals, elevate feet, sleep on left side.

• • Fetal brain and lungs mature; bones harden (except skull).
• • Symptoms: shortness of breath, hemorrhoids, pelvic pressure.
• • Recommendation: birth plan discussion, pack hospital bag, practice perineal massage.

• • Fetus drops into pelvis (lightening) around week 36.
• • Symptoms: increased fatigue, back pain, frequent urination.
• • Recommendation: review warning signs, confirm caregiver contact info, finalize nursery setup.

• • Baby considered full term at 37 weeks—ready for birth anytime.
• • Symptoms: stronger Braxton Hicks, cervical ripening, possible water leakage.
• • Recommendation: monitor contractions, follow birth plan, seek medical attention when labor begins.

• • Trimester‑specific calorie and nutrient needs: +300 kcal/day in 2nd and 3rd trimesters.
• • Hydration goal: at least 2–3 liters of water per day.
• • Continue prenatal vitamins: folate, iron, calcium, vitamin D.
• • Self‑care practices: prenatal massage, gentle stretching, adequate rest.

• • Vaginal bleeding or spotting outside implantation phase.
• • Severe headache, visual disturbances, or high blood pressure (pre‑eclampsia signs).
• • Reduced fetal movement (fewer than 10 kicks in 2 hours).
• • Persistent abdominal pain or fever.

Partners can aid by attending appointments, helping with household chores, and providing emotional reassurance.

Family members can assist with older children, meal preparation, and practical errands to reduce stress.

A week‑by‑week understanding of pregnancy empowers you to anticipate changes, practice self‑care, and engage support when needed. Embrace each stage as part of the miraculous journey toward meeting your baby.

• • Share this guide with your partner and care team to align on expectations.
• • Save key contact numbers (OB‑GYN, midwife, emergency) in your phone.
• • Begin a pregnancy journal or photo log to record milestones and emotions.