What to Expect From Pregnancy Week by Week: A Helpful Guide

Pregnancy week by week is a transformative journey filled with physical and emotional changes. Not being able to understand what to expect during each week can alleviate stress and anxiety. 

Our helpful guide takes you through the stages, from conception to labor, highlighting significant milestones, common symptoms, and self-care tips. Learn about the developmental stages of your baby and the remarkable changes happening within your body as you progress through pregnancy week by week. 

Whether you’re a first-time mother or a seasoned pro, this invaluable resource will prepare you for this miraculous journey and empower you to make informed decisions. Join us as we explore the incredible changes that you can expect during each week of pregnancy.

How pregnancy grows week by week

Pregnancy week by week encompasses not only the physical changes but also mental and emotional well-being, medical checkups, and preparing for the arrival of the baby. 

Week 1-4: Early awareness

• Physical changes: Likely unaware of pregnancy.
• Mental well-being: Emotional anticipation.
• Medical checkups: Typically, no medical appointments.
• Preparations: Quiet excitement and sharing the news.

Week 5-8: The first trimester

• Physical changes: Morning sickness may begin.
• Mental well-being: Emotions are often mixed with fatigue.
• Medical checkups: Confirming pregnancy by selecting a healthcare provider.
• Preparations: Starting a pregnancy journal, considering baby names.

Week 9-13: Nearing the second trimester

• Physical changes: Fatigue may continue.
• Mental well-being: Emotions may stabilize as the first trimester ends.
• Medical checkups: First prenatal appointment, ultrasound.
• Preparations: Planning maternity leave budgeting for baby expenses.

Week 14-17: Second-trimester beginnings

• Physical changes: Morning sickness subsides, and a baby bump appears.
• Mental well-being: Emotional well-being often improves.
• Medical checkups: Blood tests and routine checkups.
• Preparations: Gender reveal plans and considering baby showers.

Week 18-21: Feeling movements

• Physical changes: Baby’s movements become more noticeable.
• Mental well-being: Bonding with the baby through movements.
• Medical checkups: Second-trimester ultrasound.
• Preparations: Setting up the nursery and baby-proofing the home.

Week 22-26: Viability and lung development

• Physical changes: Potential backaches and Braxton hicks contractions.
• Mental well-being: Acknowledging viability is comforting.
• Medical checkups: Glucose screening and Rh factor testing.
• Preparations: Finalizing birthing plans and selecting a pediatrician.

Week 27-31: Third-trimester beginnings

• Physical changes: Backaches, discomfort, and potential swelling.
• Mental well-being: Emotional preparations for childbirth.
• Medical checkups: Frequent prenatal checkups, group B streptococcus test.
• Preparations: Assembling baby essentials and creating a birth plan.

Week 32-36: Preparing for birth

• Physical changes: Increased discomfort and pressure.
• Mental well-being: Anticipating the upcoming labor.
• Medical checkups: Frequent visits, monitoring baby’s position.
• Preparations: Packing a hospital bag and arranging for support during labor.

Week 37-40: Full-term pregnancy

• Physical changes: Potential increased fatigue and frequent urination.
• Mental well-being: Mixed emotions and excitement for the baby’s arrival.
• Medical checkups: Frequent monitoring for labor signs.
• Preparations: Finalizing baby preparations and getting the home ready.

What pregnancy feels like week by week?

There can be tremendous changes in pregnancy symptoms week by week.

Weeks 1-4 may be quiet, but emotions are high due to the possibility of a missing period. Morning sickness, exhaustion, and mood swings are common in weeks 5-13 of the first trimester. In the second trimester, weeks 14–26, you may feel baby movements and feel better. 

The third trimester, weeks 27-40, may bring pain, swelling, and a strong desire for the baby. Throughout pregnancy week by week, emotional changes are as significant as physical ones.

What to expect during early pregnancy week by week?

Explore what to expect in pregnancy week by week with every crucial stage in this section below.

Conception and implantation: Weeks 1-4

Early pregnancy is an amazing, progressive process. The moment egg and sperm combine is conception, usually around week 2. In week 3, the fertilized egg travels to the uterine lining to implant. 

A missing period in week 4 is a crucial symptom. This first sign of pregnancy sets the way for transformative weeks.

Weeks 5-8: First trimester

Weeks 5–8 of the first trimester have dramatic changes and experiences. Morning sickness is prevalent and difficult for many women in week 5. By week 6, your baby’s heart beats a miracle that begins a new life. In Week 7, morning sickness may peak, causing exhaustion and breast changes. 

These are signals that your body is adjusting to extraordinary internal changes. Finally, in week 8, your baby’s primary organs form a crucial growth phase.

What are the signs of pregnancy week by week?

This section provides insights into the signs and milestones to expect during the beautiful pregnancy journey. It’s your personal pregnancy calculator week by week.

• Weeks 1-2: Likely unaware of pregnancy.
• Week 3: Possible mild spotting or breast changes.
• Week 4: Commonly, a missed period.

• Week 5: Onset of morning sickness for many.
• Week 6: Increased fatigue and possible breast changes.
• Week 7: Peak of morning sickness, fatigue, and breast changes.
• Week 8: Possible nausea and increased urination.

• Week 9: Fatigue may continue.
• Week 10: Energy levels might start improving.
• Week 11: Reduced morning sickness for many.
• Week 12: Feeling better overall; symptoms lessen.
• Week 13: Possible mood swings, but overall improving well-being.

• Week 14: Nausea often subsides, and energy returns.
• Week 15: Visible baby bump starts appearing.
• Week 16: Possible skin changes and the feeling of baby movements.
• Week 17: Increased energy and a sense of well-being.

• Week 18: The baby’s movements become more noticeable.
• Week 19: Possible shortness of breath and heartburn.
• Week 20: Possible nasal congestion and leg cramps.
• Week 21: Enhanced mood and overall sense of wellness.

• Week 22: Possible backaches and Braxton Hicks contractions and with the start of the rising pregnancy belly week by week.
• Week 23: Baby movements become more pronounced.
• Week 24: Shortness of breath and backaches may continue.
• Week 25: Potential changes in sleep patterns.
• Week 26: Possible swelling and changes in skin pigmentation.

• Week 27: Backaches and increased discomfort. The pregnancy weight gain by week starts to increase rapidly.
• Week 28: Increased fatigue and mood swings.
• Week 29: Increased pressure on the bladder and pelvic discomfort.
• Week 30: Braxton Hicks contractions may intensify.
• Week 31: Swelling in hands and feet and possible insomnia.

• Week 32: Increased fatigue and frequent urination.
• Week 33: Possible Braxton Hicks contractions.
• Week 34: Potential difficulty in breathing.
• Week 35: Increased pressure on the pelvis and frequent urination.
• Week 36: Shortness of breath and potential backaches.

• Week 37: Potential increased fatigue and frequent urination.
• Week 38: Potential Braxton Hicks contractions.
• Week 39: Increased backaches and pelvic discomfort.
• Week 40: Expected due date; labor may start anytime.

A lot of women are unsure about how early they can take a pregnancy test. Here’s a helpful video on implantation and early pregnancy symptoms:

How a baby grows during pregnancy week by week

Witnessing the miraculous growth of your baby during pregnancy is an incredible journey. From a tiny cluster of cells to a fully formed little one, each week brings unique changes and milestones. 

Week 1-4: The beginning

• Weeks 1-2: Conception and the formation of the fertilized egg.
• Week 3: Implantation into the uterine lining.
• Week 4: Embryonic development starts and the neural tube begins forming.

Week 5-8: Early organ development

• Week 5: The heart begins to beat, and limb buds form.
• Week 6: Brain development kicks into gear.
• Week 7: Facial features become more defined, and arm and leg development continues.
• Week 8: Major organs start forming, and your baby is now considered a fetus.

Week 9-13: Nearing the second trimester

• Week 9: The placenta forms, supplying vital nutrients.
• Week 10: Fingernails and hair follicles begin to appear.
• Week 11: The baby can start moving, but you won’t feel it yet.
• Week 12: The baby’s sex can be determined through ultrasound.
• Week 13: The baby’s organs and systems continue to mature.

Week 14-17: Second trimester beginnings

• Week 14: The baby’s kidneys start producing urine.
• Week 15: The baby can make facial expressions.
• Week 16: Quickening, or baby movements, may begin.
• Week 17: The baby’s eyes and ears develop further.

Week 18-21: Feeling movements

• Week 18: Moms often start feeling the baby move.
• Week 19: Vernix, a protective coating, forms on the baby’s skin.
• Week 20: The baby’s eyebrows and eyelashes appear.
• Week 21: The baby’s digestive system matures.

Week 22-26: Lung development

• Week 22: The baby is now viable, with a chance of survival if born prematurely. Pregnancy bump by week increases. 
• Week 23: The baby’s sense of movement and balance is developing.
• Week 24: Lung development continues, preparing for breathing.
• Week 25: The baby’s hair is growing.
• Week 26: The baby begins practicing breathing, sucking, and swallowing.

Week 27-31: Third trimester

• Week 27: The baby’s eyes open, and the brain is highly active.
• Week 28: Taste buds develop, and the baby can taste what you eat.
• Week 29: The baby’s body fat increases.
• Week 30: The baby practices breathing, sucking, and swallowing.
• Week 31: Braxton Hicks contractions may start, preparing the baby for birth.

Week 32-36: Preparing for birth

• Week 32: The baby’s bones are fully developed.
• Week 33: The baby’s immune system strengthens.
• Week 34: The baby’s nails may need their first trim after birth.
• Week 35: Fat layers continue to accumulate.
• Week 36: The baby may descend into the birth position, getting ready for delivery.

Week 37-40: Full-term pregnancy

• Week 37: The baby is considered full-term, and all organs are developed.
• Week 38: Lanugo, the fine baby hair, may start to shed.
• Week 39: The baby’s organs are fully prepared for life outside the womb.
• Week 40: The expected due date arrives, and labor may begin at any time.

FAQs

Here are some commonly asked pregnancy questions

• What are some common pregnancy symptoms?

Common pregnancy symptoms include morning sickness, fatigue, breast changes, and mood swings.

• What kind of exercise is safe during each week of pregnancy?

Safe exercises during pregnancy include walking, swimming, and prenatal yoga, but consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice.

• What is the most important week of pregnancy?

There isn’t one “most important” week, but the first trimester is crucial for early development and health monitoring.

• What are the 3 trimesters of pregnancy?

The three trimesters are the first 1-13 weeks, the second 14-26 weeks, and the third 27-40 weeks of pregnancy

For a better pregnancy journey 

Steering pregnancy involves diverse physical and emotional changes. Stay informed, consult your healthcare provider, and consider prenatal classes for a smoother journey. And most importantly, maintain your calm and cherish these moments.