Week 1-3
A Note on Timing: Pregnancy is typically counted from the first day of your last menstrual period (LMP). This means that during Weeks 1 and 2, you aren’t actually pregnant yet—your body is preparing for ovulation. Conception usually occurs around the end of Week 2 or the beginning of Week 3.
Week 4
How Big is Your Baby? As big as a poppy seed.
What’s Happening with Your Baby? The ball of cells, now called a blastocyst, has successfully implanted into your uterine lining. The amniotic sac and the placenta, which will nourish your baby throughout the pregnancy, are beginning to form.
What’s Happening with You? You’ve likely just missed your period. You might not feel any different yet, though some women experience mild cramping or spotting (known as implantation bleeding).
Your Tip for the Week: If you haven’t already, take a home pregnancy test to confirm the good news! If it’s positive, start taking a quality prenatal vitamin with at least 400-600 mcg of folic acid immediately.
Week 5
How Big is Your Baby? As big as an apple seed.
What’s Happening with Your Baby? The major organ systems—the heart, brain, and spinal cord—are beginning to form at a rapid pace. The “heart” is currently a tube that starts to flicker with its first beats around this time.
What’s Happening with You? Pregnancy hormones (like hCG) are surging. You may start to feel early symptoms like extreme fatigue, tender or swollen breasts, and an increased need to urinate.
Your Tip for the Week: Start researching and choose an OB-GYN or midwife. Call to schedule your first prenatal appointment, which is usually between weeks 8 and 12.
Week 6
How Big is Your Baby? As big as a lentil.
What’s Happening with Your Baby? The neural tube, which becomes the brain and spinal cord, is closing. A tiny heartbeat can often be detected via ultrasound for the first time this week. Basic facial features like eyes and nostrils are beginning to take shape.
What’s Happening with You? This is when morning sickness often kicks in for many women. This “morning” sickness can, unfortunately, happen at any time of day.
Your Tip for the Week: To combat nausea, try eating small, frequent meals throughout the day. Keep simple crackers by your bed to eat before you get up in the morning.
Week 7
How Big is Your Baby? As big as a blueberry.
What’s Happening with Your Baby? Both the arms and legs are now sprouting and growing longer. The brain is developing rapidly, and your baby is generating about 100 new brain cells every minute!
What’s Happening with You? Your blood volume is increasing to support the baby, and you may still be feeling very tired and nauseous. You might also notice you have aversions to certain foods or smells.
Your Tip for the Week: Stay hydrated! If plain water is unappealing due to nausea, try sipping on ginger ale, electrolyte drinks, or water with a slice of lemon.
Week 8
How Big is Your Baby? As big as a raspberry.
What’s Happening with Your Baby? Your little one is now officially a fetus! Webbed fingers and toes are forming, and they are starting to make tiny, jerky movements, though you won’t feel them for a long time. Their eyelids and upper lip have also formed.
What’s Happening with You? Your uterus is expanding, though you likely don’t have a visible “bump” yet. You might notice your clothes feeling a bit tighter around the waist.
Your Tip for the Week: Your first prenatal visit should happen around now. It will be your longest appointment, so come prepared with a list of questions for your doctor.
Week 9
How Big is Your Baby? As big as a grape.
What’s Happening with Your Baby? The essential parts of the eye are formed, and the baby’s unique heart now has all four chambers. Tiny muscles are developing, allowing for more movement.
What’s Happening with You? Your hormone levels are at their peak, which can mean heightened emotions and continued fatigue. On the plus side, your heart is working harder and pumping more blood to your baby.
Your Tip for the Week: Invest in a comfortable, supportive bra. Your breasts may have already gone up a full cup size and will appreciate the extra support.
Week 10
How Big is Your Baby? As big as a kumquat.
What’s Happening with Your Baby? The webbing between the fingers and toes is disappearing, and fingernails are beginning to develop. All vital organs are now in place and are starting to function.
What’s Happening with You? You might start to notice a bit more energy returning as the placenta begins to take over hormone production. Some women see faint, bluish veins appear on their chest and abdomen as blood flow increases.
Your Tip for the Week: Start thinking about your diet. Focus on nutrient-dense foods to support your baby’s rapid growth.
Week 11
How Big is Your Baby? As big as a fig.
What’s Happening with Your Baby? The baby is now able to stretch, kick, and even hiccup as their diaphragm forms. The hands will soon be able to open and close into fists.
What’s Happening with You? You might be able to hear your baby’s heartbeat for the first time with a Doppler device at your doctor’s appointment—an amazing milestone!
Your Tip for the Week: Start doing Kegel exercises. Strengthening your pelvic floor muscles now will help with delivery and postpartum recovery.
Week 12
How Big is Your Baby? As big as a lime.
What’s Happening with Your Baby? All of the major organs and body parts are fully formed; from here on out, it’s all about growing and maturing. Your baby’s reflexes are developing—they can open and close their hands and curl their toes.
What’s Happening with You? You’re at the end of the first trimester! For many, this means the risk of miscarriage drops significantly, and symptoms like nausea and fatigue will start to ease up. Your uterus has started to move up out of your pelvis, and a small baby bump might be starting to show.
Your Tip for the Week: You’ve passed a major milestone! Many people feel comfortable sharing their exciting news with friends and family around this time.
Week 13
How Big is Your Baby? As big as a peach.
What’s Happening with Your Baby? The baby’s vocal cords are beginning to form, and their intestines, which had been growing in the umbilical cord, are moving into their permanent home in the abdomen.
What’s Happening with You? Welcome to the end of the first trimester! You may be feeling more energetic and your appetite might be returning. You might also notice a dark line appearing on your abdomen, called the linea nigra.
Your Tip for the Week: Celebrate making it through the first trimester! It’s a great time to start taking photos of your growing baby bump to document your journey.
Welcome to the second trimester! For many women, this is the most comfortable and enjoyable phase of pregnancy. Morning sickness and extreme fatigue often fade, replaced by a renewed sense of energy and well-being. Your baby bump will become more noticeable, and you’ll soon experience one of the most magical milestones: feeling your baby move for the first time.
Week 14
How Big is Your Baby? As big as a lemon.
What’s Happening with Your Baby? Your baby can now squint, frown, and grimace! Their kidneys are producing urine, which is released into the amniotic fluid. Fine, peach-fuzz-like hair called lanugo is beginning to cover their body, helping to keep them warm.
What’s Happening with You? Your energy is likely returning, and your appetite might be increasing. As your uterus grows, you may start to feel a dull ache or sharp pains in your sides known as round ligament pain.
Your Tip for the Week: With your renewed energy, it’s a great time to start a gentle exercise routine like walking or prenatal yoga, with your doctor’s approval.
Week 15
How Big is Your Baby? As big as an apple.
What’s Happening with Your Baby? Your baby’s bones are hardening, and they are busy moving and stretching their limbs. They can now sense light; if you were to shine a flashlight on your belly, they might move away from the beam.
What’s Happening with You? You might be feeling pretty good! Some women experience an increased sex drive around this time. Your doctor may offer a screening test for genetic abnormalities, known as the quad screen.
Your Tip for the Week: It’s not too early to start brainstorming baby names! Have fun making lists with your partner.
Week 16
How Big is Your Baby? As big as an avocado.
What’s Happening with Your Baby? The nervous system is continuing to develop, allowing your baby’s muscles to respond to signals from the brain. Their eyes can now make small side-to-side movements.
What’s Happening with You? You might feel the first incredible flutters of your baby’s movements, known as “quickening.” It can feel like gas bubbles or a gentle tickle at first.
Your Tip for the Week: Now is a great time to start looking into childbirth education classes and book a spot, as they can fill up quickly.
Week 17
How Big is Your Baby? As big as a pear.
What’s Happening with Your Baby? Your baby is starting to plump up as fat stores begin to develop under their skin. The umbilical cord is growing stronger and thicker to accommodate their needs.
What’s Happening with You? Your appetite is likely in full swing as your baby enters a period of rapid growth. You might also notice your dreams becoming more vivid and unusual.
Your Tip for the Week: If you haven’t already, it’s probably time to invest in some comfortable maternity pants or a belly band. Comfort is key!
Week 18
How Big is Your Baby? As big as a sweet potato.
What’s Happening with Your Baby? Your baby’s hearing is becoming more acute. They can now likely hear sounds from outside your body, including your voice, your heartbeat, and music. Their unique fingerprints and footprints are now formed.
What’s Happening with You? As your center of gravity shifts, you might start to experience more backaches. Your growing belly is becoming more obvious now.
Your Tip for the Week: To ease back pain, practice good posture and try sleeping on your side with a [pregnancy pillow] between your knees for support.
Week 19
How Big is Your Baby? As big as a mango.
What’s Happening with Your Baby? A greasy, cheese-like coating called vernix caseosa is forming on your baby’s skin. It protects their delicate skin from the amniotic fluid.
What’s Happening with You? You may notice skin changes, such as the linea nigra (a dark line down your abdomen) or melasma (dark patches on your face), due to pregnancy hormones.
Your Tip for the Week: Your skin is more sensitive to the sun right now. Be sure to wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every day.
Week 20
How Big is Your Baby? As long as a banana.
What’s Happening with Your Baby? You’ve reached the halfway point! Your baby is now swallowing more, which is good practice for their digestive system. They are also producing meconium, the dark, sticky substance that will form their first bowel movement.
What’s Happening with You? The main event this week is usually the anatomy scan! This detailed ultrasound checks all of your baby’s organs and structures. You can also likely find out the sex of your baby.
Your Tip for the Week: Prepare a list of questions for your anatomy scan appointment. Ask the technician to point out the heart, hands, and feet—it’s an amazing sight!
Week 21
How Big is Your Baby? As long as a carrot.
What’s Happening with Your Baby? Your baby’s movements are becoming more coordinated and less random. You’ll soon be able to distinguish between kicks, punches, and hiccups.
What’s Happening with You? Thanks to an increase in oil production, you might be enjoying that famous “pregnancy glow,” or you might be dealing with a new bout of acne.
Your Tip for the Week: Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and help keep your skin clear.
Week 22
How Big is Your Baby? As big as a coconut.
What’s Happening with Your Baby? Your baby is starting to look like a miniature newborn. Their eyebrows and eyelids are fully formed, and if you’re having a boy, his testes have begun to descend.
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What’s Happening with You? As your baby gets bigger, you may start to notice your feet and ankles are more swollen, especially at the end of the day.
Your Tip for the Week: Put your feet up whenever you can to help reduce swelling. It’s also a good excuse to relax!
Week 23
How Big is Your Baby? As big as a grapefruit.
What’s Happening with Your Baby? The blood vessels in your baby’s lungs are developing to prepare for breathing. They are also practicing breathing movements by inhaling and exhaling amniotic fluid.
What’s Happening with You? You might start to feel Braxton Hicks contractions, which are mild, irregular “practice” contractions that help prepare your uterus for labor.
Your Tip for the Week: Learn to distinguish Braxton Hicks from true labor contractions. Braxton Hicks are usually painless, irregular, and stop when you change positions.
Week 24
How Big is Your Baby? As long as an ear of corn.
What’s Happening with Your Baby? This is a major milestone: viability. It means a baby born now has a chance of survival with intensive medical care. Their lungs are developing surfactant, a substance that helps air sacs inflate.
What’s Happening with You? Your doctor will likely schedule your glucose screening test between now and week 28 to check for gestational diabetes.
Your Tip for the Week: Don’t be nervous about the glucose test. Ask your doctor for instructions, as you may need to fast beforehand.
Week 25
How Big is Your Baby? As heavy as a rutabaga.
What’s Happening with Your Baby? Your baby is not only growing longer but also plumping up with more fat. Their hair is starting to grow and may even have some color.
What’s Happening with You? Common discomforts at this stage can include hemorrhoids and constipation due to the pressure from your growing uterus.
Your Tip for the Week: To combat constipation, make sure you’re getting enough fiber from fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and drink plenty of water.
Week 26
How Big is Your Baby? As long as a zucchini.
What’s Happening with Your Baby? A huge milestone: your baby’s eyes are starting to open! Their retinas are developing, allowing them to see light and shadow.
What’s Happening with You? Your blood pressure may be slightly higher than it was earlier in pregnancy, which is normal. Your doctor will monitor it at every visit.
Your Tip for the Week: If you haven’t already, start thinking about your maternity leave plans and what you need to arrange with your employer.
Week 27
How Big is Your Baby? As big as a head of cauliflower.
What’s Happening with Your Baby? Your baby’s brain is very active, and they are likely sleeping and waking on a more regular schedule. They might even be able to recognize your voice and your partner’s voice.
What’s Happening with You? Welcome to the end of the second trimester! You might experience leg cramps, especially at night, as well as continued backaches.
Your Tip for the Week: To relieve leg cramps, gently stretch your calf muscle by flexing your foot. Also, ensure you’re getting enough calcium and potassium in your diet.
The Third Trimester: The Home Stretch (Weeks 28-40)
Welcome to the final trimester! This is the home stretch, where your baby will be doing some serious growing, and you’ll be preparing for their grand arrival. You’ll likely feel a mix of excitement, impatience, and physical discomfort as your body gets ready for labor. Your appointments will become more frequent as you and your provider keep a close eye on these final, crucial weeks.
Week 28
How Big is Your Baby? As big as a large eggplant.
What’s Happening with Your Baby? Your baby can now blink their eyes, which have eyelashes! They are also gaining fat, which makes their skin look smoother and less wrinkled.
What’s Happening with You? As your uterus expands upwards, you might experience sciatica (sharp pain down your legs) or continued backaches. Swelling in your hands and feet is also common.
Your Tip for the Week: Start “counting the kicks.” Your doctor will likely ask you to start monitoring your baby’s movements daily to ensure they are active and well.
Week 29
How Big is Your Baby? As big as a butternut squash.
What’s Happening with Your Baby? Your baby’s bones are hardening, and they’re taking in a lot of calcium from you, so be sure your diet is rich in it. Their muscles and lungs are continuing to mature.
What’s Happening with You? Heartburn and constipation might be your constant companions as your growing baby puts pressure on your digestive system.
Your Tip for the Week: Eat smaller, more frequent meals to combat heartburn, and stay upright for a while after eating.
Week 30
How Big is Your Baby? As big as a large cabbage.
What’s Happening with Your Baby? Your baby’s eyesight is continuing to develop, though their vision will still be quite blurry at birth. They are now big enough that you might be able to see a tiny elbow or foot pushing against your belly.
What’s Happening with You? Feeling short of breath? Your expanding uterus is crowding your diaphragm, making it harder to take deep breaths.
Your Tip for the Week: Practice good posture. Sitting and standing up straight gives your lungs a little more room to expand.
Week 31
How Big is Your Baby? As big as a pineapple.
What’s Happening with Your Baby? Your baby can now turn their head from side to side. A protective layer of fat continues to build, which will help them regulate their body temperature after birth.
What’s Happening with You? You might notice your breasts are starting to leak a yellowish, pre-milk substance called colostrum. Braxton Hicks contractions may also become more frequent.
Your Tip for the Week: If you’re experiencing leakage, you can buy disposable or reusable nursing pads to place in your bra.
Week 32
How Big is Your Baby? As big as a jicama.
What’s Happening with Your Baby? The baby is likely in a head-down position now, or will be soon, in preparation for birth. All five senses are working.
What’s Happening with You? Starting around now, your healthcare provider will likely want to see you every two weeks instead of monthly.
Your Tip for the Week: If you haven’t already, now is the perfect time to pack your hospital bag. Having it ready to go will bring great peace of mind.
Week 33
How Big is Your Baby? As big as a honeydew melon.
What’s Happening with Your Baby? Your baby’s bones are hardening, though their skull remains soft and pliable to make the journey through the birth canal easier. They are receiving antibodies from you, building up their own immune system for life outside the womb.
What’s Happening with You? You might feel more clumsy or forgetful, a phenomenon often jokingly called “pregnancy brain.”
Your Tip for the Week: Work on finalizing your [birth plan]. Discuss your preferences for pain management and labor with your partner and your doctor.
Week 34
How Big is Your Baby? As big as a cantaloupe.
What’s Happening with Your Baby? Your baby’s lungs are nearly fully mature. The vernix caseosa (that waxy skin coating) is getting thicker.
What’s Happening with You? Your vision might seem a little blurry. This is due to pregnancy hormones and fluid retention and should resolve after you give birth.
Your Tip for the Week: Familiarize yourself with the signs of preterm labor versus the signs of full-term labor. Knowing the difference is key.
Week 35
How Big is Your Baby? As heavy as a bunch of celery.
What’s Happening with Your Baby? There’s less room in the womb now, so you’ll feel fewer sharp kicks and more rolling, squirming movements. Your baby will gain a significant amount of weight in these final weeks.
What’s Happening with You? Your bladder is under constant pressure, meaning frequent trips to the bathroom, day and night.
Your Tip for the Week: Continue doing your Kegel exercises! They strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, which will help during delivery and with postpartum recovery.
Week 36
How Big is Your Baby? As long as a head of romaine lettuce.
What’s Happening with Your Baby? Your baby may “drop” into your pelvis around this time, a process called lightening or engagement. This positions them for birth.
What’s Happening with You? Your prenatal visits will likely become weekly from now until delivery. Your provider will check for cervical effacement and dilation.
Your Tip for the Week: This is the week to install your baby’s car seat! Make sure you get it checked by a certified technician to ensure it’s installed safely.
Week 37
How Big is Your Baby? As long as a stalk of Swiss chard.
What’s Happening with Your Baby? Congratulations, you’ve reached “early term”! Your baby is mature enough to be born, and they’re just practicing skills like sucking and swallowing.
What’s Happening with You? You might notice an increase in vaginal discharge. The pressure in your pelvis can be intense.
Your Tip for the Week: Rest, rest, rest! Your body is preparing for the marathon of labor. Put your feet up and conserve your energy.
Week 38
How Big is Your Baby? As long as a rhubarb stalk.
What’s Happening with Your Baby? Your baby now has a firm grasp. Their brain and nervous system are still fine-tuning, a process that will continue long after birth.
What’s Happening with You? You might lose your mucus plug or have a “bloody show”—both are signs that your cervix is changing and labor could be hours or days away.
Your Tip for the Week: Put a waterproof mattress protector on your bed, just in case your water breaks in the middle of the night.
Week 39
How Big is Your Baby? As big as a small watermelon.
What’s Happening with Your Baby? You’ve reached “full term”! Your baby is ready to meet you. They have a full layer of fat to keep them warm and their brain is still growing at an astonishing rate.
What’s Happening with You? The waiting game is on. You’re likely feeling very impatient and experiencing a strong “nesting” instinct—a sudden urge to clean and organize your home.
Your Tip for the Week: Go for a gentle walk to help gravity encourage the baby to move down, but stay close to home!
Week 40
How Big is Your Baby? As big as a pumpkin.
What’s Happening with Your Baby? This is your official due date! But remember, it’s just an estimate. Your baby is fully developed and waiting for the signal to be born.
What’s Happening with You? You are likely feeling very large, very tired, and very ready. You’ll be watching for any and every sign of labor.
Your Tip for the Week: Relax! Don’t stress if your due date comes and goes. Most first-time moms deliver after their due date. Talk to your doctor about your options if you go overdue