Week By Week Pregnancy Guide
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Week 1–4
One of the first signs of pregnancy is a “MISSED PERIODS” — phew, congratulations!
You probably do not notice any big physical changes in your body yet. However, internally there are a lot of hormonal changes happening. Most commonly, doctors check beta HCG (human chorionic gonadotropins), which increases during pregnancy.
Your baby started forming the minute your egg was fertilised with a sperm. Fertilisation usually happens in the fallopian tubes, and over the next 4–5 days, the fertilised egg keeps dividing while travelling towards the uterus where it finally implants.
Once it implants in the uterus (by the end of week 4), it is called a blastocyst.
Geeky Information
- The outer layer becomes the nervous system and brain.
- The middle layer forms the heart, blood vessels, muscles, and bones.
- The inner layer develops into the breathing and digestive systems.
HOW COOL!!!
Remember to stay away from alcohol and smoking throughout pregnancy. It is important to schedule your first visit with an obstetrician.
Visit the hospital or book your appointment to make sure your pregnancy starts on the healthiest note.
Week 5
You may still not notice major body changes, but tender breasts, tiredness, and mild cramping are common. This is usually when most women take a pregnancy test and finally see those exciting two pink lines.
Your baby has now implanted into the uterus. The brain, spinal cord, and tiny blood vessels are beginning to form.
Fun Fact: Your baby’s head is MUCH larger than the rest of the body at this stage.
Week 6
Morning sickness may start now — although honestly, it can happen at any time of the day! Some women also feel bloated, sleepy, or emotionally sensitive.
Your little munchkin is growing rapidly. Eyes, skin layers, and internal organs are beginning to develop.
This is a good time for your first ultrasound to confirm the pregnancy and heartbeat.
Visit the hospital or book your appointment for your first pregnancy scan.
Week 7
Hormonal changes are in full swing, so feeling emotional or extra tired is completely normal.
Constipation and bloating can also happen during this phase. Drinking plenty of water and eating fibre-rich foods can help.
Your baby’s brain is developing rapidly. Tiny facial features, nostrils, ears, and lips are beginning to form. The heart is beating at around 150–180 beats per minute.
Week 8–9
Your baby is now about the size of a kidney bean! Tiny fingers and toes are beginning to form.
You may notice food cravings, food aversions, nausea, or frequent urination. Pregnancy symptoms often feel more “real” now.
By week 9, your baby is officially called a fetus instead of an embryo.
Major organs have started forming, and the placenta is developing beautifully.
Week 10–12
Welcome to double digits!
Many moms slowly start feeling better during this phase, although nausea may continue for some.
Your baby is now moving inside the womb, even though you cannot feel it yet. Fingernails, ears, and facial structures are becoming more defined.
By week 12, the baby can swallow fluid and make tiny facial expressions.
This is also the time for important first trimester scans and blood tests.
Visit the hospital or book your appointment for your NT scan and first trimester evaluation.
Second Trimester — The “Better Feeling” Phase
Week 13–16
For many women, this is when energy levels improve and nausea settles down.
Your tiny bump may slowly start becoming visible now.
Your baby is growing rapidly and can now move its arms and legs freely. Tiny fingerprints are beginning to form too.
You may notice mild stretching pain around the abdomen as your uterus expands.
Stay active with gentle walks, hydration, and healthy meals.
Week 17–20
Exciting times ahead — many moms start feeling the baby move during this phase! These tiny movements may feel like butterflies or bubbles.
Your baby can now hear sounds from outside the womb. So yes, talking and singing to the baby absolutely counts.
The detailed anomaly scan is usually done around 18–22 weeks to carefully examine the baby’s organs, brain, spine, heart, and limbs.
Visit the hospital or book your appointment for your important anomaly scan.
Week 21–24
Your bump is definitely more noticeable now.
You may experience back pain, leg cramps, acidity, or swelling in the feet — all very common because your body is adapting to your growing baby.
Your baby is developing sleeping and waking patterns. Tiny eyebrows, eyelashes, and hair are also forming.
Fun Fact: Your baby can now respond to sounds and touch.
Week 25–28
Welcome to the third trimester!
You may start feeling heavier now, and sleep can become slightly uncomfortable.
Your baby is gaining weight steadily, and the lungs are continuing to mature.
During this time, your doctor may advise diabetes screening tests and growth scans.
Visit the hospital or book your appointment for your routine growth scans and third trimester check-up.
Third Trimester — Getting Ready to Meet Baby
Week 29–32
Your baby is becoming more active and stronger. Kicks and stretches may feel quite dramatic now!
You may experience breathlessness, heartburn, or trouble sleeping as the uterus grows upward.
Your baby’s brain and lungs are developing rapidly, while body fat continues to increase.
Make sure you are eating enough protein, iron, calcium, and staying hydrated.
It is also a good time to start discussing birth plans, pain relief options, breastfeeding, and newborn care.
Week 33–36
The countdown has officially begun.
Your baby is likely moving into a head-down position in preparation for birth.
You may feel pelvic pressure, frequent urination, and occasional tightening of the abdomen called Braxton Hicks contractions — these are practice contractions and usually irregular.
Hospital bag shopping, baby clothes, and nursery planning usually become very real during this phase!
Your doctor may advise repeat scans and monitoring depending on your pregnancy.
Visit the hospital or book your appointment to discuss your delivery plan and final weeks of pregnancy.
Week 37–38
Congratulations — your baby is now considered full term!
The baby’s organs are fully developed and simply gaining a little more weight before delivery.
You may notice increased pelvic pressure, mucus discharge, or irregular contractions as your body prepares for labour.
This is the time to stay calm, rested, and ready.
Keep your hospital bag, reports, and emergency contacts ready.
Week 39–40
Any day now!
Your baby is fully ready to enter the world.
Signs of labour may include:
- Regular painful contractions
- Water leakage
- Bloody mucus discharge (“show”)
- Back pain with tightening of the abdomen
Once contractions become regular or your water breaks, it is time to head to the hospital.
Remember — every labour journey is unique. Some babies arrive exactly on time, while others simply like being fashionably late!
Visit the hospital or book your appointment immediately if you notice labour pains, leaking, bleeding, or reduced baby movements.
We are here to help you, at every step of the way
This can seem very confusing and difficult, but remember, you can come and talk to us anytime. At JFMCH, our priority is to make you feel heard and to provide you with the best treatment options. Remember, once a queen, always a queen.
