Pregnancy Week by Week

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Pregnancy Week by Week   First Trimester, Weeks 1-12   Second Trimester, Weeks 13-28   Third Trimester, Weeks 29-40

Welcome to our pregnancy week by week section,
we are delighted you joined us!

Here you'll find helpful and informative information for each of the approximately forty weeks of pregnancy, and even information to assist you during the postpartum period. First, see how far along you are with our due date calculator. In each of the weeks pregnant segments you'll learn valuable tips about your baby's development and the changes that are occurring in your body. We'll answer some of the most common questions and cover many critical topics related to each week and trimester of pregnancy.

All you have to do is click the week you are interested in learning more about! Feel free to read ahead or re-read sections any time you please. We want to make sure you get the most out of our week by week section!

**Please note - Your Due Date Calendar is calculated from your last menstrual period which corresponds to your Pregnancy Week by Week articles. Remember however, that your physician may calculate your pregnancy beginning two weeks later, from the time of conception. Believe it or not, you actually become a mom when the miracle of life occurs... the very moment your egg meets your partner's sperm (conception).

First Trimester of Pregnancy,
Weeks 1-12
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Congratulations! After recognizing the early signs of pregnancy you have now entered the first trimester of pregnancy, better

Pregnancy Week 1 & 2 Pregnancy Week 3 Pregnancy Week 4 Pregnancy Week 5 Pregnancy Week 6 Pregnancy Week 7 Pregnancy Week 8 Pregnancy Week 9 Pregnancy Week 10 Pregnancy Week 11 Pregnancy Week 12

known as the first three months of pregnancy or weeks 1 through 12. During this time your body is undergoing many changes. Among the more common early pregnancy symptoms that women experience during this time include nausea, fatigue, backaches, mood swings and stress. All of these experiences are perfectly normal during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. Fortunately you will find that many of the unpleasant side effects of the first trimester disappear during the second. If you haven't already, be prepared to quit smoking and drinking cold turkey, as these habits could be detrimental to your baby.

During your first trimester you will set up your first prenatal visit. The first prenatal visit is one of the most comprehensive of all visits during your pregnancy. At this time your healthcare practitioner will take a comprehensive medical history and conduct a full physical examination.

Most women will see their provider for the first time between weeks 8 and 10 when they first detect early pregnancy symptoms. Your healthcare provider should discuss with you any significant aspects of your medical & sexual health or family history that may impact your pregnancy. In many instances, your healthcare provider will perform an ultrasound exam to confirm the viability of your pregnancy, and during this time you will be allowed to greet your baby for the first time!

Many women will also be able to hear the baby's heart beat for the first time by about week 12, though it may take a little longer in some cases!

Congratulations! You have reached the second trimester, or

Pregnancy Week 13 Pregnancy Week 14 Pregnancy Week 15 Pregnancy Week 16 Pregnancy Week 17 Pregnancy Week 18 Pregnancy Week 19 Pregnancy Week 20 Pregnancy Week 21 Pregnancy Week 22 Pregnancy Week 23 Pregnancy Week 24 Pregnancy Week 25 Pregnancy Week 26 Pregnancy Week 27 Pregnancy Week 28

 roughly between three and six months pregnant. During this period of time most women start noticing a decreased number of early pregnancy symptoms, including nausea and fatigue. This is a welcome relief for many women.

In fact, most women start to feel really great about their bodies during the second trimester. Hormones generally start to level off, and most women start 'showing' which is a true testament to their changing physical state. The second trimester is the time most women will start thinking about baby bedding sets, cribs and furniture for the nursery.

During the second trimester you will continue to see your healthcare provider every four weeks until approximately week 28, when prenatal visits become more frequent. The symptoms of nausea and fatigue have usually disappeared and you will start to notice physical changes to your body. A pregnancy related backache may become bothersome at this time and the use of pregnancy pillows may help relieve your discomfort. Most women are able to start wearing maternity clothes during the second trimester, and begin proudly showing off their growing bellies!

The second trimester is also the time when your baby's rapid growth starts. You should be able to feel your baby move between the 18th and 22nd week of pregnancy, though some women are able to detect movement even sooner, particularly in second pregnancies. At the end of the second trimester your baby weighs about 1.2 pounds and measures about 8.5 inches. The baby's face and body look more like that of an infant at the time of birth. You may even be able to determine the sex of your baby via ultrasound during the second trimester.

Some women are not able to hear the gallop of their baby's heartbeat for the first time until they approach the second trimester. This is an exciting and dramatic time for both parents.

Other perks that are common during the second trimester include a renewed sense of energy and an increased ability to sleep. Most women find they have to use the bathroom less during the second trimester. One thing you can do to improve your energy during this time even further is start exercising regularly, which will not only help you sleep better but will also help you feel energetic and good about your body throughout your pregnancy.

Third Trimester of Pregnancy,
Weeks 29-40  
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Congratulations! You are in the third trimester of pregnancy,

Pregnancy Week 29 Pregnancy Week 30 Pregnancy Week 31 Pregnancy Week 32 Pregnancy Week 33 Pregnancy Week 34 Pregnancy Week 35 Pregnancy Week 36 Pregnancy Week 37 Pregnancy Week 38 Pregnancy Week 39 Pregnancy Week 40

between six and nine months pregnant. Your baby is continuing to grow and gain weight rapidly. A very important part of your baby's development at this time is the maturation of the lungs and respiratory system. Between 37 and 42 weeks your baby is completely mature and ready for birth. Soon you will be experiencing Braxton Hicks contractions and eventually strong labor pains that will result in you delivering your baby. When you deliver, your baby will weigh on the average of 7.5 pounds and be about 18-21 inches long.

During the third trimester many women start realizing some of the same discomforts they did during the first trimester. Among these include more frequent trips to the bathroom and greater fatigue. Many women also suffer from poor quality sleep during the third trimester, mostly as a result of trying to stay comfortable during the evening.

One thing you can do to improve your comfort level is to sleep on your side with a body pillow wedged between your legs. An additional pillow tucked behind your back will help improve your comfort even further. Some women find that they can only get comfortable while sleeping in a propped up position.

In addition to the feeling that you need to use the bathroom all the time, you might also start experiencing worsening heartburn during the third trimester. Heartburn is common as your baby continues to grow and presses up against your stomach. One of the best things you can do to alleviate heartburn is eat smaller meals, and avoid lying down for the first two hours after eating.

The third trimester is also one of the most exciting for most women, as they approach delivery. All the discomforts of the third trimester are typically mitigated by the expectation that you will soon welcome your beautiful newborn baby into your home.

Common Concerns During Pregnancy: