Pregnancy by week: from sensations to the development of the baby

Being pregnant is an amazing journey that is full of changes, excitement, and anticipation. New developments for the mother and the developing child occur every week. Every step is a milestone, from the first few weeks when you might just start to feel different to the later stages when the baby’s movements become more apparent.

Your body is changing during this time in ways that may come as a surprise to you. Certain feelings, like weariness or morning sickness, are typical, but other experiences, like feeling the baby kick for the first time, can be genuinely amazing. Gaining an understanding of your body’s processes and your baby’s growth can make you feel more connected to and ready for the future.

We’ll go over the main phases of pregnancy in this guide, which is organized week by week. This overview will give you the confidence to navigate this wonderful and transformative time, whether it’s learning about the baby’s organ development or comprehending the physical and emotional changes you’re going through.

Week	Description
1-4	The first month is the start of pregnancy, with few noticeable symptoms. The embryo begins forming, and many women might not even know they"re pregnant yet.
5-8	Morning sickness, tiredness, and mood swings are common. The baby’s heart starts beating, and tiny facial features begin to form.
9-12	Symptoms like nausea may lessen, and the risk of miscarriage decreases. The baby’s organs are developing, and it starts moving, though it’s too early to feel.
13-16	Energy returns for many, and the bump may start showing. The baby’s skeleton is developing, and facial expressions are forming.
17-20	Movements can now be felt as the baby grows stronger. The senses are developing, and hearing begins.
21-24	Weight gain increases, and back pain may begin. The baby can hear sounds and is practicing swallowing.
25-28	Third trimester starts. The baby opens its eyes and continues to grow rapidly, preparing for life outside the womb.
29-32	Breathing becomes more difficult as the baby grows larger. The brain is developing fast, and the baby starts gaining fat.
33-36	The baby’s position shifts lower in preparation for birth. Movements might feel stronger and more pronounced.
37-40	The baby is fully developed and ready to be born. Contractions may begin as the body prepares for labor.

Terms

A woman’s pregnancy lasts between 266 and 280 calendar days. When it comes to figuring out the precise timing, you should be aware that a woman’s calculations are never the same as those of a doctor because the latter employ an obstetric calendar. There is no minimum requirement that the obstetric period be extended by two weeks.

This is what confuses a woman who just called a doctor after a few days of waiting, and it has already been established that she is five weeks pregnant. Here’s why five obstetric weeks of pregnancy are equivalent to one week of delay: Ovulation or the 24-36 hours that follow it are when conception takes place. Then the egg is destroyed, making conception impossible.

It can be challenging to pinpoint the precise day of conception. A woman typically engages in multiple sexual encounters each month, and changes in the anticipated ovulation date can be attributed to various factors such as stress, anxiety, and medical conditions. Therefore, the first day of the last menstrual cycle is traditionally used in obstetrics to determine the pregnancy period. This is how the period is extended by at least two weeks.

A single obstetric month lasts precisely four weeks, while the calendar month has a few extra days. As a result, pregnancy lasts nine months in calendar terms and ten months in obstetric terms. Pregnancy is typically divided into multiple stages, or trimesters, each lasting three calendar months, for convenience’s sake. The baby will remain in the mother’s womb for 40 obstetric weeks in total.

Pregnancy is said to have entered its early phase during the first trimester, which lasts for 13 weeks. The final 12 weeks of pregnancy are known as the third trimester, which starts after the calmest and safest second trimester.

The baby’s developmental stages also include preimplantation, embryonic, and fetal.

The table of correspondence between pregnancy periods can be easily consulted at any time, but for an expectant mother, a more convenient format would be a diary, which she could check on a weekly basis to gain a better understanding of her own health and that of the baby, as well as what to do at each stage.

Weekly pregnancy diary in the 1st trimester

The weeks in the journal we’ve put together deal with childbirth. Doctors will use them to identify all significant turning points and developmental stages, compare them to developmental standards, and recommend specific tests. A woman should also begin counting her period from the first day of her most recent menstruation to avoid confusion.

1 week

This week’s first day coincides with the onset of menstruation. There are no unique aspects to the week, particularly if a woman is not planning to become pregnant.

For a woman: menstrual bleeding lasts the usual amount of time and has no particular characteristics. Sex hormones are produced when the uterine cavity purifies itself, and these hormones aid in the maturation of follicles in the ovaries.

Regarding the baby: he hasn’t been conceived yet, so there isn’t one yet. Despite the fact that this week is referred to as the first week of pregnancy, the woman is not actually pregnant yet.

If conception is planned during this cycle, it’s critical to avoid taking strong painkillers and antibiotics, to stop drinking coffee and alcohol from the first day of menstruation (or, better yet, to put the nervous system in order).

2 weeks

Since the processes only take place inside the female body, this period is similar to the first week in terms of familiarity and naturalness.

A woman’s follicles mature in multiples, but one grows superior to the others in terms of speed and quality. All but one dominant follicle that began growing in a single cycle perish. Because the ovarian reserve is finite, the growth of the rest stops and your body preserves eggs. The dominant follicle keeps expanding. The earliest will rupture and release a mature egg on the final day of the second week. It is possible to become pregnant with twins when there are multiple dominant follicles present.

For a baby, conception has not yet taken place; the body is merely getting ready for it.

Keep an eye on your wellbeing and discharge.

You can be fairly certain that ovulation is almost upon you if you have a transparent, viscous discharge that resembles egg whites, increased desire for sexual activity, and a small increase in breast size. A pharmacy test strip can also be used to determine ovulation, but ultrasonography is the most accurate method. We can precisely ascertain the day of ovulation and the duration of the dominant follicle’s active growth thanks to the ultrasonography examination. Regretfully, basal temperature measurement is not a completely dependable method and can yield inaccurate results.

3 weeks

The most significant event is child conception, which happens during ovulation.

For a woman, the fertile window extends beyond the single day of ovulation. Spermatozoa can readily wait for the release of the egg in a woman’s genital tract because they are more persistent than female gametes. Consequently, unprotected sexual activity can result in conception on the day of ovulation, even if it occurs three days prior to ovulation. On the day of the egg’s release and within a day of that, conception can also occur during sexual activity.

For a baby: the sex cells of the mother and father meet. The sperm has thrown off its tail, and the nuclei of the gametes begin to exchange genetic information. It is noteworthy that just 40 minutes after the sperm and egg have met, a zygote is formed – an independent cell that contains absolutely all the information about the baby – what he will be like, what color his eyes and hair will be, what his height, gender, congenital diseases will be. The zygote is constantly dividing and slowly begins its journey into the uterine cavity. At this stage, twins can also form if the zygote gives rise to the development of two future babies. By the end of the week, it should implant in the wall of the uterus, where the baby will continue to grow and develop.

Keep your cool, stop trying to spot any symptoms, and start feeling pregnant a week after conception. All of those who are desperately trying to get pregnant are under stress, which is the main cause of failed attempts.

Not everyone experiences implantation-related symptoms. Symptoms most commonly include the onset of a bloody discharge that appears and disappears quickly; this is called implantation bleeding. Other symptoms include weakness, fatigue, and mood swings.

4 weeks

As the first day of a missed period closes the first month in which pregnancy can already be detected, this week’s end will reveal whether conception and implantation were successful.

For a female: The thin villi of the chorion, which will eventually become the placenta, produce the hormone hCG after implantation goes well. This hormone is meant to keep progesterone levels high and delay the onset of the next menstrual cycle. If a woman is highly sensitive to hormonal changes, she may experience early pregnancy symptoms such as an increase in body temperature in the evenings without any accompanying symptoms, headaches, irritability, tearfulness, insomnia, or, on the other hand, drowsiness. Breasts slightly enlarge, and each person’s nipples may be extremely painful or typically soft and painless. The illness is essentially quite similar to the common premenstrual syndrome.

For a baby: your child is no taller than a millimeter and weighs only half a gramme. The embryo then moves on to the active formation of petals, which eventually develop into the skin, vessels, and internal organs. The heart is starting to form. Because the chorionic villi have attached themselves to the mother’s blood vessels, the baby is already getting nourishment and oxygen from the mother’s blood.

Given that the infant is now getting nourishment from the mother’s blood, it’s critical to avoid drugs, alcohol, nicotine, and strong medications that have teratogenic effects, as these can impair the developing child and cause birth defects.

Aim to avoid paints, varnishes, and smoke-filled rooms. Don’t worry; you can take an hCG blood test a few days prior to the delay and a pharmacy pregnancy test the day of the delay.

5 weeks

We are currently in the first week of the delay and the third week of embryonic development.

For a woman: no period, and it is during this week that those who did not plan a pregnancy begin to guess what is happening for the first time. The tests already show an “interesting position”, blood tests for hCG give an idea not only about whether the woman is pregnant, but also what is the approximate period and how the pregnancy develops in the dynamics of the increase in hCG. Health is gradually changing – there may be a feeling of bloating in the stomach, discomfort increases and the mammary glands are loading, some already starts morning nausea. A graph of basal temperature, if a woman measures her, shows a persistent increase in BT.

For the infant: The heart starts to beat by the end of this week. Even though the organ is still only two chambered and the blows are unfixed and disorganized, a child’s heart can be heard beating during a transvaginal ultrasound at the conclusion of the fifth week. The infant grows to be 1.5–2 mm in length and weighs 1 gram. Chords, nerve tubes, and germ cells start to form. The embryo’s tiny body splits into its left and right halves during the fifth week.

One of the riskiest weeks of the first trimester is this one, as many miscarriages and frozen pregnancies occur during this time. Ultrasonography has already identified an ectopic pregnancy, and symptoms include abdominal pain, unusual brown blood discharge for this time of month, and a delay in the next menstrual cycle. Because of this, it’s crucial to locate the pregnancy inside the uterus and conduct an ultrasound examination at this point.

Steer clear of chemicals, radiation, drugs, paints, and varnishes. Try to get at least nine hours of sleep every night. This is crucial right now because the baby’s organs are actively being laid. Steer clear of stressful situations at all costs.

6th week

It is now the second week since the start of the delay, and your baby has been developing for a month. By the end of this week, a trip to the doctor is highly recommended.

For mom: many claim that they did not feel anything unusual at this stage, but those prone to toxicosis already note that they are unpleasant to strong odors, taste preferences have changed. The uterus begins to grow, but while it is still small, there is no belly. Under the influence of progesterone, frequent urination may begin, constipation or diarrhea may occur, sleep is disturbed, headaches occur, heartburn appears. The mood changes – the woman becomes more irritable or, conversely, more calm, concentrating on herself. During the control ultrasound, a fertilized egg with an embryo is detected in the uterus, and it is already possible to measure its heartbeat rhythm clearly and reliably.

Regarding the child: the embryo weighs roughly 1.5 grams and grows to a height of 3–4 mm. Immunity formation starts, and future eyes and ears are denoted by dark dots and dimples, respectively. The infant is immobile.

You can register by going to the doctor. There won’t be a refusal because the pregnancy is already progressing actively. You won’t have to rush through exams because you’ll have more time to complete them. In addition, a woman is eligible for a one-time benefit for early registration (up to 12 weeks).

7th week

The third week since the start of the menstrual delay has already elapsed, and the baby is currently in the fifth embryonic week of development.

For the mother: the expectant mother, even if she did not plan the pregnancy, already knows about it. Right now, toxicosis in its classical understanding may begin or intensify – with vomiting, nausea, a change in tastes and smells. It is important to ensure that there is no significant loss of fluid and body weight. The breasts are growing and can be quite sensitive in the nipple area. In general, the increase in the mammary glands can be already by a size, but everything is individual. There is no belly yet, and you can even sleep on your stomach if the woman is used to it. Heartburn and frequent urination under the influence of progesterone are quite normal and almost habitual.

For the baby: the baby"s height reaches 6-7 millimeters, it weighs about 2 grams. The formation of nerve fibers begins – the most important process. This gives the baby the opportunity to start moving, so far reflexively. The organs of vision begin to form. The intestines are divided into several sections, which will be the stomach, intestines, esophagus and pharynx. The heart becomes four-chambered, like in adults, it can be heard already on an abdominal ultrasound. A sex tube between the legs appears – both in the boys and in girls, he looks exactly the same. The thickness of the chorion reaches a centimeter, now it is the primary placenta. The intensity of blood flow changes.

Risks: Drinking alcohol, smoking, being anxious, working in a highly dangerous job, or being exposed to vibrations can all cause disruptions to intrauterine development. At this point, herpes, chickenpox, measles, and any other viral infectious disease are extremely dangerous.

It is advised that you avoid crowded areas, particularly during the winter months. This will lessen the risk of the baby contracting the flu, acute respiratory viral infections, herpes infections, and other illnesses. Steer clear of crowded, stuffy rooms or ventilate them quickly.

If you think you may have a severe case of toxicosis, make sure you see a doctor to find out how serious it is. Some toxicoses can be harmful to a woman’s health. After choosing your vitamins with your doctor, begin taking them.

8th week

The middle of the second calendar month has begun, and the second obstetric month is almost over. It has been a month since the postponement. It has been one and a half months since conception.

For mom: her body’s blood circulation has increased. The stomach is not yet apparent, but a woman may experience a feeling of fullness in the pelvic region. If you haven’t registered before, you can do so now. Since the primary placenta starts to function this week, some people have increased toxicosis. Although women with toxicosis may also lose weight compared to normal, weight gain is still negligible.

For the infant, the neural tube is nearly fully differentiated, the nervous system is developing, and the brain and spinal cord have already parted. The developing cerebellum. The infant is now 1.5 centimeters in size. The genital tubercle starts to develop into external genitalia, but since it is still in its early stages, the gender cannot yet be identified.

Risks: A deficiency of folic acid in a woman’s body can result in neural tube defects in the fetus, which can cause developmental abnormalities that are life-incompatible.

Eat healthfully, sparingly, and in tiny portions at least three times a day. Make an effort to fill your diet with essential vitamins and micronutrients.

9 weeks

The pregnancy’s second calendar month comes to an end. The baby is currently in the seventh week of embryonic development.

Mom: Because the body must undergo extensive restructuring during pregnancy, women typically feel worn out, drowsy, and exhausted at this point. Vaginal discharge, which is usually uniform, odorless, and light to slightly yellowish, starts to increase due to changes in hormone levels, an increase in blood volume, and a slight reduction in immunity.

Regarding the baby: the infant is starting to resemble a human being more and more. The embryonic stage of its development ends at the end of the week, at which point it sheds its tail, completes the implantation of its organs, and becomes a fetus. At this point, the teeth—or rather, their foundations—are taking shape. Within the structure of the brain, the pituitary gland is developing. Nerves in the skull are being laid down. The infant now knows how to make fists and open his mouth. The thyroid gland, kidneys, and liver of the child start to function. It weighs between three and five grams.

In cases where excessive vaginal discharge and a feeling of dampness or discomfort are bothering you, you should avoid using sanitary pads and improve your personal hygiene practices. However, using tampons is not advised as it increases the risk of vaginal stagnation and the growth of pathogens. Naturally, let your doctor know about this so they can evaluate your complaints and make any necessary corrections.

10th week

The woman is getting closer to the end of her first trimester little by little. It’s precisely been eight weeks since your baby joined you.

For mom: the infant starts to absorb calcium from the mother’s body as the process of hardening their bones starts. Insufficient amounts can cause calf cramps and worsen the state of the teeth, nails, and hair. Larger breasts have developed, and some expectant mothers may be experiencing nipple discharge (colostrum).

For the baby: the baby has officially become a fetus. The end of the embryonic period means that all the internal organs and systems of the child"s body have been formed. Now they only have to grow and improve. The fetus has achieved a lot in its development – it already weighs 5-10 grams. The nervous network is developing, and the brain has divided into two hemispheres. The baby swallows water, urinates, new waters are formed every three hours, and therefore they remain clean, sterile, providing the baby with a comfortable existence. Lips, eyelids, and a nose have appeared on the face. The neck has formed, the child has gained the ability to turn his head. Hair has begun to grow.

Start this week by adding more foods high in calcium to your diet. However, keep in mind that without phosphorus, calcium cannot be fully absorbed, so you should also include fish, milk, fresh herbs, and cottage cheese.

11th week

Now that we are in the ninth embryonic week—just six weeks remain until the end of the first trimester—many people are eagerly anticipating it because they are sick of toxicosis and bad health. Relief often arrives at the end of the first trimester.

For mom: the stomach starts to swell gradually. The uterus gradually rises above the pelvic cavity and has already grown to the size of a goose egg, no longer fitting inside the tiny pelvis. Now, the height of the uterus’s standing fundus, or HSUD, will be measured by the doctor at each visit. It will be feasible to estimate the baby’s growth rate indirectly based on its rate of growth.

The fetus’s internal organs start to communicate with one another. The infant’s growth will now be slower than it was previously, but weight gain will happen quickly. Your baby weighs 15 grams and is currently 5 to 7 centimeters tall. Reflex development starts with the grasping and vertical walking reflexes; the infant grasps the umbilical cord and, if it swims to it, pushes off the uterine wall with its legs. The eyes are now in the proper location in the middle of the face, instead of on either side of the head. The capacity for yawning has emerged.

Risks: It’s critical for women to keep an eye on their skin’s health; if any swelling develops, they must promptly notify their physician. While much lower than before, miscarriage risks have not entirely vanished.

Make sure you sign up for the consultation, if you haven’t already. The first prenatal screening, which includes an ultrasound examination and a biochemical blood test to identify potential individual risks of chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus – Down syndrome, Patau, Edwards – is performed between the eleventh and thirteenth week of pregnancy.

12th week

The third obstetric month is coming to an end, the 10th embryonic week is currently in progress, and one week remains until the conclusion of the third calendar month.

Mom’s stomach has somewhat filled out. A woman’s pregnancy has already become apparent if she is carrying twins. On the stomach can be an uncomfortable place to sleep. Many report a reduction in toxicosis symptoms and the long-awaited emergence of appetite. Nearly everyone now has their own "quirks" and their taste preferences have changed. A more balanced mood emerges, and sleep quality increases.

Regarding the fetus, it has grown to a size of 10 centimeters and weighs approximately 20 grams already. It is now very thin, all red, and no longer small. A thin skin layer does not conceal the blood vessel network. The nose bone grows, earlobes form, and the face becomes embossed. Genitalia develops. An ultrasound can reveal the gender, but because the penis and labia are still so tiny, there is still a significant chance of inaccuracy. The muscles are expanding. The infant has begun to scowl.

Women undergo their first screening in the final weeks of the first trimester, which is extremely concerning. It’s critical to remain composed and approach the test with a philosophical mindset. It merely provides an indication of likelihood rather than making a diagnosis. Should the risk be elevated, you will need to go through further testing. Keep taking your vitamins.

Week 13

It’s the end of the first trimester. The final week is this one. After 11 weeks with you, the baby is completely developed. The mother’s body is now starting to change globally.

For the mother: despite her best efforts, the tummy is expanding and will not retract. Constipation and heartburn are common complaints among women. For the time being, progesterone is to blame for this. After reaching its peak, the hCG level progressively starts to drop; progesterone levels stabilize and no longer need to be monitored, significantly lowering the risk of miscarriage. Toxicosis disappears.

Regarding the infant: it has gained a little weight and is currently between 30 and 35 grams. The baby’s ability to hear develops, but because their inner ears are still developing, they currently only recognize sound as a wave that vibrates without being able to distinguish between different frequencies. The substance of the brain is expanding. The infant can now flinch. Boys’ testicles are still in the abdominal cavity, and boys’ prostates are growing, while girls’ ovaries are located in the pelvis. The vocal cords and ribs of the infant are developing.

Risks: A woman has to learn to move carefully because she can’t just get up and fall or squeeze her stomach or lift big objects.

Increase the amount of iron-rich foods in your diet because pregnant women may develop anemia. Steer clear of colds and other illnesses because the first trimester causes a noticeable decrease in immunity.

In the 2nd trimester

14th week

The best, calmest, and safest trimester for both mother and child has begun: the second trimester. Pregnancy is not too hard at this point; the baby is not too big, and the usual first trimester health issues and anxieties have vanished. Now that the fourth calendar month of pregnancy has begun, we are in the 12th week of embryonic development.

For the mother: toxicosis disappears, childbearing becomes pleasurable and simple. The blood volume in circulation has nearly doubled. The expectant mother’s emotional and psychological condition has improved. Although the symptoms of depression and irritability have subsided, forgetfulness and absentmindedness start to show up because the brain’s inhibition processes are active. Hunger rises. Mammary gland glandular tissue is constantly expanding. About 3–4 centimeters above the pubic symphysis, the uterus rises. There could be a drop in blood pressure.

Regarding the infant: it is now about the size of a pomegranate, weighing between 40 and 50 grams and standing 12 to 14 centimeters tall. The baby starts gaining weight as subcutaneous fat starts to be produced. Because he lacks coloring pigment, your baby is a blonde (ka), just like other kids his age. The infant now has a distinct set of fingerprints. The capacity to discriminate between light and dark has emerged. The infant is grinning, if not consciously.

Risks: A woman’s elevated body temperature may interfere with the fetus’s, placenta’s, and uterus’s blood flow. Aim to prevent fever, and if you do become ill, ask your doctor for advice on which antipyretic medications to take.

It’s time to update your closet. You should already be wearing a bra with wide support straps, and your clothing shouldn’t be putting pressure on your stomach or limiting your movement. Don stable, comfortable footwear; steer clear of high heels.

15th week

The 13th week of the baby’s intrauterine life is currently underway. Pregnancy’s fourth month is one of its easiest and most enjoyable.

For mom: the expectant mother’s health improves and her hormone levels stabilize. The vast majority of expectant mothers feel an increase in energy and strength. It is possible to experience mild pulling pains in the lower back and abdomen; these are related to ligament stretching and uterine growth. A "physiological runny nose" could occur, which is a mild enlargement of the nasal mucosa brought on by progesterone and vascular blockage. While it is not as frequent as it was in the first trimester of pregnancy, urination has returned to normal. The stomach shows through. The hips appear wider as the waist progressively widens. Spots and freckles get more vibrant.

For the infant: The child has put on weight significantly; at 14–16 centimeters in height, it already weighs about 75 grams. Cheesy grease covers the skin, which is kept from washing off by lanugo, a thin layer of colorless hair. The brain develops furrows and convolutions. The cerebellum starts to synchronize motions. In boys’ bodies, testosterone production starts. Normally, there is an increase in water content.

The infant is now emotionally aware of its mother and responds quickly to elevated stress levels. It’s critical to keep a positive outlook, enjoy your favorite music, and watch quality films.

16th week

It is getting closer to the end of the fourth calendar month for the woman. Pregnancy is still a fairly easy journey, and tracking the changes week by week is not too difficult. The embryonic week 14 has begun.

For the mother: Expectant mothers are increasingly likely to have thoughts that they will soon feel their baby move. Yes, by the end of the week, repeat pregnant women can feel the first shy touches from the inside, but it’s also normal to not feel any movement. The urge to overeat starts to grow, but it’s crucial to resist. The initial feelings of being heavy in the legs could manifest as increasing weight. Women walk with a relaxed "duck" gait and have good uterine sensation. The center of gravity shifts, causing the back to start hurting. Increased frequency of discharge from the genital tract occurs.

Regarding the infant: your child can already occupy nearly the whole surface of an adult’s palm. The infant has eyelashes. The forehead sticks out in front. Every muscle has developed. All they need to do now is grow. The umbilical cord grows to a length of half a meter. The child moves around a lot, flips over, and swims freely and voluntarily. Every blood cell has its own hemoglobin and is produced. Since the baby’s external genitalia have grown, you can accurately determine the baby’s sex using an ultrasound. The infant can now hiccup.

Your physical activity shouldn’t be restricted. Only jumping and lifting weights should be avoided. It’s time for pregnant women to start doing gentle sports like yoga and swimming, which will help prepare their muscles for childbirth.

17th week

The fifth month of pregnancy begins as the unborn child reaches 15 weeks of age.

For mom: the first signs of gestosis may appear – watch carefully for swelling of the face, hands, for pathological sudden weight gain. Pain is not typical for this period, but there may be minor discomfort in the back and lower back – the ligaments holding the uterus are stretched, the breasts have become heavy. If colostrum is secreted, you should not squeeze it out. Ease of movement disappears, it becomes increasingly difficult to choose a comfortable sleeping position. It is already difficult to hide the belly – the uterus has risen to half the vertical line from the navel to the pubis. Breasts hurt less. It may appear skin itching in the tummy from stretching and the first striae (stretching). Sweating increases.

For a child: The child’s size starts to surpass the placenta’s during the first trimester of pregnancy. Your baby is now roughly 17–19 centimeters in length and weighs between 115 and 160 grams. The production of subcutaneous fat is active. Baby started having dreams. The child discovered that it has a natural tendency to group and tremble in response to loud noises.

Risks: elevated blood pressure poses a threat. It may result in the fetus being oxygen starved and in violations of the uterine-placental blood flow.

To pass the second prenatal screening, get in touch with the antenatal clinic. It is limited to the fetus’s expert ultrasound. Dates: 18–21 weeks.

18 week

16 weeks of the child’s intrauterine life.

Mom has fully adjusted to her new role on a physiological and psychological level. The multiplier starts to sense motion. The original ought to hold off a bit longer. The uterus grows to the same size as the middle melon. may cause lower back and back pain. Stool violations (constipation or diarrhea) are frequently reported. There can be some changes in visual acuity; this is a physiological phenomenon that does not require medical intervention.

For the child: If all goes according to plan during the pregnancy, the child will grow to a maximum of 20 to 22 centimeters in length and weigh 240 grams. While the rest of the body grows rapidly, the growth of the head slows down. There was enough resolution in the bones.

The assistance of households is already needed, so don’t turn it down. Reaching high objects and bending down become challenging.

19 week

The child growing inside my mother’s womb has been there for 17 weeks. It is precisely the middle of the fifth month now.

Mom: There is no need to count the movements of the fetus because multiparous women can clearly feel them. The majority of first-time moms have not yet felt their baby. But the tummy is getting pretty big already. There’s a chance you’ll feel tingly around your navel. The navel has not yet protruded. A centimeter beneath the navel is where the uterus is situated. Gaining weight can cause the legs to ache and become fatigued by night.

Regarding the infant: the infant has gained up to 300 grams of weight. He develops a complete hearing function at this point. Mom can begin to sing to him and read him stories from the fairies.

Risks: the possibility of preeclampsia development poses a threat. It is critical to keep an eye on both weight and edema. You should absolutely speak with a doctor if symptoms develop and the weight gain is significant.

If the baby’s gender is still unknown, it is imperative to ascertain it right away. If the baby grows larger and is grouped in the uterus, the accuracy of the determination may once more decline dramatically.

20th week

The middle of the pregnancy, or the equator, is this week. The countdown to giving birth can begin. There are approximately 18 to 20 weeks, or 5 obstetric months, left to go.

For mom: don"t think that the baby will start pushing right away. The first movements are usually delicate and careful, very gentle. Up to 95% of women experience them at this stage. The rest should not worry – up to 22 weeks this can happen at any time. Leucorrhoea increases, and this is also a normal variant. Knees or small joints may start to hurt due to the load on the legs. Women with varicose veins may have an exacerbation of the disease. The first training contractions may appear – irregular, episodic short-term tension of the uterus. Spontaneous nosebleeds may appear. Therefore, during this period, take the time to additionally examine blood indicators: iron, calcium, vitamin D.

Regarding the infant: while it is getting plumper over time, it is still a long way from being the perfect newborn. The baby is 24–26 cm tall and weighs about 360 grams. The baby is better protected because the skin now has four layers. He starts to practice opening his eyes and using his blink reflex. He can already write with one hand preferentially and is right- or left-handed.

It’s time to invest in a pregnancy-specific pillow, which will facilitate better sleep and help you drift off to sleep.

21 weeks

Pregnancy ends in the fifth month and starts in the sixth. Period of embryogenesis: 19 weeks.

For the mother: the hormone relaxin, which softens bones and ligaments, starts to be produced by the body. The first signs of the softening of the pelvic bones are pain in the pubic region. To rule out symphysitis, you should see a doctor if the pain is severe enough. The navel line and the bottom of the uterus are parallel. The activity of the breasts’ growth has decreased.

Regarding the fetus: the child has grown to resemble a medium-sized doll. He is about 400 grams in weight already. The nervous system is evolving at a rapid pace. The infant already follows his own schedule and can already tell the difference between day and night.

Examine your diet. His calorie intake should now rise by 300 kcal, but only as a result of eating nutritious cereals and other allowed goods.

22 weeks

The infant has celebrated his birthday of precisely 20 weeks since his birth.

Mom’s movements become more noticeable. The pelvic bones’ divergence may cause changes in gait. Despite growing slower, the woman manages to complete all of her daily tasks.

For the infant: if the child is born this week, there is a chance that they will live. It will now be a premature birth instead of a miscarriage. The infant is barely larger than a corn cob. The spine has finished developing.

Risks: preterm birth is a possibility, and gestosis remains a threat. The likelihood of survival will be lower if the baby is born now, and there is also a greater chance of CNS disorders and pathology affecting the visual organs.

You ought to pay closer attention to how you’re feeling. It is important to call an ambulance right away if you experience pain or a watery or bloody discharge.

23 weeks

We are currently in the second part of the second trimester. An embryo’s life span is 21 weeks.

For mom: I’m feeling more tired than usual, and I’m starting to consider taking a maternity leave as soon as possible. Already, breast size has grown by nearly two sizes. Even though the belly is very apparent, it still looks presentable. You should see a doctor if the movements are still absent even though they are clear and unequivocal. Nasal congestion as a physiological sensation might reappear. Gaining weight gets worse. The abdominal organs start to feel constricted by the uterus.

About 550–600 grams is the baby’s weight in the fetus. The baby practices the breathing reflex as their chest starts to expand and contract during breathing.

Risks: tanning and solarium visits should be avoided as they make the skin more sensitive. Modifying the figure may serve as the foundation for altering the mood of expectant mothers.

Legs and back pain can be relieved with an easy-to-use bra and a high-quality bandage to support the expanding abdomen. Talk about the proper application and maintenance of bandages with your attending physician.

24 weeks

The sixth month of pregnancy is over. The development of an embryo lasts for 22 weeks.

For mom: the weight increases on the knees and feet. It makes sense to start wearing compression stockings now if there is a tendency toward varicose veins. The "nesting" phase starts, during which a woman concentrates more on the home and family.

Regarding the infant: The youngster is actively pushing more and more. Because the skin has become more resilient and requires less protection, the gradual loss of lanugo occurs. There are tendon reflexes. The infant is expressing its personality already.

Advice: It’s time for expectant mothers to start taking prenatal classes. Breathing techniques and gymnastics will ease the third trimester and facilitate childbirth.

25th week

The embryonic period is 23 weeks, and the sixth calendar month is almost over.

For the mother: more frequent vaginal discharge and increased baby movements. It gets harder and harder to carry out everyday tasks. The psychological condition deteriorates and becomes unstable once more. As much as 70% of the abdominal cavity is occupied by the uterus.

For the infant: learning to adjust to his environment will benefit him after birth. The infant weighs between 750 and 800 grams already. The skin turns pink, indicating the start of melanin production. The production of surfactant, which is required for independent breathing, starts in the lungs. In the event that a birth occurs this week, the odds of survival are roughly 16%.

Raising your nightly sleep to ten hours will make it easier to transition into the third trimester.

26th week

The final week of the second trimester is this one. 24 weeks are needed for the development of an embryo.

Mom’s movements are at their most intense. They will become less frequent in the third trimester. The baby has enough room for active activity thus far. The diaphragm is supported by the uterus, which has elevated six centimeters above the navel. Heartburn, painful ribs, and frequent urination could all be excruciating.

The fetus experiences cramping and starts to assume a cephalic position within the uterus. You have time to turn around if the baby is still sitting or lying across. At 33.5 centimeters in height, the baby weighs more than 850–900 grams. On the baby’s body and face, there is less vernix caseosa. Growth hormone synthesis starts. The testicles in male fetuses start to protrude into the scrotum. In the event of childbirth, the survival rate is 30%.

Suggestions: if working has become challenging, consider taking an additional vacation; it will finish in time for maternity leave.

Pregnancy is a unique journey filled with amazing changes for both the developing baby and the mother. The baby grows at an incredible rate while the body adjusts week by week. Every stage is a step closer to meeting your child, even though it may occasionally feel overwhelming.

Expectant parents can better prepare themselves emotionally and physically by being aware of these changes. From the first signs to the baby’s developmental milestones, every day offers fresh perspectives and chances to establish a connection with the life developing inside of you.

It’s critical that you keep yourself informed, pay attention to your health, and get help when you need it as the weeks go by. As you await the day you bring your baby into the world, this will not only make the journey more bearable but also more satisfying.

Week by week, a pregnant woman and her developing baby go through an amazing journey, with each stage bringing with it new developments. Every week brings new experiences and milestones, from the initial indications of pregnancy to the developing consciousness of the baby’s movements. This post will help you stay informed and involved during this unique time by walking you through the major points of each week, from how the baby is developing to what you can anticipate feeling.

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