Throughout pregnancy, your body undergoes a variety of changes—from breast sensitivity in the first trimester to back discomfort in the third. For expecting parents, these week-by-week symptoms of pregnancy can range from anticipated to unexpected, providing unique experiences each week.
Although every individual and each pregnancy is distinct, some symptoms are more prevalent than others. This week-by-week list of pregnancy symptoms is here to help you anticipate what might be coming, but keep in mind that your pregnancy might not follow this exact schedule. Like life itself, pregnancy can be unpredictable.
If you have any questions or concerns about your pregnancy symptoms week by week, it’s always best to consult your prenatal healthcare provider.
Pregnancy Trimesters
Pregnancy is divided into three trimesters, with each stage bringing its own unique symptoms.
- First Trimester: Weeks 1 to 13
- Second Trimester: Weeks 14 to 27
- Third Trimester: Weeks 28 to 40
Pregnancy Symptoms by Week
Whether you’re looking for information on first-trimester pregnancy signs, or curious about what happens in the second or third trimesters, this week-by-week guide has got you covered. Remember, every pregnancy journey is unique, so don’t be alarmed if your experience differs from these general outlines.
First trimester – conception to 12 weeks: Week by Week Symptoms of Pregnancy
Week 1
Since healthcare providers calculate your due date starting from the first day of your last menstrual cycle, week one technically starts with the beginning of that cycle—meaning you’re not actually pregnant yet. During this time, you might experience your usual menstrual symptoms such as cramping, bleeding, sore breasts, and mood shifts.
Week 2
Ovulation generally occurs during the second week. Your ovary will release a mature egg, which travels to the fallopian tube to wait for fertilization. Some people may feel symptoms of ovulation, such as mild lower abdominal discomfort (mittelschmerz), breast sensitivity, increased discharge similar to egg whites, and a slight rise in basal body temperature.
Week 3
During this week, the fertilized egg will implant into the uterine lining. Mild abdominal cramping or light spotting (known as implantation bleeding) may occur. If you’re experiencing heavy bleeding or significant pain, it’s important to contact your healthcare provider as this could be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy, where the embryo implants outside the uterus.
Week 4
A home pregnancy test might show a positive result this week—congratulations! Symptoms like breast tenderness could make your bra feel tight. Some may also notice a heightened sense of smell or taste, fatigue, bloating, and mood swings. But don’t be concerned if no symptoms appear yet; they may take a bit longer to surface.
Week 5
By week five, hormone-driven mood swings can cause your emotions to swing wildly. You may feel euphoric one moment and sad the next, with no obvious reason. Other early signs like fatigue, breast sensitivity, and nausea may also begin around this time.
Week 6
For some, week six marks the start of one of the most dreaded symptoms: morning sickness (although it could start later, or not at all). Heightened smell sensitivity can make nausea worse, leading to strong food cravings or aversions. Morning sickness typically eases up in the second trimester, so now is a good time to figure out strategies to manage it, such as eating smaller meals and avoiding triggers.
Week 7
Frequent urination is another common symptom that begins in early pregnancy. This can be attributed to the pregnancy hormone hCG, increased fluid levels, and your kidneys working overtime to process waste. Eventually, your expanding uterus will also press against your bladder, leading to more bathroom breaks.
Week 8
At this stage, pregnancy symptoms may become more intense: nausea, breast tenderness, fatigue, frequent urination, mood changes, and bloating are common. An unusual symptom some may notice is excessive saliva. Headaches might also occur, likely due to hormonal changes.
Week 9
Pregnancy can significantly slow down your digestive system. Many expectant parents deal with constipation and extra gas, as well as morning sickness. Your digestion may slow even more as your baby grows, so consider asking your healthcare provider about safe remedies like stool softeners if needed.
Week 10
You might be glowing by week 10—some call it the “pregnancy glow”—but hormone-induced acne is also a possibility. Your breasts and belly will likely continue to grow steadily each week from this point on.
Week 11
Your expanding belly might cause aches or cramping, known as round ligament pain. This can range from mildly uncomfortable to quite painful. You might also notice an increase in clear or creamy discharge, which is your body’s way of preventing bacteria from entering the uterus.
Week 12
Did you know that during pregnancy, your blood volume increases by about 50%? One of the side effects of this increase is the appearance of more visible veins under your skin, especially noticeable in lighter-skinned individuals.
Second Trimester – 13 to 27 weeks: Week by Week Symptoms of Pregnancy
Week 13
As you approach the end of the first trimester, many early symptoms may start to ease. However, dizziness can become more frequent due to hormonal changes and lower blood pressure. Stay hydrated and rise slowly from seated positions to combat these dizzy spells
Week 14
Welcome to the second trimester! Many expectant parents call this the “golden trimester” because it tends to be the most comfortable. Your energy levels may rise, and so might your appetite and libido. Take advantage of this time to start a doctor-approved exercise plan or start preparing your home for your new arrival.
Week 15
At this stage, your baby is growing quickly. Their bones are starting to harden, and their sense of hearing is developing. You might start to feel more energetic as you move further into the second trimester. If you’ve experienced morning sickness, it may begin to ease around now. Many people notice a slight “bump” as the uterus grows.
Week 16
Your baby is about the size of an avocado now and is starting to make facial expressions, although they can’t control them yet. You may start to feel movement soon, especially if this isn’t your first pregnancy. A common symptom during this week is round ligament pain, which can feel like a sharp pulling sensation in your lower belly as the uterus stretches.
Week 17
Your baby is now developing body fat and getting bigger each day. You might notice your appetite increasing, as your baby is growing quickly and your body needs more energy. Around this time, you could experience changes in your skin, like darkening of the nipples or the appearance of a linea nigra—a dark line running down the center of your belly.
Week 18
Your baby’s hearing is becoming more developed, and they may even be able to hear your voice. At this stage, you might start feeling those first fluttering movements known as “quickening.” It’s a special moment for many expecting mothers, although it can vary from person to person when these movements are first felt.
Week 19
At week 19, your baby is continuing to develop, with all major organs now in place. This is a time when your baby’s skin is forming a protective coating called vernix caseosa, which prevents the skin from wrinkling in the amniotic fluid. You may start experiencing lower back pain as your pregnancy progresses.
Week 20
Congratulations! You’re halfway through your pregnancy. If you haven’t had it yet, this is the time for your mid-pregnancy ultrasound, also known as the anatomy scan. This is when you might find out your baby’s gender (if you choose to) and get a detailed look at their development. You may feel more noticeable baby movements now, and your belly is probably showing more prominently.
Week 21
Your baby is growing rapidly, and you might feel more consistent movement. Many people notice swelling in their feet and ankles around this time. Heartburn and indigestion are common as your growing uterus pushes on your stomach. You might also notice skin changes, like stretch marks, as your belly expands.
Week 22
Your baby’s senses are developing rapidly. Their sense of touch is becoming more refined, and they are beginning to explore their surroundings by touching their face or grabbing the umbilical cord. You might experience Braxton Hicks contractions as your uterus prepares for labor. These “practice” contractions are usually painless and irregular.
Week 23
Your baby is gaining weight steadily and developing more muscle and fat. Their skin is still translucent, but that will change as they continue to grow. You might experience increased vaginal discharge, which is normal but should be monitored. If it changes color, consistency, or has a foul smell, contact your healthcare provider.
Week 24
By now, your baby’s face is almost fully formed, complete with eyebrows, eyelashes, and hair. You may experience more pronounced symptoms like backaches, leg cramps, and even the start of varicose veins. It’s important to continue eating well, staying active, and getting enough rest.
Week 25
Your baby’s lungs are developing, although they won’t be fully functional until later in pregnancy. At this stage, the baby is also developing their sense of balance, which means they can tell if they’re upside down or right side up in the womb. You might find that your growing belly is making sleep more uncomfortable, so finding a comfortable sleeping position can be a challenge.
Week 26
Your baby’s eyes are starting to open, and they are now able to sense light from outside the womb. Around this time, you might notice your hands and feet swelling. It’s common, but if the swelling becomes extreme, it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider. Staying hydrated and resting can help manage swelling.
Week 27
As your baby continues to grow, their brain is developing rapidly, and they are beginning to show more defined sleep and wake cycles. You might notice more regular movement patterns. Some people experience symptoms like hemorrhoids or constipation during this time due to the pressure on their lower abdomen. Drinking plenty of water and maintaining a healthy diet can help alleviate these symptoms.
Read More: Top Tips for a Healthy 1st Trimester
First Trimester Tips: What to Expect in the First 13 Weeks of Pregnancy
Third Trimester – 28 to 40 weeks: Week by Week Symptoms of Pregnancy
Week 28
Welcome to the third trimester! Your baby is growing fast and may weigh over 2 pounds now. The baby’s eyelids can now blink, and their eyes may have begun to show some movement. You might start feeling more fatigued, and common third-trimester symptoms such as heartburn, backaches, and difficulty sleeping might become more pronounced.
Week 29
As your body gets ready to nourish your baby post-birth, you might notice a yellowish fluid called colostrum leaking from your breasts in the next few weeks. This fluid acts as a precursor to mature breast milk, helping your baby’s body adapt to life outside the womb. Around this time, blood pressure also begins to increase slightly, typically between 28 and 32 weeks of pregnancy.
Week 30
If you’ve been experiencing itching, swelling, aching, and heartburn, it’s likely still present at this stage. If you have stretch marks, like the majority of expectant mothers, they might be getting more noticeable. These red, pink, purple, or even dark brown streaks can’t really be avoided—in fact, their appearance is usually influenced by genetics—but they will fade a lot over time.
Week 31
You might have been excited to leave some of those early pregnancy symptoms behind, but now they may return. For example, your breasts could become tender again as they start to produce colostrum. You’ll also need to pee frequently due to your uterus pressing against your bladder, and it’s possible you’ll feel utterly exhausted even after minor activities. Hang in there!
Week 32
After 20 weeks of pregnancy, your body might begin producing “practice” contractions known as Braxton Hicks. These are marked by occasional tightening or hardening of the uterus, which becomes more frequent as pregnancy continues. These practice contractions usually last between 30 seconds and two minutes and tend to occur randomly. While Braxton Hicks are normal, contact your health care provider if contractions become stronger and more regular, as this could indicate early labor.
Week 33
Your baby is growing quickly now, and as they continue to press against your internal organs, you may experience issues like a leaky bladder, shortness of breath, heartburn, and general discomfort. Many people experience pain in the upper abdomen around this time, which is typically a sign that the abdominal wall is being stretched by your expanding uterus. If the pain becomes worrisome or severe, it’s best to consult your healthcare provider.
Week 34
You’re getting closer to delivery, but remember: Every day counts for your baby’s development, especially in these final few weeks. You may notice the intensity of your baby’s movements changing as they get into position for birth. However, always contact your healthcare provider if you have concerns or notice a significant reduction in fetal movement.
Week 35
As labor nears, you might experience Braxton Hicks contractions more regularly. It’s important to know the difference between these practice contractions and the real thing. Many people also find insomnia becomes a major issue at this stage as a third-trimester pregnancy symptom.
Week 36
Your baby is starting to “drop” into the lower part of your pelvis, a process known as lightening or engagement, which typically occurs about two to four weeks before delivery. This shift may ease the pressure on your lungs and other organs, allowing you to breathe more comfortably.
Week 37
As your baby settles into their new position, you may feel more pelvic pressure and discomfort. It’s also common to spot a little blood after sex, but don’t panic—this is likely due to your sensitive and enlarged cervix. However, contact your doctor if you’re experiencing bleeding similar to a period, as this could point to issues with the placenta.
Week 38
Around weeks 37 or 38, some women lose their mucus plug. The mucus plug seals the opening of the cervix to protect the baby from germs, and it’s typically released anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks before labor. It may appear as thick pink or blood-tinged discharge.
Week 39
When your water breaks, you might notice a sudden gush of fluid or a slow, steady trickle. Other early signs of labor include frequent contractions, pelvic pressure, a dull ache in your back, and restlessness. Early labor tends to last for several hours. Many healthcare professionals suggest following the 4-1-1 or 5-1-1 rule: head to the hospital when contractions occur every four or five minutes, last for at least one minute, and continue for an hour. Your provider might offer different guidance based on your specific situation.
Week 40
You’re likely to keep experiencing symptoms like insomnia, swelling, frequent urination, and pelvic discomfort until your baby finally arrives. If you’ve scheduled an induction or C-section, it may take place within the next few days or weeks. After reaching 40 weeks, your doctor might recommend an ultrasound to check on your baby’s position, size, and fluid levels, ensuring everything is on track.
Week 41
After 40 weeks, your baby is considered overdue, but don’t worry—this is usually not a problem and is quite common. While waiting for your little one to make their arrival can be nerve-wracking, it’s important to watch for signs of labor. Movement—such as walking or dancing—can sometimes help engage the baby and increase the chances of going into labor.
Week 42
Although it’s rare to reach 42 weeks, most providers will advise induction if your baby still hasn’t arrived by this time. It’s natural to feel exhausted, but try to take care of yourself—your baby will be in your arms soon!
This completes the comprehensive weekly guide, incorporating subtle changes while maintaining the intent of the original content.
Read More: Common Reasons for Miscarriage in First Trimester
When Does the First Trimester End? A Complete Guide to Early Pregnancy
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