Pregnancy is a beautiful event in a woman’s life. But at the same time, it’s a mystery because you never really know what happens inside a woman’s stomach. To give you an idea, here’s a guide to the weekly events that happen.
When I look back at my pregnancy, I have realized that every week while I felt different, various changes were also happening inside me every time. If you are one of the many expectant mothers out there, do read this article about pregnancy week by week so you will know what to expect and won’t feel worried about what you are going through.
- Week 1 – You are not pregnant yet. The clock will start ticking on the first day of the last period.
- Week 2 – Ovulation occurs, which is the best chance of getting pregnant.
- Week 3 – You can be pregnant but will not experience any symptoms.
- Week 4 – The pregnancy test will come out positive if you are indeed pregnant. Hormones slowly increase, including hCG.
- Week 5 – The embryo is only about the size of a grain of sand, and some organs start to develop. The embryo is the unborn child inside your womb.
- Week 6 –The realization of being pregnant finally kicks in, and worries about miscarriage come in. This is also when anxiety and depression may inflict you because of your negative thoughts.
- Week 7 – The embryo doubles in size but is still less than a half-inch long. As the pregnancy hormones increase, the morning sickness can worsen.
- Week 8 –Hear baby’s heartbeat through ultrasound.
More Details On The Baby During The 8th Week
The facial features of the baby become more pronounced. The nose and eyelids are visible and more developed, and its body begins to straighten from the previously curled up position. The genitals are also starting to develop but not yet visible.
- Week 9 –You might leak small amounts of urine. You’ll be experiencing more mood swings and heartburns.
- Week 10 – Your inch-long baby is now called a fetus. You’re almost past your first trimester. You still won’t be showing at this point, but you may want to share the news with your husband or with a healthcare professional.
- Week 11 –Weird cravings begin, and you’ll be gaining some weight.
- Week 12 – Your uterus begins to expand in the outside of the protective pelvic bones and is continually growing. You’ll also notice skin changes, such as the darkening of your areolas and the appearance of the ‘mask of pregnancy’ or chloasma.
- Week 13 – You continue to gain weight as you consume food sufficient for two. Breasts will feel lumpy. This is normal, as milk is starting to fill them.
- Week 14 – Renewed energy (until morning sickness) may lull you into thinking you can take on a marathon.
- Week 15 –This is the time when your “window of opportunity” starts.
More Details On The Baby During The 15th Week
At this time, the baby would be a little over 50 grams and has grown to about 12 centimeters. The ears become visible externally, and the eyes move towards its near-normal position towards the nose. Its bones can also be seen if an x-ray was done. Through ultrasound, the baby can sometimes be caught thumb-sucking.
- Week 16 –The baby starts to move as the amniotic fluid in the placenta increases. This is the ‘pregnancy glow’ stage.
- Week 17 – Vivid and bizarre dreams may mark your sleep.
- Week 18 –You will have frequent visits to the bathroom because you’ll be urinating more and more.
- Week 19 –You are feeling better.
- Week 20 – Your uterus has reached your navel! The nesting urge is kicking in. You’re halfway there!
- Week 21 – If you’re 35 or older, you’re at risk for chronic high blood pressure. You will be advised to visit your obstetrician more if you are in this category (like me).
- Week 22 – You may be developing hemorrhoids and constipation. You’ll need to learn some relaxation techniques.
Some Pointers For The 22nd Week
You are nearing your third trimester, which most women refer to as the most comfortable stage of the pregnancy. Enrolling in childbirth education classes may prove very helpful for you. As for your baby, it’s looking almost normal, with all the parts slowly growing in the right places.
- Week 23 –May start steering distance travel as the baby continues to grow.
- Week 24 – You are at increased risk for gestational diabetes. Be careful with what you eat.
- Week 25 – You may have leg cramps and heartburns.
- Week 26 – Your fetus sleeps for longer periods. If you have been watching your food and beverage intake, you should have gained a total of 22 pounds the most.
- Week 27 – You’ll probably be gaining about 1 pound a week.
- Week 28 – Welcome to the third trimester!
- Week 29 – The lump in your belly may stop you from certain activities. You’ll need to get more rest and more nutrients for you and your baby.
- Week 30 – You will be out of breath most of the time since the growing uterus will crowd over your diaphragm.
- Week 31 – You notice a gradual decrease of baby’s kicks and the punches, and the space in utero becomes tighter.
- Week 32 – Pregnancy may be starting to lose some of its glow.
Important Things To Remember On Your 32nd Week
This stage will be tiring, but just keep it in your head that you’re a few months closer to meeting your newborn. Your shortness of breath becomes more frequent, and your blood volume increases to about 50%. You must see your doctor every two weeks.
- Week 33 – Don’t get too married to your dream delivery. Sometimes your amniotic fluid leaks, but don’t worry because this is not uncommon during week 33.
- Week 34 – You may be driving yourself crazy about the baby’s necessities. Keep it in perspective.
- Week 35 – There’s a chance the body has this Group B streptococcus bacteria. Be extra cautious. Also, you may want to start counting your baby’s kicks.
- Week 36 – The baby can drop lower into the pelvis in preparation for the delivery. Because of the increase in Braxton Hicks contractions, you may think you’re in labor but will soon realize it’s a false alarm.
- Week 37 – Your breasts can be leaking colostrum—your baby’s first food.
More Information About The 37th Week
Effacement and dilatation of your cervix occur at this stage, as you prepare yourself to go into labor. You will have gained around 35 pounds. On the 37th week, the baby should now be in a head-down position, so if it isn’t, do consult your doctor or healthcare provider about it.
- Week 38 – Your pregnancy is now considered full-term already, and the lanugo—the hair that covers your baby’s body – will start to disappear.
- Week 39 – Go on leave earlier when necessary.
- Week 40 –Delivery date or continuous monitoring of your obstetrician.
Congratulations Are On The Way!
Prepare to welcome your baby this week. Your baby’s bones are now strong, but the head is softer with its fontanelles for easier exit through the birth canal. As for you, expectant mother, by now, you should have mastered your breathing and relaxation techniques for smoother delivery of your baby.
You and your partner should be all smiles and full of love excitement right this very moment. Savor every moment when the baby comes. Take lots of pictures because they grow up so fast. Good luck as your parents.
FAQs On Pregnancy Week by Week
Which trimester is the most critical?
The most critical trimester is the first one. This is when most of the fetus’s internal organs start to develop.
How do you calculate how many weeks pregnant you are?
To calculate how far along your pregnancy is, start counting the weeks from your last menstrual period. This is how you figure out when your due will be.
How can you tell if a girl is pregnant in the first week?
Swollen breasts, fatigue, and nausea are some of the indications of the first week of pregnancy. The girl may also experience food aversions, headaches, and mood swings.
Can I jump while pregnant?
Expectant women are not generally advised to jump anytime during pregnancy. The caveat is that professionals may be allowed to do it as long as your physician gives their permission.
Are stairs bad for pregnancy?
Although pregnancy week by week changes the mother’s physical limits, climbing the stairs is not bad at all. However, be especially careful when using it, especially when your due date is close.
How soon will a pregnancy test read positive?
A pregnancy test can read positive after missing your period for a day. It indicates that you may already be pregnant for two weeks.
How are eight weeks pregnant?
Babies at eight weeks begin to have facial features. Their hearts also beat more quickly.
What’s to expect when you are five weeks pregnant?
At five weeks of pregnancy, expectant moms experience morning sickness, food cravings, breast changes, and frequent urination. Some also deal with vaginal bleeding, which you may consult your doctor about.
Is white discharge a sign of pregnancy?
Yes, white vaginal discharge can be a sign of pregnancy. The more pregnancy week-by-week goes along, the more discharge may come.
How does your stomach feel when you’re pregnant in the first month?
Your stomach may feel full in the first month of pregnancy. The hormone progesterone causes this.
Can a pregnant woman travel in the first trimester?
Yes, a pregnant woman can travel during the first trimester. But make sure that there are no serious medical complications that traveling may aggravate.
How can I sleep during my pregnancy?
You can sleep on the side during your pregnancy. This is the best position to be able to breathe properly while sleeping, especially if you turn to the left.
What are some bad signs during pregnancy?
For pregnancy week-by-week, you need to watch out for excessive bleeding, severe nausea, and declining activity level of the fetus. These are some of the bad signs during pregnancy.
Pregnancy Week By Week Other Resources
https://www.thebump.com/pregnancy-week-by-week
https://www.babycenter.com/pregnancy/week-by-week
https://www.whattoexpect.com/pregnancy/week-by-week/
Last Updated on January 12, 2023 by Rejie Salazar
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