Pregnancy week by week: changes in mother, how the baby grows and develops and specific care during that week
Our comprehensive pregnancy guide gives you expert info and advice about your growing baby and the changes in your body, week by week and by trimester.
Dr. Sarita Jain
Mar 11, 2018
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1st Trimester of Pregnancy - Week 1 to Week 13
Week 1 after you conceive
Thirty hours after conception, the cell splits into two. By day three, the cell (zygote) has divided into 16 cells. After two more days, the zygote has migrated from the fallopian tube to the womb. The zygote is now known as a blastocyst.
Week 2
The developing baby is tinier than a grain of rice. The rapidly dividing cells are in the process of forming the various body systems including the digestive system.
Change in Body of Pregnant woman
During the first two weeks your uterus sheds its old to shelter a growing baby by building up a lush lining of blood-rich tissue. The fertilized egg development starts into your womb and sets up residence for the next nine months.
Week 3
The evolving neural tube will eventually become the central nervous system (spinal cord & brain for fetus)
Week 4
The baby is now known as an embryo. It is approx 3mm in length. By this stage, it is secreting special hormones that prevent the mother from having a menstrual period.
Week 5
The heart is beating. The embryo has developed its placenta and amniotic sac. The placenta is burrowing into the uterine wall to access oxygen and nutrients from the mother's bloodstream.
Change in Body of Pregnant woman
Pregnancy symptoms may make their start this week. Most women will start feeling nausea, vomiting, fatigue and sore breasts.
Week 6
The embryo is now around 1.3 centimeters in length. The rapidly growing spinal cord looks like a tail. The head is disproportionately large and dark spots appear which become the eyes and the nose. The arm and leg buds begin to show themselves as do the ears.
Change in Body of Pregnant woman
You will continue to experience the feeling of last week in the 6th week of your pregnancy which is early signs of a pregnancy.
Week 7
The eyes, mouth and tongue are forming. The tiny muscles allow the embryo to start moving about. Blood cells are being made by the embryo's liver. The brain is active and has brain waves. Your uterus is now about the size of a tennis ball. It is still low in the pelvis and presses against your bladder causing the need to urinate more frequently. The fetus is constantly in motion although you will not feel it yet.
Change in Body of Pregnant woman
Your uterus has almost doubled in size in the last five weeks; you will be more sensitive to the heat and nausea, morning sickness at peak.
Week 8
The embryo is now known as a fetus and is about 2.5 centimeters in length. All of the bodily organs are formed and the fetal heart may be felt with a Doppler. With its large head and short limbs, it looks like a shrimp. The hands and feet, which previously looked like nubs or paddles, are now evolving fingers and toes. The genitals have begun to form.
Change in Body of Pregnant woman
Bone-deep fatigue as your body works overtime to create a new human being; your digestion slows to a crawl under the influence of progesterone and aversions to certain foods and pungent smells as your nose and taste buds go on high alert for potential toxins.
Week 9
Now the baby is just under an inch long and about the size of a grape .your baby’s heart finishes dividing into four chambers and the valves start to form teeth are budding inside the gums. The tiny heart is developing further and the embryonic tail starts disappearing now. The placenta is developed enough now to take over most of the critical job of producing hormones
Change in Body of Pregnant woman
You may have morning sickness and other physical symptoms out in full force.
Week 10
The outline of his spine is clearly visible through the translucent skin and spinal nerves are beginning to stretch out from his spinal cord. Your baby’s forehead temporarily bulges with his developing brain and sits very high on his head which measures half the length of his body. From crown to rump, he’s about 11⁄4 inches long. In the coming three weeks your baby will again double in size—to nearly 3 inches.
The fingers and toes are recognizable but still stuck together with webs of skin. The fetus’ kidneys have formed and the baby will start to pass urine into the amniotic fluid that surrounds him in the uterus. The eyelids have developed. Tooth buds are forming along with the vocal cords. The fetus now begins to bend and stretch moving its arms and legs making fists, opening hands and lifting its head.
Change in Body of Pregnant woman
Size of the uterus was just like a small pear before you get pregnant. By this week, it’s as big as a grapefruit.
Week 11
The fetus can swim about quite vigorously. It is now more than 7 centimeters in length. The fetus is constantly moving around, safely cushioned by the amniotic fluid. Although you still do not feel these movements, the baby is exercising as he grows.
Change in Body of Pregnant woman
You will feel a bit more energetic now and your nausea may be starting to wane. Unfortunately, you may also be suffering from constipation and heartburn which gives you a good feel of being pregnant.
Week 12
The fetus size is about 7-10 centimeters long now just like a lime and weight is approximately half an ounce. Your baby’s fingers will soon begin to open and close, his toes will curl, his eye muscles will clench, and his mouth will make sucking movements. The eyelids are fused over the fully developed eyes. The baby can now mutely cry since it has vocal cords. It may even start sucking its thumb. The fingers and toes are growing nails. Facial feature and fingerprints have now formed.
Change in Body of Pregnant woman
By this point, your uterus is almost big enough to fill your pelvis. You might even be able to feel the top of your womb—called the fundus—above the middle of your pubic bone.
2nd Trimester of Pregnancy - Week 14 to Week 27
Week 14
The muscular development starts here in this week by now; the main organs in the baby’s body are formed.
Change in Body of Pregnant woman
This is the start of your second trimester. Nausea, breast sensitivity and other discomforts should be diminished by now. If not, they should soon start abating. Your pregnancy may be somewhat noticeable at this stage, evidence of the little one growing inside.
Week 15
Now it is about the size of the cricket ball. Eyelids are completely closed and lungs are developing and start development upper respiratory tract like nose & lungs. At this stage, a practitioner may be able to determine the sex of your baby.
Change in Body of Pregnant woman
You may experience nosebleeds or a blocked nose. it is very often and called "Rhinitis of pregnancy". in medical terms. It is a result of increased blood volume and blood vessel expansion in the nose.
Week 16
Developing Baby is now around 12 centimeters long and weighs 100 grams. The legs continue to develop and toenails start to grow. The head develops further. Facial features are in place and the ears are positioned to the sides.
Change in Body of Pregnant woman
You're probably feeling much better physically as you settle into pregnancy with fewer mood swings and less nausea. The top of your uterus is now about halfway between your pubic bone and your navel. The round ligaments that support the uterus are thickening and stretching.
Week 17
As the umbilical cord becomes thicker and stronger, the skeleton is changing from soft cartilage to bone. Sweat glands are developing and joint flexibility increases.
Change in Body of Pregnant woman
Your organs starts repositioning to provide space for the uterus which contains the baby. You must avoid anything that may put you at risk of falling, staircase and wearing high heel footwear.
You will feel pain in the legs, called sciatic nerve pain and this nerve is the largest nerve in the body, which could be extremely painful. The sciatic and runs under the uterus, travelling right down the entire length of the leg. The pain is usually caused by pressure on the nerve, caused by the growing baby. The pain may be reduced by changing your posture, not standing in one position for too long or putting pillows under the legs while sleeping to provide support.
Week 18
Now almost 190 grams in weight and 14 centimeters long, your baby is fully flexing her arms and legs. Genitals are almost completely developed and in order. Blood vessels & ears start visible and nervous system starts developing here.
Change in Body of Pregnant woman
You will continue to experience an increase in appetite. Make sure to eat balanced meals rich in nutrients to help your baby develop and grow.
Your blood pressure may be lower than usual due to your cardiovascular system undergoing dramatic changes. Be careful not to get up too fast, feeling dizzy is normal at this stage.
Also make sure to lie on your side or tilted on your side. Lying on your back could cause your uterus to compress a major vein, which may decrease the blood flow to your heart.
Week 19
Arms and legs are proportionate to the body and each other. The hair on the scalp is beginning to grow. Skin is starting forming to prevent from acidic fluid. Major developments of the brain: the sensory areas for touch, taste, sight, sound, and smell are start developing.
Change in Body of Pregnant woman
As you go through your 19th week of pregnancy, you might notice more changes such as dry, flaky skin. Your metabolic rate and blood volume increase. Your need for fluid and your sensitivity to heat will increase, so it’s important that you continue to drink plenty of water.
Skin abnormalities caused by extra estrogen may cause some changes in your skin. This is normal. Skin changes just like red palms, darkening of your nipples, freckles, scars, underarms, inner thighs, and vulva. Pimples on face, Darker patches on your face which will probably fade soon after the birth of your baby.
Week 20 & 21
Now weight of the baby is approx 300 grams and is the size of 6 inches.
Change in Body of Pregnant woman
You have reached the halfway mark of your pregnancy. This is when major weight gain begins to take place.
Your waistline continues to expand, and indigestion, heartburn, and constipation probably occur more frequently. You may experience itching. You’re also making more trips to empty your bladder.
Week 22
The lower limbs are fully formed. Head and body hair called lanugo thickly covers the fetus. The fetus is about 9 inches long and weighs about 1 pound.
Change in Body of Pregnant woman
Your nipples are becoming darker than they usually are to help your baby find the nipple in order to suck. Their darker contrast against the surrounding breast tissue is a marker for where to aim their mouth. Even if you don’t plan to breastfeed, your body will experience changes in preparation for it.
You will also feel Indigestion and heartburn and your feet and ankles getting swollen by the end of the day. You could be retaining more fluid than usual and it’s showing if you are standing up for long periods. Watch those shoes. Go for comfort rather than style and think about getting shoes which you can just slide onto your feet rather than bend over to do up. You’ll be very glad you did in just a few weeks time.
Week 23
The fetus is around 33centemeters in length and weight is approximately 500 grams. The fused eyelids now separate into upper and lower lids, enabling the baby to open and shut its eyes. The skin is covered in fine hair and protected by a waxy layer. Ears are fully functioning and start movement in arms and legs including all major muscles.
Change in Body of Pregnant woman
Your tummy is creeping upwards and is now above your navel. You could be experiencing headaches, contractions, vaginal discharge and pins in your hands. This is commonly due to a condition known as carpal tunnel syndrome which affects the thumbs and forefingers. Compression from water retention on the carpal nerve pathway is the most frequent cause. Physiotherapy and splints are sometimes necessary to alleviate pain and numbness.
Week 24 & 25
The weight of baby is around 680 grams and length is 23 centimeters. By end of 25th week weight would be approx 900 grams and length 26 centimeters. At this stage if it is born it has a chance of survival but have increased risks of disability. At this stage baby start controlling over major sense organs.
Change in Body of Pregnant woman
You will experiencing dry and irritated eyes this week. Stretch marks could start forming on your tummy, thighs, breasts or hips around this time. It is due to collagen fibers in the dermis stretch and tears to accommodate an enlarging shape and body size.
Small pimple on breasts which is called Montgomery’s Tubercles in medical terms and they will secrete an oily lubricant which will help to nourish your nipples and keep them supple.
At the completion of 25th week of pregnancy gums are prone to swelling and you may experience blooding while brushing your teeth. Pregnancy hormones like Relaxin Progesterone are start working by loosening and relaxing the taut fibers to prepare your body to give child birth.
Week 26 & 27
Your baby weight is approximately 900 grams at 26th week and 1050 grams by end of 27th week. Length of baby is 34 centimeters now. Eyelids open for the first time. Color of eyes are almost always blue or dark blue, although some babies do have brown. It is not until some weeks after they are born that your baby’s eyes will become the color that they will stay after birth also, baby starts blinking of eyes and start focusing.
Change in Body of Pregnant woman
Your tummy is expanding as progressive weeks ahead and it would be itchy. Probably your blood volume is increased with around 25% in compare to first week of pregnancy and sometimes you feel tired, breathless too and due to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome this week your wrists, fingers and ankles start swelling and you can have Constipation.
You will not feel comfortable while bending over, standing up, after having sex and any smart moves.
3rd Trimester of Pregnancy - Week 28 to Week 42
Week 28 to 31
The fetus is around 37 centimeters in length and weight is approximately 900 grams at 28th week and length will be approximately 46 centimeters by end of 31st week completion. The growing body has caught up with the large head and the baby now seems more in proportion. The baby starts practice breaths also can hear voice from within the womb now and your heartbeat. You will feel the stretching of ligaments which can often be felt as back pain. The baby now has eyelashes and hair. You may be experiencing rehearsal contractions called Braxton-Hicks contractions. Your baby’s brain is changing from being soft and smoothly rounded to hairy skin patches on head and brain and complex nerve activity started by end of 31st week’s pregnancy.
Change in Body of Pregnant woman
Red and very visible Stretch marks on your tummy start appearing at this stage. Bending down is getting harder day by day. Breasts could start producing colostrum, an early form of breast milk. This is a thick yellowish colored fluid, which is very high in antibodies. Ideally you have more colostrum if this is your first baby .
Week 32 to 35
Weight of baby is 1.7 to 1.8 kg at 32 weeks and length of baby is 51 centimeters. By end of 35th weeks weight increased with 650 grams and total weight is approximately 2.4 kg. The baby spends most of its time asleep. Its movements are strong and coordinated. It has probably assumed the 'head down' position by now in preparation for birth. Your baby can see the light through the walls of the womb. Baby keeps blinking. Skin of baby is completely developed with hairs at head, eyebrows, eyelid etc.
Change in Body of Pregnant woman
Your belly and your breasts getting bigger and in this situation it is very hard to see your knees which is totally uncomfortable for taking sharp moves involving standing, sitting, sleeping, walking and moving.
Visible heat rashes are seen under your breasts ,also your weight is increased in line with your baby’s growth. At this stage of pregnancy common problems starts such as blood pressure, pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes and premature labor pain.
At the completion of 35th week baby will turn to be head down. This may give you some relief. Cephalic presentation or Headfirst is the best possible position for child as well as mother while child birth. You may feel dried nipples and thick yellowish fluid which is called Colostrums may be start leaking from your nipples this week.
You may feel high blood pressure and high pulse rate or missing beats which may develop chest pain or short breathing problems.
Week 36
The baby is around 53 centimeters in length and weight is around 2.6 to 2.8 kg. It has probably nestled its head into its mother's pelvis, ready for birth. If it is born now, its chances for survival are excellent. Development of the lungs is rapid over the next few weeks. The baby’s nervous system is maturing for birth. The baby’s head may have dipped or dropped into your pelvis, alleviating the shortness of breath symptom.
A baby at 37-38 weeks is considered full term. He or she could be born anytime. You will experience more Braxton-Hicks contractions
Change in Body of Pregnant woman
Your pelvic bones will be separating and loosening in these last few weeks which can mean you feel sore and aching. You’ll find yourself subconsciously placing your hands on your lower back, your tummy and your hips and even grimacing.
At 36 weeks pregnant clumsiness is a fact of life and you need to make sure you minimize your risks of stumbling over something in the dark. You will experience frequent urination, uncomfortable while sleeping
Week 37
Your baby doesn’t have more space to move complete body. By end of this week soft downy hair is being reabsorbed which has been covering your baby’s skin. You baby may gain approximately 500 grams weights by end of this week.
Change in Body of Pregnant woman
Your vaginal discharges will increases which are completely normal and unless it is profuse, itchy, smells unusual or is bothering you don’t be concerned. There is a lot of pelvic engorgement and hormonal activity occurring now and this is a normal outcome.
You may occasionally get a sharp, almost electrified feeling in your bladder from this week. It could startle you and cause you to feel you are about to wet yourself. As long as you don’t have other urinary symptoms which could mean a urinary tract infection, don’t be concerned. If this is your first baby, it may be engaging in pelvis and that bony head isn’t far from your sensitive bladder.
Week 38
The baby is around 54 to 58 centimeters in length and weight is around 3kg it is not ready to born. It is thought that the baby secretes hormones that trigger the onset of labor. The baby is now ready for birth.
Change in Body of Pregnant woman
By completion of 38th week you will feel a completion of motherhood and start imagination of being mother of a child. You can hear, feel the well devoted child in you and it is ready to come out any time after this.
At 38 weeks pregnant, your breasts may feel heavy and uncomfortable, they are preparing for lactation and the all important task of nourishing your baby.
Post 38th week of pregnancy however it is ideal time is considered for a healthy pregnancy for child and mother and both but some women give birth in 39th to 42th weeks of pregnancy but as of now the baby is completely developed and ready for birth after 38th week there is no major changes happens in women body as well as growth of a child within.
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