Pregnancy Week by Week Symptoms

Pregnancy is an important phase of every woman's life. The mother and the baby, both undergo a number of changes during pregnancy. It is the mother's responsibility to take care of her own health and of her baby's health as well. The duration of a full term pregnancy is of 280 days or 40 weeks; and these 40 weeks are divided into trimesters of 13 weeks each. Awareness of pregnancy symptoms helps deal well with them. Since you are looking forward to have a healthy baby and a trouble-free delivery, it is necessary to know that everything is normal. Knowing the symptoms may help avoid a miscarriage or any other complications during pregnancy.

Pregnancy Symptoms: Week by Week

The First Trimester

Week 1: Do you know that the first day of the last menstrual period is considered as the first day of pregnancy? Actually, your pregnancy has begun about two weeks before the conception, when an egg leaves the ovary and travels through the fallopian tube for fertilization. You should opt for orange juice or other food items containing folic acid, diet rich in vitamins and other nutrients, and you should quit alcohol and cigarettes. Progesterone and estrogen is produced by the body to promote ovulation and fertilization.

Week 2: Your body ovulates and when the sperm and the female egg unite, fertilization takes place. You can plan in advance about your health checkup, and may choose your health-care provider.

Week 3: It's time to think about yourself and your baby, since it's happened! During this week, the baby will grow quite fast. Rapid division and growth of fertilized cells take place and the cells then enter the uterus in the form of a blastocyst. When the blastocyst attaches itself to the uterus wall, it is referred to as implantation. Development of the amniotic sac and cavity begins as estrogen triggers reproductive organs to begin preparing for motherhood. Just 265 days left and you'll have a beautiful baby! Some early pregnancy signs like bloating, cramps, breast tenderness, and mood swings may be noticed and you may feel more like those of your period or you may even notice some blood when the fertilized egg implants in the uterus.

Week 4: Now, the blastocyst is implanted deeper within the endometrium. A pregnancy hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is produced. The ovary will stop releasing an egg every month. The baby at this time measures around 0.04 inches. Progesterone has a sedative effect, plus the pregnancy hormones racing through your body can make you tired and sleepy. This early stage of pregnancy may result in cramping and some spotting, but many women feel no change in their bodies.

Week 5: Here comes morning sickness. During 5th week, the embryo starts achieving a definite shape. The placenta, through which baby gets the nourishment, also develops and baby's facial features, the neural tube, bones and muscles begin to form.

Week 6: Now that your pregnancy is officially confirmed, you might be thrown into a world of worries. Your blood will be screened for its Rh factor and Rh incompatibility. It's time for a complete physical examination and noting down your weight. The baby's heart will start beating which can be noticed in an ultrasound examination. The brain, nervous, respiratory and digestive systems of the baby start developing. The baby, this week, measures around 0.08 inches.

Week 7: The development of the umbilical cord, development of the leg and arm buds can be seen this week. The cerebral hemispheres of the brain, pancreas and appendix develop and an intestinal bulge is also noticed. Pregnancy symptoms like breast tenderness, bloating, abdominal pain, frequent urination, nausea, weakness might be noticed. Intake of folic acid can help reduce the chances of birth defects.

Week 8: The baby's eye lids, optical nerves and the retina will be formed. Fast development of the ears, nose and throat can also be observed.. The baby's genitals appear like small buds. Do not feel embarrassed because of craving, it's usually based on some sort of nutritional need of the body or nutritional balance required by the body.

Week 9: The arms and hands of the baby grow and become longer. The legs continue growing. Owing to the developed muscles, you can feel some movement. Ears and eyes can be seen during examination. The baby measures around 0.90 inches and weighs around 2 grams.

Week 10: After 10th week, the embryonic stage ends and the fetal stage begins. The baby has all the vital organs by now. Formation of tooth buds can be noticed and if it's a baby boy, the testes starts producing testosterone. The uterus is of a soft ball size. Food cravings, mood swings, constipation are some of the noticeable symptoms for this period.

Week 11: Your waist line may start growing. Increased number of blood vessels in the placenta, to support the rapid growth of the fetus are noticed here. The pancreas, gallbladder and thyroid of the baby start developing along with the baby's reflexes. Fatigue and stress are the main symptoms observed by the mom. Start practicing kegel exercises which strengthen the pelvic floor and tone the vaginal and perineal area, so that the later stages of pregnancy will be trouble free.

Week 12: The fingernails and vocal cords are developed and the kidneys of the baby start working. The pituitary gland of the baby starts functioning.

Week 13: Here ends the first trimester. Now, the face of the baby will appear more human-like. The fully developed placenta provides the necessary nutrients and also helps in waste disposal. The intestines move from the umbilical cord towards the stomach.

The Second Trimester

Week 14: Your high risk period of pregnancy is over now! Your morning sickness may subside now. You may relax and think about baby's name, when to tell your boss about your pregnancy, etc. The baby's thyroid gland will start producing thyroxine. Now, the baby may start swallowing, breathing, sucking, etc. You can see whether all the organs of the baby are growing proportionately or not.

Week 15: You should include calcium and protein rich food in your diet as the skin and hair of the baby start developing and the bones grow harder because of calcium retention. The baby may measure around 3.98 inches and may weigh around 70 grams. Your waist line must have grown by now and your belly will also begin to show soon. Due to the lack of space in your stomach, you are likely to experience more heartburn, indigestion and flatulence. Frequent urination may also be experienced as the bladder has less room to expand.

Week 16: You may feel Braxton Hicks contractions which are painless and random. Baby movements can be felt and various facial expressions can also be observed. Now the baby has stronger head and neck muscles, which enable the baby to hold his/her head erect.

Week 17: Get tests done for gestational diabetes. Your lower abdomen starts popping gradually and the breasts start preparing for milk production. There is a noticeable increase in baby's weight as baby grows a lot. You may now feel the baby's kicks, perhaps trying to tell you that you need to eat more frequently to feel satisfied.

Week 18: There might be difficulty in sleeping, as your baby bump grows. Now, the bones of the baby will start ossifying, the ears will continue developing and meconium (fecal waste matter) will start collecting in the baby's bowels. You may notice a dark line extending from your belly button to your vaginal area which will disappear after birth.

Week 19: Vernix caseosa, a white creamy fluid, will now cover the baby's body to protect the glands and sensory nerves. In case of a baby girl, egg cells will be formed in the ovaries.

Week 20: Along with other symptoms, you may experience strong and frequent baby movements. Hands and nail growth is remarkable and the uterus expands to make room for the growing fetus. An ultrasound can answer that big question for you around this week, a boy or a girl?.

Week 21: You've now entered the second half of pregnancy. You will notice that several pregnancy stages symptoms disappear. As the digestive system of the baby starts functioning, the baby starts swallowing the amniotic fluid which enhances the functioning of the digestive system. The baby now measures around 10.51 inches and weighs around 360 grams.

Week 22: The baby's taste buds and nerve buds are fully developed by now, the sense of touch and the reproductive system continue to develop. Backache, heartburn, indigestion may be the symptoms observed by the moms.

Week 23: Your weight must have increased by 5-7 kg. The baby starts receiving sounds and also starts producing insulin with the help of the pancreas.

Week 24: The developed lungs now produce surfactant, a substance that prevents the air sacs from collapsing after the baby is born. Check whether you are gaining proportionate weight or not.

Week 25: Small blood vessels are developed, the color of the skin turns pink and the baby is capable of hearing and recognizing some sounds. Swollen feet and ankles may be noticed by the mothers when they work for the whole day, without taking any break.

Week 26: The baby has fully developed, all the five senses and the baby may develop a certain sleeping pattern now. Hair and eyelashes have grown quite well. During this last week of the second trimester, the baby is around 14 inches long and weighs around 760 grams.

The Third Trimester

Week 27: The optic nerve of the baby develops along with the sense of sight, while other organs, immune system, fore-brain and lungs of the baby are still under development.

Week 28: The baby's brain develops the grooves and folds. Fats get accumulated under the skin which increases body weight. The baby now appears healthier.

Week 29: You're entering the last couple months of pregnancy. There is a remarkable increase in fetal activity and the chances of survival in case of a premature baby are high.

Week 30: You may feel tired, achy and sleepless. Convulsions may develop in the brain and nerve cell activity is rapid during this maternity stage.

Week 31: Around this time, the baby starts urinating several times, into the amniotic fluid. As growth of organs continues, you also gain weight gradually.

Week 32: In ultrasound examination, eyelids, eyelashes, hair, mouth, etc. of the baby are clearly visible. Back pain, achy legs might be experienced by the mother due to weakened stomach muscles.

Week 33: The baby can detect light and constriction and dilation of the pupils can now take place. As there is continuous deposition of fat, rapid weight gain is observed.

Week 34: The baby starts preparing for the arrival into this world by adapting the position for delivery. A thick coating of Vernix caseosa can be observed.

Week 35: Normally, the baby's position will be headfirst.

Week 36: The baby's head is in the mother's pelvis. The skull bones of the baby naturally tend to overlap each other, so as to facilitate trouble free movement of the baby through the birth canal. The baby is quite healthy now.

Week 37: Weight gain rate will decrease by the end of this week. As the baby gains strength and develops coordination fast, the ossified bones help the baby to pass through the comparatively narrow birth canal.

Week 38: The accumulation of fecal waste is noticeable which will be passed as the first stool after birth. You may feel very hungry and tired during these last weeks of pregnancy. 38 week pregnancy is also considered as full term pregnancy. Usually, a baby is born between 38-42 weeks.

Week 39: The baby now has well-developed organs and properly functioning systems. The immune system of the baby is now capable of protecting the baby from infections for 6-8 months after birth. The mother's body naturally begins to prepare for labor and childbirth.

Week 40: Labor sets in. Frequent contractions of the uterus indicate that it is the time for the arrival of the baby. The 40 weeks long pregnancy term ends in this week with childbirth. It's a moment of joy for the tired mother. A healthy baby weighs around 8-10 pounds and is around 20 inches long.

Remember that every case is unique and every pregnancy is different. Pregnancy week by week symptoms and growth rates of the babies may vary, so always read one week on either side of your estimated pregnancy stage. Eat healthy food consisting of lots of fruits and vegetables, fish, whole grains, etc. Exercise according to the recommendations of your doctor and try to be happy all the time.