Pregnancy being the most important event in a woman’s life needs a continuous monitoring and a woman’s awareness towards it. As she is going to have a baby in her womb, she should know what she will be going through.
The signs, symptoms, the check up at proper time and the nutrition she should have- all these points are worth giving a second thought. She should be aware of the complications and their solutions as well.
For you, we have a complete compilation of the changes a woman undergoes throughout her pregnancy. Just hop on the week you find yourself on, and read.
1 week pregnant
Pregnancy in your first week is actually not a pregnancy. Don’t get scared. If we explain you biologically, at this first week, the egg departs from the ovary and reaches the fallopian tube. Here, the sperm is also invited and the meeting of these two gametes occur.
The gametes unite to form a zygote or a fertilised egg. All these events prior to the fusion occur in the first week.
The proper conception and fertilisation takes your full first week. Hence, if you take a pregnancy test during this time, it may fail to give you proper results.
However, certain body changes may occur as well. These are not the proper and recognised signs of pregnancy, but you may experience these while your egg meets the sperm.
They can be:
- Digestive problems
This includes the constipation, ingestion, vomiting. (Do not assume it for pregnancy if you overeat last night and have bad stomach the next day. It is your poor eating habit, not the pregnancy alarm.)
- Nausea
Nausea and morning sickness may occur, but not of high intensity. As the implantation hasn’t taken place yet, heavy nausea has to arrive soon. This nausea which you may experience in the first week would be of mild intensity.
- The basal body temperature grows. This is a physiological change, which goes undetected.
2 weeks pregnant
You are running in the second week, and you may or may not have the symptoms. Every pregnancy is different, and every woman has these signs and symptoms at different times. The second week is the week which shows changes just after the fertilisation. Some women experience the signs as early as in a day or two.
This week is the most appropriate week for having a pregnancy test for the early detection!
The symptoms may be as follows:
- Physical change such as breast tenderness is quite common at this time. The breasts become swollen and sore.
- You may feel tired by doing even a minor physical activity. The restlessness engulfs you.
- You may feel sick, or something going wrong inside you.
- You may feel irritated and get disturbed by small things.
- And, the most important of all, the missed period! The period of this month gets missed. You know the reason of missed period? Obviously you would at this stage of maturity.
Now you have to begin with a healthy diet. You have to prepare your body to meet the requirements of the growing foetus. Keep in mind the FOLIC ACID intake.
It is to be noted that in the second week, your doctor will tell you that you are already 4 week pregnant. You may be amused to hear this, but don’t worry. She is correct. She is calculating your pregnancy from your ovulation cycle.
And about the baby, let me inform you that the gender has been decided. Gradually the organs will develop. The baby will require proper nutrition. Eat fresh and healthy!
3 weeks pregnant
The implantation has occurred, thus the hormones in your body must be rising. The HCG hormone is the prominent one, which is responsible for various pregnancy processes. Other hormones are also present which are responsible for other activities.
In the third week, there are a variety of changes occurring physically.
- The breasts which are eventually increasing in size and growing saggy, a tingling sensation could be felt. This is due to the blood flow directed towards the breasts.
- The vulva and vagina, which are usually pinkish in normal times, darken in colour. This also happens due to the increased blood flow to this region.
- There may be light vaginal spotting
- You may develop food preferences! You may like some food and you may hate the sight of the other. It is completely natural.
- You feel like a hungry giant. You want to eat much and according to your mood!
- Morning sickness is gradually emerging out.
You need to plan for your future now on the economic and social front. I hope you have already done that. And, if not, then it is not too late. Plan it now. Give it a second thought!
4 weeks pregnant
This week marks the beginning of the development of your embryo. The amniotic sac harbours your embryo and the regular blood supply along with the nutrients is managed. This is the time period when the development process should go on without any interruption.
This is the most vulnerable stage as well. Eat healthy and fresh to avoid any food related problems. Hygiene and sanitation is your own duty, which needs to be fulfilled timely!
You may experience the following in the third week:
- Bloating
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Spotting
All these signify that something is actually going on down there!
With the development process going on in full zest, the nutrients are required in high amount. High amount does not mean overdosing yourself and taking a lot of supplements!
You need to ensure calcium and iron intake. The development of organs will utilize your calcium and iron if not provide with surplus amount. For the best health of both of you, food requirements should be adequately met.
5 weeks pregnant
Baby is growing in size. In the past week being of a mustard seed size, it is now a little big. The development of organs is now taking a shape. The three layers: ectoderm, mesoderm and endoderm are responsible for this process. The spinal cord, the heart, the gastrointestinal tract and blood vessels are formed.
Do’s and don’ts are all over your head, continuously brainstorming! You may feel the need to take every step carefully and with full headgear. And, you are going right. You should be aware that it is high time and safety methods should be adopted.
But don’t make it a taboo. Fretting too much can be harmful for your baby. Sing melodious songs and meditate. Peace is important for you! You can go for pregnancy exercises, especially the aerobics. You will definitely enjoy the session.
You may also have symptoms such as frequent urination and increased soreness in breasts. The areolas darken.
Regularly take appointments with your doctor. Stay self-informed.
If you have any bad habits such as drinking or smoking, quit them please. Also, it is time for you to take a long rest period. Spend less time doing household chores. Do not stress yourself with moving in and out of home, if you are a professional lady.
6 weeks pregnant
Your baby looks just like a tiny tadpole. The feet and hands are webbed. Have you seen the webbed feet of the ducks? That’s called “webbed”. The heart beats! And the rate at which it beats is faster than yours! The eyes, nose and the ears will now take the shape.
The limbs will develop more specifically. This is how your baby is developing inside. Visit your doctor to see it yourself.
Now what’s happening outside is not much of the physical change. It is more on the emotional and intellectual basis. This play of moods is controlled by the hormones and their levels on a roller-coaster ride.
You may also have some light bleeding or spotting during this time. If the bleeding becomes continuous with more flow, better you consult your doctor and get checked once. The heavy bleeding followed by abdominal cramps is a sign of an ectopic pregnancy, which is NOT good.
You can avoid tiredness and exhaustion by having a healthy diet plate!
Go for mild walks and spent some time with nature. Fresh air is very beneficial!
7 weeks pregnant
You may notice your belly growing. The bottoms may fit a little tight. This is just the beginning of your baby bump. You also feel something different about your skin. Some women glow at this point and some observe tiny outgrowths.
Acne or pimples, you may have any one of these. The breasts become swollen! Fat deposition at this region is increased along with the blood flow. The nipples might feel perky and tender. You may not like this fact although.
Talking about the baby, then he/she is developing at much greater pace now. The brain is developing and the fingers and toes come out of the mass of cells. The baby is also assumed to show very slight movement at this time. Also, the mouth and the tongue take shape.
8 weeks pregnant
If you look at the baby’s development during this week, then you really would feel elated! It all feels so magical to see the changes! The tiny hands and the coiled posture of your baby will give you a wonderful feeling.
Since the brain development is at the peak in the 7-9 weeks, the nerve cells are doing their job to scatter themselves all around your baby’s brain. The beautiful eye lids cover his or her eyes! The genitals are not yet developed.
You now need to get some new undergarments and a set of maternity clothes. The hormonal levels are rising, leading to the physical changes in your body. Breast changes are the dominant ones during this week. Your body is preparing for the breastfeeding activity!
You may also experience fatigue. No worries! You are completely alright. Do not skip your fresh air and aerobics! Eat lots of fruits and leafy vegetables.
9 weeks pregnant
You are 9 weeks pregnant now! Just 7 months more. In the past weeks, the changes have been silently occurring. The changes from now onwards would be easily visible and tell the tale of your pregnancy.
Shoulders, elbows, hips, knees, wrists, and ankles- all these get into a working position. The baby is about an inch in size. The basic structure is already developed. In the upcoming weeks, the minor distinctions will be made.
The heart of the baby has developed. The four chambers emerge out along with the valves. The sex organs are not fully developed yet, but they have begun to take shape. The eyes are closed. The eyelids are fused with the skin, and will open at the later stage.
The morning sickness will take control of you now. You would be running back and forth to the washroom. Have some fruity candies with you. They will make you feel better at this time.
Be alert about the ectopic pregnancy symptoms. Are you making frequent visits to your doctor?
10 weeks pregnant
The kidneys, intestines, liver and brain are all in developing state. Webbing in feet and hands evades. The nails are showing up slowly, very SLOWLY. The skin being translucent, the internal organs such as the spine and the nerves are easily visible.
The head is bigger than the rest of the body. You can say the half of the length of the body is taken by the head portion only.
You may make a visit to your doctor as by now you may be able to hear the “lub-dub” going heart beats of your baby! Also, the changes in your uterus are noticeable. The pear shape has changed into something big, round and bulgy.
And it will grow more! The breasts are already becoming heavier. The abdomen will no more be as curvy as you like it to be.
As we earlier mentioned that sanitation and hygiene, especially of the genital regions, is of great importance. You already must be having some vaginal discharge all this while. This discharge is a white mucous, thick and sticky.
You need to have it all clean down there. The mucous discharge acts as a protective shield to the possible infections. The infections are most likely to occur during this week or time period. Yeast or bacteria, any of it could be the possible reason.
Also, the STD (Sexually Transmitted Diseases) could also be the reason. Get a check up done to be confirmed of any sort of infection. Early diagnosis and treatment is necessary.
Be careful of the clothes you wear. Wear something comfortable and soft!
11 weeks pregnant
The baby is not almost developed and the tiny tooth buds have already been placed at the gums. The tiny fists show movement. The size is almost of 1 ½ inch. You must feel some movement inside your tummy! The baby may give you his or her first kick. Isn’t it exciting?
Now your nausea will give you the sigh of relief. You are successfully able to pass the “morning sickness” stage. You may feel enthusiastic each morning. But, stomach problems may enter your life now.
Constipation, heart burns and abdominal discomfort are the main monsters in the 11th week of your pregnancy. Your weight will increase slowly. You will turn into a big foodie. But remember, you have to eat the fresh and healthy food only.
Some type of seafood such as fish, shrimps etc have high mercury content in them, which deters the brain development. Avoid such a condition.
12 weeks pregnant
The ear lobes are fully developed. The baby now develops the sucking ability in the mouth. The gradual development could be observed in the intestines and the kidneys will be all set to function! The ears are aligned laterally and the eyes have taken their position. The baby has grown half an inch in size extra!
You may have heart-burns quite often during this time period! No other specific changes occur all this while. You may go for amniocentesis and check your foetal development stages. Get confirmed about any existing chromosomal disorder or abnormality.
13 weeks pregnant
Your baby has grown in size. The head has now become a little proportional, and more developed. The fact is your baby is urinating inside your body! Should you be happy or feel a little weird? And another fact is if you have a baby girl, she must be having millions of eggs inside her ovary. Too much for a little girl who hasn’t even entered this world, no?
You are going to end up with your first trimester now. The early pregnancy symptoms will decrease in existence. You will feel relaxed. Now you have to eat and just eat the best. Nutrients are needed by you, your baby and in developing colostrums, with which the baby will be initially fed.
Involve a perfect pregnancy diet plan. And follow it!
14 weeks pregnant
The whole body gets proportionate during this week. The baby begins to develop and exhibit facial expressions. And, the whole body gets protected with a very fine hair. Urine is excreted in the amniotic fluid, which is used back again by the baby in a continuous cycle. This will continue till you give birth to the baby!
In many cases, women have observed their baby in ultrasound, doing activities which give wonders! The baby can suck thumb or stretch in and out. The spleen initiates the red blood cell production.
Your breasts feel less tender. The growing uterus begins to increase your baby bump. This is a reminder that you are well prepared to welcome this new member in your family.
15 weeks pregnant
Amniotic fluid works like a magic potion developing all your baby’s organs. Now, the baby breathes in and out the amniotic fluid, so that the lungs take proper shape and function. The amazing thing is your baby now can sense light through the shut eyelids.
You must have seen the oranges. Your baby is now the size of an orange. To say it in figures, it is about 2 ½ inches in size.
You have been progressing with your pregnancy gradually. You have been gaining weight and experiencing the late signs of pregnancy. Nasal congestion is common in this week, as the mucous secretion is at the peak level in your body.
You may also have nose bleeding. The basal body temperature has risen, thus resulting in nose bleeding.
The baby has been moving in your body from one corner to the other. You may go for amniocentesis even now if you hadn’t gone for it before.
16 weeks pregnant
The nails have been growing, especially of the toes. The baby is now pumping blood through the heart. It is just the beginning of a new existence!
Uterus is continuously growing in size. The ligaments strengthen to support the growth of the baby. The baby bump is very much visible. Your skin glows and the happiness in your heart is depicting on your face. You can feel your baby move.
You can talk to your baby. You can make him or her listen to the most peaceful songs. Just spend some good time with your child as of now! The more you remain stress free, the more likely your baby grows healthy!
If you feel you have gained too much weight, pregnancy exercises are always the way out.
17 weeks pregnant
Bones begin to develop. Now the structure of your coiled baby is going to be supported with a skeleton. The umbilical cord grows strong day by day. The size, no wonder, is 5 inches now! Yes, the baby can listen to you now. Keep on talking!
With the growing belly, the balance and alignment of the body gets disturbed. It is suggested that you use a pillow while sleeping. Also, get a support with yourself while walking. Try to maintain balance. Avoid high heels and the fancy stilettos. Come to the flip-flops and comfortable footwear.
18 weeks pregnant
I am sure by now you must have thought about the names you are going to give to your baby, Right? Or even before?
The movements of your baby increase day by day. The baby can flex his or her arms and legs. Blood vessels could be seen as the skin is still translucent. The genitals are developing.
You may feel the urge to eat more and this is completely normal. This is your time to eat without thinking that you are gaining weight. You can lose these extra calories later on. But for now, eat what you like. But, safe!
You shall be wearing the maternity clothes from now onwards. The waistline will grow more. Also, your blood pressure would be low these days. Keep some peanuts by your side. Even chocolates would work. Chocolate is a better idea, no?
You must now be careful with the way you walk and sit. You can support yourself with a cushion or a pillow while sleeping. Ensure that it is soft and fluffy, not the hard one.
19 weeks pregnant
The baby is developing with his brainy skills now. Listening and vision sensors are progressively developing. Read the best children stories with the positive sweet messages. As for the size, congratulations, the baby is about 6 inches now!
Each body part is in perfect proportion with the rest of the body. The hair on the head is inching forward as well. Vernix caseosa, which is also known as vernix; it is the waxy and cheese-like layer which protects the skin of the baby inside the womb!
You may have abdominal cramps now. These are not cramps exactly. The pain occurs due to the adjustments made by the ligaments. You may also notice the darkening in some body parts and regions.
Do not fret; this is just because of the increased flow to these parts as we have already read in the beginning. Once you are done with the delivery, these darkened areas will shortly fade away.
20 weeks pregnant
You can now measure the head to toe length of your baby. The baby is almost of the banana size at this moment.
5 months have passed. Can you believe it? So soon! Ensure the constant iron and calcium intake. Many women suffer from deficiency of these minerals and as a result, have anaemia or malnutrition disease.
We suggest you maintain your diet. Get proper sleep at night and avoid stressful situations. Get something to learn about postnatal child care.
21 weeks pregnant
The lips and the eyebrows form during this week. The baby has gown another inch in size.
You must find yourself surrounded by oily skin and acne! The balance is hard to maintain. Your legs may pain as they are experiencing more pressure than usual. A few weeks more, lady!
The increase in hormonal levels may drive you to have sex. This in turn will increase the blood flow, increase the heart beat and enhance lubrication.
22 weeks pregnant
11 inches is your baby now inside your womb! The eyes are now developed. Soon the retina, eye balls and the iris will be formed at their proper positions. The iris shall lack colour at this moment, but soon will get equipped with pigments.
The skin becomes too loose and forms wrinkles. Once the baby accumulates enough fat, the skin will be perfectly in shape.
The growing belly will seek attention from the people. You may develop stretch marks due to the expansion of your skin. You will cover them up soon after pregnancy by many methods. Right now just think about your health and safety.
23 weeks pregnant
23 weeks pregnant means that your baby is now capable of swift movements. The lungs are now fully prepared for the breathing process. The baby can hear the dominant sounds around.
Your feet gets swollen and the ankles as well. Avoid sitting and standing for longer period of time. To increase blood circulation, you can do ankle and feet movements while sitting only. Do not pressurise your muscles much. You can also meditate and listen to some peaceful instrumental music.
24 weeks pregnant
The brain, the lungs, the taste buds and the eyes are developing! Continuous branching occurs in air sacs of lungs. Baby definitely has grown in size another half inch this week.
You have to check your glucose level in this week or any day till the 28th week. This is necessary to be done at the time of pregnancy. The vaginal discharge may continue during this period of time. Continue visiting your doctor.
25 weeks pregnant
The skin which was wrinkled is now becoming smooth as the baby fat is increasing. The hair is gaining texture and colour.
You may feel heavy fatigue and sometimes you may also fall short of breath. You need to get the GCT done and also further tests to check if you have any nutritional deficiency. Stay emotionally strong and positive.
26 weeks pregnant
The changes we have been discussing so far are occurring as a continuous process. The nerve cells, the lungs, the heart and the genitals are developing. 14 inches is the size of your baby at this point!
Take care of yourself as you are slowly reaching the peak point. Have baths with warm water. Be a little soft around your belly.
27 weeks pregnant
The brain becomes active and now the baby opens his or her eyes! What could be seen inside the womb? Is it dark there, or some light exists? I wonder. Besides, the lungs are in the development process only. It takes patience and perseverance. 9 months is not an easy time, ladies. Salute!
Each day from now onwards you will get to witness each and every mischief of your baby. Must say, these newborns are young wonders!
You may feel some pain in the back as the load has been all on your belly. The legs must be paining. You can massage your feet or get it done by someone with essential natural oils. Do not go for the strong ones. Extra weight seems too extra, no?
Keep on exercising within your range. Maintain the diet as well!
28 weeks pregnant
Hiccups! Can you hear something? Oh yes, it’s coming from your tummy! Your baby is growing up and learning little movements. The eyelids are moving now and the lashes have come out.
Time to visit the doctor again!
29 weeks pregnant
Now since your baby has become immensely active, you need to maintain continuous supply to him or her. Any nutritional deficiency may have an adverse effect on the growth.
Time to visit the doctor!
30 weeks pregnant
The increasing size of the baby is decreasing the volume of the amniotic fluid.
You may find trouble in sleeping and you may have absurd dreams. You may feel something is cooking up in your stomach! The mood swings may come back again. Do not worry.
We hope you have already made arrangements for the delivery process. Find the suitable hospital and a good doctor to carry out your delivery. Keep in mind the finances as well, and fulfilment of each and every necessity is essential at this time.
31 weeks pregnant
There are no specific changes. The motor skills of the baby are under development.
What you have been experiencing in the past few weeks, you will be experiencing the same now.
32 weeks pregnant
The fingernails have grown. The toenails as well! Hair can be observed over the head. The size obviously has increased of up to 16 ½ inches.
The blood flow has increased and you may have a “full” feeling inside. With all these activities going on inside, how can one remain silent on the exterior?
33 weeks pregnant
We earlier read that the bones develop. Just think, if the bones have developed, then how come the baby is in a coiled state. Bones are not flexible enough to be bent exceeding the range. Hence, let me tell you that the bones can compress enough to make the baby fit in.
Prepare for the labour.
34 weeks pregnant
The increasing fat layers inside increases the body temperature of your baby’s body as well as yours. You may feel a burning sensation! No, this is not constipation.
Excessive physical strain is experienced by your muscles. You may feel restless and dizzy.
35 weeks pregnant
18 inches long baby is having difficulty to fit in your tummy. Other organs such as liver, pancreas, kidneys and the voice box, all have been developed by now.
Your rib portion finds the uterus close to itself now. The enlargement has led to this consequence. You may be going through heartburns and stomach related problems.
Your delivery time period is near. Make sure that you have made proper arrangements.
36 weeks pregnant
Your baby has now developed. But, he or she would be considered as “early term”. A full term baby is the one which completes the 40 weeks. The position of your baby might have been rearranged, with the head down.
And if it hasn’t taken place, then you may consult your doctor. She/he will suggest you the further steps to be taken.
You may feel physical tension down there, which can be termed as the vaginal pressure. It is a bit uneasy, but a few more days!
We wish you all the best for the upcoming happiness and prosperity in your life!
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