Your body is adjusting to your baby's daily changes while pregnant. Each week, month, and trimester of your pregnancy comes with new changes and milestones for you and your unborn child, and our pregnancy tracker will help you better comprehend them.


Continue reading to learn more about what to anticipate week by week during pregnancy, including how large your baby is each week, typical early pregnancy symptoms, techniques to prepare for childbirth, and indications that labour is about to start. With the aid of this guide, you'll comprehend what's happening and why on all levels.


Week 1


Week one starts with the start of the final period you have before becoming pregnant since doctors determine your due date from the beginning day of your most recent menstruation.


Week 2


  • A developed egg is released from your ovary and enters the fallopian tube, where it waits to be fertilized by sperm.
  • Lower back pain, painful breasts, a slick discharge resembling egg whites, and an elevated basal body temperature are all signs of ovulation.


Week 3


The fertilized egg also implants into the uterine lining in the third week. Some patients have "implantation bleeding, " characterized by minor spotting or moderate stomach cramps. If you're bleeding profusely or have severe pain, call your doctor immediately, as this may signify an ectopic pregnancy in which the embryo is implanted outside the uterus.


Week 4


  • Your bra may feel more unpleasant at this time if you are experiencing breast discomfort, one of the earliest indicators of pregnancy in some women.
  • In addition, some people report feeling tired, constipated, bloated, and having mood changes.
  • However, if you experience no pregnancy symptoms, don't worry; they can take a few weeks to manifest.


Week 5


Beginning in week five, hormone-induced mood swings can cause many emotions. Your feelings could fluctuate irrationally, going from joy to sadness to rage. This early on can also see the onset of other early pregnancy symptoms like exhaustion, breast soreness, and even nausea.


Week 6


One of the most dreaded signs for some people during week six is morning sickness. Your enhanced sense of smell may make this queasy feeling worse, which can lead to food cravings and aversions. It's better to find techniques to deal with morning sickness immediately, such as eating smaller meals, ingesting ginger, using acupressure wristbands, and avoiding foods that cause it.


Week 7


Another sign of early pregnancy is frequent urine. The hCG pregnancy hormone, more fluid in your body, your kidneys working harder to clear waste, and finally, the pressure of your expanding uterus on your bladder are the leading causes. Take a lot of breaks to go to the restroom!


Week 8


Many women are now experiencing pregnancy symptoms full force, including nausea, sore breasts, exhaustion, frequent urination, mood swings, bloating, etc. The extra saliva in your mouth, which can occasionally persist until the end of the first trimester, is another odd symptom.


Week 9           


  • Your intestines' normal motility may be altered by pregnancy hormones, causing them to move more slowly than usual.
  • Along with nausea that comes with morning sickness, constipation and increased gas are common side effects.
  • Additionally, your digestive system slows down as your child grows, so talk to your doctor about stool softeners if necessary.


Week 10


In the first trimester, some women will have a bright "pregnancy glow," but hormone-induced acne is also relatively frequent. Each week, you'll also notice your breasts and belly growing larger.


Week 11


The area surrounding your abdomen may ache and cramp as your baby bump grows. There are different degrees of discomfort associated with this circular ligament ache. Additionally, you can experience leucorrhea, a clear or creamy discharge that appears in your underwear and indicates that your body is trying to get rid of microorganisms. This is common during pregnancy.


Week 12


Did you know that blood volume rises by almost 50% during pregnancy? Visible veins on the skin are one adverse impact, and they are more evident in those with lighter skin tones.


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Week 13


Many early signs of pregnancy will go away as you approach the end of the first trimester. However, you might realize that you experience lightheadedness all day long. These dizzy spells are caused by hormonal changes, decreased blood flow, and decreased blood pressure. By staying hydrated and shifting postures gradually, you can defeat them.


Week 14


You've now entered what most people consider to be the "easiest" trimester of pregnancy—the second. In the following weeks, many say they have more energy, a more robust sex desire, and a better appetite. If that describes you, start a workout plan recommended by your doctor and prepare your home for a newborn by making the most of this "feel good" trimester.


Week 15


A few odd symptoms may also surface in the second trimester. Leg cramps, sore gums, and a stuffy nose (caused by a rise in blood in the mucous membranes) are possible side effects. At this point in your pregnancy, you might feel clumsier when the hormone relaxin loosens your ligaments.


Week 16


The skin around the nipples, inner thighs, armpits, and navel darkens in about 90% of pregnant women. Sometimes, especially if you have a darker complexion, the darkening spreads to the cheekbones and nose (a condition known as "the mask of pregnancy").


Week 17


Backaches are fairly typical during pregnancy (thanks to the hormones!). And if you're feeling more forgetful than usual, put it on the standard "pregnancy brain" Plus, between weeks 18 and 22, many expecting mothers feel their baby kick, so keep an eye out for that!


Week 18


Your belly probably appears pregnant by now (but not always to others). Your breasts have also started to enlarge in preparation for producing breast milk. Before delivery, anticipate steady weight growth (usually about a one-half pound to 1 pound per week). Pregnancy can also cause an increase in foot size!


Week 19


Heartburn can occur in some pregnant women during the second trimester, and this is due to the lower esophageal sphincter's muscles being relaxed by pregnancy hormones (LES). Try eating smaller meals more frequently, sitting up straight after meals, and avoiding acidic, oily, or spicy foods if you encounter this uncomfortable symptom. Along with constipation, your baby pressing against your intestines may cause it.


Week 20


Your infant might be kicking like crazy by this point! The initial kicks cause your stomach to quiver. Leg cramps, dry eyes, and insomnia are among the symptoms that are frequent during this period. Use a pregnancy cushion if you haven't already to get a better night's sleep.


Week 21


Even though you could already be experiencing round ligament discomfort, it usually worsens as the baby gets bigger. Your hip, groin, and abdomen may feel acute as they expand to make room for your expanding uterus.


Week 22


Due to increased progesterone and your body stockpiling more nutrients, pregnancy frequently results in thicker, shinier hair and quickly developing nails (so remember to keep taking your prenatal vitamin). Your locks may feel dense and more plentiful than usual. On the other hand, because your stomach skin is continuously stretched, you could also get dry, irritated skin.


Week 23


An "innie" belly button may become an "outie" due to your expanding belly, but it will return to its original position following delivery. Leg cramps, brain fog, backaches, increased vaginal discharge, constipation, headaches, stretch marks, and other second-trimester pregnancy symptoms are likely to persist.


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Week 24


Some pregnant women still experience strong sex desires, whereas others report a decline in libido. They can be too exhausted and sore from carrying out the task. Other signs of pregnancy include weight gain, snoring due to nasal hypertrophy, tingling in the hands and gums, and bleeding gums.


Week 25

  • Carpal tunnel syndrome, which frequently results from typical swelling and fluid retention during pregnancy, maybe what you're dealing with.
  • Avoid sleeping on your hands in the interim, and try shaking out your wrists periodically during the day.

Week 26


As you approach the third trimester, sleep may become more complex, from worry, leg cramps, frequent urination, or general discomfort. Additionally, you can get itchy hands and feet. Antihistamines, ointments, or soothing lotions can alleviate mild itching, primarily benign. However, severe itching may indicate cholestasis of pregnancy, a liver condition that necessitates medical attention.


Week 27


Even worse than leg pains and backaches, some women experience hemorrhoids in the second trimester. Due to increased blood flow and pressure, the rectum develops these painful, swollen veins, which can get worse with the straining that frequently comes with constipation.


Week 28


The third trimester has begun! You can experience physical exhaustion and general discomfort as you get closer to the finish line. Everyday aches and pains include symphysis pubis dysfunction when the ligaments surrounding the pubic bone become supple and unstable and spread apart more than usual.


Week 29


Within the following few weeks, you might start noticing yellowish colostrum dripping from your breasts as your body gears itself to feed your newborn. This fluid aids your child's body in adjusting to life outside the womb and is a precursor to mature breast milk. Also, blood pressure starts to increase from 28 to 32 weeks of pregnancy.


Week 30


It hasn't gone away if you've been experiencing irritation, swelling, pain, and heartburn. Like the majority of pregnant women, if you have stretch marks, they are probably also becoming more noticeable. Although it is impossible to prevent these red, pink, purple, or even dark brown streaks—typically genetically predetermined—they will gradually disappear over time.


Week 31


You might have been happy to put your first-trimester pregnancy symptoms behind you, but they could again return. Some individuals might not have ever left. As your breasts begin to produce colostrum, your breasts may become sore once more. You'll also likely need to urinate frequently due to the pressure your uterus puts on your bladder. Hold on to hope.


Week 32


Your body may experience Braxton Hicks contractions after 20 weeks of pregnancy. They are characterized by intermittent tightening or hardening of the uterus, and as the pregnancy advances, they occur more frequently. The duration of Braxton Hicks contractions can range from 30 seconds to two minutes, and they often happen erratically.


Week 33


They are still pressing against your internal organs, and your baby is growing.

  • Possible bladder leakage
  • Breathlessness
  • Heartburn
  • General discomfort

A common sign of the abdominal wall being strained by the expanding uterus is upper abdominal pain, which often occurs towards the top of the uterus at this time. If you are worried that it could be something else, speak with your OB. This discomfort is typically sensitive to touch and worsens as the baby kicks.


Week 34


You're coming near to giving birth, but remember that every day counts for your baby's development during the final few weeks of pregnancy. As long as it's medically safe, you should let your baby continue growing. As your baby develops and positions itself for birth, you can notice a difference in movement.


Week 35


You'll experience more consistent Braxton Hicks contractions as labour draws near. Make sure you can tell these practice pains apart from real contractions. Many people report that their cases of sleeplessness peak during this period.


Week 36


Your young child is moving! Your baby will start "dropping" into your lower pelvis two to four weeks before delivery (also called lightning or engagement). This action might relieve some of the pressure on your inside organs and make it easier for you to breathe.


Week 37


The new position of your infant may cause pelvic pain and increased abdominal pressure. After having sex, you might see a little spotting, but don't be alarmed: The sensitive, enlarged cervix in your body is probably to blame for this.


Week 38


Most pregnant women lose their mucus plug around weeks 37 or 38. To keep your baby safe from germs, the mucus plug covers the opening to your cervix. It usually bursts anywhere between a few days to a few weeks before birth, and it appears as a thick pink or blood-tinged discharge.


Week 39


You can see a sudden fluid jet or a gradual trickle if your water breaks. Some other early labour indicators are regular contractions, pelvic pressure, dull backache, and a restless feeling. Early labour usually lasts for several hours.


Week 40


Until your baby is born, you'll probably experience pregnancy side effects like sleeplessness, swelling, frequent urination, and pelvic pain. A scheduled induction or C-section might occur in the next few days or weeks. An ultrasound is advised after 40 weeks to check the baby's position, size, and fluid levels to ensure everything is still proceeding smoothly.


Week 41


Your baby is "overdue" after 40 weeks since they are past its due date, although this is usually okay and is reasonably expected. Even so, an overdue baby can make you uneasy and anxious; however, persevere and keep an eye out for labour symptoms. Your infant will arrive soon! To increase your chances of going into labour and encourage the baby to engage in the pelvis, think about moving around (walking, dancing, squatting, etc.).


Week 42


While it may be hard to make it to week 42, most babies are born within two weeks of their due date (before or after). Most medical professionals recommend induction before 42 weeks. Continue to look for yourself in the interim; before you know it, your newborn will be in your arms.


Conclusion


Throughout pregnancy, your body undergoes many changes, from first-trimester complaints like breast discomfort to third-trimester backaches. These signs of pregnancy can be expected or unexpected for future parents.


Please book an appointment with the best Gynecologist in Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, and all major cities of Pakistan through InstaCare, or call our helpline at 03171777509 to find the verified doctor for your disease.


Source: https://instacare.pk/blog/pregnancy-symptoms-week-by-week