Table of Contents
Week 1-4
In the first few weeks, your baby is still very tiny and may not look like much. At this stage, your baby is just a cluster of rapidly dividing cells. As the weeks progress, your baby’s brain, spinal cord, and heart begin to develop. By the end of the fourth week, your baby is about the size of a grain of rice.
Week 5-8
During weeks five through eight, your baby’s major organs continue to develop, and their little arms and legs begin to take shape. At this point, your baby may start to move around a bit, although you won’t be able to feel it just yet. By the end of the eighth week, your baby’s tiny features are starting to become more defined, and they are now the size of a kidney bean.
Week 9-12
Weeks nine through twelve mark the end of the first trimester, and your baby is now officially a fetus. At this stage, your baby’s fingers and toes are starting to separate, and they can even suck their thumb! Your baby’s brain is also developing rapidly, and they may be able to make small movements on their own. By the end of the twelfth week, your baby is about the size of a lime.
Week 13-16
During weeks 13 through 16, your baby’s bones are starting to harden, and their tiny ears are now in their final position. Your baby’s eyes are also moving closer together, and they may even start to grow eyebrows! At this point in your pregnancy, you may start to feel your baby’s movements for the first time. By the end of the sixteenth week, your baby is the size of an avocado.
Week 17-20
Weeks 17 through 20 mark the halfway point of your pregnancy! At this stage, your baby’s skin is starting to thicken, and they are now covered in a fine, downy hair called lanugo. Your baby’s digestive system is also developing, and they may even start to hiccup! By the end of the twentieth week, your baby is the size of a banana.
Week 21-24
During weeks 21 through 24, your baby’s lungs are starting to develop, and they are now capable of making breathing movements. Your baby’s taste buds are also forming, and they can even hear your voice! By the end of the twenty-fourth week, your baby is about the size of an ear of corn.
Week 25-28
Weeks 25 through 28 mark the beginning of the third trimester. At this stage, your baby’s eyes are starting to open and close, and they may even be able to see light filtering through the womb. Your baby’s brain is also growing rapidly, and they are now capable of responding to external stimuli. By the end of the twenty-eighth week, your baby is about the size of an eggplant.
Week 29-32
During weeks 29 through 32, your baby is growing more plump and filling out. Your baby’s bones are also continuing to harden, and their digestive system is preparing for life outside the womb. Your baby is now capable of regulating their own body temperature and may even start to develop a sleep-wake cycle. By the end of the thirty-second week, your baby is about the size of a squash.
Week 33-36
Weeks 33 through 36 mark the final stretch of your pregnancy! At this stage, your baby is continuing to gain weight and may start to settle into a head-down position in preparation for birth. Your baby’s lungs are also maturing, and they are now capable of breathing air on their own. By the end of the thirty-sixth week, your baby is about the size of a honeydew melon.
Week 37-40
During the final weeks of your pregnancy, your baby is now considered full-term and ready for birth. Your baby may weigh anywhere from 5 to 10 pounds and be anywhere from 18 to 22 inches long. In the days leading up to birth, your baby’s movements may become less frequent as they prepare for their big arrival!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some common pregnancy symptoms?
Some common pregnancy symptoms include fatigue, morning sickness, breast tenderness, and frequent urination. However, every pregnancy is different, and some women may experience very few symptoms!
When should I start taking prenatal vitamins?
Ideally, you should start taking prenatal vitamins before you even become pregnant. However, if you haven’t started taking them yet, it’s recommended that you begin as soon as possible.
How often should I see my doctor during pregnancy?
Most doctors recommend that you see them at least once a month during the first two trimesters, and then more frequently as your due date approaches. However, your doctor may recommend a different schedule based on your individual needs.
What should I do if I’m feeling anxious about labor and delivery?
It’s completely normal to feel anxious about labor and delivery! You can talk to your doctor or a mental health professional about your concerns, and you may also want to consider taking a childbirth education class to help prepare yourself for the big day.
What can I do to bond with my baby before they’re born?
There are many ways you can bond with your baby before they’re born, such as talking or singing to them, rubbing your belly, or even playing music for them. You can also start thinking about your birth plan and making preparations for your baby’s arrival!