Introduction
Pregnancy is a beautiful and transformative journey, yet it can also be accompanied by a range of physical and emotional changes. Understanding these symptoms week by week can empower expectant mothers and help them navigate this remarkable phase with confidence.
Pregnancy Symptoms by Week
Week 1
- Conception: The fertilized egg implants itself in the uterus.
- Symptoms: No noticeable symptoms
Week 2
- Embryonic development: The developing embryo consists of a cluster of cells.
- Symptoms: No noticeable symptoms
Week 3
- Morning sickness: May begin for some women.
- Breast tenderness: Breasts may become swollen and sensitive.
- Fatigue: Increased exhaustion
Week 4
- Embryo heartbeat: The embryo’s heart begins to beat.
- Symptoms: Morning sickness, breast tenderness, fatigue, food cravings or aversions
Week 5
- Nausea peaks: Morning sickness typically peaks this week.
- Symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, breast tenderness, fatigue, food cravings or aversions
Week 6
- Embryo grows rapidly: The embryo grows rapidly, forming major organs and systems.
- Symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, breast tenderness, fatigue, food cravings or aversions, bloating
Week 7
- Embryo called a fetus: The embryo is now known as a fetus.
- Symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, breast tenderness, fatigue, food cravings or aversions, bloating, heartburn
Week 8
- Morning sickness subsides: Morning sickness usually subsides for most women.
- Symptoms: Breast tenderness, fatigue, food cravings or aversions, bloating, heartburn, increased urination
Week 9
- Fetus develops limbs: The fetus develops arms, legs, fingers, and toes.
- Symptoms: Fatigue, bloating, heartburn, increased urination, mood swings
Week 10
- Fetal heartbeat can be detected: A fetal heartbeat can be detected using an ultrasound.
- Symptoms: Fatigue, bloating, heartburn, increased urination, mood swings, backache
Week 11
- Fetus is fully formed: The fetus is fully formed and recognizable as a human baby.
- Symptoms: Fatigue, bloating, heartburn, increased urination, mood swings, backache, constipation
Week 12
- Risk of miscarriage decreases: The risk of miscarriage after 12 weeks is greatly reduced.
- Symptoms: Fatigue, bloating, heartburn, increased urination, mood swings, backache, constipation, headaches
Week 13
- Baby’s heartbeat strengthens: The baby’s heartbeat becomes stronger and more regular.
- Symptoms: Fatigue, bloating, heartburn, increased urination, mood swings, backache, constipation, headaches, dizziness
Week 14
- Baby’s movements can be felt: Some women may begin to feel the baby’s movements.
- Symptoms: Fatigue, bloating, heartburn, increased urination, mood swings, backache, constipation, headaches, dizziness, leg cramps
Week 15
- Uterus grows: The uterus continues to grow, pushing up on the abdomen.
- Symptoms: Fatigue, bloating, heartburn, increased urination, mood swings, backache, constipation, headaches, dizziness, leg cramps, skin changes
Week 16
- Baby’s bones develop: The baby’s bones continue to develop and strengthen.
- Symptoms: Fatigue, bloating, heartburn, increased urination, mood swings, backache, constipation, headaches, dizziness, leg cramps, skin changes, snoring
Week 17
- Baby’s heartbeat can be heard: The baby’s heartbeat can be heard with a stethoscope.
- Symptoms: Fatigue, bloating, heartburn, increased urination, mood swings, backache, constipation, headaches, dizziness, leg cramps, skin changes, snoring, varicose veins
Week 18
- Baby’s nails grow: The baby’s nails begin to grow.
- Symptoms: Fatigue, bloating, heartburn, increased urination, mood swings, backache, constipation, headaches, dizziness, leg cramps, skin changes, snoring, varicose veins, insomnia
Week 19
- Baby’s hair growth: The baby’s hair begins to grow.
- Symptoms: Fatigue, bloating, heartburn, increased urination, mood swings, backache, constipation, headaches, dizziness, leg cramps, skin changes, snoring, varicose veins, insomnia, hemorrhoids
Week 20
- Baby’s eyes open: The baby’s eyes open and can sense light.
- Symptoms: Fatigue, bloating, heartburn, increased urination, mood swings, backache, constipation, headaches, dizziness, leg cramps, skin changes, snoring, varicose veins, insomnia, hemorrhoids, indigestion
Week 21
- Baby’s eyebrows and eyelashes grow: The baby’s eyebrows and eyelashes begin to grow.
- Symptoms: Fatigue, bloating, heartburn, increased urination, mood swings, backache, constipation, headaches, dizziness, leg cramps, skin changes, snoring, varicose veins, insomnia, hemorrhoids, indigestion, shortness of breath
Week 22
- Baby’s sucking reflex develops: The baby’s sucking reflex develops.
- Symptoms: Fatigue, bloating, heartburn, increased urination, mood swings, backache, constipation, headaches, dizziness, leg cramps, skin changes, snoring, varicose veins, insomnia, hemorrhoids, indigestion, shortness of breath, urinary tract infections (UTIs)
Week 23
- Baby’s fingernails grow: The baby’s fingernails continue to grow.
- Symptoms: Fatigue, bloating, heartburn, increased urination, mood swings, backache, constipation
