Trimester |
Week |
Development |
| First Trimester |
1 |
| Breasts may be sensitive due to hormonal changes. Veins become more visible. |
|
| |
2 |
May need to pass urine more regularly and suffer any signs of being premenstrual |
| |
3 |
Some women experience no symptoms at all |
| |
4 |
|
| |
5 |
Breasts start to swell and feel more tender and heavy. |
| |
6 |
You will start to eat more as your body craves more protein and calories. |
| |
7 |
| Some will find they are suffering from morning sickness. You may feel faint and will probably feel fatigued |
|
| |
8 |
Sense of taste may be heightened as hormones kick in |
| |
9 |
Breasts will be larger now and you may need to urinate more frequently |
| |
10 |
This is a period of considerable weight gain. You may be able to feel your uterus throught your pelvic bones as it has grown to the size of two fists |
| |
11 |
Arteries and veins relax to reduce blood pressure so your extremities may begin to feel warmer |
| |
12 |
Gums may soften and start to bleed. Clothing may start to feel tighter |
| Second Trimester |
13 |
This week the linea nigra (dark line) may appear down your abdomen. This will disappear after labour |
| |
14 |
You may start to feel your baby move |
| |
15 |
Your heart will be working hard to supply blood to your baby and your body |
| |
16 |
Heartburn may be making life uncomfortable |
| |
17 |
Your bump will start to show and you may notice an increase in energy |
| |
18 |
You'll feel your baby moving around now and may start to notice stretch marks |
| |
19 |
The thyroid gland starts to be more active and you may start to perspire more. Hormones soften the cervix in preparation for labour |
| |
20 |
You may experience breathlessness |
| |
21 |
Some find they experience changes in mood with increased euphoria and well being |
| |
22 |
You are now looking "properly pregnant" |
| |
23 |
The lower ribs spread out as the uterus pushes against them. Increased weight may make you more susceptible to aches and pains. |
| |
24 |
Heartburn and indigestion may occur as the baby pushes down on your stomach |
| |
25 |
The baby will be more lively and you will be able to feel him kicking |
| Third Trimester |
26 |
|
|
27 |
Colustrum, a sweet watery milk will be forming in your breasts and may leak occasionally. |
| |
28 |
Back pain, decreased mobility and an increasing need to urinate may result as your load increases |
| |
29 |
You may suffer forgetfulness and mild loss of memory |
| |
30 |
You might suffer from leg cramps particularly at night time |
| |
31 |
|
| |
32 |
Braxton Hicks contractions may start around this time. These dummy contractions last around thirty seconds. |
| |
33 |
The ligaments of the pelvis may soften in preparation for the birth. |
| |
34 |
Water retention might lead your hands and feet to swell up. |
| |
35 |
|
| |
36 |
|
| |
37 |
Around thirty six weeks the baby's head drops into the pelvis. Around this time you may start to feel more comfortable and breathing may become easier. |
| |
38 |
The cervix softens and thins and you may not need to go to the toilet so regularly |
| |
39 |
Weight gain slows down |
| |
40 |
You may feel a familiar pre-menstrual backache |
