Your baby is no bigger than a poppy seed at this point, but the basic parts are already beginning to form; the amniotic sac, which will later become your baby’s digestive track is beginning to develop and the three layers of the embryo are growing into distinctive parts of the body, where the inner layer (endoderm) will become the digestive system, lungs and liver, the middle layer (mesoderm) will develop into the bones, kidneys, muscle, sex organs and heart, and the outer layer (ectoderm) will later become the eyes, skin, hair and nervous system.

If you’re expecting your period at the end of this week and it turns out to be a no-show, you might want to take a home pregnancy test to determine whether you’re pregnant. If your test comes out positive, schedule your first prenatal appointment, stop drinking alcohol and smoking, and consult with your doctor before taking any type of medication. Pregnancy symptoms around this week tend to be similar to those experienced during your period, such as sore breasts, moodiness and fatigue.

Your baby looks like a tadpole and is as big as a sesame seed. The heart, which should be the size of a poppy seed, will be forming and is surprisingly already beating. You might be able to see your baby’s heart beats using an early ultrasound. Also developing is the neural tube, which will later become the brain and spinal cord.

There won’t be any outward signs of pregnancy that you can show off yet, but your body will be undergoing hormonal changes that will trigger pregnancy discomforts such as nausea, sore breasts, frequent trips to the bathroom, and fatigue. Consider adopting a pregnancy-friendly exercise routine that your doctor approves of in order to ease some pregnancy aches, reduce your stress, and manage the extra weight you’ll be putting on as your pregnancy progresses.

Your baby this week is roughly as big as a lentil, and its jaw, cheeks, chin, ear canals, eyes (just small black dots at this point), nose, kidneys, liver and lungs are all beginning to form. The baby’s heartrate should be at 80 beats per minute.

Morning sickness becomes stronger during the 6^th week, so make sure to keep yourself hydrated if you vomit often. You might also begin to crave certain foods around now, but be careful with what you eat and drink: your baby will be busily developing its organs at this stage, and consuming alcohol, medications, and certain types of foods can interfere with your baby’s development. This is a good time to schedule your first prenatal appointment if you haven’t done so already. Talk to your doctor immediately if you experience bleeding, abdominal pains, or pass blood clots or grayish/pinkish tissue, as these might be initial signs of a miscarriage.

Roughly the size of a blueberry and 10,000 times bigger than its original size at conception, your baby’s growth is now concentrated on the head, where the brain cells are being generated at the rate of 100 cells per minute. The mouth, tongue, and arms and leg buds are taking shape, and the kidneys should be settling in place.

For most women, morning sickness begins to reach its peak around this week, and eating isn’t always a pleasant affair. Since your body is rapidly increasing its blood volume, your kidneys will be processing extra fluid, and as your uterus grows it will be placing more pressure on your bladder, sending you on frequent trips to the bathroom. In addition to continuing to experience symptoms of early pregnancy, you might put on or lose a couple of kilograms, which is normal. Women pregnant with multiples tend to put on weight more rapidly at this stage, experience itchiness around their abdomen, feel a heaviness in their pelvis or vagina, feel more fatigued, develop varicose veins, and have a greater tendency to retain water. 

Your baby’s development rate is rapidly increasing, and this week it should be as big as a large kidney bean. Its lips, nose, eyelids, legs and back continue to develop, and it can now make spontaneous small movements that are yet too faint for you to feel. The baby’s heartbeat rate is twice as fast as yours right now, beating at 150 times per minute.

During your 8th week, increasing hormone levels will trigger changes in your breasts’ tissue to prepare for lactation, causing them to grow, so chances are you’ll need a larger bra size that offers better support. In general, breasts continue to grow throughout the duration of a pregnancy, and it’s not unusual for first-time mothers to go up 1-2 cup sizes. You might start to feel more sluggish and fatigued as your body increases its progesterone production, and frequent midnight trips to the bathroom can stop you from getting a good night’s sleep. Some women develop acne or other skin problems because pregnancy increases the body’s oil secretions. If that’s the case with you, don’t worry; most acne breakouts clear up on their own after the first trimester, which is when your hormones will begin to settle down. If you’re pregnant with multiples, your breasts will feel tender, and you might start to show signs of your pregnancy as your tummy develops a slight bump.

Finally a fetus! Your child should be as big as a grape. The head will start to take more correct proportions and tiny muscles which will enable your fetus to move its arms and legs are forming. Your baby’s heartbeat can also be audible using a Doppler machine.

Your waistline might be expanding, but your pregnancy still won’t be that noticeable. In addition to morning sickness and other pregnancy symptoms, mood swings are normal at this stage; you might be calm and relaxed at one point, and ready to burst into tears for no apparent reason the next. Your breasts should feel much fuller than before around now, and might be sensitive and tender to the touch. You might also start experiencing heartburn and indigestion.

Now the size of a prune, the baby’s bones, cartilage, knees, elbows, stomach and tiny baby teeth under the gums will rapidly form this week. If your baby is a boy, his testes will be creating testosterone.

Good news: morning sickness should start to ease up this week. You’ll still have to deal with raging pregnancy hormones, however, which will add to your moodiness and might trigger the development of temporary blotchy red patches on your skin. You might not need maternity clothes just yet, but you will be noticing that your clothes fit you more snuggly than they used to, thanks to bloating and (possibly) your slight weight gain. Because your blood volume will have considerably increased by now, you might notice more vivid veins around your stomach, legs and breasts.

Just over 5.1 centimeters long, your baby’s body should be straightening out at this stage. Hair follicles, as well as fingernail and toenail beds should be forming, and ovaries will be developing if the baby is a girl. The fetus now will have distinct human characteristics, with hands and feet in the front of the body, ears nearly in their final shape, open nasal passages on the tip of the nose, and a tongue and palate in the mouth.  

Things will be looking up as your morning sickness begins to subside and you start to feel more energetic. On the other hand, a slower digestion and changing hormones might cause constipation and possibly heartburn. If your morning sickness is stopping you from eating a wide range of healthy foods or hindering you from putting on healthy weight, don’t worry; your appetite should be improving soon and you’ll begin to gain ½ kg per week.

During this last week of your first trimester, your baby should be the size of a lime, roughly 7.6 centimeters long. Its vocal cords will be developing and its intestines, which have been growing inside the umbilical cord, will be making their way to their permanent positions in your baby’s abdomen.

Congratulations, you’ve completed your first trimester! The risk of miscarriage is considerably lower now, and come next week you’ll be dealing with less discomforts and entering what is often thought of as the golden stage of pregnancy. It’s normal to feel slight abdominal achiness this week as your uterus and the ligaments holding it up begin to stretch. Make sure to rest often and take things easy as you enter your second trimester. 

Your baby’s body is hard at work at this point, maturing and developing and roughly the size of a peapod. Most of the major systems should be fully formed by now, and the digestive system will begin to practice contraction movements. The bone marrow will start producing white blood cells and the pituitary gland at the base of the brain will begin producing hormones.

As you enter the first week of your second trimester, you should start to notice an improvement in your overall situation as your hormone levels settle down. Morning sickness will ease up, bathroom trips will be less frequent, and you’ll feel less fatigued. Constipation, on the other hand, will still be a problem at this point so make sure to add lots of fibers to your diet. Changes to your chest this week include more dilated and noticeable veins, as well as darkening and larger areolas. If you’ve been waiting for that baby bump to show, you might get your wish this week as your growing uterus positions itself above your pubic bone and pushes your tummy out a bit.

Your baby’s neck should be elongating during this week, resulting in the straightening of its body and head. In some cases the eyebrows and a soft sprinkling of hair will begin to form on the scalp, and a light layer of body hair will grow to keep the baby warm. This body hair will be shed in later weeks once some baby fat accumulates. Your baby should be the size of a lemon at this stage.

It’s customary for the uterus to shift up and forward around this week, which is great news because it means that your bladder will be under less pressure from now on and you won’t need to run off to the bathroom as often. Morning sickness and nausea will also be improving at this stage, and you’ll probably feel less fatigued. You might start to experience headaches as a result of your increased blood volume, however.
 

The baby’s ears and eyes will now be taking their proper positions on the head and face, and it should be able to wiggle its fingers and toes and make breathing, sucking and swallowing motions in preparation for the real world. Fetal activity will increase at this point, but it’s unlikely the you will be able to feel your baby’s movements yet

You’ve probably put on around 2.5kgs by now (it’s fine if you’ve gained a tad bit more or less than this figure), and your uterus will be gradually rising past your hipbones. A new pregnancy symptom that might be manifesting this week is nose stuffiness (also known as “rhinitis of pregnancy”) which develops as a result of both hormonal changes and an increase on the blood flow to your mucous membranes. Some women might even experience nosebleeds as the blood volume and the blood vessels in their nose increase and expand.

Roughly 10 – 12 cm long at this point, your baby should be getting stronger as its muscles further develop, enabling it to make movements that you can feel. Its eyes should finally be working by now through the fused eyelids, and it will be more sensitive to touch, squirming if you poke your belly.

Your blood volume will have increased by 40-50% by now, pushing your heart to work harder, which shouldn’t be a problem for a healthy heart. As your uterus grows, the ligaments supporting it will gradually stretch, causing some abdominal pain and achiness. If you’re pregnant with multiples, breast tenderness and nausea should be subsiding by now, your baby bump will certainly be apparent, and you might have to deal with swollen feet at the end of each day.

17 Weeks Pregnant: Your Baby’s Development

Both of your palm-sized baby-to-be’s body fat and skin will be forming at this stage, and it will be practicing its swallowing and sucking skills. Its heart rate will become regulated by the brain, averaging at 140 – 150 beats per minute.

Your Body at 17 Weeks Pregnant

Great news: there’s a chance that you might feel your baby move this week, so watch out for a fluttering sensation in your abdomen! Since your baby will be undergoing a growth spurt, your average weight gain by now should be 2.5 - 5kgs, and your uterus might be positioned 3-5cm below your belly button. As your belly grows your center of gravity will change, which means you might feel off balance from now on. Make sure to avoid dangerous situations where falling is a real risk, as trauma to the abdomen can be dangerous for the baby.

18 Weeks Pregnant: Your Baby’s Development

Now your baby is strong and active enough for you to feel those twists and kicks, and it should be getting used to yawning and hiccupping. In fact, your baby is starting to form its own unique identity, developing its own fingerprints.

Your Body at 18 Weeks Pregnant

Dizziness and lightheadedness are normal during this stage of pregnancy since your cardiovascular system will be undergoing dramatic changes, so make sure to get up slowly from a low sitting or lying position, and try lying on your side instead of on your back to reduce dizziness. If these symptoms occur often and become severe, make sure to visit your doctor as soon as possible to make sure everything is alright. Your appetite will be growing considerably around this week, so make sure you choose nutrient-rich meals and snacks that promote your health and that of your growing baby. Speaking of your growing baby, your uterus should be positioned just below your belly button by now.
 

19 Weeks Pregnant: Your Baby’s Development

Measuring approximately at 15.2 centimeters, head to bottom – about the size of a heirloom tomato, your baby’s arms and legs are in proportion to each other and the rest of the body now. Your baby's kidneys continue to make urine, and the hair on the scalp is sprouting.

Your Body at 19 Weeks Pregnant

Due to a temporary increase in pigmentation, some women tend to develop dark patches on their faces as well as darkened nipples, underarms, inner thighs, scars, and linea nigra, which is the dark line extending from the belly button to the pubic bone. Hormone-related skin changes might also cause itchiness, dryness and rashes for some women around the face and stretched skin areas. If you’re worried about stretch marks, use lotions or oil to ease itchiness and dryness, and make sure to drink plenty of water and follow a healthy diet. It’s also common for women to experience brief or sharp pain on both sides of their lower abdomen when they change positions around this week, which occurs when ligaments supporting the uterus stretch under the uterus’s shifting weight. You needn’t worry about this unless the pain becomes too severe, in which case you should contact your doctor.

20 Weeks Pregnant: Your Baby’s Development

Now that your baby is roughly the size of a banana, you should be able to find out its sex using an ultrasound. Its sex organs are still busily forming, and the baby’s movements will become more pronounced.

Your Body at 20 Weeks Pregnant

Guess what? You’re halfway through your pregnancy! Your baby’s movements will be stronger and more noticeable now, and the top of your uterus should be at the same level as your navel. Since your uterus will be pushing out your belly button, you might experience some tenderness around that area. If you’re expecting multiples, your uterus should be 5-8cm higher than a singleton mom’s uterus would be. This is a good time to consider taking childbirth education classes if you’re a first-time mom.

21 Weeks Pregnant: Your Baby’s Development

17cm in length (about the size of a carrot), your baby will begin swallowing amniotic fluid on a daily basis, starting from this week onwards. The amniotic fluid’s flavor will vary based on what you eat, so if you want your baby to develop a taste for certain foods, this is the time for it. The development of the arms and legs, the neurons connecting the brain and muscles, and the cartilage which is turning into bone will be completed this week.

Your Body at 21 Weeks Pregnant

Your uterus will be positioned 1.5cm above your navel by now and swollen ankles and feet are common this week, particularly at the end of the day if you’ve been active. To reduce swelling, drink plenty of water and elevate your feet when you rest. Fluid retention tends to be more severe for women pregnant with multiples. Acne might also be a bit of a problem now since oil production will have increased, so make sure to wash the affected areas well with gentle soap or a suitable cleanser twice a day and avoid using moisturizers and makeup that contain oil. Do not, at any point, take oral acne medication as they can be very harmful to your baby, nor should you use topical acne medication and products before checking with your doctor. Varicose veins also tend to develop or worsen as the pregnancy progresses. To counter varicose veins try to exercise on a daily basis, prop up your feet whenever you can, wear a maternity support hose, and sleep on your left side.

22 Weeks Pregnant: Your Baby’s Development

20.3cm long, your baby now has the functioning senses of touch, sight, hearing and taste. In fact, your child might attempt grabbing the umbilical cord to practice its grip, and can perceive light through its closed eyelids if you shine a flashlight over your belly. Your baby should also be able to hear your voice when you are speaking, your heart beating, your blood circulating, and the gurgles produced by your stomach and intestines. It even tastes the same foods that you are eating! 

Your Body at 22 Weeks Pregnant

By this week your uterus should be 2.5cm above your navel, and you should be gaining weight at a steady rate as your baby grows. Unfortunately, all this extra weight might put pressure on your back. So, to keep yourself as comfortable as possible, stick to low-heeled shoes and avoid sitting or standing for long stretches of time. Raising your knees higher than your hips when you sit can also help make you feel more comfortable. Mothers of multiples will start to experience leg cramps. To ease cramps, simply straighten your leg and flex your ankle. It might help to have your partner massage the cramped muscle. It’s usual for stretch marks to appear around now on the tummy, chest, thighs, hips and buttocks.

23 Weeks Pregnant: Your Baby’s Development

During this week your baby will be developing some fat under all that loose skin, which will result in both it and you putting on a few kilos. By the end of the month your baby should have doubled its weight, and its skin will become less transparent.

Your Body at 23 Weeks Pregnant

This is an active time for most babies, so there’s a good chance that you’ll be feeling lots of prods, kicks, jabs and flips as your baby wiggles around in your womb. This week, your uterus should be about 3.5cm above your naval, and crazy mommy-to-be mood swings will be in full swing. It’s a good idea for expecting mothers of multiples to familiarize themselves with the symptoms of preterm labor this week just in case, as they are at more risk of preterm labor than their singleton counterparts.

24 Weeks Pregnant: Your Baby’s Development

The baby’s weekly weight gain from now on should average 140 grams per week, which is mostly due do to the accumulating baby fat and growing organs, bones and muscles. The face should be fully formed by now, and so should the eyelashes, eyebrows and scalp hair.

Your Body at 24 Weeks Pregnant

Your uterus should be around 4 - 5cm above your belly button by this week. Since preterm labor tends to be a bit of a risk for some women (particularly those pregnant with multiples) around this time, keep an eye out for the following preterm labor symptoms and consult with your doctor immediately if you experience any of them or if you feel that something is wrong:
• More than 4 uterine contractions per hour
• Rhythmic or persistent pelvic pressure where it feels like the baby is pushing down
• Cramps similar to menstrual cramping
• Abdominal cramps, which might be accompanied by diarrhea
• Vaginal discharge
• Dull backache
 

25 Weeks Pregnant: Your Baby’s Development

This week your child’s capillaries should be forming under its skin and filling with blood. Air sacs will be developing in its lungs and preparing them for that first breath of air after birth as well, and its nostrils will start to open up. The vocal cords should also be in working order.   

Your Body at 25 Weeks Pregnant

Talk about looking pregnant! Most women will be displaying a formidable bulge by this week, which isn’t all that fun considering the amount of pressure the uterus will be placing on their back and pelvis, triggering occasional shooting pain in the lower back and legs. Change your position if you experience such pain, or try taking a warm bath or applying ice or a hot water bottle to the offending area. On the upside, your hair will look fuller and more lustrous now thanks to hormonal changes.

26 Weeks Pregnant: Your Baby’s Development

Your baby’s eyes will start to open this week, as the eyelids had been shut up until now. With its improved sense of sight and hearing the baby will increase its activity when it notices bright lights or loud sounds.

Your Body at 26 Weeks Pregnant

You might start to experience Braxton Hicks Contractions this week, which is when your uterus suddenly tightens and then relaxes painlessly at irregular intervals. This is no cause for worry as it is merely your body’s way of practicing for the 'big day'. If you experience more than 4 contractions per hour, however, call your doctor immediately, as this might be a sign of preterm labor. It’s very important that you get plenty of nutritious food and lots of rest at this stage. Other risky signs that you should watch out for include sudden and extreme swelling of your feet or ankles, rapid weight gain, swelling in your face or around your eyes, severe or persistent headache, problems with your vision, severe pain in your upper abdomen, or vomiting. All of these are symptoms of preeclampsia, which is a serious disorder that usually crops up during the 37^th week but can occur earlier.

27 Weeks Pregnant: Your Baby’s Development

By now your baby should measure 38cm from head to toe and will be able to taste foods more acutely and react to what you are eating. For instance, if you eat spicy food, your baby might begin to hiccup or even kick.

Your Body at 27 Weeks Pregnant

As your second trimester comes to an end, you might start experiencing shortness of breath since your uterus will be positioned close to the rib cage and hindering your lungs from fully expanding. This doesn’t mean that you and your baby aren’t getting enough oxygen, though; your circulatory system is working more efficiently now thanks to your pregnancy hormones. Some of the discomforts you might be experiencing around now include back ache and more frequent leg cramps. Try to get enough rest and nutrients to support your progressing pregnancy.

28 Weeks Pregnant: Your Baby’s Development

Your baby will be gaining a new skill this week: blinking. Its eye color will be more pronounced, but will change and darken sometime during the first 6 months after birth. The baby will also have added coughing, sucking, hiccupping, taking experimental breaths and sleeping for 20 – 30 minute stretches to its list of newly developed abilities.

Your Body at 28 Weeks Pregnant

Your uterus should be 7.5cm above your navel this week, and your weight gain should ideally average between 7-11kgs. Mothers of multiples will be experiencing considerable backaches and pelvic pressure. To alleviate discomfort, try having a warm bath, and make sure to get lots of help from friends and family, as this is a time when you should take it easy. Some women experience a strange tingling sensation in their lower legs accompanied by a strong urge to move them when they’re relaxing or trying to sleep. Don’t worry if this happens to you, you’re simply experiencing what is called Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS). To reduce RLS discomforts, try stretching or massaging your legs and reduce your caffeine intake.

29 Weeks Pregnant: Your Baby’s Development

Measuring around 43.2cm, the baby should have fully developed – if somewhat soft and pliable – bones by now. Its weight will nearly double over the coming 11 weeks, and as it plumps up you will be feeling those jabs and kicks more acutely.

Your Body at 29 Weeks Pregnant

Some of the pregnancy discomforts you might be experiencing now may include itchy skin, hemorrhoids, heartburn, constipation, shortness of breath, leg cramps, indigestion and overall muscle aches, not to mention fatigue if you’re pregnant with multiples. Get lots of rest and put your feet up whenever you can. You’ll be counting your baby’s kicks from now on to monitor your little one’s activity, and should inform your doctor if your baby’s movements become weaker. Some women develop supine hypotensive syndrome around this time, which is when they experience a change in heart rate and blood pressure when they lie flat on their back, leaving them feeling dizzy. To counter this, sleep on your side instead of your back and get up slowly from sitting or lying positions.
 

30 Weeks Pregnant: Your Baby’s Development

In addition to growing rapidly on a daily basis, you baby’s brain will also be making headway in the growth department. Starting this week your baby’s brain will be taking the shape and characteristics of a normal brain, which will enable it to take control over certain tasks that had been previously delegated to other parts of the body, such as temperature regulation. This week the soft layer of body hair will begin to be shed.  

Your Body at 30 Weeks Pregnant

You should try sleeping on your left side more often now since that position doesn’t disrupt the flow of blood to your organs and extremities. If you can’t seem to get a proper night’s sleep anymore, try using a special maternity pillow or full-body pillows. Sleeping in a recliner chair can be particularly comfortable if you’re suffering from heartburn. You’ll probably be feeling clumsy at this stage, since your center of gravity has changed under the influence of the growing weight in your belly. In addition, hormonal changes will cause your ligaments to become lax and your joints loose, adding to your lack of balance. Also expect to be on an emotional roller coaster as your moods swings reach their peak, which when coupled with your overall discomfort level can have explosive results.

31 Weeks Pregnant: Your Baby’s Development

Your baby is approaching its birth length, and will be developing its brain connections, enabling it to process information, track light, and perceive signals from all five senses. Your baby will also be sleeping for longer stretches of time.

Your Body at 31 Weeks Pregnant

Your uterus will be around 11.4cm above your navel, and you can expect to feel frequent abdominal aches since your uterus will be stretching and expanding more than ever. Many women experience Braxton Hicks contractions around this week, which are random contractions that usually begin in the second half of pregnancy. In addition to being irregular and short-lived, these contractions are infrequent and painless. If you experience frequent contractions (more than 4 contractions every hour), then you need to contact your doctor immediately, as they might be a sign of preterm labor. You should also watch out for other symptoms of preterm labor and must get in touch with your doctor immediately if you experience any of them. Pre-milk will probably begin to leak from your breasts this week.

32 Weeks Pregnant: Your Baby’s Development

The baby should be around 48.3cm which might make it feel cramped within the uterus and restrict its movements. Check on your baby’s activities every now and then if you notice long quiet periods; if you count less than 10 movements in two hours, you should call your doctor to make sure everything is alright. Your baby should be able to suck his thumb now and its skin will no longer be translucent.

Your Body at 32 Weeks Pregnant

Your uterus, which will be positioned 12.5cm above your belly button, will probably be pushing against your organs and causing heartburn, breathlessness, constipation, and indigestion. As always, it’s important that you keep yourself well hydrated and follow a high-fiber diet to handle constipation, and make sure to limit yourself to small, frequent meals to reduce heartburn and indigestion. Women pregnant with multiples this week will have a uterus that is roughly the same size of a singleton mom’s uterus in her 40^th week, and will be experiencing stronger Braxton Hicks contractions. If you experience lower-back pain, let your doctor know right away.

33 Weeks Pregnant: Your Baby’s Development

With your baby gaining weight at a rate of half a pound per week and growing a full 2.5cm this week alone, the amniotic fluid surrounding it will be thinned out, which is why some pokes and kicks will be quite uncomfortable for you. 

Your Body at 33 Weeks Pregnant

While mild edema is normal around this stage, you should contact your doctor ASAP if you experience symptoms of preeclampsia, which is a serious pregnancy complication. If you’re carrying multiples, your appetite will be waning since your uterus will be pushing against your stomach. This is the week when most moms-to-be start waddling, and finding a comfortable position to sit or even sleep will be a real chore. You might feel achiness and numbness in your wrists, fingers and hands due to water retention. 

34 Weeks Pregnant: Your Baby’s Development

A notable development this week if you are carrying a baby boy is the movement of his testicles from the abdomen to his scrotum. The vernix, which is the protective white coating covering your baby’s skin, will be thickening this week, and the light hair that covered your baby should be gone by now.   

Your Body at 34 Weeks Pregnant

Some women develop itchy red welts or bumps on their thighs, bellies, or buttocks, which develop as a result of a harmless but uncomfortable condition called pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy (PUPPP). Talk to your doctor to determine whether you need medication to treat the condition or to ease your discomfort. If you feel general itchiness all over your body but don’t see a rash, make sure to see your doctor, as it could indicate a liver problem. Braxton Hicks contractions will considerably intensify this week as your body prepares itself for the big day. Mothers of multiples often go into labor anytime between weeks 34 and 37, so make sure you’re ready to leave for the hospital if you’re pregnant with twins. Since you’ll be feeling particularly fatigued again, you need to get enough rest to save up your energy for the impending labor.

35 Weeks Pregnant: Your Baby’s Development

Taking a mind-boggling pace is your baby’s brain development rate, and the fetal position will turn topsy-turvy with the head positioned downwards in preparation for birth. The baby should be 50.8cm long by now.

Your Body at 35 Weeks Pregnant

As your body prepares itself for labor, your doctor will begin to check for cervix dilation over the upcoming weeks. Your uterus will now reach up under your rib cage, and your baby will be taking up most of the space in your womb. This might not be a comfortable time for some moms, since their oversized uterus will be pressing against their organs, causing heartburn and other gastrointestinal discomforts.
 

36 Weeks Pregnant: Your Baby’s Development

Becoming notably chubbier and stronger, your baby will also be getting ready for life after birth by getting its digestive system rolling and practicing its suckling motions.

Your Body at 36 Weeks Pregnant

The average mommy-to-be will have gained between 11-14kgs by the 36^th week, and most won’t be able to eat a regular-sized meal with that overgrown uterus pressing against their stomachs. On the plus side, the majority of first-time moms will find that they no longer experience shortness of breath or heartburn as their babies settle lower into their pelvis. As your baby drops lower, you’ll feel more pressure in your lower abdomen and might find walking uncomfortable. Keep an eye out for signs of labor, vaginal bleeding, fever, severe headaches, continuous abdominal pain, and vision problems. Also make sure to monitor your baby’s activity closely; if you feel your baby’s activity is decreasing, make sure to see your doctor as soon as possible.

37 Weeks Pregnant: Your Baby’s Development

By the end of this week your baby will be considered full-term and most of its body’s systems will be nearly fully equipped and ready for life outside the womb. It should be looking chubbier and cuter as the fat continues to accumulate.

Your Body at 37 Weeks Pregnant

In addition to intensifying Braxton Hicks contractions, you should be experiencing heavier vaginal discharge as you approach your due date. If you’re pregnant with multiples, this is the week that you’ll be reaching your full term. If you see a small amount of blood mixed with mucous in your panties or when you go to the bathroom, know that your labor is a few days away or less. If you experience heavier bleeding or spotting, you must contact your doctor immediately. Monitoring your little one’s activity is very important at this point, and you should contact your doctor immediately if you notice a decrease in your baby’s movements.

38 Weeks Pregnant: Your Baby’s Development

Almost there! Your baby will have nearly reached its full length and weight at 50.8cm and 3.2kgs. Its nervous system and brain will be performing more efficiently with each passing day.

Your Body at 38 Weeks Pregnant

False labor contractions are not unusual at this stage, and you’ll have to learn to tell the difference between the real thing and false alarms. Continue to closely monitor your baby’s activity levels, as fewer movements can indicate a problem. It’s normal for your feet and ankles to swell during the last few weeks, but call your doctor immediately if you exhibit symptoms of preeclampsia. You should also contact your doctor if you think your water broke; if it did, you will feel a gush of fluid or a slow leak.
 

39 Weeks Pregnant: Your Baby’s Development

Your placenta will keep supplying your baby with the needed antibodies to help it thwart off infection over the course of the first six months after birth. The baby’s growth rate will be slowing down now, but its new head-down position will make it a bit difficult for you to walk normally.

Your Body at 39 Weeks Pregnant

By now, your uterus will be 16.5-20cm above your belly button. Your baby will be settling lower in your pelvis now, and you’ll be feeling unbalanced again as your center of gravity shifts once more. Since your uterus will be pressing down on your bladder more than ever now, trips to the bathroom will be extremely frequent. Your doctor will be keeping close watch over your baby to make sure everything is going smoothly as you near your last week of pregnancy.

40 Weeks Pregnant: Your Baby’s Development

Congratulations! You have made it to your 40^th week. This week should be all about resting and getting ready for the big day. Your baby should be between 48.3cm and 53.3cm long and weigh 3.2kg to 3.6kg.  Don’t be worried if you do not deliver by your scheduled due date, as the babies tend to make their grand entrance 1 – 2 weeks later or earlier than expected. At any rate, enjoy your last days of pregnancy and look forward to a new life with your baby!

Your Body at 40 Weeks Pregnant

You’re quickly approaching the appointed day! Of course, it’s important to remember that your baby’s due date is only an approximate estimation, so don’t get discouraged or worry if you exceed your due date; some women reach their 42^nd week before they give birth! Your doctor will be making sure that everything is alright and will take suitable measures when needed, so relax and take it easy until your baby’s ready to come out or your doctor decides to induce labor.