Week By Week Stages
YOUR BODY WEEK BY WEEK
What is ovulation?
Ovulation refers to the release of an egg from one of the ovaries. This typically occurs 12 to 16 days before the next period is due. Once this egg is released, it travels down the fallopian tube, where it may meet a sperm (if you have had sexual activity recently) and become fertilized. A fertilized egg will then attempt to implant into the lining of the uterus where it can continue to grow. An unfertilized egg slowly stops producing hormones and dissolves as the body prepares for menstruation.(1)


Signs That You Might Be Ovulating:
- Cervical mucus increases in volume and thickness due to increased estrogen.
- There may be a slight increase in female body temperature due to progesterone. You are most fertile for 2-3 days before your temperature reaches its maximum.
- Some feel a mild pain or ache in their lower abdomen called Mittelschmerz pain. This may last anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours.(1)
Why do we calculate a pregnancy by the date of your LMP (last menstrual period) and not ovulation?
The gestational age (how far along you are) is calculated from the first day of your last menstrual period (LMP). (2) This is because the exact date of conception is almost never known, because sperm can stay alive in the female body and fertilize an egg for up to five days after sex. (3)
CHANGES IN THE BODY ASSOCIATED WITH PREGNANCY
You may notice changes in your body even before you miss your period. While there may be other causes for these symptoms besides pregnancy, it is still a good idea to know what to look for. It is also important to understand that every pregnancy is different. Even the same person may experience different symptoms with each pregnancy. These are just some of the common symptoms you may experience
COMMON EARLY PREGNANCY SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS:
- Breast Changes – You may notice that your breasts feel tender or swollen. This occurs because your hormones are preparing your body for lactation. The breasts will become bigger and fuller later on in the pregnancy.
- Nausea/Vomiting – Although this is often referred to as “morning sickness”, it can occur at any time of the day or night. These symptoms can lead to a feeling of repulsion towards certain foods or smells throughout your pregnancy. Usually morning sickness goes away by the second trimester.
- Increased Urination – You may find yourself needing to urinate more frequently. This is due to an increase of blood in your body, causing your kidneys to process extra fluid.
- Fatigue – Early on in the pregnancy, your progesterone levels increase, which may make you feel extra tired.
- Missed Period – The most obvious sign of pregnancy is a missed period. However, it is important to know that a late or missed period can be caused by a number of things other than a pregnancy. Also, some pregnant women experience minor bleeding or spotting and may mistake that for a period. If your period is late and you think you may be pregnant, Focus Women’s Center offers free pregnancy testing so that you can know for sure. Contact us today to schedule your confidential Pregnancy Verification and Consultation appointment.
THE FIRST TRIMESTER (Conception Through Week 12)
- Skin Changes – Rosy or shiny skin, also called “the pregnancy glow”, is caused by an increase in blood circulation. Pregnancy hormones can also increase oil production on the skin causing acne.
- Heartburn – Muscles that break down food become more relaxed and slower. Food then stays in the stomach longer causing or worsening heartburn.
- Constipation – This is often caused by the iron in the prenatal vitamin, as well as the slowed process of digesting food.
- Visible Veins – Your veins may become more noticeable because your body makes extra blood and the heart pumps faster to meet the demands of pregnancy.
- Lightheaded/Dizziness – Your body works hard to make extra blood to support the pregnancy thus causing some feelings of lightheadedness or dizziness.
- Vaginal changes – The lining of the vagina becomes thicker and less sensitive. You may notice thin white discharge.
- Emotion changes – Due to the overload of hormones during your pregnancy, you may feel moody, forgetful, and unable to focus. Fatigue and stress can worsen these symptoms.
- Frequent urination – As the growing uterus pushes on the bladder, you may notice an increased need to urinate. Some even leak urine when coughing, sneezing, or laughing.
- Growing belly – This occurs as your pregnancy and uterus grow.
THE SECOND TRIMESTER (Weeks 13 -27)
- Nausea/Vomiting – For many, this begins to improve in this trimester.
- Leg Cramps – This is related to the pressure a baby is putting on nerves and blood vessels that go to the legs. Call your healthcare provider to report this since a Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) can cause similar symptoms and can occur during pregnancy.
- Breast Changes – Breasts grow larger and fuller to prepare for lactation.
- Skin Changes – As the pregnancy grows, the skin stretches and can cause stretch marks. Dry, itchy skin, increased sensitivity to sun, the formation of a dark line (linea nigra) down the belly from navel to pubis, and the formation of patches of darkened skin on the face can also occur.
- Puffiness – This is caused by fluid retention and slower blood circulation. Call your healthcare provider if this becomes severe.
- Back/Hip/Pelvis Pain – The growing pregnancy puts stress on the back, meanwhile, ligaments relax causing aches and pains in your hips and pelvis. Bones also move slightly to prepare for childbirth.
- Abdominal Muscle Cramping – Muscles and ligaments supporting the uterus stretch as the uterus grows.
- Nasal Congestion/Nosebleeds – This can occur as increased blood flows to mucous membranes.
- Loose Teeth – Pregnancy hormones can affect the ligaments and bones in the mouth as well, so teeth may loosen. This returns to normal after pregnancy.
- Heartburn – This may worsen in the second trimester.
- Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) – Hormonal changes slow the flow of urine. Additionally, your bladder doesn’t completely empty due to the enlarged uterus pressing against it. Symptoms of a UTI include an increased need to urinate, burning with urination, presence of blood in the urine, or strong odor to the urine. Contact your healthcare provider if you develop these symptoms.
- Braxton Hicks Contractions – The tightening of the uterine muscles causes discomfort and is sometimes mistaken as “false labor”. This is one of the ways your body prepares for labor. These contractions are irregular and should go away in a few minutes. Call your healthcare provider if they become regular and painful.
- Weight Gain – This is caused by the growing pregnancy, hormones, and fluid retention.
- Fetal Movement – You will begin to notice movement of the pregnancy inside the uterus. Movement will feel more noticeable as the pregnancy grows during this trimester.
(5)
THE THIRD TRIMESTER (Week 28 Through Childbirth)
- Fatigue – Hormones and the physical/emotional stress of the pregnancy can cause tiredness.
- Puffiness – This is caused by slowed blood circulation and fluid retention. Call your healthcare provider if this becomes severe.
- Tingling/Numbness – Swelling may press on nerves causing tingling, and as the skin becomes stretched, it may begin to feel numb.
- Varicose Veins – These are caused by pregnancy hormones triggering the vein walls to relax and swell. Fluid retention and pressure from the growing pregnancy can also slow blood circulation leading to varicose veins. Additionally, the strain from a bowel movement can cause varicose veins near the anus called hemorrhoids.
- Continued Back/Pelvis/Hip Aches and Pains – This occurs as the pregnancy grows and the body prepares for childbirth.
- Abdominal Muscle Pain – This occurs as the pregnancy grows and the muscles and ligaments are stretched.
- Shortness of Breath – As the uterus grows upward, the lungs have less room to expand.
- Breast Changes – The breasts may continue to become larger and fuller. They may start to leak a yellow liquid called colostrum, the baby’s first food.
- Vaginal Discharge – Discharge may increase. Call your healthcare provider if you notice any fluid leaking or see blood.
- Stretch Marks – As the pregnancy grows more in size, stretch marks may begin to appear or increase.
- Decrease in Fetal Movement – There will be less fetal movement as the pregnancy grows and has less room to move around in the uterus.
(6)
FETAL DEVELOPMENT WEEK BY WEEK
2-3 Weeks After LMP LMP: Last Menstrual Period .
Towards the end of week 2 into week 3, ovulation and conception can occur. After the sperm fertilizes the egg during conception, the fertilized egg moves through the fallopian tube to the uterus, where it implants in the lining of the uterus.
At the moment of fertilization, the eye color, hair color, gender, and more are already determined.
4 Weeks After LMP LMP: Last Menstrual Period .
5 Weeks After LMP LMP: Last Menstrual Period .
6 Weeks After LMP LMP: Last Menstrual Period .
7 Weeks After LMP LMP: Last Menstrual Period .
8 Weeks After LMP LMP: Last Menstrual Period .
9 Weeks After LMP LMP: Last Menstrual Period .
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11 Weeks After LMP LMP: Last Menstrual Period .
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23 Weeks After LMP LMP: Last Menstrual Period .
Rapid eye movements occur during sleep. Survival increases to 33% outside of the womb. Ridges on the hands and feet form, beginning the development of fingerprints and footprints.Your fetus is now the size of a large mango.
24 Weeks After LMP LMP: Last Menstrual Period .
Last stage of lung development starts. The fetus’s skin is still translucent and wrinkled. Survival outside of the womb increases to 65%. Your fetus is about as long as an ear of corn.
25 Weeks After LMP LMP: Last Menstrual Period .
Respiration is possible toward the end of this week. Survival outside of the womb increases to 81%. Some fetuses respond to familiar sounds, such as your voice. Your fetus is the size of a rutabaga.
26 Weeks After LMP LMP: Last Menstrual Period .
Eyelids open and close. Survival outside of the womb is 87%. Your fetus is the length of a scallion.
27 Weeks After LMP LMP: Last Menstrual Period .
By now you should be feeling your fetus kicking and moving around all the time. Keep track of the movements because a sharp decrease or no movement could be a sign of potential distress on the fetus. If you have any questions or concerns, contact your healthcare provider.
The fetus’s nervous system continues to mature. The fetus has a 94% survival outside of the womb and is now the size of a head of cauliflower.
28 Weeks After LMP LMP: Last Menstrual Period .
The fetus has eyelashes. Its central nervous system can direct breathing movements and control body temperature. Your fetus is the size of a large eggplant.
29 Weeks After LMP LMP: Last Menstrual Period .
The fetus continues to gain weight and is very active kicking, stretching, and grasping. Your fetus is about the size of a large butternut squash.
30 Weeks After LMP LMP: Last Menstrual Period .
31 Weeks After LMP LMP: Last Menstrual Period .
32 Weeks After LMP LMP: Last Menstrual Period .
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36 Weeks After LMP LMP: Last Menstrual Period .
37 Weeks After LMP LMP: Last Menstrual Period .
38 Weeks After LMP LMP: Last Menstrual Period .
39 Weeks After LMP LMP: Last Menstrual Period .
40 Weeks After LMP LMP: Last Menstrual Period .
Sources
(2) American Pregnancy Association. (n.d.). Calculating conception. Retrieved from https://americanpregnancy.org/pregnancy-health/calculating-conception-due-date/
(3) Galan, N. (2017). Facts about sperm health and lifespan. Retrieved from
(4) American Academy of Family Physicians. (2020). Changes in your body during pregnancy: First trimester. Retrieved from https://familydoctor.org/changes-in-your-body-during-pregnancy-first-trimester/
(5) American Academy of Family Physicians. (2020). Changes in your body during pregnancy: Second trimester. Retrieved from https://familydoctor.org/changes-in-your-body-during-pregnancy-second-trimester/
(6) American Academy of Family Physicians. (2020). Changes in your body during pregnancy: Third trimester. Retrieved from https://familydoctor.org/changes-in-your-body-during-pregnancy-third-trimester/
(7) Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). (2020). Getting pregnant. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/getting-pregnant/in-depth/symptoms-of-pregnancy/art-20043853
(8) Shiel, W. (2018). Medical definition of LMP. Retrieved from https://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=13607
(8) WebMD, LLC. (2020). Early pregnancy symptoms. Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/baby/guide/pregnancy-am-i-pregnant#2
Sources For Fetal Week By Week
Curran, M. (2019). Fetal development. Retrieved from http://perinatology.com/Reference/Fetal%20development.htm
Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2020). Pregnancy week by week: Fetal development: The 1st trimester. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/in-depth/prenatal-care/art-20045302
Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2020). Pregnancy week by week: Healthy pregnancy. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/basics/healthy-pregnancy/hlv-20049471
Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2020). Pregnancy week by week: Fetal development: The 3rd trimester. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/in-depth/fetal-development/art-20045997
Marple, K. (n.d.). How big is my baby? Week by week fruit and veggie comparisons. Retrieved from https://www.babycenter.com/slideshow-baby-size