A detailed guide to the physical changes you’ll experience throughout your pregnancy journey, week by week.
First Trimester (Weeks 1-12)
Week 1
Your Body: Your body is in its regular menstrual cycle phase, and no physical changes related to pregnancy are visible.
What’s Happening: Hormonal shifts are starting to prepare your body for ovulation and potential conception.
Common Symptoms: You may experience bloating, mild cramps, or mood swings, which are common symptoms during this time.
Good to Know: Though you’re not pregnant yet, your body is already setting the stage for the journey ahead.
Week 2
Your Body: No changes yet, just the start.
What’s Happening: This is the first week of your menstrual cycle, which doctors count as the beginning of pregnancy.
Common Symptoms: Your body is releasing an egg and preparing for possible conception.
Good to Know: You’ll likely experience normal period symptoms during this time.
Week 3
Your Body: Still no changes, very early days.
What’s Happening: Your body is releasing hormones to trigger ovulation.
Common Symptoms: You might notice increased cervical mucus, a slight temperature rise, or increased libido – all signs of ovulation.
Good to Know: No visible pregnancy changes yet.
Week 4
Your Body: Tiny changes inside, not visible yet.
What’s Happening: Fertilization occurs this week if conception is successful.
Common Symptoms: The fertilized egg travels through your fallopian tube toward your uterus.
Good to Know: You might experience subtle hormonal changes, but no outward signs of pregnancy are visible.
Week 5
Your Body: Subtle changes happening inside.
What’s Happening: Your body has increased blood flow to the uterus, and implantation is occurring.
Common Symptoms: You might notice subtle signs like implantation spotting, mild cramps, fatigue, or tender breasts.
Good to Know: A pregnancy test might show positive now.
Week 6
Your Body: Waist still looks the same.
What’s Happening: Your body is producing hCG hormone, which may cause the first symptoms of morning sickness.
Common Symptoms: Breast tenderness, fatigue, and increased urination might begin.
Good to Know: Your uterus is beginning to expand but isn’t visible externally yet.
Week 7
Your Body: Maybe a little bloating.
What’s Happening: Hormonal changes are causing your digestive system to slow down, which might lead to bloating.
Common Symptoms: Morning sickness might intensify. Your breasts may become increasingly tender and sensitive.
Good to Know: Your uterus is growing but still tucked inside your pelvis.
Week 8
Your Body: Uterus is gently growing inside.
What’s Happening: Your blood volume begins to increase, which can cause fatigue and frequent urination.
Common Symptoms: Hormone surges might lead to mood swings and stronger food aversions or cravings.
Good to Know: Your uterus is now the size of a small peach.
Week 9
Your Body: Uterus getting bigger, still inside.
What’s Happening: Morning sickness might peak.
Common Symptoms: You may notice your bras feeling tighter as your breasts continue to grow.
Good to Know: Fatigue might be quite pronounced, and you might experience heightened sense of smell. Your uterus is now about the size of a small orange.
Week 10
Your Body: Clothes might feel a bit tighter now.
What’s Happening: Hormonal changes might cause skin changes like acne or the beginning of a pregnancy glow.
Common Symptoms: Your waistbands might feel snug due to bloating.
Good to Know: You may experience heartburn or indigestion as your digestive system slows.
Read more: Week-by-Week Pregnancy Tips: Your Complete Pregnancy Timeline
Week 11
Your Body: Small changes are starting to show.
What’s Happening: Your uterus is now the size of a grapefruit and is starting to rise above your pubic bone.
Common Symptoms: You might notice visible veins on your breasts and abdomen due to increased blood flow.
Good to Know: Nausea might begin to subside for some women. In the first trimester, weight gain is typically minimal, around 1-4 pounds total.
Week 12
Your Body: Waist starting to thicken a little.
What’s Happening: Your body is experiencing increased blood volume, which might cause occasional dizziness.
Common Symptoms: Your waistline is thickening, and you might notice your regular clothes feeling tight.
Good to Know: Digestive issues like constipation might increase.
Second Trimester (Weeks 13-27)
Week 13
Your Body: A small bump might appear soon.
What’s Happening: Your uterus is now the size of a small melon and is poking above your pubic bone.
Common Symptoms: First-time moms might still look more ‘thick’ than pregnant, while those who’ve been pregnant before might show earlier.
Good to Know: Morning sickness often improves this week. You might experience mood swings and emotional sensitivity due to hormonal fluctuations. It’s important to practice self-care and seek support if needed.
Week 14
Your Body: Your bump might be visible now!
What’s Happening: Your uterus has moved up above your pelvic bone, creating a small but noticeable bump.
Common Symptoms: Your energy levels might begin to improve as you enter the second trimester.
Good to Know: Breast tenderness might decrease, but breast size continues to increase.
Week 15
Your Body: Your bump is getting bigger.
What’s Happening: Your uterus continues to rise and is now about halfway between your pubic bone and belly button.
Common Symptoms: You might notice a dark line (linea nigra) forming on your abdomen.
Good to Know: Your skin might feel itchy as it stretches to accommodate your growing baby.
Week 16
Your Body: Your bump is becoming more noticeable.
What’s Happening: Your uterus is growing steadily upward and your pregnancy is becoming obvious.
Common Symptoms: You might experience less fatigue and nausea, but new symptoms like nasal congestion, nosebleeds, or gum sensitivity might appear due to increased blood flow.
Good to Know: This is often when many women begin to feel more energetic and enjoy pregnancy.
Week 17
Your Body: Your belly is growing outward nicely.
What’s Happening: Your bump is becoming more rounded and defined.
Common Symptoms: You might feel your baby move for the first time (especially if this isn’t your first pregnancy).
Good to Know: Increased blood flow might cause congestion, and you might notice thicker, shinier hair. In the second trimester, the recommended weight gain is about 1-2 pounds per week for those with a normal BMI.
Week 18
Your Body: Your belly is becoming beautifully rounded.
What’s Happening: Your uterus is now about 2 inches below your belly button.
Common Symptoms: You might experience round ligament pain as your uterus stretches.
Good to Know: Baby movements become more noticeable, and you might have more energy and appetite.
Week 19
Your Body: Your belly is more visible every day.
What’s Happening: Your uterus is approaching your belly button.
Common Symptoms: Lower back pain might begin as your center of gravity shifts.
Good to Know: Other pregnant women might notice your bump and start sharing experiences. Most women have switched to maternity clothes by now.
Week 20
Your Body: Your belly is growing more and more.
What’s Happening: Your uterus is now approximately level with your belly button.
Common Symptoms: You might experience leg cramps, especially at night.
Good to Know: Baby movements become stronger and more regular. Your skin might develop a ‘pregnancy mask’ (melasma) from hormones.
Read more: Baby Size Week by Week: Your Complete Pregnancy Timeline
Week 21
Your Body: You’re clearly showing a lovely baby belly.
What’s Happening: Your uterus has reached your belly button – halfway there!
Common Symptoms: You might notice increased appetite and energy.
Good to Know: Braxton Hicks contractions might begin. Your belly button might start to flatten out as your abdomen expands.
Week 22
Your Body: Your belly is growing bigger each week.
What’s Happening: Your uterus extends about 1 inch above your belly button.
Common Symptoms: You might notice stretch marks developing.
Good to Know: Increased weight might cause backaches. Your baby’s movements become more pronounced and regular.
Week 23
Your Body: Your belly is growing outward even more.
What’s Happening: Your uterus is about 2 inches above your navel.
Common Symptoms: You might develop varicose veins or hemorrhoids from increased blood volume and pressure.
Good to Know: Heartburn might increase as your uterus pushes against your stomach.
Week 24
Your Body: Your belly is growing bigger and stronger.
What’s Happening: Your uterus extends about 3 inches above your belly button.
Common Symptoms: You might experience swelling in your ankles and feet.
Good to Know: The skin on your belly might feel tight and itchy. Your baby’s movements are becoming stronger and more defined.
Week 25
Your Body: Your belly is growing a lot now.
What’s Happening: Your uterus reaches about 4 inches above your navel.
Common Symptoms: You might notice colostrum (early milk) leaking from your breasts.
Good to Know: Your center of gravity continues to shift, which might affect your balance and posture.
Week 26
Your Body: Your belly is very large and round now.
What’s Happening: Your fundal height (top of uterus) is growing steadily upward.
Common Symptoms: Sleep might become more difficult as finding comfortable positions becomes challenging.
Good to Know: Your belly button might begin to protrude outward.
Week 27
Your Body: Your belly is getting very big and full.
What’s Happening: Your growing uterus might cause shortness of breath as it pushes against your diaphragm.
Common Symptoms: Backaches might increase.
Good to Know: Your skin continues to stretch, possibly causing itchiness. Braxton Hicks contractions might become more noticeable.
Third Trimester (Weeks 28-40+)
Week 28
Your Body: Your belly is very beautifully round now.
What’s Happening: Your uterus reaches about 2.5 inches above your belly button.
Common Symptoms: You might develop carpal tunnel symptoms from fluid retention.
Good to Know: Your body is storing extra fat for breastfeeding, which might cause noticeable weight gain.
Week 29
Your Body: Your belly is growing larger each week.
What’s Happening: Your uterus extends about 3 inches above your navel.
Common Symptoms: Sleep might become more difficult due to discomfort and frequent bathroom trips.
Good to Know: You might notice stronger Braxton Hicks contractions as your body practices for labor. As you enter the third trimester, anxiety about labor and delivery might increase. Practice relaxation techniques and attend childbirth classes.
Week 30
Your Body: Your belly is very large, maybe a bit sore.
What’s Happening: Your uterus is roughly halfway between your belly button and breastbone.
Common Symptoms: You might feel short of breath as your lungs have less room to expand.
Good to Know: Your skin might feel tight and itchy from stretching.
Week 31
Your Body: Your belly is very big and beautifully round.
What’s Happening: Your uterus extends about 4 inches above your belly button.
Common Symptoms: You might experience heartburn as your stomach gets squeezed.
Good to Know: Baby movements might become more pronounced but less frequent as space becomes limited.
Week 32
Your Body: Your belly is very big, maybe a bit uncomfortable.
What’s Happening: Your fundal height is approaching your ribcage.
Common Symptoms: Sleeping becomes increasingly difficult.
Good to Know: You might experience more frequent Braxton Hicks contractions. Swelling in feet and ankles might increase.
Week 33
Your Body: Your belly is very big and ready.
What’s Happening: Your uterus reaches just below your ribcage.
Common Symptoms: You might experience difficulty breathing fully.
Good to Know: Your belly button might be completely flat or protruding. Stretch marks might continue to appear or become more pronounced.
Week 34
Your Body: Your belly is very large and round, almost there.
What’s Happening: Your uterus now reaches your ribcage.
Common Symptoms: You might feel increasing pressure on your pelvis, bladder, and internal organs.
Good to Know: Walking might become more difficult due to your baby’s size and position.
Week 35
Your Body: Your belly is very big and feels heavy.
What’s Happening: Your uterus fills much of your abdominal cavity.
Common Symptoms: You might experience lightning crotch pain from nerve pressure.
Good to Know: Your baby’s movements might feel different as they have less room to move around. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience severe headaches, vision changes, sudden swelling, or decreased fetal movement, as these could be signs of preeclampsia.
Week 36
Your Body: Your belly is at its biggest, nearly time.
What’s Happening: Your uterus extends from your pubic bone to your ribcage.
Common Symptoms: Breathing might become easier if your baby ‘drops’ into your pelvis.
Good to Know: Your pelvis might feel pressure and discomfort as your body prepares for labor. In the third trimester, weight gain is typically about 1 pound per week, although this can vary.
Week 37
Your Body: Your belly is beautifully full now.
What’s Happening: Braxton Hicks contractions might become more frequent and intense.
Common Symptoms: You might notice increased vaginal discharge.
Good to Know: Your belly might change shape as your baby moves into position for birth.
Week 38
Your Body: Your belly is at its biggest, so close now.
What’s Happening: Your baby is considered full term.
Common Symptoms: You might notice losing your mucus plug.
Good to Know: Sleeping becomes very difficult. Your belly might feel very heavy and tight, and you might waddle when walking.
Week 39
Your Body: Your belly might drop a little lower now.
What’s Happening: Your baby might ‘drop’ or engage in your pelvis, changing your belly shape and giving you more room to breathe but increasing pressure on your bladder.
Common Symptoms: You might feel more frequent Braxton Hicks contractions.
Good to Know: You might notice the “nesting instinct” giving you bursts of energy to prepare for baby.
Week 40
Your Body: Your belly is very large, full term and ready.
What’s Happening: You might notice more energy as your body prepares for labor (nesting instinct).
Common Symptoms: Your belly might sit lower as your baby descends further into your pelvis.
Good to Know: Walking might become more uncomfortable.
Read more: Fetal Development Week by Week: Your Complete Pregnancy Timeline
Week 41
Your Body: Your belly is still large, maybe dropped a bit more.
What’s Happening: Your cervix is softening and preparing for labor.
Common Symptoms: You might experience increased back pain as your baby presses on your spine.
Good to Know: Your belly might look slightly lower and more forward-facing. As your due date approaches, feelings of anticipation and anxiety might intensify. Practice relaxation techniques and seek support from your partner or support system.
Week 42
Your Body: Your belly is very full, waiting patiently for the baby.
What’s Happening: Your body continues to prepare for labor with stronger Braxton Hicks contractions.
Common Symptoms: You might feel very uncomfortable and eager for labor to begin.
Good to Know: Your healthcare provider will monitor you more closely now. At this stage, it’s vital to monitor fetal movement closely. Contact your healthcare provider if you notice a significant decrease in movement.
Key Bodily Changes Throughout Pregnancy
First Trimester Changes:
- Minimal visible changes
- Hormonal fluctuations causing nausea, fatigue
- Breast tenderness and growth
- Slight waistline thickening by week 12
Second Trimester Changes:
- Visible bump emerging and growing
- Skin changes (linea nigra, possible stretch marks)
- Increased energy levels
- Noticeable weight gain (about 1-2 pounds per week)
Third Trimester Changes:
- Significant belly growth
- Baby “dropping” in preparation for birth
- Increased pressure on internal organs
- More pronounced Braxton Hicks contractions
Remember that every woman’s pregnancy journey is unique. These physical changes are general patterns, but you may experience them differently or at different times.