Pregnancy Calendar

Mother’s Changes:

In the opening weeks, the pregnant mother often goes through changes before they are aware of the pregnancy. The first week’s ovulation will be the last you experience until the baby is born. You should also begin your diet alterations to account for pregnancy as soon as possible. This involves quitting smoking and alcohol, and often includes taking vitamins with a healthy level of folic acids in order to reduce the likelihood of defects to the foetus’s neural tube.

Baby’s Development:

This is the week when the uterus prepares for ovulation, readying the ovum (egg) for release.

Mother’s Changes:

Ovulation occurs in Week 2, which some women can feel through pain. When the egg has implanted in Week 3, implantation bleeding may arise as spots of blood. This is perfectly natural. Early pregnancy factor (EPF) protein is released as a means of helping the body accept the embryo’s presence. At this point you should be free of all unnecessary chemicals, and have spoken to your doctor about any current prescription medication.

Baby’s Development:

With ovulation in Week 2, the ovum (egg) soon encounters the father’s sperm. This process will form your baby. After the sperm successfully fertilises the ovum, the journey begins through which the initial cell, the zygote, becomes an embryo. The zygote travels from the fallopian tube to the uterus in Week 2, taking between 4 to 7 days. During this time the zygote undergoes cell division to become a multicellular embryo, which is at this stage a tiny blastocyst. After approximately 72 hours in the uterus, the blastocyst ‘implants’ into the uterus wall, adhering so it can receive the vital oxygen and nutrients necessary for its development.

Partner’s Input:

For the father-to-be, now is also the time to make changes to your lifestyle where necessary: a good diet and all round healthiness is beneficial for both partners during the pregnancy. It helps the father to focus and be in the best condition to assist handling prenatal matters and later care for the baby.

Mother’s Changes:

A home pregnancy test is normally positive at this stage, though some women are only starting to realise they are pregnant. The mother’s breasts may be changing so they seem swollen or tender, while urination often increases in frequency. Your moods might begin to be affected, with regular changes or swings indicating pregnancy. Tiredness can also become more common. To combat these side effects and help along the baby’s formation, you can commence a safe pregnancy exercise routine such as swimming, walking, or limited yoga. Training in this way will keep you strong and your body fit for the inevitable weight gain, as well as maximising endurance in anticipation of labour. It can also help to quickly regain your figure after the baby is born.

Baby’s Development:

The implanted multicellular organism in the uterus has become an embryo. It is no bigger than a pip, and yet a tiny form of the umbilical cord and placenta (for now aided by the yolk sac) are already in place. These deliver oxygen and life-giving nourishment to the baby. The coming five weeks are crucial to the baby’s development. On a transvaginal ultrasound the gestational sac should now be visible, clearly showing the existence of a pregnancy.

Partner’s Input:

Week 4 is around the time that many women choose to take a pregnancy test. Couples often desire the experience to be special and shared, with the father either present at the vital moment when the result appears, or reading the result out to their partner.

Mother’s Changes:

Common pregnancy symptoms such as nausea and fatigue continue to arise; cramping may be felt in the uterus. Headaches are also expected, and these problems are all normal for pregnant mothers, though some women experience none. However, excessively long headaches, fever, vision disturbances, vaginal leak, or a general feeling of wrongness should all be taken seriously, even though they may be nothing. It is always worth talking to your doctor in those circumstances just to be safe. You should consume plenty of Vitamin C at this exciting stage of your baby’s growth.

Baby’s Development:

The baby’s heart starts beating, and an ultrasound can distinguish between the top and bottom of the baby, and yet the embryo is only around 2.5 mm in length. Organs are developing fast, while the neural tube between the brain and spinal cord begins to fuse. The mother’s folic acid intake should have aided this process.

Mother’s Changes:

As your hormone levels continue to rise, morning sickness or other nausea can grow in intensity. The breasts sometimes feel strange or heavier than usual, with the areola darkening. At this point many women feel low, but you can balance this out with lots of rest, fun or useful distractions (i.e. planning ahead), and support from your partner or a friend, especially around the house. If vomiting is severe enough that you cannot keep food down, talk to your doctor.

Baby’s Development:

The baby will grow to be 4 to 6 mm by the end of the week, with the heart now formed into its left and right chambers and beating far quicker than an adult’s heart. Buds of tiny limbs and facial features are slowly emerging, with miniscule eyes and ears looking like dots. The placenta’s lining further develops, as does the larynx.

Partner’s Input:

As the pregnancy symptoms become tougher for the mother to handle, you can be most helpful by assisting wherever you can, limiting strain by offering to make her food or provide a flannel for her face. Understand also that it is natural for pregnant mothers to desire time alone.

Mother’s Changes:

The uterus is expanding in anticipation of the baby’s growth, which can lead to greater cramps in the area. Mood swings are inevitable but nothing to worry about; it is important to try and relax. You might also suffer from insomnia on occasion due to lack of comfort, need to urinate, or food cravings. Some mothers experience skin changes on their face such as acne, simply because of hormone imbalances. Sadly this is also the time that many pregnancies end in miscarriage. If this happens, make sure you get the support you need: from a doctor, but also your partner or other emotional outlets, such as women who have been through the same.

Baby’s Development:

The embryo’s body is becoming ever more complex, with the brain and heart further forming and the arms now bending at the elbows. Growth extends to around 7 to 9 mm, and the second set of temporary kidneys is put in place. Ultrasounds should be able to identify heart motion.

Partner’s Input

Think about attending early pregnancy classes in your area as a couple. They are good for bonding and preparing for the next stages.

Mother’s Changes:

The baby is starting to make greater demands on your circulation, thereby prompting an increase to the blood running through the veins. The breasts will be larger, but your overall weight is unlikely to be much higher yet. An office visit should have been scheduled with your doctor; this antenatal visit normally coincides with having missed two periods. Ask all the pertinent questions you have, and be prepared for a lengthy first visit as the doctor establishes everything they need to know.

Nasal irritations are widespread, with a blocked nose or nosebleeds occurring frequently for some women. Keeping the air clean around you can help to diminish the effects; staying away from second-hand smoke is a must. Dizziness and occasional faintness can accumulate with the other pregnancy symptoms. Headaches can become much worse as hormones behave erratically, and back problems are also common. Stay active if you can, but don’t push yourself excessively.

Baby’s Development:

In Week 8 the genitals become male or female, although you cannot yet tell the baby’s sex. The toes are almost visible enough to be counted, and the baby will start to move and shift spontaneously. With the disappearance of the temporary ‘tail,’ the embryo has become a foetus and the ossification process begins to harden the baby’s bones. Now the arms and hands have grown bigger, and the lengthening feet may meet in front. In Week 9 the baby has grown to between 13 and 17 mm from head to toe, with a weight of 1 gram.

Mother’s Changes:

The first trimester is almost at an end, and your uterus will nearly fill the pelvis. Gradually the waist may be thickening, though without substantial weight gain yet. Tiredness and nausea are still present, but as the placenta takes over the production of hormones in coming weeks, these side effects lessen to a huge degree for innumerable mothers-to-be. Make sure your fluid intake is around eight glasses per day, such as water or juice. Don’t be disturbed by odd dreams: these are common and should be taken in your stride.

Baby’s Development:

Your baby’s growth is becoming incredibly fast: it is now approximately 30 to 35 mm long, and that size will double in less than a month. Eyelids have formed and will soon fuse over the eyes, closing them for the next 15 weeks. Its ears and upper lip are recognisably formed, small hairs are growing, and the foetus weighs 4 grams.

Partner’s Input:

Practical concerns may soon be at the forefront of the father or partner’s mind. It is important to think everything through rationally, making considered judgements about financial issues or any worries you might have and discussing these with the mother.

Mother’s Changes:

Mothers- and fathers-to-be may be attending antenatal visits at this stage, which might allow you to hear the baby’s heartbeat for the very first time. If no heartbeat can yet be found this is not a cause for concern. Weight gain is soon to become pronounced for many women as they approach the end of the first trimester. Some mothers will have already gained a few kilograms, but this is often limited in the first 12 weeks through steady application of healthy, balanced nutrition. You do not yet need to greatly increase your diet to account for the baby, though an extra 400 calories per day is advisable.

Baby’s Development:

Fingernails and toenails are forming this week, along with the irises. The baby’s body parts will soon be fully formed in their tiny versions, ready to simply grow bigger and stronger over the next six months. At the moment your baby weighs around 7 grams and is the length of a thumb.

Partner’s Input:

Try to make time to attend antenatal visits with the mother. This will heighten your experience and involvement in the pregnancy immensely, and should soon allow you to hear the baby’s heart beat. You may be able to reschedule appointments if they clash with work or a commitment.

Mother’s Changes:

It is common for the abdomen to begin expanding now, particularly during a first pregnancy. As you prepare to leave the first trimester, nausea and other symptoms may diminish with a bit of luck. This is because the placenta starts to control hormone production. Conversely you may be stuck with them for a bit longer, but try not to fret. Any loss of appetite should soon be corrected. Also your risk of miscarriage is significantly reduced, which can feel like a weight off the shoulders and lead to lessened anxiety and stress.

Baby’s Development:

The structure of your baby’s brain is in place, and the baby weighs about 14 grams with length of over 3.5 inches. It is practicing its movements to prepare for life outside the womb. The eyes are shifting from the side of the head towards the centre, with the ears nearly in the right place, while the intestines have travelled from the umbilical cord and now move into the abdominal cavity. The likelihood of hearing a rapid heartbeat at your next antenatal visit is large. After this sound is heard, risk of miscarriage is dramatically reduced.

Mother’s Changes:

You have now entered the second trimester, which is usually when mothers lose a number of irritating pregnancy symptoms and feel great. With any luck your energy levels should soon be growing, while at the same time you really start to feel (and look!) pregnant. Your libido may also improve as a result of these changes. Many mothers or couples are now thinking about spreading their good news, which is a joyous experience. Colostrum (milk) might be forming in your breasts.

Baby’s Development:

The teeth have formed and lay in the gums. Your baby weighs approximately 1 ounce, which is about the same as the placenta, and is still only inches long. This size belies the great complexity you would see up close, all the way to tiny fingerprints. Within the developing intestines, the villi are forming to help with digestion. Between weeks 11 and 13, a nuchal translucency scan is often taken to determine the probability of a baby having Down’s syndrome.

Mother’s Changes:

Hormonal changes continue to make temporary alterations to your body, especially your skin. Linea negra may have arisen as a dark vertical line extending from the middle of the abdomen to the pubic bone. If major nausea is still present, talk to your doctor or midwife for tips on how to cope. Sleep is easier for most women in the next three months, and you should still be able to participate in low-impact exercises during the second trimester.

Baby’s Development:

Your baby has grown to around 5 inches, and has started to produce urine which it releases into the amniotic fluid, an impressive self-regenerating substance. The baby also practices the breathing mechanism with amniotic fluid passing in and out of the lungs. Muscles are beginning to work, such as those in the face and arms. In terms of appearance, lots of hair is appearing all over the body this week, draped in a film of downy lanugo.

Partner’s Input:

The second trimester is a good period to think about maternity leave, possible childcare, support, and other practicalities for after the pregnancy. These are best sorted out as a team so that neither mother nor father feels too pressured.

Mother’s Changes:

Your heart is enlarged and pumping about 20% more blood than before the pregnancy. This is the body’s way of accounting for the baby and keeping it with a healthy supply of oxygen in the womb. With increasing weight, you may be finding that clothes don’t fit as easily; in that case try loose-fitting maternity clothes. Plenty of shops and mail-order companies specialise in stylish clothes for pregnant women. At this time or in the next four weeks you should be taking a prenatal test to rule out or identify any birth defects. More tests may be offered to women over 35.

Baby’s Development:

The baby may now have learned to suck their thumb, which they quickly discover when their muscles begin to get more advanced. Their skin is thin with the body’s inner workings visible, while on their head the scalp hair pattern starts to take shape. Hiccups are a sign that they’re on the road to developing the ability to breathe. The baby weighs around 70 grams and could fit into the palm of your hand.

Mother’s Changes:

Many mothers start to feel the baby move at this time, especially those who are naturally thin or have given birth to a child in the past. These first movements are known as quickening. Mothers experiencing their first pregnancy may not recognise these movements as belonging to the baby until about the 24th week. Most women will have gained between 2 and 5 kg by now, with pains occurring in the abdomen due to stretching of ligaments. Extra weight can also put pressure on your back, and it is advisable to seek extra back protection (talk to your doctor if unsure).

Baby’s Development:

The baby is over 6 inches long, about the length of a small banana, and weighs approximately 85 grams. Its nails are forming well; in fact some babies require their nails to be cut at birth. Circulation is operating well and limb movements are getting more complex all the time, with some babies playing with the umbilical cord.

Mother’s Changes:

Mothers who didn’t recognise the baby’s movements last week may feel them about now. These often feel like butterflies to start with, and are not to be confused with kicking which begins later. The areola around your nipples might be temporarily enlarged with the expansion of the breasts. Depending on the individual, your libido may rise or fall. Neither is anything to worry about, and it is safe to have sex until the actual birth unless your doctor has a specific medical concern.

Baby’s Development:

The baby’s eyes now stare forwards where before they looked to the sides. Cartilage is almost ready to harden into bone. Weight is approximately 142 grams, which is heavier than the placenta.

Partner’s Input:

During the second trimester, the mother usually feels the best about herself and her body. This is a good time to take a break or holiday before the pregnancy if you both feel like it. Airlines are less likely to restrict second trimester mothers from flying, and relaxation can be great for the couple before the stresses of the third trimester.

Mother’s Changes:

One week from the halfway mark, you may be feeling excited and more confident about the pregnancy. Don’t worry if not; there is always support available from your midwife, doctor, partner, or family. This week or within the next few, an anomaly scan can check on the health of your baby’s organs. Like an ultrasound this allows you to see the baby moving around, and it will be the most developed you have seen them. Scan photos can save these movements for posterity. If any problems are identified, as happens in a minor percentage of cases, help is on hand to talk you through the options.

Baby’s Development:

Your baby can now hear and feel, which at this stage amounts to hearing the mother’s heartbeat and digestive system. With a length of 8 inches, the baby is growing fast and ossification is taking place.

Partner’s Input:

When the mother goes for the anomaly scan, this may be the final opportunity to see the developing baby on a screen. Make sure you are both there for this moving moment.

Mother’s Changes:

Congratulations on reaching the halfway point of your pregnancy. Your uterus may now reach your belly button, pushing it outwards, and will continue to expand at a rate of around 1 cm per week. Aching is completely normal in the abdomen for this reason; try soothing painful muscles with warmed cloths or hot water bottles. If you are still having trouble sleeping through the night, why not try some relaxation techniques or limit heavy food intake before bed. Getting up for a little while to read or listen to music is also helpful.

Baby’s Development:

Lanugo, a downy hair substance, is covering your baby from head to toe. The baby weighs about 225 grams, and the buds for permanent teeth are forming underneath those for milk teeth. If your baby is a girl, tiny eggs are forming in her ovaries. Sensory development is also important in the coming weeks.

Partner’s Input:

Don’t worry if you can’t feel the baby moving at this stage when your partner can. It is much harder to feel the baby from the outside, and sometimes this lasts until the 28th week.

Mother’s Changes:

Mothers are expected to feel a degree of breathlessness as their uterus grows and pushes against their lungs, but tell your midwife or doctor if it becomes serious. The baby needs iron as it continues to develop, so try to eat plenty of fish, red meat, spinach, lentils, or poultry. You should think about childbirth classes if this is your first pregnancy; these are very informative, with a diverse array of classes available.

Baby’s Development:

As the baby grows further, it is now covered in vernix caseosa – a substance that protects the skin within the amniotic fluid. It adheres to the lanugo and in between these tiny hairs. Along with traces of lanugo, many babies are still coated in vernix at birth.

Partner’s Input:

If the mother likes the idea, why not attend childbirth classes with her? Some courses are intensive and may require a day or two away from work, but others are only a few hours each week. This is particularly important if you have chosen to be the mother’s labour partner, but can be beneficial regardless.

Mother’s Changes:

Have you chosen to find out the sex of your baby? If so, the sex is usually determined during the anomaly scan that takes place between weeks 18 and 22. Finding out the sex in this way is not 100% guaranteed, as it relies on the baby’s cooperation plus the expertise of the technician and their equipment. The technician will take you through all the signs that point to male or female. If you are gaining a lot of weight by now, try not to worry; most doctors do not see this as out of the ordinary (unless gain or loss is very sudden). You may soon start to identify the baby’s kicks, though don’t worry if it takes a little longer, especially during a first pregnancy.

Baby’s Development:

The baby weighs about 369 grams, which is just under a pound. It can be around 27 cm from crown to rump, with fully developed eyelids, eyebrows and fingernails. At this point the baby may start to hear noises outside of the womb, including the mother’s voice which the baby soon identifies. This means you can communicate with your baby! Mothers often sing, talk, or even read a favourite story to the baby.

Mother’s Development:

Weight gain may increase to about 225 grams per week. This is absolutely normal, though of course you might start to feel a little clumsier as you gain weight, your centre of gravity moves, and joints loosen. Nevertheless it is still the second trimester and innumerable women feel great and very active despite weight gain. Perhaps talk to your doctor if you feel very tired again. Your appetite may also grow, and cravings for junk food are fine in moderation but try to find healthy alternatives. Some women experience increased vaginal discharge due to greater blood flow, while bleeding from behind (or haemorrhoids) is also common. Do all you can to avoid constipation, as this helps to combat these irritating effects.

Baby’s Development:

Your baby now weighs over a pound: approximately 425 grams. It looks like a tiny version of a newborn infant. The pancreas is in development and will be vital for hormone production.

Mother’s Changes:

Bleeding is also common in other parts of the body, such as from the nose, or the gums while cleaning your teeth. This can be as a result of increased blood flow or the actions of pregnancy hormones. Regarding your teeth, try to brush gently but thoroughly. Stopping brushing or flossing during pregnancy is not advisable, even if bleeding or pain is present, as gum disease can arise. At prenatal appointments, the doctor often feels for the position of your baby by palpating the abdomen. They can also assess the baby’s grow by measuring to the top of your expanding uterus; don’t be alarmed if the measurements are slightly more or less than average.

Baby’s Development:

The lanugo hair is darkening as your baby grows to 29 cm and 510 grams this week. Formation of blood vessels is taking place in the lungs, so that breathing is possible after birth. The baby also swallows frequently at this stage.

Partner’s Input:

Have you read any books on babies to get a feel of what to expect as a new parent? This time may be frightening, especially for a first-time parent, and it is natural to have anxieties. It is also beneficial to read up on symptoms of premature labour, and how to distinguish these from practice ‘Braxton Hicks’ contractions, to ensure you are in the safest position if this should occur.

Mother’s Changes:

The top of the uterus, known as your fundus, now reaches above your belly button. Some mothers are instinctively aware of their baby’s sleeping and waking cycles by the way the baby moves around. You should study premature labour symptoms, which is sometimes prompted in summer by dehydration. Stretch marks or ‘striae’ are natural by this point, and these will fade after pregnancy to become less distinguishable. Other skin irritations, such as dryness or itchiness, can be treated with special creams. Dry eyes are also common, accompanied by light sensitivity. ‘Artificial tears’ solution is helpful.

Baby’s Development:

With the baby nearly fully formed, fat deposits are now gathering on its head. These are brown in colour and designed to retain body heat in the opening weeks after birth. Your baby weighs about 595 grams, with a length of 30 cms or almost 12 inches. Skin is still very fragile and thin. As the taste buds form, a penchant for sweet things is growing. The baby is ‘viable’ at this stage, meaning that it has a chance of surviving if born prematurely. This requires specialist care in the Intensive Care Unit for a long stretch, with particular focus on lung development.

Partner’s Input:

As the mother becomes more visibly pregnant, a feeling of great pride arises in their partner. Enjoy it! The mother may also be talking to you as a way of sharing her moments with the baby, such as how the movements feel.

Mother’s Changes:

It is almost time to start seeing your doctor more frequently. To get a better night’s sleep, it is worth practicing sleeping on your side until this becomes comfortable. Your bump may prevent you from sleeping comfortably in other positions. Don’t worry about bad dreams; these are just buried worries about pregnancy or other parts of your life that should diminish after pregnancy. You might want to begin getting the baby’s room ready, with your partner if you have one.

Baby’s Development:

The bones are continuing to ossify to sufficient hardness, while the baby now weighs about 710 grams. Your baby’s senses are becoming better by the day, and studies show that babies at this stage respond to light and touch, conveying the fact that the optic nerve is up and running.

Partner’s Input:

Share any important opinions on the pregnancy and raising the baby whenever feasible; the mother may not always want to hear them, so be tactful about timing.

Mother’s Changes:

Many mothers feel painless Braxton Hicks contractions, which is the uterine muscle readying for the birth, in their second and third trimesters. These can arise every 10 to 20 minutes and are usually only felt as stomach tensing or tightening. Some women do not feel these practice contractions, and they are less likely to during their first pregnancy. In Week 26 the baby’s movements are regularly felt for the first time by people other than the mother. This can be a wonderful shared experience.

Baby’s Development:

The baby’s skin is rapidly becoming opaque, so that veins will no longer be seen from outside. With its growing sensitivity to noise and light, the baby may occasionally jump at any number of natural noises. The contrast between light and dark is becoming apparent to your baby. Weight is approximately 794 grams, with a length of 33 cm.

Partner’s Input:

This may be the first time that you can feel the baby move. As shared moments go, it is one of the most moving for any parent-to-be. On a practical note, have you organised paternity leave? The arrangements (including any pay) will depend on your company, and some places require around 3 weeks notice.

Mother’s Changes:

Weight gain really spirals from this point until around Week 36; this is a crucial part of any healthy birth. A lot of the weight goes to amniotic fluid and increased blood volume to account for the baby, while some is distributed to the breasts (which can double in weight) and other places. Leg cramps and varicose veins are common, but these should be gone soon after pregnancy. Childbirth classes are a great idea if you have not already attended any. In your latest prenatal appointment the doctor may check for pregnancy anaemia, a widespread condition that results in too few red blood cells during pregnancy. This is nothing to worry about, but the doctor will keep an eye on it.

Baby’s Development:

Your baby has made it to 2 pounds, or about 900 grams. His or her skin is wrinkled like ours gets from being soaked in water, and this will only change after birth. The baby sleeps, wakes, opens and shuts its eyes, and might suck a thumb or finger.

Partner’s Input:

Reassure the mother about her weight gain: it is completely normal and necessary to the birth. You can also help out by reading about breastfeeding, as the mother can often do with support at the beginning.

Mother’s Changes:

Congratulations – this is the third trimester. During this time until pregnancy you will gain approximately 5 kg. Most women will see their practitioner every fortnight from this point, and discussions about labour plans get underway. It is worth asking any remaining questions you have about childbirth alternatives and different eventualities. Late-pregnancy breastmilk called colostrum often leaks from mothers’ breasts, but don’t worry either way. If nervousness or anxiety about the pregnancy’s closeness is getting to you, talk it over with some fellow expecting mothers, your partner, or a sympathetic friend. For mothers having their pregnancy in hospital, you can make an appointment to look around be taken through what might happen.

Baby’s Development:

The testes of baby boys are descending in Week 28, while eyelashes further develop for both sexes. The baby’s total weight is approximately 1 kg, or 2 pounds 4 ounces. If a bright light shines near the uterus, the baby will turn his or her head towards the light. Advances in medicine and technology mean that survival chances are good for babies born at this stage.

Partner’s Input:

It is normal to worry about witnessing childbirth, but researching the process can help to put your mind at rest. If you will be the mother’s labour partner, find out what this involves. Make sure you understand that pregnancies don’t always go ‘by the book,’ but this is not necessarily bad news. Caesarean sections and assisted deliveries are options in these cases.

Mother’s Changes:

The discomforts of late pregnancy are often many, due to crowding of internal organs. They are most prominent in the back and legs, along with difficulty breathing. You can minimise these by maintaining a good diet, proper posture, exercise where possible, and rest when you can manage it. Finding a yoga class for pregnant women can help with breathing, fitness, and even keeping comfortable in labour positions, but it is equally important not to overdo it. If experiencing Braxton Hicks contractions, you can use them to apply lessons learned in childbirth classes.

Baby’s Development:

Your baby is starting to regulate its own temperature in preparation for life outside the womb. Red blood cells are now formed by the bone marrow, and urination is occurring every day. Its brain is growing, along with the head. As space in the mother’s body becomes more constricted, the baby’s movements will be less lively. Elbows and knees are frequently felt, and foetal kick counts can help to reassure you of the baby’s movement (they should move ten times every four hours). In Week 30 the baby weighs about 3 pounds or 1.36 kg, and grows to around 37.5 cm.

Mother’s Changes:

Rib, hip and back pains are common afflictions by now, the latter of which can be tackled by wearing low heeled shoes or a special maternity corset. Leg cramps and heartburn are also to be expected. In contrast, some women may be progressing through the third trimester without much physical hassle; this is largely dependent on exercise, agility, pain tolerance, and even luck. Nerves may be getting the better of you but just run through what you have learned from prenatal classes, and reassure yourself about the inevitable arrival of the birthing day. This is also a good point to note which medications you are or are not prepared to use during the birth if necessary.

Baby’s Development:

As the baby’s eyes adjust to its developing light sensitivity, the irises learn to dilate and contract. The baby’s skin is now losing its early redness due to a layer of fat forming underneath. Weight is about 1.5 kg.

Partner’s Input:

For couples who have agreed on a hospital (or birthing centre) pregnancy, it can be useful to plan your route and the time the journey may take. When calculating the journey’s duration, account for worst-case scenarios such as traffic jams or needing to stop for petrol.

Mother’s Changes:

You may be having Braxton Hicks contractions more often, as your body prepares for the birth. About half of the weight you are gaining each week now goes directly to the baby, so that he or she is fattened up in prepared for extrauterine life. Remember that for most women having sex is still fine, right up until their waters break. As you come to the tail end of the pregnancy you might also want to have fun with your freedom before the birth: going out to do what you love before the baby arrives.

Baby’s Development:

The baby’s extra weight makes their skin look healthier by the day. They weigh about 1.7 kg and are nearly 16 inches long. The number of wrinkles on the baby’s face is lessening, while even more hair may be growing. Testicles are often now in the scrotum for baby boys, but some male babies have undescended testicles which naturally descend within their first year.

Mother’s Changes:

Though the baby’s movements are smaller, the mother can usually now feel the difference between its knee and elbow. Any rhythmic bumps from the uterus may even be hiccups! Swelling might be present on your hands, feet, face or ankles due to water retention. This will be particularly pronounced in late afternoon or warm weather. Drink plenty of water to help reverse the swelling, and talk to your doctor if the swelling is severe or accompanied by headaches, as this can suggest pre-eclampsia. If you need to learn more about any part of the birthing process, especially labour, now is a good time.

Baby’s Development:

With impressive growth continuing, the baby can measure up to 17 inches by the end of Week 33. Your baby has probably turned to face head down within the uterus, although his or her position may still change over the coming weeks. A safer and easier exit from the birth canal is ensured by the relative weakness of their skull bones. There are approximately 2 pints of amniotic fluid in the uterus.

Partner’s Input:

You and your partner are both thinking about the stage after birth, and your preparations should include shopping and stocking up on essentials to make things easier when your newborn arrives. Also discuss budgeting concerns and look into any benefits if applicable.

Mother’s Changes:

Some mothers experience lung cramp at this stage which causes difficulty with breathing, and can last up until the pregnancy. This is widespread with a first pregnancy, though some women do not experience the cramping until labour. Your ‘practice’ contractions are beginning to feel more real. A feeling of numbness is common in the pelvis, which is the baby’s pressure on your nerves. Now is a good opportunity to think about work arrangements before the birth: many women work until their due date, while others stop before then. The choice is entirely personal.

Baby’s Development:

Your baby weighs about 2 kg. Hormones made by the placenta are starting to stimulate milk production in the mother’s breasts. The lungs are fully developed and can now support life outside the womb (and breathing problems are treatable) in case of premature labour.

Partner’s Input:

The birth is about a month away, so you should find out what to bring to the hospital or wherever labour will take place. Reading material and a video camera are popular choices.

Mother’s Changes:

Your weight gain will come to a virtual standstill from now until the birth. The uterus reaches under the ribs and holds 1000 times its original volume. Afternoon rest is a great idea if your maternity leave has begun; it gives you an opportunity to relax and practice breathing exercises.

Baby’s Development:

The baby is large and fits well in the womb, so that their movements may be harder to detect. With a weight of 2.15 kg and length of 18 inches from head to toe, your baby is a healthy weight and size and all organs are making final adjustments. Over the final six weeks of pregnancy, your baby’s brain will double in size.

Mother’s Changes:

You may notice that the baby is slowly moving downwards, known as engagement, which releases some of the pressure on your stomach and lungs. Another consequence is that walking can become uncomfortable, with some women feeling as though the baby might drop out of their body – this is impossible. The need to urinate can also be extremely frequent at this stage, but pelvic floor exercises should help to displace the sensation. Make sure you are ready to recognise the signs of labour.

Baby’s Development:

At the end of Week 36, your pregnancy will be full term and the baby’s arrival would no longer be premature. The baby weighs around 2.3 kg and measures about 45 cm, though individual differences in weight and size are more likely at the end of pregnancy.

Mother’s Changes:

Your baby is full term at Week 37, even though your due date will probably be in Week 40. Any birth from now until Week 42 is full term, while births after that point are post-term. This means you should be prepared – but not anxious – to give birth at any time in the next few weeks. Reflect on what the pregnancy has meant to you, and learn how to differentiate genuine labour and pre-labour.

Baby’s Development:

An average baby in Week 37 weighs 2.86 kg. Most of the downy lanugo is shed along with the coating that shields his or her skin. The baby swallows them in a mixture with other secretions to produce meconium, which remains in the bowels until the birth.

Partner’s Input:

Help to ready the house if you plan a home pregnancy, or assist with packing a labour the mother can take to hospital.

Mother’s Changes:

More tingling is often felt in the lower regions as the baby brushes against nerves. Relax as much as possible to make full use of this time before labour. You could prepare some frozen meals for the exhausting weeks after the birth.

Baby’s Development:

The baby can weigh anything between 2.8 and 4.5 kg at birth, which may occur at any point in the next few weeks. Weight gain is about 1 ounce or 28 grams per day.

Partner’s Input:

You should also use this time to relax and mentally prepare for the birth. Help out with anything you need to take care of, but also take some time for yourself.

Mother’s Changes:

As the due date arrives, you should know how to recognise labour. After engagement (which usually happens earlier for first-time mothers), certain symptoms often arise which hint at approaching labour. Leaking of the cervix’s mucus plug creates a ‘bloody show’ of red, pink or brown mucus; this is a reliable sign of coming labour because the mucus plug is often lost as the cervix opens up for birth. Weight loss, increased appetite and loose stools (or diarrhoea) are other symptoms.

Baby’s Development:

Only 5% of babies are born on their due date, so don’t worry too much if you’re a little early or late.

Mother’s Changes:

This is the week of your due date, but not giving birth this week is no cause for concern. Most women actually give birth in the 2 weeks before or 2 weeks after their due date. Some mothers opt for inductions to artificially induce labour, but there are both pros and cons to this approach. Talk carefully to your doctor when considering this option.

Baby’s Development:

Around 95% of babies remain unborn at the end of this week, still receiving essential antibodies from the placenta. Your baby may weigh about 3.4 kg at birth and be 20 inches long.

Partner’s Input:

You are probably looking to help the mother relax before labour. A pregnancy massage is a decent relaxation technique, but also consider doing whatever activities or treats she enjoys, as long as it does not involve sitting for prolonged periods.

Mother’s Changes:

Being pregnant a week after your due date is absolutely normal for a great deal of women, especially those on their first pregnancy. Sometimes a due date is even miscalculated. Doctors’ appointments may be frequent this week in order to check on the baby’s progress. Your still have every chance of a natural birth. However, approximately 1 out of every 3 mothers has a caesarean section birth, which can be a scary prospect; try to foresee every eventuality and talk through what these entail with your doctor.

Baby’s Development:

Your doctor will monitor the baby’s growth and foetal movements, keeping an eye on any signs of labour.

Partner’s Input:

The best thing to do is offer emotional support to the mother, while keeping friends and family informed about any updates.

Mother’s Changes:

If you have not yet given birth, a vaginal exam is sometimes used to test the cervix. Occasionally there are medical reasons to induce labour, but by the end of Week 42 a huge majority of women will have given birth. Any birth after this week is characterised as post-term, and your doctor will guide you through the process and options in that case. For now, simply enjoy the end of your pregnancy as much as you can, especially when it comes to the baby’s movements.

Baby’s Development:

Your baby has been ready for birth since Week 37, and he or she does not grow too much bigger over the next few weeks. Foetal kick counts are still helpful for determining the baby’s health. Get ready for a hopefully healthy birth and to see your baby for the first time.

Partner’s Input:

Try to be available whenever feasible, and only be a phone call away when you cannot be around in person. Keep your car’s tank full, and all the necessary phone numbers on hand, e.g. doctor, midwife, and anyone attending the birth. Seeing the baby for the first time will be a beautiful shared moment. After the birth, take care of the exhausted mother in every way you can for the first few weeks (particularly in the case of a caesarean).