Welcome to my month-by-month guide to pregnancy!
Whether you’re expecting your first baby or adding to your growing family, i’m here to walk you through each exciting and sometimes challenging step of this incredible journey.
This guide will go over all nine months, detailing your baby’s growth, your pregnancy symptoms, and the essential steps you need to take in each month.
First Trimester: Weeks 1-12
Month 1: Weeks 1-4
Welcome to the thrilling first month of your pregnancy journey! While you might not yet feel like you’re housing a tiny tenant, rest assured, the adventure has begun!
- Baby Development: Although you might not even know you’re pregnant yet, your little one is already starting to form. By the end of this month, the embryo will implant itself into the uterine wall, and the neural tube, which will eventually become the brain and spinal cord, begins to develop.
- Pregnancy Symptoms: You might experience some early signs of pregnancy, such as fatigue, nausea (hello, morning sickness!), tender breasts, and mood swings.
- To-Do Checklist: Start taking prenatal vitamins, schedule your first prenatal appointment, and begin making healthy lifestyle choices (no cigarettes and alcohol for example).
Month 2: Weeks 5-8
Congratulations! You’ve officially made it to month two, where your baby’s growth resembles a well-kept secret, and your pregnancy symptoms might still feel like a surprise party you didn’t RSVP for.
- Baby Development: Your baby’s heart begins to beat, and tiny limb buds start to form. Facial features, such as eyes, nose, and ears, are also beginning to take shape.
- Pregnancy Symptoms: Morning sickness might be in full swing, and you may also experience heightened sense of smell, food aversions, and increased urination.
- To-Do Checklist: Continue taking prenatal vitamins, schedule your first ultrasound, and start thinking about your birth plan.
Month 3: Weeks 9-13
Ah, the third month – where baby’s development is soaring, and your body might be sending you some not-so-subtle hints that life as you know it is about to change. Buckle up, it’s about to get real!
- Baby Development: Your baby is now officially a fetus! Organs like the liver, kidneys, and intestines are forming, and tiny fingers and toes are starting to emerge.
- Pregnancy Symptoms: You might notice a decrease in morning sickness (hooray!), but fatigue and mood swings may still persist. You might also start to show a little baby bump.
- To-Do Checklist: Attend your first prenatal appointment, start researching childbirth classes, and consider announcing your pregnancy to friends and family.
Second Trimester: Weeks 14-27
Month 4: Weeks 14-17
Hello, second trimester! As you cozy up to this sweet spot of pregnancy, your baby is throwing a dance party in there, and you might start feeling like a VIP attendee as those first flutters make their debut.
- Baby Development: Your baby is growing rapidly, and you might even feel those first flutters of movement, often referred to as “quickening.”
- Pregnancy Symptoms: Your energy levels may start to increase, and many women experience a decrease in nausea and other early pregnancy symptoms. You might also notice your hair and nails growing faster.
- To-Do Checklist: Schedule your anatomy scan, start shopping for maternity clothes, and consider signing up for prenatal yoga or exercise classes.
Month 5: Weeks 18-22
Welcome to month five, where your baby’s senses are tuning in, and you might find yourself craving some of the weirdest food combinations known to mankind. Pickles and ice cream, anyone?
- Baby Development: Your baby’s senses are developing, and they can now hear sounds from the outside world. They might even respond to your voice!
- Pregnancy Symptoms: You might start to experience backaches, leg cramps, and heartburn as your baby grows and puts pressure on your organs.
- To-Do Checklist: Begin researching childcare options, start thinking about baby names, and consider creating a baby registry.
Month 6: Weeks 23-27
You’re halfway to parenthood! In month six, your baby is taking on a more human-like appearance, and you might start nesting like there’s no tomorrow – organizing onesies by color and debating the perfect nursery shade.
- Baby Development: Your baby’s skin is becoming less translucent, and they are starting to put on fat, giving them a more human-like appearance.
- Pregnancy Symptoms: You may start to experience shortness of breath as your uterus continues to expand, putting pressure on your diaphragm. You might also notice stretch marks appearing on your belly.
- To-Do Checklist: Schedule your glucose screening test for gestational diabetes, continue attending prenatal appointments, and start planning your maternity leave.
Third Trimester: Weeks 28-31
Month 7: Weeks 27-30
In month seven, your baby’s growth is giving you a run for your money, and you might feel like you’re carrying a watermelon around in there. Who needs a gym membership when you’ve got pregnancy weightlifting?
- Baby Development: Your baby’s eyes are now partially open, and they can blink. They are also starting to develop their own sleep-wake cycles.
- Pregnancy Symptoms: You might experience swelling in your ankles and feet, as well as increased back pain and difficulty sleeping.
- To-Do Checklist: Begin childbirth education classes, pack your hospital bag, and finalize your birth plan.
Month 8: Weeks 32-35
As you enter the final countdown, your baby is prepping for their grand entrance, and you’re contemplating whether it’s socially acceptable to wear maternity pants for the rest of your life. Spoiler alert: It totally is.
- Baby Development: Your baby is continuing to gain weight and is preparing for life outside the womb by practicing breathing movements.
- Pregnancy Symptoms: You may experience increased discomfort as your baby grows, including more frequent urination, Braxton Hicks contractions, and difficulty finding a comfortable sleeping position.
- To-Do Checklist: Take a childbirth class with your partner, install the car seat, and finalize arrangements for your birth support team.
Month 9: Weeks 36-40
You’ve reached the finish line! In month nine, your baby is ready to make their debut, and you’re eagerly awaiting your new title of “parent extraordinaire.” Get ready for the ride of a lifetime!
- Baby Development: Your baby is almost ready to make their grand entrance! They are putting on more fat and their organs are fully developed.
- Pregnancy Symptoms: You might experience increased pressure on your pelvis and frequent trips to the bathroom as your baby drops lower into your pelvis in preparation for birth. You may also notice an increase in vaginal discharge as your body prepares for labor.
- To-Do Checklist: Pack your hospital bag if you haven’t already, confirm your birth plan with your healthcare provider, and make sure you have all necessary supplies for your newborn, such as diapers, wipes, and clothing.
And finally, after nine months of anticipation, it’s time to welcome your little one into the world!
Remember to trust your instincts, stay flexible with your birth plan, and surround yourself with a supportive team as you embark on this incredible journey into parenthood.
Congratulations, mama – you’ve got this!
