Pregnancy Symptoms Week By Week | 3 Trimesters Explained

If you’re pregnant, or suspect you might be pregnant, below is a handy list of pregnancy symptoms week by week.

Simply scroll through the weeks to find out what sort of pregnancy symptoms you might expect, for every week of pregnancy!

Pregnancy Symptoms Week By Week – First Trimester

In the first trimester, here’s a breakdown of pregnancy symptoms week by week:

Pregnancy Symptoms Week 1

Ok, technically you’re not pregnant yet. It’s the first day of your period and your body is going to start preparing for a potential pregnancy in the coming weeks.

Your symptoms will be whatever symptoms you usually experience with your menstrual cycle. If you have painful periods, clotting, or other concerns, it’s worth getting it checked out with a specialist. Find out why, and what a normal menstrual cycle should be like.

See more in 1 Week Pregnant – What To Expect In Your First Week.

Pregnancy Symptoms Week 2

You’re still not pregnant, but should be watching out for fertile signs to optimize your chances of conceiving.

There could be an increase in cervical mucus and heightened sex drive.

You’ll ovulate sometime later this week, so having sex in the three days before and the day after can increase your chances of pregnancy.

See more in 2 Weeks Pregnant – What To Expect In Week 2.

Pregnancy Symptoms Week 3

Bingo! Sperm met egg and you’re pregnant.

It’s unlikely you’ll know if you’re pregnant yet… that is, until the fertilized egg settles into your uterus and starts secreting the pregnancy hormone, hCG.

You might notice cervical mucus and your cervix feels soft rather than firm.

See more in 3 Weeks Pregnant – What To Expect In Week 3.

Pregnancy Symptoms Week 4

You’ve missed your period and a pregnancy test comes back positive! Woo hoo!

Feeling tired, queasy, and have very sore breasts? Thanks, pregnancy hormones.

You might notice some spotting around this time. This could be implantation bleeding, which happens when the fertilized egg burrows into the uterus lining.

See more in 4 Weeks Pregnant – What To Expect In Week 4. 

Pregnancy Symptoms Week 5

Pregnancy hormones start to really ramp up now. You might start to experience food cravings, nausea at all times of the day, increased need to urinate, and cramping.

Your sense of smell is probably at an all time high too.

You might have some mild cramping as your uterus starts to grow.

See more in 5 Weeks Pregnant – What To Expect In Week 5.

Pregnancy Symptoms Week 6

You’re so very tired and need a nap after work every day.

Headaches, backaches, and constipation aren’t doing much to help you feel better either.

It’s quite normal to feel extremely emotional in early pregnancy. Your hormones are ramping up, and this can mean quite dramatic mood swings until they level out.

Things are accelerating at a fierce pace, so you can expect a bit of emotional chaos. Be kind to yourself and others.

See more in 6 Weeks Pregnant – What To Expect In Week 6.

Pregnancy Symptoms Week 7

Even though you’re not showing yet, you’re probably feeling very pregnant.

Nausea and tiredness are likely ruling your life. And you might want to eat all the things… unless your nausea is off the charts.

Your clothes might be feeling a tad snug too. This is due to hormones slowing down your digestive system and boosting your ability to retain water.

See more in 7 Weeks Pregnant – What To Expect In Week 7.

Pregnancy Symptoms Week 8

Got a thing for salted nuts and ice-cream? Cravings are a pretty big feature around this time, in between bouts of nausea.

The tiredness at week 8 is next level, as your hormones keep rising. Not being able to sleep well thanks to constantly needing to wee isn’t helping matters.

See more in 8 Weeks Pregnant – What To Expect In Week 8.

Pregnancy Symptoms Week 9

Your blood volume is increasing which means you might be feeling dizzy and feel like you need to go to the toilet all the time.

Pregnancy sickness is still a feature of your morning or day. You might be craving certain foods but old familiar ones are off the favorites list.

See more in 9 Weeks Pregnant – What To Expect In Week 9.

Pregnancy Symptoms Week 10

Finding it hard to bend down to put on your shoes all of a sudden?

Your belly might to feel like it’s popping out and suddenly your clothes feel a bit snug.

This week you might feel some sharp tugging pains down low too. This is thanks to the ligaments attached to your uterus stretching.

See more in 10 Weeks Pregnant – What To Expect In Week 10.

Pregnancy Symptoms Week 11

This is the week you’ve been waiting for, almost the end of the first trimester.

Hopefully, you can say goodbye to nausea and mood swings, and start enjoying that famous pregnancy glow.

You might be getting excited about finally sharing your news with family and friends – if they haven’t already guessed.

See more in 11 Weeks Pregnant – What To Expect During Week 11.

Pregnancy Symptoms Week By Week – Second Trimester

For the second trimester, here are the pregnancy symptoms week by week:

Pregnancy Symptoms Week 12

Congratulations, you’re finished with trimester one!

While the typical early pregnancy symptoms might go away, you could be in for some new ones.

Heartburn and reflux might start making an appearance, as well as more frequent headaches.

See more in 12 Weeks Pregnant – What To Expect In Week 12.

Pregnancy Symptoms Week 13

By now you’ve probably had your 12 week ultrasound and seen your baby.

Your moods are likely to have settled now and morning sickness easing. You might notice an increased desire to have sex too. Ooh la la!

See more in 13 Weeks Pregnant – What To Expect In Week 13.

Pregnancy Symptoms Week 14

Your energy is returning and you’re starting to feel ready to tick things off your neglected to-do list.

Make sure exercise is a priority, as it helps to reduce excess weight gain. Even just 30 minute walks each day will do.

Muscle cramps are common now, especially in your legs at night. Try having a soothing Epsom salts bath before bed. Find out more about the huge benefits about epsom salt baths during pregnancy.

See more in 14 Weeks Pregnant – What To Expect In Week 14.

Pregnancy Week 15

Noticed you’re a little more keen on connecting with your partner lately? All the extra blood flow has increased your sex drive and that’s ok! Take advantage of this energy and interest. But if not, that’s okay too.

Some women will report wanting less sex during pregnancy. If this is you and it’s worrying you, try and process your fears or concerns with a trusted friend or counselor.

You’re probably feeling really great physically and emotionally. Don’t neglect your nutrition needs and getting some daily exercise.

See more in 15 Weeks Pregnant – Everything You Need To Know.

Pregnancy Week 16

You’re well into the easy stage of pregnancy now. Your belly is still hiding but you are starting to notice more aches and pains as your uterus stretches.

It’s unlikely you’re feeling any of baby’s movements just yet but every sound you make is being heard loud and clear. Keep talking to your baby every day.

See more in 16 Weeks Pregnant – What To Expect In Week 16.

Pregnancy Week 17

Your growing baby and belly is starting to attract attention and advice from everyone you know and plenty you don’t!

Your center of gravity is being impacted now, so be careful how you move and check your posture. Make sure exercise is a part of your daily routine too.

See more in 17 Weeks Pregnant – Everything You Need To Know.

Pregnancy Week 18

Sleeping on your back is probably starting to feel uncomfortable now. You’re probably noticing the effects of your growing baby and uterus all over your body, including swelling and varicose veins.

If you’re having a mid-pregnancy ultrasound you may be able to find out if you’re having a boy or a girl.

See more in 18 Weeks Pregnant – Everything You Need To Know.

Pregnancy Week 19

With all this renewed energy it might be time to make a list of things to do. Baby-names, nursery, car seat  – after all you’re almost halfway there now!

Aches and pains and swelling are pretty common and you’re likely experiencing leg cramps at night.

See more in 19 Weeks Pregnant – Everything You Need To Know.

Pregnancy Week 20

Congratulations, you’re at the midway point! Did that time seem to drag or fly?

Your pregnancy checkups will start to change a little from now, with your belly being measured. You probably can feel baby kick now and it won’t be long before your partner can too.

See more in 20 Weeks Pregnant – Everything You Need To Know.

Pregnancy Week 21

Regular exercise and resting with your feet up can help minimize varicose veins if you’re noticing those pop-up. Stick with exercise that won’t make you overheat or dehydrate.

Your baby is getting pretty active in there. Find some time each day to sit and connect with your belly dweller.

See more in 21 Weeks Pregnant – Everything You Need To Know.

Pregnancy Week 22

Your center of gravity is shifting which makes simple things like getting up and sitting down a little harder now. You might notice exercise is getting trickier as your lungs have less room for deep breathing.

You may notice Braxton Hicks contractions around this time too. These practice contractions feel like your belly is going hard then softening.

See more in 22 Weeks Pregnant – Everything You Need To Know.

Pregnancy Week 23

Leg cramps can be a pain in the leg around this stage of pregnancy, so make sure you stay hydrated and try eating bananas, which contain minerals that can help.

Thinking about how you’ll feed baby after birth? You might like to take a breastfeeding class and find out more about your options.

See more in 23 Weeks Pregnant – Everything You Need To Know.

Pregnancy Week 24

This might be when you’re offered a glucose tolerance test to determine your risk of having gestational diabetes. Make sure you are well informed about the test so you know what to expect.

Ligaments in your pelvis are getting stretched and can cause some discomfort. Try massage or body therapy to help alleviate this.

See more in 24 Weeks Pregnant – Everything You Need To Know.

Pregnancy Week 25

Noticing more hair in the shower plug than you like? Hair loss in pregnancy is quite common but it generally stops in the month after birth.

Make sure you’re consuming plenty of high fiber foods and drinking lots of fluid to avoid becoming constipated, a common complaint in the second trimester.

See more in 25 Weeks Pregnant – Everything You Need To Know.

Pregnancy Symptoms Week By Week – Third Trimester

In the third trimester, here’s a breakdown of pregnancy symptoms week by week:

Pregnancy Week 26

Keep forgetting why you walked into a room and the name of the person you’ve worked next to for the last 3 years? Pregnancy brain is real and it’s very normal. Lack of sleep can make it worse so try for at least 8 hours a night.

Any swelling that happens now is probably normal but always keep an eye out for sudden swelling accompanied by headaches and raised blood pressure.

See more in 26 Weeks Pregnant – Everything You Need To Know.

Pregnancy Week 27

Your insides are getting more cramped which can lead to feeling gassy and needing to urinate more frequently.

Your sleep might be interrupted by restless legs, which is a common pregnancy complaint.

See more in 27 Weeks Pregnant – Everything You Need To Know.

Pregnancy Week 28

Start thinking about your hospital bag and collecting the things you want to pack. Prenatal appointments will start be more frequent, to check on your baby’s growth and your wellbeing.

Braxton Hicks will likely become stronger and more frequent now too. These are the body’s way of practicing for the real deal.

See more in 28 Weeks Pregnant – Everything You Need To Know.

Pregnancy Symptoms Week By Week – Third Trimester

Pregnancy Week 29

This is the beginning of the third trimester! If you haven’t already, time to start working out your birth plan and talking to your doula (if you have one) about how to cope during labor.

Varicose veins may be appearing in all sorts of places, this is from the pressure your baby is putting on major blood vessels. Try to rest with your feet up each day.

See more in 29 Weeks Pregnant – Everything You Need To Know.

Pregnancy Week 30

Getting lots of comments on how big or small your belly is? Try not to take it personally, but it’s hard when your moods are starting to shift again.

Pain around the rib cage can be common now, as your uterus pushes up. Your baby is likely head down now, getting ready for birth in the future.

See more 30 Weeks Pregnant – Everything You Need To Know.

Pregnancy Week 31

Getting short of breath now as your baby takes up even more room in there. Try to keep exercise gentle and take breaks during the day to just breathe deeply.

If you’re getting more frequent headaches, ensure you’re hydrating enough. Any signs of high blood pressure or severe swelling should be reported to your midwife.

See more in 31 Weeks Pregnant – Everything You Need To Know.

Pregnancy Week 32

If shortness of breath is accompanied by fatigue, check with your doctor about iron deficiency in case you need supplementing.

Breastfeeding classes are an excellent way for you and your partner to find out about the benefits of breastfeeding, as well as what to look for if there are challenges.

See more in 32 Weeks Pregnant – Everything You Need To Know.

Pregnancy Week 33

Not long to go now, it’s a great idea to start preparing for the time ahead when you’ll have a tiny newborn to care for.

Working through your birth plan with a doula can help you figure out your options and what to do if things change unexpectedly.

See more in 33 Weeks Pregnant – Everything You Need To Know.

Pregnancy Week 34

As more pressure is being put on your body, you’re likely to see a return of heartburn and constipation, among other symptoms that interrupt your sleep and make you feel uncomfortable.

Blurry vision can occur around this time but always make sure it’s not accompanied by other symptoms which indicate preeclampsia.

See more in 34 Weeks Pregnant – Everything You Need To Know.

Pregnancy Week 35

Your uterus is right up under your ribs now, which is making it hard to breathe, bend and basically do anything. Your internal organs are being squished and you can’t eat big meals or certain foods thanks to indigestion and reflux.

Aches and pains can be relieved by warm baths and gentle stretches.

See more in 35 Weeks Pregnant – Everything You Need To Know.

Pregnancy Week 36

Baby might engage around now and you end up with the famous pregnancy waddle as a result! This can put extra pressure on your bladder and ligaments, so take things easy and rest when you can.

You’ll start seeing your care provider weekly now as you are getting closer to your due date.

See more in 36 Weeks Pregnant – Everything You Need To Know.

Pregnancy Week 37

Varicose veins can make it really uncomfortable to stand for long periods. Try and rest with your feet up as frequently as possible during the day.

Muscle cramps and backaches are common now. You’re full term now so probably hyper-alert for any signs of labor.

See more in 37 Weeks Pregnant – What To Expect This Week.

Pregnancy Week 38

You’re likely to be experiencing more swelling in the feet and your hands. The front of your pelvis might ache and hurt if you make sudden movements. This is your body preparing for helping your baby to move down during birth.

Loose bowel movements are common in the lead-up to labor as hormones shift in preparation for birth.

See more in 38 Weeks Pregnant – What To Expect This Week.

Pregnancy Week 39

You’re probably feeling more frequent and stronger Braxton Hicks. This might even lead you to think labor is starting. These practice contractions usually stop once you move or rest.

Keep a look out for a bloody show, which is a sign labor is definitely going to happen soon.

See more in 39 Weeks Pregnant – What To Expect This Week.

Pregnancy Week 40

You’ve officially reached your due date. This doesn’t mean baby will immediately evacuate though. It can take a few more weeks of Braxton Hicks, sleep-interrupted nights, and feeling completely over it before baby decides the time is right.

Induction of labor is commonly offered in the next two weeks so it’s wise to be informed about the risks and benefits of this intervention.

See more in 40 Weeks Pregnant – What To Expect This Week.

Pregnancy Week 41

You probably aren’t gaining any more weight now, although you certainly feel bigger each day! Swimming and floating in warm water can be great for aches and sore joints.

It’s not unusual for your emotions to be wobbly now. Your care provider might be pushing induction of labor too, which adds to the pressure you’re feeling to give birth.

See more in 41 Weeks Pregnant – What To Except This Week.

Pregnancy Week 42

If you’ve made it to 42 weeks you’re likely feeling very tired and ready to have your baby.

You have the option of monitoring to make sure baby is well and you’re coping with pregnancy. It can be a challenge deciding the best option so being informed about your choices is vital.

See more in 42 Weeks Pregnant – What To Expect This Week.

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