Pregnancy Symptoms Week by Week (What to Expect at Every Stage)
- Katrina Haeusler
- Feb 27
- 5 min read
Pregnancy symptoms week by week can vary widely, but knowing what to expect can ease your mind.
Whether it's your first pregnancy or your third, each week brings new changes to your body and your baby.
In this blog post, I'll provide you with a detailed breakdown of pregnancy symptoms week by week, what to expect during each trimester, and tips to manage the most common pregnancy discomforts.
Contents
What Are Pregnancy Symptoms Week by Week?
First Trimester Symptoms (Weeks 1-12)
Second Trimester Symptoms (Weeks 13-26)
Third Trimester Symptoms (Weeks 27-40)
Managing Pregnancy Symptoms
FAQ
What Are Pregnancy Symptoms Week by Week?
Each week of pregnancy comes with its own physical and emotional changes.
Understanding the typical symptoms by week can help you feel more prepared and in tune with your body.
Key Pregnancy Changes by Trimester and Week
Here are three major symptom shifts to expect during your pregnancy:
#1 - First Trimester (Weeks 1-12)
The first trimester is when your body undergoes rapid hormonal changes.
Common symptoms include nausea, fatigue, and heightened emotions.
Your baby is developing critical organs during these weeks, making it a crucial time for prenatal care.
You may notice increased sensitivity to smells and changes in your appetite.
Morning sickness typically peaks around week 9 but can last longer for some women.
Week 1–4: Mild cramping, implantation spotting, fatigue, and mood swings.
Week 5: Missed period, nausea (morning sickness), breast tenderness.
Week 6: Increased fatigue, frequent urination, food cravings or aversions.
Week 7: Breast changes (darkened areolas), nausea intensifies, bloating.
Week 8: Increased sense of smell, headaches, mild pelvic pressure.
Week 9: Mood swings, increased saliva, fatigue continues.
Week 10: Visible veins, ligament stretching, rounder abdomen.
Week 11: Nausea may ease, increased discharge, slight weight gain.
Week 12: Reduced nausea, energy levels improve, visible baby bump.
Most of us wont get all these symptoms and for many of us, some will be more intense than others. Many people don't get any symptoms at all also.
I found, I had morning sickness everyday from week 7 until I gave birth. With very few other symptoms.
#2 - Second Trimester (Weeks 13-26)
The second trimester is often called the 'honeymoon phase' of pregnancy.
Many women experience a boost in energy and reduced nausea.
You might start feeling your baby's movements around weeks 18-22.
Physical changes like a growing belly and breast enlargement become more noticeable.
Symptoms like back pain or leg cramps may begin as your body adjusts to carrying extra weight.
Week 13: Less fatigue, hormonal acne, beginning of baby movements.
Week 14: Decreased nausea, increased appetite, round ligament pain.
Week 15: Baby "flutter" sensations, nasal congestion, energy boost.
Week 16: Baby bump grows, skin changes (pigmentation, stretch marks).
Week 17: Backaches, vivid dreams, increased fetal movements.
Week 18: Dizziness, heartburn, first ultrasound (anatomy scan).
Week 19: Skin itchiness, mild swelling (feet/hands), mood stability.
Week 20: Baby's kicks are stronger, linea nigra (dark belly line).
Week 21: Varicose veins, leg cramps, breathlessness begins.
Week 22: Increased baby movement, stretch marks, indigestion.
Week 23: Insomnia, swollen ankles, Braxton Hicks contractions.
Week 24: Back and pelvic pain, vivid dreams, gestational diabetes test.
Week 25: Blurred vision, rib pain, skin sensitivity.
Week 26: Trouble sleeping, frequent urination, baby’s movements increase.
When symptoms start affecting you, its important to see a doctor to make sure they are harmless and not a sign of anything further.
#3 - Third Trimester (Weeks 27-40)
The third trimester brings physical discomfort and excitement as you prepare for birth.
You may experience swelling, shortness of breath, and Braxton Hicks contractions.
Sleep can become challenging due to the baby's size and frequent bathroom trips.
By week 36, your baby is considered full-term, and labour could begin at any time.
Focus on self-care and relaxation to ease the physical demands of the final weeks.
Week 27: Heartburn, fatigue returns, swollen feet and hands.
Week 28: Shortness of breath, leaking colostrum, leg cramps.
Week 29: Pelvic pressure, increased Braxton Hicks, skin sensitivity.
Week 30: Trouble sleeping, baby hiccups, fatigue spikes.
Week 31: Frequent bathroom trips, stretch mark growth, mild contractions.
Week 32: Nesting instinct, backaches, baby drops lower (lightening).
Week 33: Increased discharge, swollen feet, mood swings.
Week 34: Numbness in hands/feet, pelvic pain, milk leakage.
Week 35: Increased fatigue, pressure in pelvis, baby in birthing position.
Week 36: Lower baby movement, cervix softening, increased discharge.
Week 37: Lightning crotch (sharp pains), cramps, mucus plug loss.
Week 38: Increased pelvic pressure, back pain, early labour signs.
Week 39: Strong Braxton Hicks, diarrhoea, nesting intensifies.
Week 40: Regular contractions, water breaking, baby’s arrival!
Most people's pregnancies don't go all the way to 40 weeks so you might get to skip a few weeks of pregnancy symptoms which is always a plus in my books!
Many of my friends and I delivered in the weeks 38 and 39.
Managing Pregnancy Symptoms
Managing pregnancy symptoms is about finding what works best for your unique experience.
Here are some practical tips to make your pregnancy journey more comfortable:
Tip 1 - Prioritise Rest and Relaxation
Getting enough rest can help alleviate fatigue and mood swings.
Try short naps during the day if nighttime sleep is disrupted.
Meditation and breathing exercises can ease stress and improve sleep quality.
Our pregnancy meditation app offers guided meditations tailored to each trimester.
Create a calming bedtime routine to encourage better rest.
Tip 2 - Nourish Your Body
Eating a balanced diet supports both your health and your baby's development.
Focus on nutrient-rich foods like leafy greens, lean proteins, and whole grains.
Stay hydrated to prevent headaches, fatigue, and swelling.
Small, frequent meals can help manage nausea and heartburn.
Consult with your healthcare provider about prenatal vitamins.
Tip 3 - Stay Active (Safely)
Gentle exercise can relieve discomfort and boost your energy levels.
Prenatal yoga or walking can improve circulation and ease aches.
Listen to your body and avoid strenuous activities.
Incorporate pelvic floor exercises to prepare for labour.
Check out our guided pregnancy movement sessions in our app for safe, soothing workouts.
FAQ
Q1 - What week do pregnancy symptoms start?
Pregnancy symptoms can start as early as week 4, around the time of a missed period.
Common early signs include fatigue, nausea, and breast tenderness.
Symptoms can vary from person to person, with some noticing changes sooner than others.
If you're unsure, a home pregnancy test or visit to your doctor can confirm.
Q2 - When does morning sickness peak?
Morning sickness typically peaks between weeks 8-10 of pregnancy.
It usually starts around week 6 and may last until the second trimester.
Eating small, bland meals and staying hydrated can ease symptoms.
Severe nausea or vomiting should be discussed with your healthcare provider.
Q3 - How can I relieve back pain during pregnancy?
Gentle stretching, warm baths, and proper posture can help relieve back pain.
Pregnancy pillows can provide extra support during sleep.
Low-impact exercises like swimming can strengthen your back muscles.
Our pregnancy meditation app includes relaxation exercises to ease discomfort.
Wrap Up
Understanding pregnancy symptoms week by week can help you navigate this exciting and transformative journey.
By staying informed and caring for your body, you can ease discomfort and embrace the changes.
Nook, our pregnancy meditation app offers supportive resources to guide you through every stage—download it today for expert-led meditations, tips, and tools tailored to your pregnancy.
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