Sometime around pregnancy week 19, you’ll experience the “quickening”, when your Baby’s movements become strong enough to feel. Your baby may start to put pressure on your spine and bladder and you may have backache and need to pee every 5 minutes! Read more about the symptoms and developments here.
The Pregnancy Symptoms Calendar
Exploring each of the pregnancy weeks
Pregnancy is a time of rapid physical change - both for your body and your growing baby - it can be hard to keep up with the stages of pregnancy week by week. But, don’t worry, we’re here to help!
Welcome to our handy calendar, where we’ll give you information on symptoms and your baby’s development, as well as helpful tips and checklists each week from the very first week of pregnancy through to when you’re finally ready to deliver.
Created by moms, for moms, we explain the different stages of pregnancy week by week and make sense of the doctor speak!
Simply click on any of the weeks below and we’ll do our very best to tell you all you need to know about pregnancy at that stage.
20 Weeks Pregnant – You’ve Reached the Halfway Point
At 20 weeks pregnant, you’re exactly halfway through your pregnancy and your baby should be about the size of a small melon. Baby’s movements will be becoming much stronger and you should be feeling them regularly. You may also be feeling the odd cramp or pain. Have you thought about planning a baby shower? Time to call your bestie!
21 weeks pregnant – Can You Feel the Kicks and Somersaults?
By pregnancy week 21, the baby should become very active in the womb and even your partner will be able to feel the kicks and movements. You may also start to experience some strong food cravings and aversions. Don’t “eat for two” – snack healthily and regularly to give your baby the very best nutrients. Find out more about the symptoms and developments at 21 weeks pregnant here.
22 Weeks Pregnant – Your Baby can Hear Your Voice
At week 22 of pregnancy, your baby’s senses are very well-developed and he or she can even hear your voice. Try and spend lots of time talking and singing to your baby to start the bonding process. Find out more about what to expect when you’re 22 weeks pregnant here.
23 Weeks Pregnant – Your Baby’s Growth Accelerates
23 weeks pregnant marks the start of an intense period of growth and Baby’s weight should double over the next month or so. You can expect an increase in symptoms because of this rapid growth – don’t be surprised if you experience swollen feet and ankles, cramps or back pain, and the odd touch of insomnia. Find out more about what to expect at this stage of pregnancy here.
24 Weeks Pregnant – Your Baby’s Facial Features are Fully Formed
In the 24th week of pregnancy, your baby should continue to gain about 6 ounces a week. You may notice changes to your belly on a daily basis and you should be able to feel lots of kicks and movements. Anxiety is common at this stage of pregnancy, so make sure you’re communicating regularly about how you feel and that you’re not afraid to ask for help when you need it.
25 Weeks Pregnant – Your Baby is Practicing Breathing
At around 25 weeks pregnant, your baby will begin to practice the survival skills he or she will need. Breathing reflexes are being developed and the baby will be sucking in and out amniotic fluid. You are now nearing the end of your second trimester – have you written a formal birth plan yet? Read more about what this involves here.
26 Weeks Pregnant – Your Baby’s Brain is Going a Mile a Minute
At 26 weeks pregnant, your baby’s brain is functioning at a really high level. The eyelids finally open and he or she becomes sensitive to light. Shine a torch on your belly and see if you can feel the kicks! Find out more about symptoms and developments at this stage of pregnancy here.
27 Weeks Pregnant – The End of the 2nd Trimester
Congratulations! You’ve reached the end of your second trimester and are now two-thirds of the way through your pregnancy. You may start to have some of the more uncomfortable late pregnancy symptoms around week 27. Do you know the difference between normal swelling (pregnancy edema) and the symptoms of preeclampsia? Find out more here.
28 Weeks Pregnant – The Final Pregnancy Trimester Begins
At pregnancy week 28, you enter the final trimester of pregnancy. Your baby’s position may change as he or she drops lower down in the pelvis and prepares for birth (this happens at different times for every woman). The change in position can cause sciatica (shooting nerve pain) and pressure on your lower back and bladder. Find out more about the symptoms and developments here.