Your Pregnancy Timeline
From the moment you start trying to the day you meet your little one. A step-by-step guide to scans, tests, and milestones.
Pre-Conception
Preparing your body for the incredible journey ahead.
To-Do List
- Start taking Folic Acid (at least 400mcg daily) up to 3 months before conception to prevent neural tube defects.
- Review current medications with your GP to ensure they are pregnancy-safe.
- Consider Genetic Carrier Screening if you have a family history of genetic conditions (e.g., Cystic Fibrosis, SMA).
Lifestyle
- Stop smoking and avoid alcohol.
- Achieve a healthy BMI if possible to reduce complication risks.
- Check your immunity to Rubella and Chickenpox (Varicella) via blood test.
First Trimester
The silent beginning. Fatigue, nausea, and the first flutter of life.
Week 1-3: Fertilization and implantation.
- Week 1-3: Fertilization and implantation.
- Week 4: Size of a poppy seed. Test might be positive.
- Week 5: Heart tube begins to beat.
- Week 6: Facial features forming. Size of a sweet pea.
- Week 8: Little arms and legs moving. Size of a raspberry.
- Week 10: Vital organs functioning. Size of a prune.
- Week 12: Fingernails develop. Size of a lime.
Week 1-3: Fertilization and implantation.
- Week 1-3: Fertilization and implantation.
- Week 4: Size of a poppy seed. Test might be positive.
- Week 5: Heart tube begins to beat.
- Week 6: Facial features forming. Size of a sweet pea.
- Week 8: Little arms and legs moving. Size of a raspberry.
- Week 10: Vital organs functioning. Size of a prune.
- Week 12: Fingernails develop. Size of a lime.
Second Trimester
The 'Golden Period'. Energy returns and the bump begins to show.
Week 14: Gender might be visible! Size of a lemon.
- Week 14: Gender might be visible! Size of a lemon.
- Week 16: Facial expressions & 'flutters'. Size of an avocado.
- Week 20: Anatomy scan. Baby hears sounds. Size of a banana.
- Week 24: Viability milestone. Breathing practice. Size of corn.
- Week 27: Eyes open/close. Sleep cycles. Size of cauliflower.
Third Trimester
The home stretch. Growth spurts, nesting, and final preparations.
Week 28: Baby can dream! Eyelashes formed. Size of eggplant.
- Week 28: Baby can dream! Eyelashes formed. Size of eggplant.
- Week 32: Practice contractions. Gaining fat. Size of squash.
- Week 36: Baby drops (lightening). Lungs mature. Size of papaya.
- Week 37: Full Term (early). Baby is ready!
- Week 40: Due Date! Size of a pumpkin.
See Your Baby Week by Week
Curious about what your baby looks like right now? Select your week to see an AI prediction of their face.
Common Symptoms & Remedies
Compassionate advice for the not-so-glamorous moments.
Nausea can strike at any time, usually peaking around week 9.
- Eat small, frequent meals to keep blood sugar stable.
- Ginger tea or candies can settle the stomach.
- Keep plain crackers by your bed for morning snacking.
Nausea can strike at any time, usually peaking around week 9.
- Eat small, frequent meals to keep blood sugar stable.
- Ginger tea or candies can settle the stomach.
- Keep plain crackers by your bed for morning snacking.
Your body is working overtime to build a life. It's exhausting work.
- Listen to your body and nap when possible.
- Focus on iron-rich foods to prevent anemia.
- Stay hydrated; dehydration worsens fatigue.
Progesterone relaxes the valve between stomach and esophagus.
- Avoid spicy, greasy, or acidic foods.
- Don't lie down immediately after eating.
- Sleep with your head slightly elevated.
Extra fluid retention is normal, especially in ankles and feet.
- Elevate your feet whenever you sit.
- Drink *more* water to help flush excess fluids.
- Wear compression socks if standing for long periods.
As baby grows, your center of gravity shifts, straining your back.
- Use a pregnancy pillow for sleeping support.
- Practice gentle prenatal yoga or cat-cow stretches.
- Wear a belly support band for extra lift.
Forgetfulness is real! Hormonal changes and sleep deprivation play a role.
- Write everything down immediately.
- Set reminders on your phone.
- Be kind to yourself; it's temporary!
Your Care Roadmap
Key check-ups and medical milestones.
Your first major visit. Dating ultrasound to estimate due date, extensive history taking, and blood work panel.
"Ask about: Pre-natal vitamins, safe medications, and genetic screening options."
Nuchal Translucency ultrasound checks for chromosomal risks. You might hear the heartbeat via Doppler for the first time!
"Ask about: When you might share the news significantly."
The 'big one'. A detailed look at baby's organs, limbs, and growth. This is often when gender is revealed if desired.
"Ask about: Placenta position and baby's measurements."
Screening for Gestational Diabetes. You'll drink a sugary solution and have blood drawn. Also time for Tdap vaccine discussions.
"Ask about: Kick counts and what constitutes 'reduced movement'."
Group B Strep swap. Visits become weekly now. Your provider checks baby's position (head down?) and cervical changes.
"Ask about: Labor signs, hospital registration, and birth plan."
Nutrition & Safety
What goes in (and stays out) matters.
Green Light (Safe & Recommended)
- Protein: Thoroughly cooked meats, chicken, and fish (Salmon/Trout are great for Omega-3).
- Dairy: Pasteurized milk, hard cheeses (Cheddar, Parmesan), and pasteurized soft cheeses.
- Eggs: Cooked until whites and yolks are solid.
- Fruit & Veg: Always washed thoroughly to remove soil/bacteria.
- Supplements: Folic Acid (T1), Vitamin D (Daily), Iron (if prescribed).
Red Light (Avoid)
- High Mercury Fish: Shark, Swordfish, King Mackerel, Marlin (can affect nervous system).
- Raw/Undercooked Meat: Rare steak, tartare, raw cured meats like salami/prosciutto (Toxoplasmosis risk - ok if cooked hot or frozen for 4 days).
- Raw Shellfish: Oysters, bacterial risk.
- Unpasteurized Dairy: Soft mould-ripened cheeses (Brie, Camembert) or Blue Veined cheeses unless cooked steaming hot (Listeria risk).
- Excess Caffeine: Limit to 200mg/day (approx 2 instant coffees).
- Vitamin A Supplements: Avoid liver products and high-dose Vitamin A (Retinol) supplements.
Hospital Bag Checklist
A comprehensive guide for what to pack for labor, delivery, and postpartum.
For Mom (Labor & Delivery)
- ID & Insurance CardsDetailed ID and hospital forms
- Birth PlanMultiple copies for nurses/doctors
- Comfortable Robe/NightgownEasy access for breastfeeding
- Slippers/SocksNon-slip socks are essential
- Lip Balm & LotionHospitals can be very dry
- Hair Ties/Headband
- Glasses/Contacts Supplies
- Snacks & Hydration
- EntertainmentBook, tablet, long charger
- PillowIn a colored case
For Postpartum & Recovery
- Nursing Bras/Tanks
- Going Home OutfitLoose, maternity size
- ToiletriesToothbrush, shampoo, face wash
- Nipple CreamLanolin or organic
- Adult Diapers/PadsOr specific brand preference
For Baby
- Going Home OutfitNewborn & 0-3M
- Car SeatInstalled mainly
- BlanketFor ride home
- Pediatrician Info
For Support Partner
- Change of Clothes
- Toiletries
- Snacks/Cash
- Phone/Camera
This checklist is for informational purposes only. Every birth plan is unique. Consult with your healthcare provider for specific recommendations.
Medical Disclaimer: This guide is for educational and entertainment purposes only. Every pregnancy is unique. Protocols for scans, tests, and vaccinations vary by country and healthcare provider. Always follow the specific advice of your midwife, obstetrician, or general practitioner.