Tracking Your Pregnancy: What Matters When
From the first flutter to the final stretch, here are the key milestones you can expect in your journey.
First Trimester: The Silent Growth
Weeks 1 through 13. While you might not "show" yet, this is arguably the most critical period.
- Week 6: Heartbeat can often be detected via vaginal ultrasound.
- Week 8: Baby is now a fetus (graduating from embryo!) and has tiny webbed fingers.
- Week 12: The crucial Nuchal Translucency scan checks for genetic markers. The risk of miscarriage drops significantly after this week.
Second Trimester: The Golden Period
Weeks 14 through 27. Morning sickness usually fades, energy returns, and you start to feel... pregnant!
Gender Reveal
Usually Week 20.
The "Quicken"
First movements felt around 18-22 weeks.
Viability: By Week 24, medical professionals consider the baby "viable"—meaning they have a chance of survival if born premature.
Third Trimester: The Home Stretch
Weeks 28 through 40+. The baby packs on weight rapidly (about half a pound per week!).
- Week 28: Baby's eyes can open and blink!
- Week 32: Most babies turn head-down (vertex) position.
- Week 37: Considered "Early Term." Lungs are mature.
Is "Full Term" 40 Weeks?
Not exactly. The definition of "term" has been updated by ACOG:
Early Term: 37w 0d - 38w 6d
Full Term: 39w 0d - 40w 6d
Late Term: 41w 0d - 41w 6d
Post Term: 42w and beyond
⚠ Count the Kicks
Starting around week 28, doctors recommend "kick counts." You should feel 10 movements within 2 hours. If you notice a decrease in movement, call your provider immediately. It's always better to be safe!