Pregnancy Guide, Practical Help & Your Story  ·  Clear support for every stage

Browse an overview of baby development and how your body may change.

From early weeks to due date

Each week includes baby development, common symptoms, care tips, and situations when you should contact your doctor or midwife.

Week 4

Baby development

Your baby is now the size of a poppy seed! The fertilized egg has implanted in your uterus and is beginning to form the placenta and amniotic sac. The neural tube, which will become the brain and spinal cord, is starting to develop.

Your body

You might notice some light spotting (implantation bleeding) around this time. Your body is producing more progesterone, which can cause breast tenderness and mild cramping. Some women experience early pregnancy symptoms like fatigue or mood swings.

Common symptoms

Common symptoms include: light spotting, breast tenderness, mild cramping, fatigue, mood swings, and increased urination. Morning sickness may begin for some women.

Care tips

Start taking prenatal vitamins with folic acid if you haven't already. Stay hydrated, get plenty of rest, and avoid alcohol, smoking, and certain medications. Eat small, frequent meals to help with nausea.

When to see a doctor

Contact your doctor if you experience heavy bleeding (soaking a pad), severe abdominal pain, or persistent vomiting that prevents you from keeping fluids down.

Week 5

Baby development

Your baby is now the size of a sesame seed! The heart is beginning to form and may start beating this week. The neural tube continues developing, and tiny buds that will become arms and legs are appearing.

Your body

Your uterus is starting to grow, though you won't notice it yet. Hormone levels are rising rapidly, which can intensify early pregnancy symptoms. Your blood volume is beginning to increase.

Common symptoms

Symptoms may include: morning sickness (nausea), fatigue, breast tenderness, frequent urination, food aversions or cravings, mood swings, and bloating.

Care tips

Continue taking prenatal vitamins. Eat small, frequent meals throughout the day. Stay hydrated with water and electrolyte drinks. Get plenty of rest - your body is working hard! Consider keeping crackers by your bedside for morning nausea.

When to see a doctor

Seek medical attention if you have severe abdominal pain, heavy bleeding, or signs of dehydration from excessive vomiting.

Week 6

Baby development

Your baby is now the size of a lentil! The heart is beating at about 100-160 beats per minute. Facial features are beginning to form, including eyes, nose, and mouth. The brain is developing rapidly.

Your body

Your uterus is about the size of a plum. Hormone changes may cause mood swings and increased sensitivity. Your breasts may feel heavier and more tender.

Common symptoms

Common symptoms: morning sickness (may peak this week), extreme fatigue, breast changes, frequent urination, mood swings, food aversions, and heightened sense of smell.

Care tips

Rest as much as possible - fatigue is normal. Eat ginger or peppermint to help with nausea. Avoid strong smells that trigger nausea. Stay hydrated, even if you can only manage small sips. Consider wearing a supportive bra for breast tenderness.

When to see a doctor

Contact your healthcare provider if morning sickness is severe, you're unable to keep food or liquids down, or you experience any bleeding.

Week 7

Baby development

Your baby is now the size of a blueberry! The brain is growing rapidly, and the face is becoming more defined. Tiny hands and feet with webbed fingers and toes are forming. The tail (which will become the tailbone) is still visible.

Your body

Your uterus is continuing to grow. You may start to feel more "pregnant" as symptoms intensify. Some women notice their waistline beginning to thicken slightly.

Common symptoms

Symptoms include: morning sickness, fatigue, breast tenderness and growth, frequent urination, mood swings, food cravings or aversions, and possibly some bloating.

Care tips

Continue with prenatal vitamins and healthy eating. Rest when you can - don't push yourself too hard. Stay hydrated. Consider keeping a food diary to identify triggers for nausea. Gentle walks can help with energy levels.

When to see a doctor

See your doctor if you have severe or persistent symptoms, heavy bleeding, or concerns about your pregnancy.

Week 8

Baby development

Your baby is now the size of a raspberry! All major organs are beginning to form. The heart is fully formed and beating strongly. Fingers and toes are becoming more defined, and the baby is starting to move (though you won't feel it yet).

Your body

Your uterus is about the size of a lemon. Hormone levels continue to rise, which can cause various symptoms. You may notice your clothes feeling slightly tighter around the waist.

Common symptoms

Common symptoms: morning sickness, fatigue, breast changes, frequent urination, mood swings, food aversions, constipation, and possibly some light-headedness.

Care tips

Eat fiber-rich foods to help with constipation. Stay hydrated. Get plenty of rest. Continue taking prenatal vitamins. Consider gentle exercise like walking or prenatal yoga. Avoid overheating.

When to see a doctor

Contact your doctor if you experience severe symptoms, heavy bleeding, or have concerns about your pregnancy progress.

Week 9

Baby development

Your baby is now the size of a cherry! The tail has disappeared, and your baby looks more human-like. All essential organs are formed and beginning to function. The baby is moving around, though movements are still too small to feel.

Your body

Your uterus is continuing to expand. You may notice your waistline thickening more noticeably. Hormone changes can cause various physical and emotional symptoms.

Common symptoms

Symptoms may include: morning sickness (may start improving for some), fatigue, breast growth and tenderness, frequent urination, mood swings, food cravings, constipation, and possibly some acne.

Care tips

Continue healthy eating habits. Stay active with gentle exercise. Get plenty of rest. Stay hydrated. Consider using gentle, pregnancy-safe skincare products if experiencing acne. Eat small, frequent meals.

When to see a doctor

Schedule your first prenatal appointment if you haven't already. Contact your doctor with any concerns or if symptoms are severe.

Week 10

Baby development

Your baby is now the size of a kumquat! All vital organs are formed and working. The baby can move arms and legs, though you won't feel it yet. Fingers and toes are fully separated, and tiny nails are beginning to grow.

Your body

Your uterus is about the size of a small grapefruit. You may notice your belly starting to show slightly, especially if this isn't your first pregnancy. Hormone levels are stabilizing somewhat.

Common symptoms

Common symptoms: morning sickness (may be improving), fatigue, breast changes, frequent urination, mood swings, food cravings, constipation, and possibly some round ligament pain.

Care tips

Continue prenatal vitamins and healthy eating. Stay hydrated. Get regular, gentle exercise. Rest when needed. Consider wearing more comfortable, looser clothing. Practice good posture to help with any discomfort.

When to see a doctor

This is often when the first ultrasound is performed. Contact your doctor if you have any concerns or unusual symptoms.

Week 11

Baby development

Your baby is now the size of a fig! The baby is becoming more active, moving arms and legs. The head is still large compared to the body. External genitalia are beginning to develop, though it's too early to determine gender on ultrasound.

Your body

Your uterus is continuing to grow. You may notice your belly becoming more prominent. Hormone levels are more stable, which may help some symptoms improve.

Common symptoms

Symptoms include: improving morning sickness for many, fatigue, breast tenderness, frequent urination, mood swings, food cravings, constipation, and possibly some round ligament pain.

Care tips

Continue healthy lifestyle habits. Stay active with appropriate exercise. Get plenty of rest. Stay hydrated. Eat balanced meals. Consider starting to think about maternity clothes if needed.

When to see a doctor

Continue regular prenatal care. Contact your doctor if you have any concerns or if symptoms worsen unexpectedly.

Week 12

Baby development

Your baby is now the size of a plum! All organs are fully formed and functioning. The baby can make facial expressions and may suck their thumb. The risk of miscarriage drops significantly after this week.

Your body

Your uterus is about the size of a grapefruit and may be felt above your pubic bone. You're likely showing more noticeably now. Many women find this week marks the end of the first trimester.

Common symptoms

Symptoms may include: morning sickness often improves significantly, energy levels may increase, breast tenderness continues, frequent urination, food cravings, and possibly some round ligament pain as the uterus grows.

Care tips

You're entering the second trimester - often called the "honeymoon period" of pregnancy! Continue healthy habits. Stay active. Get plenty of rest. Stay hydrated. Consider announcing your pregnancy if you haven't already.

When to see a doctor

This is often when genetic screening tests are offered. Discuss options with your healthcare provider. Contact your doctor if you have any concerns.

Detailed week‑by‑week content will be expanded over time. Always use this as general guidance only and follow personalised advice from your healthcare team.