Special Weeks of Pregnancy: Week 12, 20, 28, 36, 40
Week 12 – The End of the First Trimester
Week 12 marks the end of the first trimester, and for many women, this is when the worst of early pregnancy symptoms, like nausea and fatigue, begin to subside. Your baby is about the size of a plum, and all of their major organs and systems are in place. At this point, the risk of miscarriage decreases significantly, and many women feel more confident about their pregnancy. It’s also a time when your energy may start to return, making it easier to focus on preparing for the second trimester.
Physical Changes for You:
You may notice that your energy levels are starting to improve, and morning sickness, which can be a hallmark of the first trimester, may begin to fade away. Your body has also started adjusting to pregnancy, with your uterus expanding to accommodate your growing baby. While you might not yet have a noticeable "baby bump," some women may begin to show as their uterus rises above the pelvic bones. Additionally, your breasts may feel less sore, and hormone levels begin to stabilize, allowing you to feel more like yourself.
What's Happening with Baby:
Your baby’s growth and development are continuing rapidly. By week 12, most of the major organs and body systems are formed and functioning. The baby’s facial features are becoming more distinct, and you may even be able to see the baby’s fingers and toes clearly. Their bones are hardening, and tiny movements are taking place, though you likely won’t feel them just yet. The baby’s kidneys are working to produce urine, and their liver is starting to function, which is a big step in the maturation process.
Medical Considerations:
At this stage, you’ll likely have a prenatal appointment where your doctor may check for fetal heartbeats, measure your growth, and possibly conduct blood tests to screen for conditions such as Down syndrome. An early ultrasound may have already been done to confirm your pregnancy, but some women may have another ultrasound at this time to check on the baby’s development. If you haven’t had a blood test for genetic screening or other early tests, this is typically when those are offered.
Emotional Changes:
Many women experience a sense of relief during this week, as the first trimester can bring emotional ups and downs due to hormonal changes. This is often a time when you may start to feel more connected to your pregnancy and be able to share the exciting news with friends and family if you haven’t already. While it's normal to still feel anxious about the pregnancy, many women feel more confident in the second trimester as the risk of miscarriage decreases.
What to Expect Moving Forward:
As you enter your second trimester, you may notice a reduction in many of the early symptoms, and the "glow" often associated with pregnancy may start to appear. You'll have more energy, and your growing belly may become more visible as your baby begins to grow. The second trimester is often described as the most comfortable period of pregnancy, and many women experience relief from morning sickness and fatigue. However, it’s essential to continue regular prenatal care and discuss any concerns you have with your doctor.
Week 20 – Halfway There!
By week 20, you’ve reached the halfway point of your pregnancy, and your baby is now the size of a banana. This is an exciting week, as many women feel their baby move for the first time, often referred to as "quickening." This week is also when the mid-pregnancy ultrasound, or anatomy scan, is typically done. This scan checks for the baby’s development, including the heart, brain, spine, and limbs. It's also the time when some parents learn the baby’s sex, although this is optional.
Physical Changes for You:
At 20 weeks, your uterus has grown significantly, and your baby bump is now more visible and pronounced. Many women begin to feel the first flutters of their baby’s movements during this week, often described as “quickening.” These movements may start off as gentle taps or sensations, but over the next few weeks, they will become stronger and more noticeable. Some women experience round ligament pain, which is caused by the stretching of the ligaments that support the uterus. You might also notice changes in your skin, such as darkening of the areolas or the development of a linea nigra (a dark line running from your navel to your pubic bone).
What's Happening with Baby:
Your baby is about the size of a banana and is growing rapidly. By week 20, the baby’s senses are becoming more developed. Their hearing is improving, and they may start responding to external sounds. Their skin, although still wrinkled, is becoming thicker and more resilient. The baby is also developing a layer of fat beneath their skin, which will help regulate their body temperature after birth. In addition, the baby is practicing movements like sucking and swallowing, which will be important after birth.
At this stage, your baby has fully formed features, and their facial muscles are starting to work, allowing them to make small expressions. The baby’s brain is growing rapidly, and neural connections are being made. Though you may not yet feel all of these developments, your baby is increasingly becoming more like the little person you will soon meet.
Medical Considerations:
Week 20 is typically when you have your “anatomy scan,” an ultrasound that checks your baby’s growth and development. This scan measures the baby’s organs, bones, and overall well-being to ensure that everything is on track. It’s also the time when many women choose to learn the sex of the baby (if they want to know). This scan can help detect any potential abnormalities, but it’s not always conclusive, so additional tests may be needed if there are any concerns.
This is also a good time to discuss any questions you may have about labor, delivery, or postpartum care. Your healthcare provider will continue to monitor your weight, blood pressure, and overall health to ensure both you and your baby are progressing well.
Emotional Changes:
Many women experience a sense of relief during week 20, as they’ve made it past the early stages of pregnancy and are now entering the more stable second half. Feeling your baby’s movements for the first time can be an emotional experience, often bringing a deeper connection to the pregnancy. It’s also a time when many parents begin to feel more excited and start preparing for the baby’s arrival. While you may still have some anxiety or questions, many women report feeling more confident and energized during this stage of pregnancy.
What to Expect Moving Forward:
As you enter the second half of your pregnancy, you can expect to feel the baby’s movements more regularly and with more strength. Your body will continue to grow, and you may experience more physical discomfort, such as backaches, leg cramps, and the need to use the bathroom more frequently. Your healthcare provider will continue to monitor your health and your baby’s progress through routine prenatal visits.
Week 20 is an exciting and pivotal point in pregnancy. It’s a time for both reflection on the journey so far and anticipation for what’s to come. With your baby’s development progressing, the physical changes you’re experiencing becoming more noticeable, and the excitement of entering the second half of pregnancy, this week represents both growth and the joy of feeling one step closer to meeting your little one.
Week 28 – The Start of the Third Trimester
Week 28 marks the beginning of the third trimester. Your baby is now about the size of an eggplant, and their organs and systems are continuing to mature. This is a critical time for your baby’s brain, lungs, and eyes. The third trimester also comes with increased discomfort for many women—think back pain, swelling, and trouble sleeping. Your prenatal visits will become more frequent, with additional monitoring of fetal growth, position, and movements. This is also the time when the glucose test for gestational diabetes is typically performed.
Physical Changes for You:
At 28 weeks, your uterus is now much larger, and your baby is growing rapidly. Your bump is likely more pronounced, and you may feel a noticeable shift in your body. As your baby grows, you might experience more pressure on your organs, leading to symptoms like back pain, pelvic discomfort, and frequent urination. It's also common to experience Braxton Hicks contractions, which are practice contractions that prepare your body for labor.
You might feel more fatigued at this stage due to the extra weight and changes in your body, but you may also notice bursts of energy from time to time. You may also experience changes in your skin, such as stretch marks, which can become more visible as your belly expands.
What's Happening with Baby:
At 28 weeks, your baby is about the size of an eggplant and is continuing to grow and mature. Your baby’s organs are becoming more developed, and the lungs are now capable of functioning outside the womb with medical assistance, although they are still developing.
One of the key developments at this stage is the increase in fat storage. Your baby is beginning to store more fat under their skin, which helps regulate body temperature and gives them the plump appearance they will have at birth. The baby’s brain is also undergoing rapid growth, and their senses, including hearing, are more refined. They can now hear sounds from the outside world, including your voice, and may even respond to noise by moving or kicking.
Your baby is also becoming more active, and many women report feeling stronger kicks and movements at this stage. The baby is growing quickly, and space in the uterus is becoming more limited, so their movements might feel more like stretches and rolls rather than quick flutters.
Medical Considerations:
At week 28, you are entering the third trimester, which is when your healthcare provider will begin to monitor both you and your baby more closely. You’ll likely have a glucose test to screen for gestational diabetes, a condition that can develop during pregnancy and affect your blood sugar levels. This test typically involves drinking a sweet liquid and having your blood drawn an hour later to measure your glucose levels.
Your healthcare provider will also check your blood pressure and assess any swelling, as preeclampsia—a condition characterized by high blood pressure and swelling—can develop in the later stages of pregnancy. You’ll continue to have regular prenatal visits to monitor your baby’s growth and position, as well as to discuss your birth plan and any concerns you might have.
Emotional Changes:
Emotionally, you might feel a combination of excitement and anxiety as you approach the final trimester. While the thought of meeting your baby can bring immense joy, you may also begin to feel more anxious about labor and delivery, especially if you’re a first-time mom. The reality of impending motherhood can feel overwhelming, and it’s normal to have mixed emotions.
During this week, you might also begin to experience more vivid dreams or an increase in anxiety about your baby’s health and your preparations for childbirth. Support from your partner, friends, or family members can be invaluable as you navigate these emotional changes.
What to Expect Moving Forward:
As you move into the final trimester, your body will continue to undergo significant changes to prepare for labor and delivery. You may begin to experience more discomfort from the extra weight and pressure on your body, and your baby’s movements will likely become even more pronounced. In the coming weeks, your healthcare provider will continue to monitor your baby’s growth and position, and you’ll begin to make more concrete preparations for childbirth.
Week 28 also marks a time to start finalizing your birth plan and preparing your home for the baby. As you enter the final stretch of pregnancy, the excitement and anticipation will grow, and soon you’ll be holding your baby in your arms.
Week 36 – Getting Ready for Birth
At week 36, your baby is considered "full term" and could arrive at any time. Your baby is about the size of a watermelon and is gaining weight rapidly in preparation for birth. You may start to experience "lightning crotch" (sharp pelvic pain), Braxton Hicks contractions (false labor), and more frequent visits to the bathroom. This is the final stretch where many women begin to prepare for labor—setting up the nursery, finalizing your birth plan, and packing your hospital bag. Your provider will check if the baby is in the right position for birth and may discuss signs of labor.
Physical Changes for You:
At 36 weeks, your uterus is nearing its full size, and your baby’s movements may feel more like stretches and rolls than rapid kicks due to the limited space. You may also notice an increase in Braxton Hicks contractions, which are your body’s way of preparing for labor. These contractions might become more frequent and more intense, but they are typically irregular and not a sign of true labor.
Your belly is likely sitting lower as your baby “drops” into position for delivery, which may alleviate some of the pressure on your rib cage but increase pressure on your bladder. As a result, you may need to use the bathroom more frequently. Your hips and pelvis may also start to feel sore, especially as your body prepares for labor and delivery.
At this stage, you might experience more discomfort from swelling in your feet, ankles, and hands. It’s important to monitor any swelling, especially if it’s sudden or severe, as it could be a sign of preeclampsia, a pregnancy complication that requires medical attention.
You may also feel more tired as your body works harder to prepare for labor. Sleep can become more challenging due to physical discomfort, frequent trips to the bathroom, and anxiety about the upcoming birth. Some women also experience changes in their skin, like stretch marks becoming more visible as their belly continues to expand.
What’s Happening with Baby:
At 36 weeks, your baby is getting closer to being fully developed and ready to face the outside world. The baby is now about the size of a honeydew melon and is gaining weight rapidly. Most of their organs are fully matured, though the lungs continue to develop and prepare for breathing outside the womb.
Your baby’s bones are becoming stronger, though they remain soft and flexible, which will help them pass through the birth canal during delivery. Their brain is growing quickly, and they may now be able to open and close their eyes and respond to light and sound.
The baby’s immune system is also strengthening, receiving antibodies from you to help protect them after birth. While your baby is now considered "early term" at 36 weeks, it’s still a little early for labor to start, and they might still need some extra care after birth if they arrive this week. If they were born now, most babies would do well with little to no special care, but there’s still a chance they might need some assistance with feeding or breathing, as they continue to develop.
Medical Considerations:
At week 36, your healthcare provider will likely begin monitoring you and your baby more closely. They may check the baby’s position to see if they are head-down (cephalic) or breech (bottom or feet first). If your baby is breech, there may be time for a procedure called a version, which tries to turn the baby into the head-down position before delivery.
Your doctor will also check for signs of labor, such as dilation and effacement of your cervix. They will discuss your birth plan with you in more detail, answer any last-minute questions, and start reviewing signs of labor so that you know when to head to the hospital.
You may also receive a group B strep test at this time. Group B streptococcus (GBS) is a type of bacteria that can be present in the body without causing symptoms. If tested positive, you’ll receive antibiotics during labor to prevent the bacteria from being passed to your baby.
Emotional Changes:
Emotionally, you might feel a mix of excitement, nervousness, and even impatience as you wait for the big day. You may have moments of anxiety about labor and delivery, especially if you’re a first-time mom, but it’s completely normal. Preparing to meet your baby can bring up many emotions, and the anticipation can feel overwhelming at times.
This is also a time when many women start to feel more bonded with their babies, as they can feel their movements more clearly, and it becomes more real that their little one will soon be in their arms. You may also feel the urge to "nest," preparing your home and making sure everything is ready for your baby’s arrival.
What to Expect Moving Forward:
As you move closer to your due date, you’ll likely have more frequent prenatal visits, sometimes every week, as your healthcare provider keeps a closer eye on your progress. You’ll continue to monitor your baby’s movements and keep an eye out for any signs of labor. If you’re planning a hospital birth, now is the time to double-check your hospital bag and make sure your birth plan is in place.
While you may still have a few weeks to go, it’s normal to begin to feel like labor is imminent. Whether it’s your first pregnancy or not, the final weeks of pregnancy are filled with anticipation and the final preparations for your baby’s arrival.
Week 40 – Your Baby is Ready!
By week 40, you have officially reached your due date. Your baby is now fully developed and the size of a small pumpkin. At this point, they are ready to be born, though it’s important to note that only about 5% of babies are born on their exact due date. Most will arrive within the two-week window before or after. Labor could start at any time, and the anticipation may be overwhelming. If you haven’t gone into labor by week 40, your doctor may discuss options for induction or monitoring your baby’s health to ensure everything is going well.
These weeks represent significant milestones in your pregnancy and bring both physical and emotional changes. Understanding what’s happening at each stage can help you feel more prepared and confident as you approach the arrival of your baby.
Physical Changes for You:
By Week 40, your body has undergone numerous transformations to accommodate your growing baby. Your uterus is at its maximum size, and you may feel like you’re carrying a lot of weight as you prepare for labor. The pressure on your bladder can be intense, leading to frequent trips to the bathroom, and you might experience increased pelvic discomfort as your baby drops into position for birth. You may also feel additional pressure on your hips and lower back due to the position of your baby.
Many women experience a variety of signs that labor is near, such as:
Braxton Hicks contractions: These practice contractions may become stronger and more frequent, signaling that your body is preparing for labor.
Cervical dilation and effacement: Your healthcare provider may check for signs of cervical dilation (the opening of the cervix) and effacement (thinning of the cervix), which indicate that your body is getting ready for delivery.
Nesting instinct: Some women experience a burst of energy and the desire to "nest," organizing and cleaning in preparation for their baby’s arrival.
It’s also normal to feel more fatigued during this stage. Labor is a big physical event, and your body is conserving energy for the big day. Make sure to rest when you can and focus on staying hydrated and nourished.
What’s Happening with Baby:
At 40 weeks, your baby is considered fully developed and is now ready to be born. Your little one is likely the size of a small watermelon, weighing between 5.5 to 8 pounds and measuring 19 to 21 inches long. Their bones have hardened, except for the soft spots on their skull, and their skin has turned from red to a pinkish tone, reflecting the full development of their body.
Your baby’s lungs are fully mature, and they’re ready to take their first breaths of air after birth. Their digestive system is functioning, and they are able to pass meconium, the dark, tarry stool they’ll produce in the first days after birth. The baby may also have a lot of hair or none at all, and their eyes may open and close in response to light.
The baby’s brain is still developing, as it will continue to grow rapidly in the first year of life. They may have already begun to practice breathing movements, though they will still rely on the placenta for oxygen until birth.
Medical Considerations:
During Week 40, your healthcare provider will likely be checking for any signs that labor is about to begin. You may have frequent appointments to monitor your health and your baby’s well-being. These visits typically include:
Checking for dilation: Your cervix will be examined to determine how far it has opened in preparation for labor.
Monitoring fetal heart rate: This ensures that your baby is healthy and responding well to labor preparations.
Discussing labor options: If labor doesn’t begin naturally by Week 40, your doctor may discuss induction options. This could include the use of medications like Pitocin or manual methods like membrane stripping to help kickstart labor. It’s also essential to keep an eye out for any warning signs of complications. If you experience severe swelling, a sudden headache, blurry vision, or a sudden decrease in your baby’s movements, be sure to contact your healthcare provider immediately.
Emotional Changes:
Emotionally, Week 40 can bring a mix of feelings. You may feel excited, nervous, or even frustrated, especially if labor hasn’t started yet. The uncertainty of when labor will begin can cause some anxiety, but rest assured, your body is ready. This is the final step before meeting your baby, and it’s a time to reflect on the journey you’ve been on so far.
At this stage, many women also experience a sense of calm as they prepare for their birth experience. If you have a birth plan, now is the time to review it and make sure everything is in place. You may also feel a deeper sense of connection with your baby, as you are so close to holding them in your arms.
What to Expect Moving Forward:
Labor could start any time now, and the excitement is building. Some women experience signs of labor a few days before it actually begins, such as losing their mucus plug or experiencing a "bloody show" (a small amount of blood as the cervix starts to dilate). For others, labor may start suddenly, with the onset of regular contractions.
If you haven’t yet gone into labor by the end of Week 40, your doctor may discuss the possibility of induction. Most pregnancies go to 41 or 42 weeks before being induced, but it depends on your individual situation. If labor does not begin naturally, your doctor will guide you through the options available to you.
Whether you go into labor naturally or require medical intervention, Week 40 is the time when you will finally meet your little one. So, get ready for the most exciting, life-changing experience of all—childbirth.