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With all the scattered information available online, new mothers may feel overwhelmed and continue to have questions arise. During this time, all you need is a checklist that helps you keep track of your pregnancy week by week, including prenatal tests, regular checkups, vaccinations, birth planning, and hospital essentials.
Pregnancy Changes Week-by-Week
A full-term, healthy pregnancy lasts about 40 weeks. Labour before 39 weeks is considered preterm, and after 41 weeks is considered postterm. Pregnancy is typically divided into three trimesters.
- First trimester: Starts from week 1 and ends in week 12. Foundational stage where the hormonal levels rise to support foetal growth. By week 12, the foetus fills the uterine cavity.
- Second trimester: Ranges between week 13 and 26, often called the honeymoon phase. During this trimester, the foetus develops its skeleton and muscles. Mother's body settles down and adapts to the changes.
- Third trimester: Begins at week 27 and ends at week 40, when significant changes occur in the maternal body, indicating the growth of the foetus. By the end of the third trimester, the foetus's head drops into the pelvis to prepare for the birth.
Week 1 to 4
These are the foundational weeks as fertilisation and implantation begin, and embryonic growth starts- fertilised eggs implant in the uterine wall at around 3 weeks. Most women don't feel major changes during the first 4 weeks. Around week 4, the neural tube begins to develop the brain and spinal cord.
- Quit smoking and drinking
- Start taking prenatal vitamins
- Indulge in a balanced diet
- Avoid strenuous physical activity
- Start researching and accumulating knowledge about pregnancy and birth to make an informed decision.
- Optimise your home by removing harmful materials.
- Discuss with your doctor if you have existing chronic conditions.
Week 5 to 12
Around week 5, you may start to realise you are pregnant. At this stage, the heightened hormonal release triggers pregnancy symptoms such as morning sickness, nausea, and fatigue. The embryonic organ develops, and foetal growth begins. Adapting lifestyle changes and ensuring optimal nutrition and hydration are critical.
- First prenatal appointment to assess health, baseline tests and urine analysis.
- Dating scan to confirm the estimated due date, gestation age, and viability.
- Ask your doctor to make changes to your diet for the pregnancy symptoms.
- Screen for mental health issues to avoid depression and stress.
- Schedule a first-trimester ultrasound.
Week 13 to 20
During the second trimester, the organ systems mature, and the sex organs form. Mothers experience noticeable changes due to the rapid foetal growth. Nausea and morning sickness might be replaced with other pregnancy symptoms, such as leg cramps, back pain, and hunger. Heightened estrogen and progesterone result in enlarged breasts and darkened skin.
- Visit a doctor for a mid-pregnancy ultrasound.
- Start pregnancy-safe exercises to support a healthy mood and alleviate pregnancy discomfort.
- Visit a dentist to avoid pregnancy-related dental issues.
- Discuss maternity leave and benefits with your employer.
- Manage pregnancy symptoms with massage, elevating legs, and optimal rest.
- Maintain a balanced diet along with prenatal vitamins and supplements provided by the doctor.
Week 21 to 28
At this stage, foetal movement begins, which is an important sign that the baby is growing. Baby weighs almost 350 grams. Muscles grow stronger, and the baby's kicks and turns become more pronounced. The baby's body is covered with fine hair. The skin appears transparent, and a protective wax layer forms to shield it from the amniotic fluid.
- Attend ultrasound and regular prenatal visits to assess baby growth and possible complications.
- Rule out glucose screening for gestational diabetes.
- Start a safe and light prenatal workout.
- Immediately seek help if you notice signs of prenatal depression or stress.
- Start looking for a nursery building and plan a budget.
Week 29 to 36
Finalising your hospital, applying for birth classes, and actively preparing for labour start at this stage. Pregnancy hormones surge to support optimal foetal growth, which can result in swelling, sleep disturbances, and breathlessness.
- Ensure you have all the necessities to pack your hospital bag.
- Apply for maternity and paternity leave.
- Attend childbirth classes regularly and clear your doubts.
- Review your birth plan and ask for other options.
- Discuss manual labour contractions.
- Ensure necessary nutrition and hydration.
- Monitor foetal movements and engage with your baby.
- Attend prenatal massage classes or seek help to treat back pain, muscle tightening and swelling.
Week 36 to 40
Entering week 36, mothers should be ready for emergencies at any time. The body and baby work for safe delivery, along with fine-tuning development. The baby’s head drops and settles into the pelvis for birth. This may put pressure on the bladder, leading to frequent urination.
- Keep your emergency contact list ready.
- Attend regular prenatal visits and report any concerns.
- Ensure you feel the foetal movement frequently.
- Finalise your birth plan with family and your pregnancy care provider.
- Pack your hospital bag and ensure transportation is ready.
- Understand how labour works and how each stage of labour feels.
- Immediately visit the hospital if contractions, water breaking, and vaginal bleeding occur.
During the first few weeks, follow what your doctor prescribes and be extra cautious, as chances of miscarriage are high during the first trimester. If pregnancy stresses you out, talk with your family members and go for counselling. It's expected to feel stress and anxiety at first due to the rapid changes in the body and changing hormones.
As weeks roll by, symptoms will start to settle, and you will feel the joy of nurturing a life inside your womb. Ensure you attend prenatal visits regularly and optimise your diet for healthy and balanced food intake. Long restful sleep and optimal Hydration can change the course of your pregnancy.
Whether you’re pregnant, a new mom, or navigating postpartum, you don’t have to do it alone. Join our support group to connect, share, and support one another.
FAQs on Pregnancy Checklist Week By Week: Easy To-Do List For Every Stage Of Pregnancy
- When do you start to feel pregnant?
You might not realise you are pregnant until 4 weeks. Around 4 to 6 weeks into pregnancy, symptoms such as morning sickness, dizziness, and nausea begin to appear. - Are your nipples sensitive in early pregnancy?
The increased release of hormones, particularly progesterone and estrogen, can cause your nipples to feel sore and sensitive. They are preparing your breasts for breastfeeding and to support a healthy milk supply.