Big Changes Are Coming
Pregnancy is an exciting time — it‘s crazy to think that your baby starts out the size of a poppy seed and grows into a person! “You and your baby are both about to go through a lot of changes,” says Veronica Hendrix, LVN, IBCLC, Nurse and Lactation Consultant at Texas WIC. “This timeline helps you know what to expect during each part of pregnancy.”
1st Trimester
Weeks 1-4
Your baby:
- Your baby is about the size of a poppy seed.
- His heart and brain are starting to grow.
Your body:
- You might feel tired or sick to your stomach.
- Your breasts may be feeling tender or heavy.
- Don’t be afraid to rest when needed. Your body is working hard to grow a person.
Weeks 5-8
Your baby:
- At 6 weeks, your baby is the size of a grain of rice.
- Your baby’s eyes, nose and lips are starting to form.
- Lungs and kidneys are also starting to grow.
Your body:
- You might need to go to the bathroom more than usual.
- Some things might smell or taste different.
- Your nipples may get darker.
Weeks 9-12
Your baby:
- At 10 weeks, your baby is about the size of a grape.
- Your baby’s fingernails and toenails are growing.
- Your baby can make a fist and move his legs.
Your body:
- You may be constipated. Try to drink more water.
- You might start feeling extra hungry. Keep some healthy snacks nearby.
- Small bumps called Montgomery glands might appear around your nipples. This is normal.
2nd Trimester
Weeks 13-17
Your baby:
- At 15 weeks, your baby is about the size of an apple.
- You can hear baby’s heartbeat with a stethoscope!
- Your baby is starting to hear sounds.
Your body:
- During the second trimester, nausea should improve, but you might have some indigestion.
- You might begin to feel your baby moving or fluttering.
- Your breasts begin to produce colostrum — the first milk for baby.
Weeks 18 – 22
Your baby:
- At 18 weeks, your baby is the size of a sweet potato.
- Your baby’s eyebrows and eyelashes appear.
- Your baby might suck his thumb.
Your body:
- It’s common to have leg cramps and backaches. This is a great time to ask for a massage.
- You will begin feeling your baby move more. Your partner may also be able to feel the baby move. And this is amazing for everyone.
- You may need to change bra size or wear maternity bras.
Weeks 23-27
Your baby:
- At 23 weeks, your baby is the size of an eggplant.
- You probably know the gender of your baby, if you chose to find out.
- Your baby can open his eyes and see light.
Your body:
- You may be hungrier than normal and eating more often.
- You may have back pain or swelling in your ankles and feet. Take it easy and rest if needed.
3rd Trimester
Weeks 28-31
Your baby:
- At 28 weeks, your baby is the size of a head of iceberg lettuce.
- His bones are fully developed this month.
- Your baby knows the sound of your voice. Talk, sing and play music for him!
- He can also taste some flavors from foods you eat, so try to eat healthy.
Your body:
- During the third trimester, it is not unusual for your breasts to leak milk.
- You might have mild contractions, called Braxton Hicks. Call your doctor if you are having more than five contractions in one hour.
Weeks 32-35
Your baby:
- At 33 weeks, your baby is the size of a pineapple.
- Your baby can blink. He closes his eyes during sleep and opens them while awake.
- His brain and lungs are still developing.
Your body:
- You might be feeling more back pain.
- You may have constipation and need to pee more often. Yes, that means even more trips to the bathroom.
- You might get short of breath and have trouble sleeping. Try to sleep on your side with pillows for support.
Weeks 36-40
Your baby:
- Your baby is about to make his entrance into the world!
- During this last month, his body and organs will grow a lot.
- It is best to wait until at least 39 weeks to have your baby unless your doctor says you need to deliver sooner for medical reasons.
Your body:
- Your belly will get lower as baby gets into the birth position. Talk to your doctor about signs of labor.
- The colostrum in your breasts will turn into mature breastmilk 2-3 days after baby is born.
“Even though it seems like a small amount in the first days, your colostrum is all your baby needs. Remember, your baby’s tummy is just the size of a marble when he is first born!” says to Kristina Arrieta, IBCLC, Lactation Consultant at Texas WIC.
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