Pregnancy is one of life’s most beautiful journeys, with each week bringing exciting new changes and challenges. In this week-by-week guide, we’ll explore what happens to your body, how your baby is developing, and the changes you can expect to experience. This guide will walk you through each week, ensuring you have the information you need to support your pregnancy and stay healthy.
In the first week of pregnancy, you're actually not pregnant yet! Pregnancy is calculated from the first day of your last menstrual period (LMP). This is the time your body is preparing for ovulation and conception. The uterine lining thickens, preparing for a fertilized egg, and this is an ideal time to focus on pre-pregnancy health.
Expert Tip:
"Starting folic acid supplements early is crucial for preventing neural tube defects in the baby. Ideally, women should begin taking 400 mcg of folic acid at least a month before conception." — Dr. Sarah Thompson, OB-GYN
During Week 2, your ovaries release an egg, marking ovulation, which is the critical time for conception.
In Week 3, if fertilization occurred, the fertilized egg is traveling down the fallopian tube and begins implantation in the uterine lining.
By Week 4, you’re likely to take a pregnancy test, as your body is now producing hCG, the hormone detected by pregnancy tests.
Nutrition Advice:“Start increasing your intake of foods rich in folate, iron, and calcium, like leafy greens, legumes, and dairy products, to support both your health and your baby’s development.”— Emily Hartley, Registered Dietitian
At Week 5, pregnancy symptoms may start to become more noticeable. Fatigue, nausea, and breast tenderness are common.
Expert Tip:
“For morning sickness, aim to eat bland, easy-to-digest foods like crackers or dry toast first thing in the morning. Avoiding spicy or greasy foods can also help minimize nausea." — Dr. Lisa Campbell, OB-GYN
Week 6 is a significant milestone—your baby’s heart begins to beat!
At Week 7, your baby’s brain cells are forming rapidly, laying the foundation for their future brain and nervous system.
Expert Tip:
"Omega-3 fatty acids play a critical role in fetal brain and eye development. Incorporating them into your diet through fish, chia seeds, or walnuts can significantly benefit your baby's growth." — Dr. Meredith Lane, Nutritionist
In Week 8, your baby’s arms and legs are starting to form.
Back Pain Management Advice:"As pregnancy progresses, lower back pain becomes common. Focus on strengthening your core and back muscles through low-impact exercises and consider using a pregnancy pillow for added support during sleep." — Dr. John Phillips, Physical Therapist
During Week 9, your baby’s facial features start to take shape.
By Week 10, your baby’s organs are rapidly forming and growing. You’re nearing the end of the first trimester, and your baby is developing vital systems that will support life outside the womb.
Expert Tip:
"Calcium is essential for bone development in both mother and baby. Incorporate foods like dairy, leafy greens, and fortified cereals into your diet to ensure adequate intake." — Dr. Jane Reynolds, OB-GYN
In Week 11, your baby is growing quickly, and their body is starting to straighten out as muscles and bones develop.
Morning Sickness Management:
"Ginger and vitamin B6 have been shown to help reduce nausea. Keep small snacks like crackers by your bed and eat a few before getting up in the morning to curb morning sickness." — Dr. Angela Roberts, OB-GYN
At Week 12, you’ve reached a significant milestone—the second trimester is around the corner! Many women start feeling better physically as nausea decreases, but emotional changes can surface.
Expert Tip:
"Mindfulness during pregnancy can help ease the emotional rollercoaster. Techniques like deep breathing or guided meditation can reduce anxiety and promote a sense of calm." — Dr. Lisa Hoffman, Psychologist
Using MamaZen: Mindpower Sessions® in MamaZen can help reduce stress and promote restful sleep. Start incorporating mindfulness practices now to create a peaceful mindset.
Week 13 marks the official start of your second trimester. This is often considered the most comfortable phase of pregnancy, but many emotional concerns surface.
As Week 14 rolls around, your baby is growing more active and starts making facial expressions as their facial muscles develop!
Using MamaZen: Whether it’s body image concerns, anxiety about motherhood, or fears surrounding labor, MamaZen’s Mindpower Sessions® can help you embrace the changes in your body and develop emotional strength.
At Week 15, your baby is becoming more aware of their surroundings, sensing light through your belly.
Expert Tip:
"At this stage, anemia is common due to increased blood volume. Include iron-rich foods like spinach, red meat, and beans in your diet, and discuss iron supplements with your healthcare provider if necessary." — Dr. Karen Stewart, OB-GYN
At Week 16, your baby’s head is more upright, thanks to a stronger neck, and movements may become more noticeable.
By Week 17, your baby’s skeleton is transforming from soft cartilage into bone, and the umbilical cord is growing stronger.
Back Pain Management Tip:
"To manage lower back pain, avoid heavy lifting, wear supportive shoes, and consider prenatal yoga to stretch and strengthen your core." — Dr. John Phillips, Physical Therapist
At Week 18, your baby’s ears are developed enough that they can hear sounds both from inside and outside the womb.
At Week 19, your baby is developing the senses they’ll use to explore the world, and a waxy coating called vernix caseosa is forming on the skin.
Congratulations! You’ve reached the halfway point at Week 20. Your baby is rapidly growing, and this week you may have an anatomy scan.
At Week 21, your baby is starting to practice important skills, like swallowing amniotic fluid, to prepare for digestion.
In Week 22, your baby’s senses are becoming sharper, and they’re starting to explore their surroundings in the womb by touching their face and body.
Expert Insight:
“Regular, gentle stretching can help alleviate lower back discomfort. Prenatal yoga is a great way to stay flexible and reduce pain.” — Dr. Jane Williams, Physical Therapist
By Week 23, your baby’s skin is starting to thicken and become more opaque. Your baby is growing stronger and preparing for a growth spurt.
Week 24 marks an important milestone in pregnancy, as your baby could survive outside the womb with medical support, although it's still early.
Using MamaZen: MamaZen’s guided relaxation sessions can help you stay mentally grounded during this time of rapid change. Use the stress-relief sessions to manage any anxieties as you approach your third trimester.
By Week 25, your baby’s reflexes, such as sucking and swallowing, are developing, and they are becoming more coordinated in their movements.
At Week 26, your baby’s eyes, which were previously sealed shut, are beginning to open, and they can start responding to light.
Expert Insight:
"Prenatal yoga is a fantastic way to ease discomfort and improve flexibility during pregnancy. It helps relieve back pain, improves circulation, and promotes relaxation." — Dr. Julia Martin, Prenatal Yoga Instructor
Welcome to the third trimester! At Week 27, your baby is continuing to grow and develop rapidly.
Using MamaZen: MamaZen’s Mindpower Sessions® can help you mentally prepare for labor by guiding you through relaxation techniques, reducing stress, and promoting mental clarity.
At Week 28, your baby is starting to experience REM sleep, the stage of sleep where dreaming occurs.
At Week 29, your baby’s muscles and lungs are maturing, preparing them for life outside the womb.
Week 30 marks a period of rapid brain development for your baby. Their brain is forming more connections, which will help them process information after birth.
At Week 31, your baby’s movements are becoming more noticeable as they gain strength. You might even see their kicks or rolls from the outside!
Using MamaZen: MamaZen’s Mindpower Sessions® can help you stay calm and mentally prepared for labor. These guided sessions focus on reducing fear and anxiety surrounding labor and delivery.
By Week 32, your baby may start to move into a head-down position, preparing for birth.
At Week 33, your baby’s immune system is developing, which will help them fight off infections after birth.
At Week 34, your baby’s senses are fully developed, and they can now hear, see, and feel the world around them more clearly.
At Week 35, your baby is continuing to gain weight and fill out, preparing for birth.
By Week 36, your baby is almost ready for birth! Their lungs are fully developed, and they are settling into a head-down position for delivery.
Using MamaZen: MamaZen’s labor-preparation sessions can help you visualize a positive birth experience and reduce fears about labor. Use sessions focused on mental clarity, anxiety relief, and confidence building to ease any worries.
At Week 37, your baby is considered full-term, meaning they are fully developed and ready for birth!
Using MamaZen: Use MamaZen’s relaxation sessions to stay calm and focused as you prepare for labor. Visualizing a smooth delivery can help reduce anxiety and keep you mentally strong.
At Week 38, your baby could arrive any day! While you wait, you may feel a mix of excitement, nervousness, and impatience.
Using MamaZen: MamaZen’s sessions designed for labor preparation can help you stay mentally prepared for labor. Practice positive affirmations and guided visualizations to stay focused and calm.
By Week 39, your baby is ready to make their entrance into the world.
Congratulations, you’ve made it to Week 40—your due date! Your baby may arrive any day now, so stay patient and focused on your mental and physical health.
Using MamaZen: In the final weeks, use MamaZen’s relaxation sessions to stay calm, patient, and focused as you await your baby’s arrival. Visualizing a positive, peaceful birth can help reduce anxiety and keep you mentally strong.
Pregnancy is a beautiful yet challenging journey, and these tools can help you navigate it with ease and confidence:
A: Yes, stress can affect both you and your baby. Practicing mindfulness and relaxation techniques can help manage stress levels. MamaZen’s guided Mindpower Sessions® are specifically designed for pregnancy, offering relaxation and stress-relief tools to help you stay calm and centered.
Expert Insight:
"Chronic stress can increase the risk of complications like preterm birth. Incorporating regular relaxation techniques, such as mindfulness or yoga, can significantly reduce this risk." — Dr. Rachel Morgan, OB-GYN
A: Sleep can become difficult as your pregnancy progresses. Using relaxation techniques before bed can help. MamaZen offers sleep-focused sessions that guide you into a calm and restful state, helping you fall asleep more easily.
Tip for Sleep Quality:
"Avoid heavy meals or caffeinated beverages in the evening, and establish a relaxing bedtime routine that includes light stretching or meditation to improve your sleep quality." — Dr. Helen Young, Sleep Specialist
A: It’s completely normal to feel nervous about labor. Preparing mentally through visualization and mindfulness can reduce anxiety. MamaZen offers labor-preparation sessions that help you feel more confident and in control.
As you approach the final weeks of pregnancy, it's important to reflect on the incredible journey you've taken. Every stage of your baby’s development and the changes you’ve experienced in your body are part of this transformative process.
Stay Connected with Your Support System:
Whether through family, friends, or a professional healthcare team, remember that you’re not alone in this journey. Having a strong support system will be crucial as you enter labor, delivery, and postpartum recovery.
Mind Your Mental Well-being:
Pregnancy can bring a mix of emotions—excitement, anxiety, and even fear. As you prepare to meet your baby, focus on maintaining your mental and emotional balance. MamaZen’s Mindpower Sessions® are here to support you, offering relaxation, stress management, and mindfulness exercises to keep you calm, confident, and empowered as you approach labor.
Embrace the Journey:
While every pregnancy is unique, it’s important to embrace the ups and downs. The final weeks can be physically and emotionally challenging, but they’re also filled with anticipation and excitement as you get closer to meeting your baby.
Looking Ahead:
Once your baby arrives, a new chapter begins—parenthood. Remember to prioritize your own well-being during this transition. Caring for your mental and physical health will help you be the best version of yourself for your new baby.
Congratulations on reaching this remarkable point in your pregnancy journey! No matter how close or far you are to your due date, trust that your body and mind are strong and prepared. The weeks and months ahead will be full of growth, challenges, and joy—embrace them with confidence, knowing that you are fully capable of navigating this beautiful new phase of life.
Irin Rubin is a motherhood expert and the co-founder of the app MamaZen. Her passion is helping parents and their kids to live a happy and mindful life.
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A MamaZen membership offers parents a comprehensive suite of resources designed to enhance emotional well-being and foster mindful parenting. Key features include:
Mindpower Sessions®: These audio sessions blend cognitive hypnotherapy, mindfulness, and meditation to help parents manage stress, reduce anxiety, and cultivate patience. Sessions are tailored to address specific parenting challenges, promoting lasting behavioral change.
Emergency Sessions: Quick, 5-7 minute sessions provide immediate support during challenging parenting moments, offering tools to regain composure and respond calmly.
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Structured Courses : Comprehensive courses addressing specific parenting topics, such as managing stress, overcoming anxiety, and breaking generational cycles. Each course comprises multiple sessions, allowing parents to delve deeply into each subject at their own pace.
These features collectively provide a holistic approach to parenting, equipping parents with practical tools to enhance their mental well-being and foster a positive family environment.
Each MamaZen course is tailored to address specific challenges in parenting, such as managing stress, building core parenting skills, and breaking generational cycles. If you’re unsure which course to start with, consider the areas where you feel you need the most support. You can also try other stand alone Mindpower Sessions® to get a feel for the course that best aligns with your goals.
Each session combines guided Mindpower Sessions® with practical, evidence-based techniques that you can apply in your daily life. Sessions vary by course but are designed to help you achieve meaningful change in areas like stress management, emotional resilience, and positive parenting practices. All sessions can be accessed at your own pace and are crafted to fit into even the busiest schedules.
MamaZen’s courses are designed to foster patience, resilience, and mindful communication, which directly benefit your relationship with your child. By reducing stress, building emotional awareness, and breaking unhelpful patterns, you’ll create a more positive, nurturing environment.
This approach helps you connect more deeply with your child, improve interactions, and cultivate a supportive family atmosphere.
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