Pregnancy week by week
Follow your pregnancy week by week from week 1 to week 44 and get a safe overview of what typically happens in your body throughout your pregnancy.
Get an overview from week 1 to week 43 of your pregnancy
Pregnancy is measured in weeks, but is rarely experienced linearly. Some weeks go by slowly, others almost disappear, and along the way, your body, thoughts, and everyday life change significantly. Even before you are technically pregnant, your body begins to prepare – and right up until the last weeks, it works purposefully to get ready for birth.
Here you will get a comprehensive overview of pregnancy week by week. The article gives you insight into what typically happens in the body during the different weeks, and how pregnancy is often experienced. Each week links to a more in-depth article if you want to read more in depth.
Pregnant week 1 – the body prepares
Pregnancy is counted from the first day of your last period, which means that week 1 is technically before fertilization. Your body is getting ready for a new cycle, and your hormones are working to mature an egg. Even if you're not pregnant yet, this week is an important part of your pregnancy calculation.
For many, week 1 feels like a completely normal menstrual week, with no special signs of what is to come later. Read pregnant week 1 here
Pregnant week 2 – ovulation approaching
In week 2, ovulation approaches and the body is in its most fertile phase. The lining of the uterus builds up and a mature egg is released from the ovary. If sperm are present, fertilization can occur.
Although the pregnancy cannot yet be measured or felt, it is this week that the foundation of the pregnancy is laid.
Read pregnant week 2 here
Pregnant week 3 – fertilization and implantation
In week 3, fertilization occurs when the egg and sperm meet. The fertilized egg moves towards the uterus and begins to divide. Towards the end of the week, it attaches to the uterine lining and the body slowly begins to produce the pregnancy hormone hCG.
Most people still don't feel anything this week.
Read week 3 here
Pregnant week 4 – the first hormonal changes
In week 4, hCG levels begin to rise, and in some cases pregnancy can be detected with a pregnancy test. For many, this is the week when menstruation fails and pregnancy is suspected.
Some experience early symptoms such as fatigue, sore breasts or mild nausea, while others don't feel anything yet.
Read about week 4 here
Pregnant week 5 – the first signs of pregnancy
In week 5, pregnancy really begins to make itself felt for many. Fatigue may be pronounced, and nausea, food cravings and a changed sense of smell may occur. The body uses a lot of energy to support early development, even though the pregnancy is still invisible from the outside.
For many, it is also this week that pregnancy feels more real mentally.
Read more about week 5 here .
Pregnant week 6 – symptoms may increase
During the 6th week of pregnancy, many people experience an increase in symptoms. Nausea may be more severe, appetite changes, and mood swings are common. Hormones affect both body and mind, and the need for rest may be great.
Although it may feel overwhelming, for most people it is a sign that the body is working as it should.
Read more about week 6 here
Pregnant week 7 – the pregnancy is clearly noticeable
Week 7 is marked by significant fatigue and a lower energy level for many. The body prioritizes pregnancy, and it may be necessary to adjust everyday life. At the same time, pregnancy often begins to take on more mental toll.
It is completely normal to experience both joy and worry during this phase.
Read more about pregnancy week 7 here
Pregnant week 8 – hormonal influences peak
In week 8, the hormonal impact is often strong. Nausea and vomiting can be most pronounced here, and many feel physically limited. The body works intensely, and even small tasks can feel overwhelming.
For most people, it is a phase that requires patience and self-care.
Read more about week 8 here
Pregnant week 9 – continued adaptation
Week 9 reminds many of week 8, where symptoms are still prevalent. However, some are slowly starting to notice small improvements. Pregnancy is still in its early stages, and it is normal to be extra aware of your body's signals.
Read more about week 9 here
Pregnant week 10 – a mental milestone
In the 10th week of pregnancy, the risk of miscarriage gradually begins to decrease. For some, this gives them greater peace of mind, although symptoms may still be present. The body has adapted to the pregnancy, but energy has not necessarily returned yet.
Read more about week 10 here
Pregnant week 11 – more stability
By week 11, many people experience a gradual decrease in nausea and a stabilization of energy levels. The stomach may begin to change slightly, although this is often still subtle.
Read more about week 11 here
Pregnant week 12 – first trimester ends
Week 12 marks the end of the first trimester. For many, this is when pregnancy is shared with the outside world. The body often feels more stable and everyday life begins to find a new rhythm.
Read more about week 12 here
Pregnant weeks 13–19 – second trimester takes shape
These weeks are often experienced as more manageable. Energy returns, and many feel more like themselves again. The belly gradually grows, and the contact with pregnancy becomes more physical.
Read more about pregnancy week 13 here
Read more about pregnancy week 14 here
Read more about pregnancy week 15 here
Read more about pregnancy week 16 here
Read more about pregnancy week 17 here
Read more about pregnancy week 18 here
Read more about pregnancy week 19 here
Pregnant week 20 – halfway through pregnancy
In week 20 of pregnancy, you are halfway there. Many people now feel clear movements from the baby, and the pregnancy feels more concrete. The body is still working hard, but for many this is a period of increased well-being.
Read more about pregnancy week 20 here
Pregnant weeks 21–29 – the baby grows, the body adapts
During these weeks, the baby is growing rapidly, and the body has to adapt to the increasing weight and strain. Some experience discomfort such as back pain or heartburn, while others continue to feel fine.
Read more about pregnancy week 21 here
Read more about pregnancy week 22 here
Read more about pregnancy week 23 here
Read more about pregnancy week 24 here
Read more about pregnancy week 25 here
Read more about pregnancy week 26 here
Read more about pregnancy week 27 here
Read more about pregnancy week 28 here
Read more about pregnancy week 29 here
Pregnant week 30 – the pregnancy takes up more space
In week 30, pregnancy begins to really take its toll physically. The stomach is heavier, and sleep can become more challenging. At the same time, many people begin to mentally prepare for the birth.
Read more about pregnancy week 30 here
Pregnant week 31-32 – the body is getting ready
Week 32 is often marked by fatigue and labor pains. The body is getting used to it, and many feel that the pace has to be slowed down. Thoughts often revolve around the birth and the time ahead.
Read more about pregnancy week 31 here
Read more about pregnancy week 32 here
Pregnant weeks 33–35 – waiting time and expectations
During these weeks, the baby is almost fully developed and the body is working on the final preparations. The wait can feel long, and impatience is completely normal.
Read more about pregnancy week 33 here
Read more about pregnancy week 34 here
Read more about pregnancy week 35 here
Pregnant week 36 – close to term
At week 36, birth is not far away. The body sends clear signals, and many feel increased pressure or more contractions. The focus is often on being ready.
Read more about pregnancy week 36 here
Pregnant week 37–39 – ready, but waiting
The baby is considered full-term and labor can begin at any time. The waiting period can be emotionally intense, and the need for calm and support is great.
Read more about pregnancy week 37 here
Read more about pregnancy week 38 here
Read more about pregnancy week 39 here
Pregnant week 40 – term
Week 40 is the due date. Some have already given birth, others are still waiting. The body is ready, but it is the baby who determines the timing.
Read more about pregnancy week 40 here
Pregnant week 41 – past term
At week 41, the pregnancy has passed its term. Many experience impatience, but this is still normal. There will often be close follow-up from the healthcare system.
Read more about pregnancy week 41 here
Pregnant week 42-43 – when the wait is long
Weeks 42-44 are rare, but can occur. Here there is always close medical follow-up with a focus on the well-being of both the child and the pregnant woman.
Read more about pregnancy week 42 here
Read more about pregnancy week 43 here
When pregnancy doesn't follow a set plan
Pregnancies develop differently. Some feel a lot, others less. Some give birth before term, others later. If you experience concerns, symptoms that change significantly, or need professional assessment, you should always contact your doctor or midwife.
Sources: Sundhed.dk, Mayo Clinic, NHS, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)
