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Pregnancy Symptoms Week by Week

A comprehensive timeline of what symptoms to expect at each stage of pregnancy, from the very first weeks through delivery.

Ashok Kumar Poudel
Written by
Ashok Kumar Poudel
Health & Wellness Writer
Dr. Bina Basnet
Medically reviewed by
MBBS, MD — Gynecologist & Obstetrician
Last reviewed:
Feb 2026

Weeks 1–4

First Trimester
  • Missed period
  • Light implantation spotting (weeks 3–4)
  • Breast tenderness and fullness
  • Mild fatigue
  • Slight nausea (may begin)
  • Frequent urination begins
  • Basal body temperature remains elevated

Weeks 5–8

First Trimester
  • Nausea and vomiting (morning sickness peaks)
  • Strong food aversions and smell sensitivity
  • Extreme fatigue
  • Breast enlargement and darkening areolas
  • Mood swings
  • Bloating and mild cramping
  • Increased saliva (ptyalism)

Weeks 9–13

First Trimester
  • Nausea beginning to ease (for most)
  • Visible abdominal bloating
  • Decreased urgency to urinate as uterus rises
  • Skin changes (acne, glow, or darkening)
  • Constipation
  • Heartburn beginning
  • Emotional sensitivity

Weeks 14–20

Second Trimester
  • Energy levels improve significantly
  • Baby bump becomes visible
  • First fetal movements (quickening) at 16–22 weeks
  • Round ligament pain (sharp side pain when moving)
  • Nasal congestion and nosebleeds
  • Skin darkening (linea nigra, melasma)
  • Leg cramps begin

Weeks 21–27

Second Trimester
  • Active fetal movement felt regularly
  • Backache and pelvic pressure
  • Braxton Hicks contractions (practice contractions)
  • Swollen ankles and feet
  • Heartburn and indigestion worsen
  • Stretch marks may appear
  • Difficulty sleeping begins

Weeks 28–35

Third Trimester
  • Shortness of breath as baby pushes up
  • Frequent urination returns
  • Braxton Hicks more noticeable
  • Pelvic girdle pain
  • Colostrum may leak from breasts
  • Baby kicks are strong and regular
  • Difficulty finding comfortable sleeping position

Weeks 36–40+

Third Trimester
  • Lightening (baby drops into pelvis)
  • Increased pressure in pelvis
  • Nesting instinct surge
  • Braxton Hicks become more frequent
  • Mucus plug may be lost
  • Cervical changes (effacement and dilation)
  • Signs of labor: regular contractions, water breaking

⚠️ Warning Signs — When to Call Your Doctor

The following symptoms require immediate medical attention at any stage of pregnancy:

  • Heavy vaginal bleeding
  • Severe abdominal pain or cramping
  • Vision changes or seeing spots
  • Severe headache that doesn't improve
  • Rapid swelling of face, hands, or feet
  • Decreased or absent fetal movement (after 28 weeks)
  • Signs of preterm labor before 37 weeks
  • Fever over 38°C (100.4°F)

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions answered by our medical team

The earliest symptoms often begin 1–2 weeks after conception (weeks 3–4 of gestational age). These include light spotting (implantation bleeding), fatigue, breast tenderness, and a missed period. Most women notice clear symptoms by weeks 5–6.
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