Pregnancy is such an exciting time for growing families.
It can all feel like such a blur from the moment those two lines appear on your test; what you need to do to prepare your home, your schedule, and your body.
You read all the baby books inside out and jump on the prenatal vitamins.
You’re doing it all right, and yet, no one prepares you for the changes that your body goes through along your pregnancy journey.
Many women feel as though their body is going through some pretty wild changes.
You likely have questions along the lines of; should my stomach look this way, and is this what I’m supposed to be feeling?
All of these changes and questions make you run to google and start frantically searching to see if what you’re going through is “normal.”
Don’t worry, future mama, we have you covered!
Week 1 Pregnancy Symptoms
Usually, this stage of pregnancy happens before expecting parents know that they are pregnant.
Conception can be tough to pinpoint, so most doctors count the first day of your last period as when your pregnancy began.
You’re probably still expecting your period to come in a few weeks or days, and you may not even be technically pregnant yet.
Once you’re on your period or take a test, you’ll know for sure.
Once you get your positive test (likely around week 4 of being pregnant), you should set up an appointment to see your doctor.
Your OB will give you an accurate estimate of how far along you are once you have an ultrasound.
Notable Symptoms
- Vaginal bleeding
- Lower back pain/cramps
- Bloating
- Mood swings
- Headache
Belly Changes
If you’re truly one week pregnant, you’re not really pregnant yet at all.
Your body is releasing last month’s uterine lining and starting to form a new one, and with a bit of luck, that lining will hold an egg soon.
The first sign of pregnancy won’t occur right away, and it takes several weeks before many women notice any signs their pregnant at all.
You’re more likely to see breast soreness, nausea, fatigue, and frequent urination before noticing any changes in your belly.
Week 2 Pregnancy Symptoms
Again, week two of being pregnant more than likely means you’re not pregnant at all if we’re using the Gynecologist timing of events.
You’re probably done your last period and are approaching your ovulation stage.
If you’re about to ovulate and are trying to conceive, there are some things to look out for.
Notable Symptoms
- “Egg white” texture of the cervical mucus.
- Increased capacity to smell
- Breast tenderness
- Pelvic Ache
- Light spotting
- Increased sex drive
- Cervical changes
Belly Changes
If you do conceive during week two, symptoms won’t appear right away.
Some women begin to sense that something is different in their bodies, but many don’t notice any changes at all for the first few weeks.
Some early pregnancy signs could be dizziness, acne, or even nosebleeds.
Week 3 Pregnancy Symptoms
Last week, if you were lucky, sperm met egg, and the two mixed to create a baby. When this milestone rolls around, many women still don’t know they’re pregnant.
Pregnancy symptoms aren’t happening yet, or if they are, they’re not very noticeable.
Pregnancy moves quickly and is constantly changing, so if you notice that you’re more nauseous or your breasts are sore, just know that it’s part of the process.
Early pregnancy symptoms are caused by pregnancy hormones, and you’re just starting to accumulate those in your system.
There are a few signs to watch out for as you approach your next possible menstrual cycle.
Notable Symptoms
- Implantation bleeding
- Nausea
- Breast Changes
- Missed period
- Positive home pregnancy test
Belly Changes
You may start to notice some changes in your body, but you won’t see your belly start making an appearance until closer to the end of your first trimester.
Women are only recommended to gain about five pounds during their first trimester so make sure you continue to eat a healthy diet, stay hydrated, and start taking a prenatal vitamin.
You might notice some light bloating around this point but nothing out of the ordinary.
Week 4 Pregnancy Symptoms
Oh, Mama! This is such an exciting stage. Even though you’re not likely to notice any outward changes, you’ll likely feel a lot of changes going on inside your body.
This is usually the first week you know you’re pregnant.
Still, even at four weeks, your baby is way too tiny to start noticing any changes from the outside quite yet.
Week 1, the week you find out you’re really pregnant, you might feel nothing at all, or you might be experiencing some early changes to your body.
This can typically be the week of morning sickness and nausea despite your dewy appearance from the lovely surge of hormones you get from your growing baby.
Notable Symptoms
- Mild cramping
- Spotting
- Mood swings
- Morning sickness
- Fatigue
- Sore breasts
Belly Changes
You’ll likely just feel a little bloated around this time, and that’s about it!
Week 5 Pregnancy Symptoms
This is when you’re likely going to start feeling more of those lovely pregnancy changes happening internally.
These changes are just the beginning of a whole slew of changes you’re going to be going and growing through.
Plenty of moms find that the first trimester is the toughest, so just know that these symptoms probably aren’t going to stick around for most of your pregnancy.
Think of it as getting the most unpleasant parts over in the beginning so you can relax and focus on growing your baby once the first few weeks are over.
Notable Symptoms
- Sore breasts
- Morning sickness
- Fatigue
- Frequent urination
- Cramps
- Spotting
Belly Changes
- Bloating or slight swelling of the abdomen.
Week 6 Pregnancy Symptoms
Your baby is finally starting to measure by this week and is roughly the size of a sweet pea.
Though, even though the baby is finally growing, you still might not feel like you’re showing.
By this point, you’ll likely be super emotional due to all of the pregnancy hormones. Your brain is likely to over-drive, and your emotions are all over the place.
It’s normal to feel grouchy, uncomfortable, and even downright miserable.
Notable Symptoms
- Gas and bloating
- Mood swings
- Cramping and Spotting
Belly Changes
You’re probably the only person noticing your belly. You might feel bloated or slightly larger than normal, and your pants might start feeling tight.
Comfort is king right now, and although you might not appear pregnant, you might start feeling it.
Week 7 Pregnancy Symptoms
Pregnancy at this stage can cause a whole range of symptoms, but you’re likely still the only one who knows that you’re pregnant (excluding all the people you’ve obviously told).
The baby is the size of a blueberry and is growing slowly and steadily.
You might feel like you’re hiding a big secret from your colleges and coworkers, which is sort of exciting, isn’t it?
Notable Symptoms
- Nausea
- Food cravings/aversions
- Frequent urination
- Cramping
Belly Changes
Your belly might feel as though it’s growing, but it’s likely you’re still not showing.
Sticking out your belly to get a preview of what’s to come is something almost all expecting mothers do around this time, but it’s still mostly bloating for everyone- even women pregnant with twins.
Week 8 Pregnancy Symptoms
At the eight-week mark, you might be feeling entirely done with all these pregnancy symptoms.
The baby is about the size of a raspberry now, and during your prenatal appointment, you may even be able to hear your baby’s heartbeat- how incredible!
You’re likely feeling drained now from the constant peeing, constant stomach discomfort, and constant nausea.
But don’t worry, whatever you’re experiencing isn’t likely to last with changes just around the corner.
Notable Changes
- Sore breasts
- Fatigue
- Heightened sense of smell
- Constipation
- Weird Dreams
- Spotting
Belly Changes
Some moms-to-be may be showing around the 8-week mark, while others may still not be showing yet. Every pregnancy is different.
Just know that inside, your uterus is growing and expanding for the baby, but it may take some longer to show than others.
If you’re pregnant with twins, you might be starting to show at this point.
Week 9 Pregnancy Symptoms
Pregnancy symptoms around this time are at an all-time high thanks to the surge of hCG in your system from your developing baby.
It’s normal that all of your symptoms will be at their peak level this week.
If you haven’t had many symptoms, this week might ratchet up the dial for you and if you’ve been having symptoms since week 1, just know that relief will be coming soon.
The baby is the size of a cherry and is measuring a mere inch.
Pregnancy itself might be starting to sink in, and you might start figuring out baby logistics between work, health insurance, and all those other fun things expecting parents need to navigate.
Notable Changes
- Morning sickness
- Headaches
- Nasal congestion
Belly Changes
At this stage, most expecting mothers find it hard to fit into their jeans, and you may even be showing a bit at this stage.
Your growing baby has doubled in size since it first began measuring, and your uterus has expanded to accommodate him/her!
It’s recommended to start gaining a bit of weight to support your energy and provide extra nutrients to the baby, but some moms-to-be lose weight because of their morning sickness or food aversions.
Start keeping track of your weight and let your OB know of any concerns.
Week 10 Pregnancy Symptoms
Welcome to Bump City! By this time, you’ve probably moved from hardly showing to definitely showing.
The baby had moved from the embryo stage to being a fetus and is the size of a strawberry! Most moms are feeling tired and pregnant at this stage.
There is no question whether or not they really have a baby growing in there and they are feeling drained of energy from giving all their nutrients to the growing fetus.
Sometimes, you will feel magical, and other times you will feel ‘blah.’ Both are okay and totally normal for expecting mothers around this time.
Notable Symptoms
- Mood swings
- Growing breasts
- Ligament pain in your abdomen
- Visible veins
- Increased vaginal discharge
Belly Changes
At this stage, you’re just starting to show. While you may feel entirely pregnant, many people still may not know.
Your belly will have started to curve outwards more, which means elastic waistbands could be in your future.
You’ll likely have gained a few pounds at this point which is healthy for both mom and baby.
You might be searching for a flutter or kick from the baby but probably won’t feel anything until you’ve reached the second trimester.
You can, however, enjoy watching baby kick during your ultrasound!
Week 11 Pregnancy Symptoms
You’re almost to your second trimester, mama!
This is great news because soon, you’ll be feeling more energized and can take some time to get back into a routine of some sort – one that doesn’t involve your head in a toilet.
It may be hard to feel calm and centered because your body is still going haywire, and you’re still battling a host of unglamorous symptoms brought on by your unrelenting hormones, but you’re almost through!
Hang in there, plan a little babymoon for yourself and your partner to find some time to relax once the worst of your symptoms are over.
Notable Symptoms
- Extra Fatigue
- Gas
- Nausea
- Leg Cramps
- Skin darkening
- Vaginal discharge
Belly Changes
Gas, bloating, or baby bump feels like a roulette guessing game for you. For first-time moms, you might not be really showing yet, but every pregnant woman is different.
While your belly might have remained the same size over the past two weeks, you will definitely notice that your jeans are tighter, and you may not be able to zip up your favorite pair.
While your tummy might not be fully rounded out, you may be surprised to notice your breasts have drastically increased in size, and it might be worth it to invest in a comfier, larger bra.
Week 12 Pregnancy Symptoms
By the time week 12 rolls around, things are changing fast! The baby is the size of a plum, and most of its internal organs have been developed.
Since you’re close to the end of your first trimester, things are likely going to start quieting down on the hormone front, and you’ll feel yourself find a bit more of a level head.
One day you might be exhausted, while the next day, you find that you’re full of energy- take this as a sign that things are going well and you’re exactly where you should be!
Get plenty of fluids and healthy snacks so that you can keep your energy up when the mood to eat finally strikes.
Notable Symptoms
- Increased discharge
- Spotting
- Headaches
- Dizziness
Belly Changes
Your stomach is probably feeling tight, like a rubber band being stretched.
Your pregnant belly is definitely going to start being more noticeable now as your uterus rounds out and your belly starts to become more circular.
This is the stage a lot of expecting parents begin sharing their pregnancy news with others because the pregnant belly is easier to spot.
Note: the chance of a miscarriage drops significantly by the time this milestone is reached.
In Conclusion
So, mama, that’s your whole first trimester in a nutshell!
Your body will likely go through some bizarre changes during pregnancy, but you’re not alone.
Most women experience some pretty far-out things as they are growing a baby.
Suppose you’re ever feeling unsure or uncertain about where you all on the pregnancy scales; always reach out to your doctor with questions or for support.
Pregnancy is different for every person, and even the same woman getting pregnant will likely have vastly different experiences from pregnancy to pregnancy.
Learn to listen to your body and take care of it from week one and beyond.