What happens during pregnancy
An overview of the three trimesters and how your body and your baby change through each one.
- Pregnancy is counted from the first day of your last period and lasts about 40 weeks
- Organs form in the first trimester, so early care matters
- Most women first feel movements between 18 and 24 weeks
- Birth any time from 37 to 42 weeks is normal
Pregnancy usually lasts about 40 weeks, counted from the first day of your last period. It is divided into three trimesters.
The first trimester (up to 13 weeks) is when the baby's organs form. You may feel very tired, nauseous and emotional, even though your body does not look pregnant yet. This is the time to book your first antenatal visit.
The second trimester (14 to 27 weeks) is often the most comfortable. Nausea usually settles, your bump shows, and you start to feel movements — usually between 18 and 24 weeks in a first pregnancy. A detailed scan is normally done between 18 and 22 weeks.
The third trimester (28 weeks to birth) is when the baby gains most of its weight. You may have heartburn, backache, swollen feet and trouble sleeping. Visits become more frequent, and you count your baby's movements every day.
Your due date is an estimate. Most babies arrive between 37 and 42 weeks.
This information is general health education and does not replace advice from your nurse, midwife or doctor. In an emergency go to your nearest facility.