Your pregnancy week by week
Want to know what's happening to you and your bump while it's growing inside you?
Check its progress with our week-by-week pregnancy guide...
Weeks 1-4
You: Blissfully unaware of what's about to happen, you get your period. Midway through your cycle, you release an egg and it starts its journey down the fallopian tube.
Your bump: Egg meets sperm, egg gets fertilised, and boom! The sex of your baby is already determined.
The fertilised egg carries on towards the womb, its cells dividing all the time. Once it implants itself in the wall of your uterus, you've done it - you're pregnant!
Top tip: If you're not doing so already, start taking a daily pregnancy vitamin and mineral supplement with folic acid - there's a selection of brands at all good chemists.
Weeks 5-8
You: Around now you'll probably pee on a stick and get the shock of your life! Whether you've been trying for ages or your pregnancy is a complete surprise, suddenly it's real and that can be a lot to take in. You might be feeling pretty sick right now, too, as all those hormones are going crazy, so try to take it easy.
Your bump: By week 8, your baby will be the size of a grape, with buds appearing that show the beginnings of arms, fingers, legs and toes.
Top tip: Contact your community midwife (ask at your GP's surgery) and book in your first antenatal appointment.
Weeks 9-12
You: You might be trying to keep your pregnancy under wraps until you hit the 12-week mark. It can be really difficult to keep such big news a secret, but if that's your decision enjoy the excitement and this special time along with your partner.
Your bump: Your baby's bones are forming, her facial features will appear and she's growing really fast. By 12 weeks, all her major organs and structures will be fully formed, and she's around the size of a large strawberry already!
Top tip: Feeling tired? Switch from white, refined foods to wholewheat bread and pasta, and brown rice, as these help to balance blood-sugar levels, which should help to relieve your fatigue.
- Read what happens in the second trimester
More help and advice
- Three reasons why you're not having sex
- What to eat during your pregnancy
- Foods to avoid
By Vicky Woollaston
24 days
Ali
hi, im worried as last month i had a little bit of bleeding for two days and ive not come on this month,i feel really tied and sick,iv done a test but it came back negative. please can you help me x
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