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Pregnancy timeline

During pregnancy your body will go through a tremendous set of changes to help your baby grow inside you. Use this pregnancy timeline to find out how your body will change and how your baby will grow, as well as what you should be doing when.

Remember, though, that all pregnancies are different so you may find that your experience isn't exactly the same as described here. Talk about the differences in the General Pregnancy discussion forum.

Pregnancy timeline 0-4 weeks	Click here for more detailed information See how your baby grows Week 4	If necessary do a pregnancy test Start/continue taking Folic Acid Discuss any prescription drugs with your doctor Stop smoking Stop or cut down on alcohol Avoid recreational drugs and drugs bought over the counter
Pregnancy timeline 5-8 weeks	Click here for more detailed information See how your baby grows Week 5 Week 6 Week 7 Week 8	Visit midwife or doctor to discuss care during pregnancy Arrange for any special tests you would like to have Planning a holiday? Check if vaccinations are needed as some cannot be given during pregnancy Consider safety at work issues Make an appointment with your dentist
Pregnancy timeline 9-12 weeks	Click here for more detailed information See how your baby grows Week 9 Week 10 Week 11 Week 12	Book antenatal classes May have dating ultrasound scan Start pregnancy exercises and/or consider modifying existing exercise programme Some tests such as nuchal fold and chorionic villus sampling can be done now
Pregnancy timeline 13-16 weeks	Click here for more detailed information See how your baby grows Week 13 Week 14 Week 15 Week 16	Stop taking Folic Acid now unless your doctor advises otherwise Blood tests may be done now Amniocentesis is usually done week 16-18 Find out about maternity rights and benefits
Pregnancy timeline 17-20 weeks	Click here for more detailed information See how your baby grows Week 17 Week 18 Week 19 Week 20	Buy maternity clothes if needed May have anomaly ultrasound scan
Pregnancy timeline 21-24 weeks	Click here for more detailed information See how your baby grows Week 21 Week 22 Week 23 Week 24	Think about where your baby will sleep and start making preparations. Collect MatB1 form from your midwife Notify employer in writing about your pregnancy Arrange to hire birthing pool now if you want a water birth Check out childcare options if returning to work
Pregnancy timeline 25-28 weeks	Click here for more detailed information See how your baby grows Week 25 Week 26 Week 27 Week 28	Antenatal classes usually start now May have blood test for anaemia and blood group antibodies Start buying baby equipment It may help to start buying baby clothes, toiletries and nappies now to spread the cost Week 27 last week to travel by air without note from doctor
Pregnancy timeline 29-32 weeks	Click here for more detailed information See how your baby grows Week 29 Week 30 Week 31 Week 32	If you are working, week 27 is the earliest you can start maternity leave Book TENS machine if necessary If having your baby in hospital start planning what to pack for your labour and stay in hospital Start thinking about who your birth partner will be
Pregnancy timeline 33-36 weeks	Click here for more detailed information See how your baby grows Week 33 Week 34 Week 35 Week 36	Make sure you have basic baby things ready to hand Buy nursing bra Start writing birth plan If possible stock up on food and household shopping Plan who will be around to help you at home in the early weeks with your baby If having your baby in hospital, visit to see the labour and postnatal wards
Pregnancy timeline 37-40 weeks	Click here for more detailed information See how your baby grows Week 37 Week 38 Week 39 Week 40	Cannot travel by air after 36 weeks Discuss your birth plan with your birth partner and midwife Make list of phone numbers Find quickest route to hospital Make sure you can contact your partner easily

Reviewed by babyworld midwife Hannah Hulme Hunter

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