Week-by-week

Forty small chapters of growing.

What's happening with you and baby, gently described. We've highlighted the milestone weeks — your midwife will fill in the rest.

scroll, save, share — your story

All trimesters First (1–12) Second (13–27) Third (28–40)

first trimester
The quiet beginning

4

Just-positive

Your test is positive. Baby is the size of a poppy seed and busy implanting.

poppy seed
6

The first flicker

A heartbeat is there, even if you can't hear it yet. You may feel queasy and tired — both are normal and pass.

sweet pea
8

First booking

A good time to book your first visit with us. We'll confirm dates, take history, and start your file.

raspberry
10

Tiny limbs

Fingers and toes are formed. You may notice food smells more sharply than ever.

strawberry
12

The first scan

Dating scan and combined screening, if you choose it. Many people share their news around now.

lime

second trimester
Energy returns, baby grows

14

Steadier days

Most of the early nausea fades. Energy comes back. A good time to start gentle exercise.

peach
16

First flutters

You may feel butterflies — baby's first movements. Like tiny popcorn, or a fish doing a turn.

avocado
20

Anatomy scan

The big mid-pregnancy scan — every limb measured, every chamber of the heart looked at.

banana
24

Halfway home

Baby's hearing is on. Talk, sing, play music — they're listening.

sweetcorn
26

Glucose check

We'll do a routine glucose test. Eyes are starting to open and close.

lettuce

third trimester
The home stretch

28

Kick counts begin

Now's the time to start tracking baby's daily movements. Our kick counter can help.

aubergine
30

Birth-prep classes

Time to think about your birth plan and pack a small bag. Antenatal classes are most useful around now.

cabbage
32

Position matters

Baby is starting to think about head-down. We'll be feeling and noting position at every visit.

squash
34

Practice contractions

Braxton-Hicks (practice tightenings) become more noticeable. Painful or regular ones — call us.

honeydew melon
36

Full-term in sight

Baby is filling out. From 37 weeks they're considered full term. We'll see you weekly from here.

romaine lettuce
38

Almost there

You may notice a "show", looser stools, or the urge to nest. All normal harbingers.

leek
40

Due date — or thereabouts

Most babies arrive within two weeks either side. We'll talk about gentle induction options if needed.

small pumpkin
a friendly nudge

This guide is general — every pregnancy is its own. The most accurate, personal information about your pregnancy will always come from your midwife at your visits. Save your questions, no matter how small. We love them.