Pregnancy Symptoms by Week

So, you think you might be pregnant—or maybe you just found out and you’re wondering what comes next. It’s exciting, a little nerve-wracking, and let’s be real—your body’s about to go on quite the rollercoaster. You’re probably Googling every little twinge, craving, or wave of nausea. Sound familiar? Don’t worry—you’re not alone, and you’re in the right place. In this guide, we’ll walk you through pregnancy symptoms week by week, break down what’s normal, and help you understand what’s happening in your body from Week 1 to Week 40.

Let’s dive into this pregnancy symptoms timeline together and decode the subtle signs—from those very early signs of pregnancy at 1 week to the more obvious third-trimester fatigue. Whether you’re tracking with a pregnancy calculator, using a due date calculator, or just relying on gut instinct and a pregnancy test, this article has your back.

Week 1–4: The Very Beginning

During the first few weeks, you might not feel much—or anything at all. But your body is already hard at work.

Very early signs of pregnancy at 1 week can mimic PMS symptoms. Think mild cramping, bloating, and breast tenderness. That’s because your body is preparing for implantation and hormone shifts are starting to kick in.

By Week 3 to 4, some women notice subtle changes like:

• Fatigue
• Light spotting (implantation bleeding)
• Mood swings
• Slight nausea

Many of these are also considered early pregnancy symptoms before a missed period. If you’re charting your cycle or using a pregnancy calculator, you might be in the two-week wait right now. This is when patience really gets tested.

Week 5–6: The “Could I Be?” Phase

Here’s where things get interesting. This is usually the time when most women realize they might be pregnant.

Common early pregnancy symptoms include:

• Morning sickness (aka pregnancy nausea)
• Heightened sense of smell
• Food aversions
• Breast soreness
• Frequent urination

Wondering when pregnancy nausea starts? For many, it kicks in around Week 6, but it can begin earlier or later depending on the person.

This is also when a pregnancy test will give you a pretty reliable result thanks to rising hCG levels. And if you haven’t already started taking prenatal vitamins, now’s the time. Folic acid is especially important in early development.

Week 7–10: First Trimester in Full Swin

Welcome to the classic first trimester pregnancy symptoms. You might feel like you’ve been hit by a truck—or you might feel totally fine (lucky you!).

Most common symptoms:

• Stronger nausea
• Mood swings
• Food cravings or aversions
• Excess saliva (weird but normal!)
• Pregnancy fatigue—and it’s no joke

Also, keep an eye on pregnancy discharge. A thin, milky white discharge called leukorrhea is completely normal, but if there’s a foul smell or discomfort, check in with your provider.

Week 11–13: Wrapping Up the First Trimester

By now, many symptoms begin to level off for some moms. Nausea may start to ease, and energy levels may slowly return. But everyone is different.

You can also try using a due date calculator at this point to get a clearer idea of when your baby might arrive. This is when your doctor may schedule your first ultrasound—yay!

Week 14–20: Second Trimester, Here We Go!

This phase is often called the “honeymoon” period of pregnancy—and for good reason. Most women feel more energetic and the baby bump starts to show.

Second trimester pregnancy symptoms include:

• Less nausea (thank goodness)
• Glowing skin and fuller hair
• Round ligament pain (mild belly aches as your uterus grows)
• Increased appetite

You may also feel those magical first flutters, usually between Week 16–20. It feels like butterflies or tiny bubbles—adorable!

Week 21–28: Late Second Trimester

Your bump is growing and so is your baby. You might feel more movement now, and maybe even some kicks!

Here’s what to expect:

• Mild swelling in feet or hands
• Backaches
• Leg cramps
• Vivid dreams
• Pregnancy fatigue creeping back in

Keep hydrating, rest when you can, and consider adjusting your sleeping position. A pregnancy pillow can do wonders for comfort.

Week 29–36: Third Trimester Starts

You’re in the home stretch now! Third trimester pregnancy symptoms become more pronounced. Things might feel a bit heavier—literally and figuratively.

Symptoms can include:

• Braxton Hicks contractions (practice contractions)
• Shortness of breath
• More frequent urination
• Difficulty sleeping
• Pregnancy discharge may increase

This is when nesting kicks in, and you might start preparing your hospital bag (don’t forget snacks!). It’s also a good time to revisit your pregnancy symptoms by week chart to stay in tune with your body’s changes.

Week 37–40: Almost There

At this point, your body is gearing up for labor. Every twinge might make you wonder “Is it time?”

Some final-week symptoms:

• Increased pelvic pressure
• Diarrhea (weird but common pre-labor sign)
• Losing your mucus plug
• Regular contractions

This is where pregnancy symptoms week 1 to 40 come full circle—from that first moment of “Hmm, could I be?” to “Wow, any day now.”

Keep monitoring any unusual changes, and lean on your provider to help guide you through those final days.

Final Thoughts

Pregnancy is different for every woman, but understanding the signs of pregnancy and knowing what to expect each week can make the journey feel a little less overwhelming—and a lot more empowering. Whether you’re just now noticing early pregnancy symptoms, or you’re waddling your way through the third trimester, your experience is valid, beautiful, and 100% yours.

Keep checking in with your body, use your pregnancy calculator or due date calculator to stay on track, and don’t forget those prenatal vitamins. You’ve got this, mama.