Your Most Common Pregnancy Questions, Answered

From "is this normal?" to "what happens next?" - pregnancy comes with no shortage of questions, and that's completely normal. This page brings together the most common questions we hear from mums-to-be, covering everything from antenatal care and trimester symptoms to your baby's weekly development and common pregnancy discomforts. Whether you're newly pregnant or well into your third trimester, we hope you find the answers you're looking for right here.

What is antenatal care and what tests are involved?

Medical checkups and screening tests help keep you and your baby healthy during pregnancy. This is called antenatal care. It also involves education and counselling about how to handle different aspects of your pregnancy. During your visits, your doctor may discuss many issues, such as healthy eating and physical activity, screening tests you might need, and what to expect during labour and delivery.

What happens during the first trimester of pregnancy? (week 1-12)

During the first trimester, your body undergoes many changes. Hormonal changes affect almost every organ system in your body. These changes can trigger symptoms even in the very first weeks of pregnancy. Your period stopping is a clear sign that you are pregnant. Other changes may include:

• Extreme tiredness
• Tender, swollen breasts. Your nipples might also stick out.
• Upset stomach with or without throwing up (morning sickness)
• Cravings or distaste for certain foods
• Mood swings
• Constipation (trouble having bowel movements)
• Need to pass urine more often
• Headache
• Heartburn
• Weight gain or loss

As your body changes, you might need to adjust your daily routine, such as going to bed earlier or eating small, frequent meals. Fortunately, most of these discomforts will go away as your pregnancy progresses. And some women might not feel any discomfort at all! If you have been pregnant before, you might feel differently this time around. Just as each woman is different, so is each pregnancy.

What happens during the second trimester of pregnancy? (week 13-28)

Most women find the second trimester of pregnancy easier than the first. But it is just as important to stay informed about your pregnancy during these months.

You might notice that symptoms like nausea and fatigue are going away. But other new, more noticeable changes to your body are now happening. Your abdomen will expand as the baby continues to grow. And before this trimester is over, you will feel your baby beginning to move!

As your body changes to make room for your growing baby, you may have:

• Body aches, such as back, abdomen, groin, or thigh pain
• Stretch marks on your abdomen, breasts, thighs, or buttocks
• Darkening of the skin around your nipples
• A line on the skin running from the belly button to the pubic hairline
• Patches of darker skin, usually over the cheeks, forehead, nose, or upper lip. Patches often match on both sides of the face. This is sometimes called the mask of pregnancy.
• Numb or tingling hands, called carpal tunnel syndrome
• Itching on the abdomen, palms, and soles of the feet. (Call your doctor if you have nausea, loss of appetite, vomiting, jaundice or fatigue combined with itching. These can be signs of a serious liver problem.)
• Swelling of the ankles, fingers, and face. (If you notice any sudden or extreme swelling or if you gain a lot of weight really quickly, call your doctor right away. This could be a sign of preeclampsia.)

What happens during the third trimester of pregnancy? (week 29-40)

You're in the home stretch! Some of the same discomforts you had in your second trimester will continue. Plus, many women find breathing difficult and notice they have to go to the bathroom even more often. This is because the baby is getting bigger, and it is putting more pressure on your organs. Don't worry, your baby is fine, and these problems will lessen once you give birth.

Some new body changes you might notice in the third trimester include:

• Shortness of breath
• Heartburn
• Swelling of the ankles, fingers, and face. (If you notice any sudden or extreme swelling or if you gain a lot of weight really quickly, call your doctor right away. This could be a sign of preeclampsia.)
• Haemorrhoids
• Tender breasts, which may leak a watery pre-milk called colostrum
• Your belly button may stick out
• Trouble sleeping
• The baby "dropping", or moving lower in your abdomen
• Contractions, which can be a sign of real or false labour

As you near your due date, your cervix becomes thinner and softer (called effacing). This is a normal, natural process that helps the birth canal (vagina) to open during the birthing process. Your doctor will check your progress with a vaginal exam as you near your due date. Get excited — the final countdown has begun!

How do hormones affect your body during pregnancy?

Answered By Maria Jokela, Maternity & Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist

Pregnancy is a whirlwind of hormonal fluctuation: in addition to oestrogen, relaxin and progesterone are key players when it comes to physiological changes in your body. These hormones prepare you for birth and labour by loosening your joints and muscles, ligaments and supporting tissues. You may notice an increased joint mobility, particularly in the pelvic area, as the sacroiliac joints (SI joints) and pubic joint become looser, to allow the pelvis to open during birth. Due to the loosening of ligaments and the weight gain, it is not unusual for the arches of your feet to also lower. This in turn also affects the position of your whole body.

Learn more:

What Is Causing My Pain? Understand Relaxin Levels During And After Pregnancy

Pregnancy Hormones: “Why can’t I keep it together?”

What blood tests and scans are offered during pregnancy?

As part of your antenatal care, you'll be offered several blood tests and scans. Some are offered to everyone, while others are only offered if you might be at risk of a particular infection or condition.

All the tests are done to make your pregnancy safer or check that the baby is healthy, but you do not have to have them if you do not want to.

During your pregnancy, you'll be offered a blood test for 3 infectious diseases: hepatitis B, HIV and syphilis. This is part of routine antenatal screening, which is recommended for every pregnancy.

You will usually be offered the blood test at your booking appointment with a midwife.

The blood test needs to be done as early as possible in pregnancy, ideally by 10 weeks. This is so treatment can be started early, if you need it, to reduce the risk of passing the infection on to your baby.

Do I need to have this test?

It's your choice to be tested for any or all of these infections.

The tests are recommended to:

• protect your health through early treatment and care
• reduce any risk of passing an infection on to your baby, partner or other family members

If you test positive for hepatitis B, HIV or syphilis, your partner and other family members may be offered a test for the infection.

What if I decide not to have the blood test for any of the infectious diseases?

If you decide not to have the test in early pregnancy, you'll be seen by a specialist midwife and offered screening again before you are 20 weeks pregnant. The midwife will discuss the benefits of screening for these infections.

You can ask to have a test for hepatitis B, HIV or syphilis at any time if you change your sexual partner or think you're at risk.

What are ultrasound scans in pregnancy?

Ultrasound scans use sound waves to build a picture of the baby in the womb. The scans are painless, have no known side effects on mothers or babies, and can be carried out at any stage of pregnancy. Talk to your midwife, GP or obstetrician about any concerns you have.

Having a scan in pregnancy is usually a happy event, but be aware that ultrasound scans may detect some serious health conditions, so try to be prepared for that information.

What will happen at the scan?

Most scans are carried out by sonographers. The scan is carried out in a dimly lit room so the sonographer is able to get good images of your baby.

You'll be asked to lie on your back and reveal your tummy.

The sonographer will put ultrasound gel on your tummy, which makes sure there is good contact between the machine and your skin.

The sonographer passes a probe over your tummy and a picture of the baby will appear on the ultrasound screen.

During the exam, sonographers need to keep the screen in a position that gives them a good view of the baby.

The sonographer will carefully examine your baby's body. The sonographer may need to apply slight pressure on your tummy to get the best views of the baby.

How long will a scan take?

A scan usually takes around 20 to 30 minutes. However, the sonographer may not be able to get good views if your baby is lying in an awkward position or moving around a lot.

If it's difficult to get a good image, the scan may take longer or have to be repeated at another time.

Can an ultrasound scan harm me or my baby?

There are no known risks to the baby or the mother from having an ultrasound scan, but it's important that you consider carefully whether to have the scan or not.

This is because the scan can provide information that may mean you have to make further important decisions. For example, you may be offered further tests, such as amniocentesis, that have a risk of miscarriage.

When are scans offered?

This depends on where in the world you live. The first one will usually take place between 10 and 14 weeks, and a second one around 18 to 21 weeks.

The first scan is sometimes called the dating scan. The sonographer estimates when your baby is due (the estimated date of delivery, or EDD) based on the baby's measurements.

The dating scan can include a nuchal translucency (NT) scan, which is part of the combined screening test for Down's syndrome, if you choose to have this screening.

The second scan offered during pregnancy usually takes place between 18 and 21 weeks of pregnancy. It's sometimes called the mid-pregnancy scan. This scan checks for 11 physical conditions in your baby.

You may be offered more than 2 scans, depending on your health and the pregnancy.

Where can you give birth - what are your options?

Many women have strong views about where and how they'd like to deliver their babies. In general, women can choose to deliver at a hospital, birth centre, or at home. You will need to contact your health insurance provider to find out what options are available. Also, find out if the doctor or midwife you are considering can deliver your baby in the place you want to give birth.

Hospitals

Hospitals are a good choice for women with health problems, pregnancy complications, or those who are at risk for problems during labour and delivery. Hospitals offer the most advanced medical equipment and highly trained doctors for pregnant women and their babies. In a hospital, doctors can do a cesarean delivery if you or your baby is in danger during labour. Women can get epidurals or many other pain relief options. Also, more and more hospitals now offer on-site birth centres, which aim to offer a style of care similar to standalone birth centres.

Questions to ask when choosing a hospital:

• Is it close to your home?
• Is there a doctor who can give pain relief, such as an epidural, at the hospital 24-hours a day?
• Do you like the feel of the labour and delivery rooms?
• Are private rooms available?
• How many support people can you invite into the room with you?
• Does it have a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in case of serious problems with the baby?
• Can the baby stay in the room with you?
• Does the hospital have the staff and set-up to support successful breastfeeding?
• Does it have an on-site birth centre?

Birth or birthing centres

Birth or birthing centresgive women a "homey" environment in which to labour and give birth. They try to make labour and delivery a natural and personal process by doing away with most high-tech equipment and routine procedures. So, you will not automatically be hooked up to an IV. Likewise, you won't have an electronic fetal monitor around your belly the whole time. Instead, the midwife or nurse will check in on your baby from time to time with a handheld machine. Once the baby is born, all exams and care will occur in your room. Usually certified nurse-midwives, not obstetricians, deliver babies at birth centres. Healthy women who are at low risk for problems during pregnancy, labour, and delivery may choose to deliver at a birth centre.

Women can not receive epidurals at a birth centre, although some pain medicines may be available. If a cesarean delivery becomes necessary, women must be moved to a hospital for the procedure. After delivery, babies with problems can receive basic emergency care while being moved to a hospital.

Many birthing centres have showers or tubs in their rooms for labouring women. They also tend to have comforts of home like large beds and rocking chairs. In general, birth centres allow more people in the delivery room than do hospitals.

Birth centres can be inside of hospitals, a part of a hospital or completely separate facilities. If you want to deliver at a birth centre, make sure it meets the standards of the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care, The Joint Commission, or the American Association of Birth Centers. Accredited birth centres must have doctors who can work at a nearby hospital in case of problems with the mom or baby. Also, make sure the birth centre has the staff and set-up to support successful breastfeeding.

Homebirth

Homebirth is an option for healthy pregnant women with no risk factors for complications during pregnancy, labour or delivery. It is also important women have a strong after-care support system at home. Some certified nurse-midwives and doctors will deliver babies at home. Many health insurance companies do not cover the cost of care for homebirths. So check with your plan if you'd like to deliver at home.

Homebirths are common in many countries in Europe. Whilst a home birth can be safe and wanted, in case of an emergency, a hospital's equipment and highly trained doctors can provide the best care for a woman and her baby.

If you are thinking about home birth, you need to weigh the pros and cons. The main advantage is that you will be able to experience labour and delivery in the privacy and comfort of your own home. Since there will be no routine medical procedures, you will have control of your experience.

The main disadvantage of a homebirth is that in case of a problem, you and the baby will not have immediate hospital/medical care. It will have to wait until you are transferred to the hospital. Plus, women who deliver at home have no options for pain relief.

To ensure your safety and that of your baby, you must have a highly trained and experienced midwife along with a fail-safe backup plan. You will need fast, reliable transportation to a hospital. Without this, home birth is not safe. If you live far away from a hospital, homebirth may not be the best choice. Your midwife must be experienced and have the necessary skills and supplies to start emergency care for you and your baby if need be. Your midwife should also have access to a doctor 24 hours a day.

What makes a pregnancy high-risk?

Finding out you have a high-risk pregnancy can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't mean you won't have a healthy baby. It simply means you and your baby need some extra care and attention during this special time.

A pregnancy might be considered high-risk due to various reasons such as maternal age, lifestyle factors, or medical conditions that exist before pregnancy. Sometimes, issues that arise during pregnancy could lead to a pregnancy becoming high-risk.

Women with high-risk pregnancies need prenatal care more often and sometimes from a specially trained doctor. A maternal-fetal medicine specialist is a medical doctor that cares for high-risk pregnancies.

If your pregnancy is considered high risk, you might worry about your unborn baby's health and have trouble enjoying your pregnancy. Share your concerns with your doctor. Your doctor can explain your risks and the chances of a real problem. Also, be sure to follow your doctor's advice. For example, if your doctor tells you to take it easy, then ask your partner, family members, and friends to help you out in the months ahead. You will feel better knowing that you are doing all you can to care for your unborn baby.

What factors contribute to a high-risk pregnancy?

The following factors may increase the risk of problems during pregnancy:

• Very young age or older than 35
• Overweight or underweight
• Problems in a previous pregnancy
• Health conditions you have before you become pregnant, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, autoimmune disorders, cancer, and HIV
• Pregnancy with twins or other multiples

For those of you who are older, you're not alone! Advanced maternal age is becoming more common as many women are choosing to have children later in life. However, with age, some risks can increase. Women over the age of 35 might have a higher risk for things like gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, and complications during delivery. But remember, age is just a number, and many women over 35 have healthy pregnancies and healthy babies.

Certain lifestyle factors like smoking, alcohol use, and unhealthy weight can also increase your risk. If you're planning a pregnancy or already pregnant, consider making some lifestyle changes that could improve your pregnancy outcome. And hey, we're here to help! Check out our tips for a healthy pregnancy for advice and inspiration.

Perhaps, you're dealing with chronic health conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure. These can complicate pregnancy, but with careful management, you can still have a healthy pregnancy. Regular prenatal visits are crucial in such cases to monitor and manage these conditions.

And maybe you've had problems in previous pregnancies, like preterm labor, preeclampsia, or cesarean delivery. These can all put you at higher risk in future pregnancies. However, remember that every pregnancy is different, and just because you had issues in the past doesn't mean you'll have them again.

Having a high-risk pregnancy can be stressful, but it's important to take care of your mental health too. It can be beneficial to talk to someone about your feelings, like a mental health professional or a trusted friend or family member. You might also find comfort in connecting with other mothers going through the same experience.

Just remember, you're not alone in this journey. There's a lot of support available for you. Our team of health experts is here to provide guidance and answer your questions.

What is gestational diabetes and how is it managed?

Gestational diabetes is a form of diabetes that is first diagnosed during pregnancy. Like other types of diabetes, it affects how your cells use sugar (glucose). Expectant mothers need to know that although gestational diabetes goes away after your baby is born, it does increase your risk for type 2 diabetes later in life.

Gestational diabetes can cause high blood sugar that can affect your pregnancy and your baby's health. Potential complications for the baby include excessive birth weight, early (preterm) birth and respiratory distress syndrome, hypoglycemia, and type 2 diabetes later in life. Complications for the mother include preeclampsia and subsequent gestational diabetes.

You may be at higher risk of developing diabetes in pregnancy (gestational diabetes) if you:

• are overweight
• have had diabetes in pregnancy before
• have had a baby weighing 4.5kg (9.9lb) or more before
• have a close relative with diabetes
• have a south Asian, black or African Caribbean, or Middle Eastern family background

If you're considered to be at high risk for gestational diabetes, you may be offered a test called the OGTT (oral glucose tolerance test). This involves drinking a sugary drink and having blood tests. The OGTT is done when you're between 24 and 28 weeks pregnant.

If you're diagnosed with gestational diabetes, your doctor or dietitian can guide you on a healthy diet plan, suggest you monitor your blood sugar levels, exercise regularly, or even recommend insulin therapy in some cases.

At Lola&Lykke, we understand that navigating these health issues can be overwhelming, and we want to support you in any way we can. That's why we're proud to have a team of health experts on board to provide you with the advice and support you need during this journey.

For more information on other pregnancy-related topics, don't forget to check out our comprehensive pregnancy health resources, where you'll find useful information to guide you through your pregnancy journey.

Learn more about gestational diabetes.

What is iron deficiency anaemia in pregnancy?

Iron deficiency anaemia is a common ailment for pregnant women. It happens when your body doesn't have enough iron to produce the number of red blood cells it needs. Iron is super important because it helps these cells carry oxygen around your body.

During pregnancy, your body's demand for iron increases, making it critical to maintain a diet rich in iron and to monitor your iron levels. Iron deficiency anaemia can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, paleness, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, and difficulty concentrating. If left untreated, it can cause complications for both mother and baby.

The good news? You can manage this condition with iron-rich foods. Think red meat, poultry, fish, and legumes. And don't forget about those iron-fortified cereals. They can give you a good iron boost. But here's a hot tip - team these foods up with vitamin C-rich foods. It'll help your body absorb the iron even better. However, it's worth noting that for some mums, diet alone isn't enough and iron supplements might be needed.

You should be offered screening for iron deficiency anaemia at your booking appointment and at 28 weeks.

If tests show you have iron deficiency anaemia, you'll probably be offered iron and folic acid.

At Lola&Lykke, we understand the importance of comprehensive healthcare during your pregnancy journey. Our team of health experts is here to help you out with any questions or concerns you might have.

If you're dealing with iron deficiency anaemia or simply want to learn more about managing your health during pregnancy, we’ve got you covered! Check out our comprehensive pregnancy health resources, for a wide array of helpful articles. Specifically, our blog on how to treat anaemia during pregnancy offers practical advice and useful tips to help you navigate this common condition.

Remember, your health matters. And by taking good care of yourself, you're also taking care of your little one. If you think you might have iron deficiency anaemia, don't think twice about seeking help. You've got this!

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What is the blood type and rhesus test in pregnancy?

Knowing your blood type and Rhesus (Rh) factor is an important part of your prenatal care. During pregnancy, problems can occur if you're Rh negative and the baby you're carrying in your womb is Rh positive, usually inherited from the baby's father. These problems usually won't affect your first pregnancy, but they can affect later pregnancies.

Why does your blood type and Rh factor matter?

If you're Rh-negative, you may be at risk of Rh incompatibility. This condition usually happens when an Rh-negative mother carries an Rh-positive baby. If Rh-positive blood comes into contact with an Rh-negative mother's blood, it can cause her to produce antibodies against the Rh factor, leading to Rhesus disease.

But don't worry, if you're identified as Rh-negative, doctors are prepared. You'll likely receive Rh immune globulin. This medication can prevent Rh incompatibility and protect future pregnancies. A single dose is typically given at weeks 26 to 28 of pregnancy and again within 72 hours of delivery if your baby is Rh-positive.

Understanding your blood type and Rh factor is also useful if you need a blood transfusion or if problems arise that require an intervention, such as neonatal jaundice. Medical professionals can use this information to ensure that safe and compatible blood products are used.

Finally, consider the fact that knowing your Rh status can give you peace of mind. After all, forewarned is forearmed. If you are Rh-negative, take some time to talk to your healthcare provider about the implications and the measures to be taken to ensure a healthy pregnancy.

While understanding your blood type and Rh factor is one piece of the puzzle, there are other factors to consider when preparing for a baby. Our health experts are always here to provide advice and guide you through your pregnancy journey.

Find out more about rhesus disease from NHS.

Why are blood pressure tests important during pregnancy?

During pregnancy, monitoring your blood pressure is crucial for maintaining both your health and the well-being of your baby. Regular blood pressure tests are an essential part of prenatal care. 

How do blood pressure tests protect you and your baby?

Maintaining healthy blood pressure levels is crucial during pregnancy, as high blood pressure can lead to complications such as preeclampsia. Regular blood pressure tests help your healthcare provider monitor any changes and detect potential issues early on. By identifying any abnormalities, timely intervention can be initiated to ensure the best possible outcomes for both you and your baby.

How is a blood pressure test done during pregnancy?

When you visit your healthcare provider for prenatal check-ups, blood pressure tests are typically performed using a sphygmomanometer, also known as a blood pressure cuff. The cuff is placed around your upper arm, and it inflates to measure the pressure within your arteries.

During the test, two numbers are recorded:

• Systolic Pressure: This represents the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats.
• Diastolic Pressure: This indicates the pressure in your arteries when your heart is at rest between beats.

What Do Blood Pressure Readings Mean?

Your blood pressure readings fall into different categories that help determine whether your blood pressure is within a healthy range or if further monitoring or intervention is necessary. The categories include normal blood pressure, elevated blood pressure, and various stages of hypertension.

What are the risks of high blood pressure during pregnancy?

Untreated high blood pressure during pregnancy can lead to complications such as preeclampsia or gestational hypertension. These conditions require careful monitoring and appropriate medical management to ensure your health and your baby's well-being.

How can you maintain healthy blood pressure during pregnancy?

While blood pressure tests provide valuable information about your cardiovascular health, there are steps you can take to help maintain healthy blood pressure levels throughout your pregnancy:

• Prioritize a nutritious diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
• Stay physically active with exercises approved by your healthcare provider.
• Manage stress through relaxation techniques and self-care practices.
• Stay hydrated by drinking an adequate amount of water each day.
• Follow your healthcare provider's recommendations for prenatal vitamins and supplements.

What happens to your blood pressure at antenatal visits?

Throughout your pregnancy, your healthcare provider will check your blood pressure at each antenatal visit. It's important to note that blood pressure tends to be lower during the middle of pregnancy compared to other times. While this is generally not a cause for concern, you may experience lightheadedness if you get up quickly. Talk to your midwife or healthcare provider if you’re concerned about it.

Regular blood pressure tests are an integral part of prenatal care, enabling your healthcare provider to monitor your cardiovascular health during pregnancy. By understanding the significance of blood pressure readings and following the recommended lifestyle and medical interventions, you can contribute to a healthy pregnancy and ensure the well-being of both you and your baby.

Remember, if you have any concerns or questions about your blood pressure or any other aspects of your pregnancy, don't hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider or consult with our health experts. Additionally, explore our pregnancy health blog for more valuable resources and articles related to maintaining a healthy pregnancy.

What are weight and height checks in pregnancy?

Why are weight checks done during pregnancy?

At your booking appointment, your weight will be measured to calculate your body mass index (BMI). However, regular weight checks are not typically conducted throughout your pregnancy. It's important to note that weight gain during pregnancy is a normal and necessary part of the process. Most women gain between 10 to 12.5 kilograms (22 to 28 pounds) in pregnancy after being 20 weeks pregnant. Much of the extra weight is because the baby is growing, but your body also stores fat for making breast milk after birth.

What are the risks of being overweight during pregnancy?

If you are overweight, you may have an increased risk of experiencing complications during pregnancy. It's important to have open and honest discussions with your healthcare provider about your weight and any concerns you may have. They can provide guidance and support to help you manage your weight in a healthy and safe way during pregnancy.

How does diet and exercise affect pregnancy?

Maintaining a healthy diet and engaging in regular exercise are crucial during pregnancy. Eating a balanced diet that includes a variety of nutrient-rich foods supports your overall health and the development of your baby. Regular exercise, with guidance from your healthcare provider, can help improve your strength, endurance, and overall well-being during pregnancy. Remember to consult with your doctor or midwife before starting any new exercise routine.

Learn more: Benefits of Working Out While Pregnant

Why is height monitored during pregnancy?

While weight checks are more common during prenatal visits, monitoring your height is also important. Your height remains relatively stable throughout pregnancy, but changes in body proportions can occur due to postural adjustments and other factors related to pregnancy. Accurate height measurements contribute to a comprehensive assessment of your overall health and ensure appropriate care.

At Lola&Lykke, we understand that navigating these health stuff during pregnancy can be overwhelming, and we want to support you in any way we can. That's why we're proud to have a team of health experts to provide you with the advice and support you need during this journey.

For more information on other pregnancy-related topics, don't forget to check out our comprehensive pregnancy health resources, where you'll find loads of useful tips and information to guide you through your pregnancy journey.

How does your baby develop week by week during pregnancy?

Your baby goes through extraordinary changes during pregnancy, from a tiny cluster of cells to a fully formed newborn ready to meet you. Here is a week-by-week look at what is happening inside the womb at each stage of your pregnancy.

First trimester (week 1-week 12)

At four to five weeks:

• Your baby's brain and spinal cord have begun to form.
• The heart begins to form.
• Arm and leg buds appear.
• Your baby is now an embryo and one-twenty-fifth inch long.

At eight weeks:

• All major organs and external body structures have begun to form.
• Your baby's heart beats with a regular rhythm.
• The arms and legs grow longer, and fingers and toes have begun to form.
• The sex organs begin to form.
• The eyes have moved forward on the face and eyelids have formed.
• The umbilical cord is clearly visible.
• At the end of eight weeks, your baby is a fetus and looks more like a human. Your baby is nearly 1 inch long and weighs less than one-eighth ounce.

At 12 weeks:

• The nerves and muscles begin to work together. Your baby can make a fist.
• The external sex organs show if your baby is a boy or girl. A woman who has an ultrasound in the second trimester or later might be able to find out the baby's sex.
• Eyelids close to protect the developing eyes. They will not open again until the 28th week.
• Head growth has slowed, and your baby is much longer. Now, at about 3 inches long, your baby weighs almost an ounce.

Second trimester (week 13-week 28)

At 16 weeks:

• Muscle tissue and bone continue to form, creating a more complete skeleton.
• Skin begins to form. You can nearly see through it.
• Meconium (mih-KOH-nee-uhm) develops in your baby's intestinal tract. This will be your baby's first bowel movement.
• Your baby makes sucking motions with the mouth (sucking reflex).
• Your baby reaches a length of about 4 to 5 inches and weighs almost 3 ounces.

At 20 weeks:

• Your baby is more active. You might feel slight fluttering.
• Your baby is covered by fine, downy hair called lanugo and a waxy coating called vernix. This protects the forming skin underneath.
• Eyebrows, eyelashes, fingernails, and toenails have formed. Your baby can even scratch itself.
• Your baby can hear and swallow.
• Now halfway through your pregnancy, your baby is about 6 inches long and weighs about 9 ounces.

At 24 weeks:

• Bone marrow begins to make blood cells.
• Taste buds form on your baby's tongue.
• Footprints and fingerprints have formed.
• Real hair begins to grow on your baby's head.
• The lungs are formed, but do not work.
• The hand and startle reflex develop.
• Your baby sleeps and wakes regularly.
• If your baby is a boy, his testicles begin to move from the abdomen into the scrotum. If your baby is a girl, her uterus and ovaries are in place, and a lifetime supply of eggs have formed in the ovaries.
• Your baby stores fat and has gained quite a bit of weight. Now at about 12 inches long, your baby weighs about 1½ pounds.

Third trimester (week 29-week 40)

At 32 weeks:

• Your baby's bones are fully formed, but still soft.
• Your baby's kicks and jabs are forceful.
• The eyes can open and close and sense changes in light.
• Lungs are not fully formed, but practise "breathing" movements occur.
• Your baby's body begins to store vital minerals, such as iron and calcium.
• Lanugo begins to fall off.
• Your baby is gaining weight quickly, about one-half pound a week. Now, your baby is about 15 to 17 inches long and weighs about 4 to 4½ pounds.

At 36 weeks:

• The protective waxy coating called vernix gets thicker.
• Body fat increases. Your baby is getting bigger and bigger and has less space to move around. Movements are less forceful, but you will feel stretches and wiggles.
• Your baby is about 16 to 19 inches long and weighs about 6 to 6½ pounds.

Weeks 37–40:

• At 39 weeks, your baby is considered full-term. Your baby's organs are ready to function on their own.
• As you near your due date, your baby may turn into a head-down position for birth. Most babies "present" head down.
• At birth, your baby may weigh somewhere between 6 pounds 2 ounces and 9 pounds 2 ounces and be 19 to 21 inches long. Most full-term babies fall within these ranges. But healthy babies come in many different sizes.

Common Pregnancy Symptoms

Pregnancy brings so many changes to your body, and it's completely normal to experience a range of symptoms along the way. Here are some of the most common questions we hear from mums-to-be.

Why do I get headaches at 14 weeks pregnant?

Headaches are surprisingly common in the first and early second trimester. They're usually caused by hormonal changes, increased blood volume, dehydration, low blood sugar, or fatigue. Try drinking plenty of water, eating regular, small meals, and getting enough rest. If your headaches are severe, frequent, or come with vision changes or swelling, contact your healthcare provider as these can occasionally be a sign of something that needs attention.

Why are my breasts so sore at 11 weeks pregnant?

Tender, sore breasts are one of the most common early pregnancy symptoms and are completely normal. Rising levels of oestrogen and progesterone cause your breast tissue to grow and change in preparation for breastfeeding. The sensitivity usually eases as you move into your second trimester. A well-fitting, supportive bra can make a big difference to your comfort day-to-day.

Why am I so tired at 26 weeks pregnant?

Feeling exhausted in your second trimester can catch you off guard - many women expect the fatigue to ease after the first trimester, and for some, it does, only to return later. At 26 weeks, your body is working hard to support your growing baby, your blood volume has significantly increased, and sleep can become more difficult as your bump grows. Rest when you can, stay hydrated, eat iron-rich foods, and don't hesitate to mention persistent tiredness to your midwife - it can sometimes be linked to iron deficiency anemia.

Is cramping normal at 1 week pregnant?

Light cramping very early in pregnancy is common and often caused by implantation, when the fertilised egg attaches to the lining of the uterus. Some women also experience mild cramping as the uterus begins to change. However, if cramping is severe or accompanied by heavy bleeding, always contact your healthcare provider to rule out any complications.

How can I support my belly during pregnancy?

As your bump grows, the extra weight puts increasing pressure on your lower back, pelvis, and core muscles. A maternity support belt can make a real difference - lifting the belly and redistributing the weight to ease discomfort. The Lola&Lykke Core Relief Pregnancy Support Belt is designed and recommended by physiotherapists to provide high-level support for your back, pelvis, and spine. It comes with a hot/cold therapy pack for added relief and is made from silky-soft bamboo viscose for all-day comfort. Many mums find it becomes an essential part of their daily routine, especially from the second trimester onwards.

What is the best way to get comfortable during pregnancy?

Getting comfortable during pregnancy, especially as your bump grows, takes a bit of trial and error. Some things that help: sleeping on your left side with a pillow between your knees, wearing supportive, comfortable clothing, taking regular gentle movement breaks if you sit for long periods, and using a pregnancy support belt to ease the pressure on your back and abdomen. Warm baths, gentle stretching, and pregnancy-safe exercise like walking or swimming can also do wonders for your overall comfort.

What causes hip and tailbone pain during pregnancy?

Hip and tailbone (coccyx) pain is very common during pregnancy and is largely due to the hormone relaxin, which loosens your ligaments and joints in preparation for birth. As your posture shifts to accommodate your growing bump, extra pressure is placed on your hips, sacroiliac (SI) joints, and tailbone. Wearing a pregnancy support belt can help stabilise the pelvis and reduce this discomfort. If pain is significant, a referral to a physiotherapist - ideally one specialising in pelvic health - is well worth pursuing.

Can pregnancy cause hip problems after birth?

Yes, for some women, hip discomfort can continue into the postpartum period. The ligaments loosened by relaxin during pregnancy don't tighten back up overnight, and the physical demands of caring for a newborn - feeding positions, carrying, and disrupted sleep - can all contribute to ongoing hip and pelvic pain. Gentle movement, physiotherapy, and core strengthening exercises are usually the most effective approach. If pain persists or worsens after birth, speak to your healthcare provider.