When do pregnancy symptoms typically start?

Most women notice the first pregnancy symptoms around 4-6 weeks, though some may experience symptoms as early as 2-3 weeks after conception.

What are the earliest signs of pregnancy?

The earliest signs include a missed period, breast tenderness, fatigue, nausea, frequent urination, and food aversions or cravings.

When does morning sickness usually end?

Morning sickness typically peaks around 9-10 weeks and often improves by 12-16 weeks, though some women may experience it throughout pregnancy.

What symptoms are normal in the third trimester?

Third trimester symptoms include back pain, shortness of breath, frequent urination, swelling, heartburn, and Braxton Hicks contractions.

Pregnancy Symptoms Week by Week: What to Expect

Pregnancy brings a rollercoaster of changes to your body, and understanding what symptoms to expect and when can help you feel more prepared and less worried. While every woman's experience is unique, there are common patterns in how pregnancy symptoms develop over the 40 weeks.

Remember, not everyone will experience all these symptoms, and some might have symptoms not listed here. If you're ever concerned about a symptom, don't hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider.

First Trimester Symptoms (Weeks 1-12)

Weeks 1-4: Early Signs

During these early weeks, you might not even know you're pregnant yet. Some women notice subtle changes, while others have no symptoms at all.

Implantation bleeding: Light spotting 10-14 days after conception
Missed period: Usually the first obvious sign for women with regular cycles
Breast changes: Tenderness, swelling, or tingling sensations
Fatigue: Feeling unusually tired, even early in pregnancy
Mild cramping: Similar to menstrual cramps but lighter

Weeks 5-8: Classic Early Pregnancy Symptoms

This is when many women start feeling "really pregnant" as hormone levels surge.

Morning sickness: Nausea and sometimes vomiting, often worse in the morning
Food aversions: Strong dislike for foods you used to enjoy
Heightened smell sensitivity: Previously pleasant odors might become overwhelming
Frequent urination: Needing to pee more often than usual
Mood swings: Emotional ups and downs due to hormonal changes
Bloating: Feeling full or gassy

Weeks 9-12: Symptoms Peak

Many pregnancy symptoms reach their peak during this time, especially nausea and fatigue.

Intense fatigue: Your body is working hard to grow your baby
Stronger nausea: May be all-day rather than just morning sickness
Breast growth: Your bra might feel too tight
Constipation: Hormones slow down digestion
Dizziness: Changes in blood pressure and blood sugar
Headaches: Often related to hormonal changes and fatigue

Second Trimester Symptoms (Weeks 13-27)

Weeks 13-16: The "Honeymoon" Period Begins

Many women feel much better during this time as early pregnancy symptoms start to fade.

Reduced nausea: Morning sickness often improves significantly
Increased energy: That first-trimester exhaustion starts lifting
Growing belly: Your bump becomes more noticeable
Skin changes: Some women develop the "pregnancy glow"
Continued breast growth: You might need new bras

Weeks 17-20: Feeling Baby Move

This is an exciting time when you might feel your baby's first movements!

Quickening: First baby movements (feels like butterflies or gas bubbles)
Round ligament pain: Sharp pains on the sides of your belly
Increased appetite: Your hunger might return with a vengeance
Nasal congestion: Pregnancy hormones can cause stuffiness
Leg cramps: Especially at night

Weeks 21-27: Growing and Changing

Your baby is getting bigger and stronger, and you'll definitely feel it!

Stronger baby movements: Kicks and rolls become more obvious
Back pain: Your growing belly shifts your center of gravity
Stretch marks: May appear on your belly, breasts, or hips
Braxton Hicks contractions: Practice contractions that aren't painful
Heartburn: Your growing uterus pushes on your stomach

Third Trimester Symptoms (Weeks 28-40)

Weeks 28-32: The Home Stretch Begins

Your baby is growing rapidly, and your body is preparing for labor and delivery.

Shortness of breath: Your uterus is pushing up on your diaphragm
More frequent urination: Baby is pressing on your bladder again
Swelling: Feet, ankles, and hands might puff up
Sleep difficulties: Getting comfortable becomes challenging
Increased Braxton Hicks: Practice contractions become more noticeable

Weeks 33-36: Preparing for Birth

Your body starts making final preparations for labor and delivery.

Pelvic pressure: Baby's head engages in your pelvis
Increased discharge: Your body is preparing for labor
Nesting instinct: Sudden urge to clean and organize
Emotional changes: Mix of excitement and anxiety about labor
Joint loosening: Hormones are preparing your pelvis for delivery

Weeks 37-40: Any Day Now

You're officially full-term and labor could start any time!

Lightning/dropping: Baby moves lower into your pelvis
Loss of mucus plug: Thick discharge that's been sealing your cervix
More intense contractions: Braxton Hicks might get stronger
Diarrhea: Your body's way of clearing out before labor
Burst of energy: Some women get a final energy boost

When to Call Your Doctor

While most pregnancy symptoms are normal, some require immediate medical attention:

Severe nausea and vomiting that prevents keeping food down
Heavy bleeding or passing clots
Severe abdominal pain
Persistent severe headaches
Vision changes
Signs of preterm labor (regular contractions before 37 weeks)
Decreased fetal movement after 28 weeks
Severe swelling, especially in face and hands

Remember

Every pregnancy is different. Some women sail through with minimal symptoms, while others experience many of these changes. Neither experience is "right" or "wrong" - they're just different. Trust your body, stay in touch with your healthcare provider, and remember that most symptoms are temporary and worth it for the amazing outcome!