You have now reached the 13th week of pregnancy, which means that you are officially three months pregnant. Your uterus has grown considerably and has now begun to extend beyond the pelvis. From now on, your belly will start getting bigger and you will soon develop a baby bump. If you want, you can now start sharing the good news with friends and relatives. 

Your baby’s length is now a little over 7cm, i.e. the size of a kiwi. The organogenesis is now complete, meaning that your baby has developed most of its organs. During this week, the auricles start forming, while the development of the inner ear, the nails, the oral cavity, and the external genitalia continues. This is the last week that the nuchal translucency scan can be performed. This ultrasound, in combination with the measurement of certain hormones in your blood, can help calculate the risk your baby has for a chromosomal anomaly. After this week, the calculation of this risk will be less precise. However, if you miss this ultrasound, you can have the A-test (triple test) or the quadruple test, during the 15th-20th week of pregnancy. 

Your doctor might have already suggested the addition of iron, vitamin D, and calcium to your daily supplements. Your baby needs these valuable nutrients to grow and since you are its sole source, these supplements will help your body cope with the increased needs of pregnancy. 

 Start applying cream or essential oil to your belly and breasts to avoid stretch marks. When exposed to the sun, do not forget to put sunscreen on, especially on the face. This will prevent the appearance of chloasma, i.e. the “mask of pregnancy”. Choose a sunscreen that is safe for pregnancy. 

Apart from your regular exercises, you can start strengthening your pelvic floor muscles with some Kegel exercises. These exercises have been shown to make delivery easier and can protect you from the appearance of incontinence. You can ask your doctor for more information. 

 If you already have children, now is a good time to start preparing them for the arrival of your baby. Explain to them what’s going on in pregnancy and what will happen after your delivery. If you don’t know how to do it, then an expert on the subject might help you. 

You are officially in the 2nd trimester of pregnancy. Congratulations! You can now relax and enjoy the merits of this period. Fatigue and nausea have subsided, and you are full of energy, ready to accomplish anything. 

 Take advantage of this energy boost to get back on track and to tend to your needs. Plan a trip with your partner and spend some quality time together. Time flies and soon, this may not be possible. You can now start some form of physical activity if you have not done so already. In general, this trimester has milder symptoms than the 1st one. 

 Your womb has now extended beyond the pelvis, protruding into the upper part of your abdomen. Your pregnancy is eventually starting to show! 

Your baby is now 8.5cm long and has the size of a lemon, only sweeter. During this week, your baby completes the differentiation of the external genitalia and now your gynecologist might be able to discern your baby’s sex. However, the chance of error is still high this week, so do not rush to buy the first baby clothes yet. You will find out the sex of your baby with certainty in the anatomy scan, which is performed after the 20th week of pregnancy. 

Continue taking your daily supplements and schedule your next appointment with your gynecologist. This will usually take place between the 16th and 17th week of pregnancy. 

 Follow a healthy diet and avoid excess weight gain. Start exercising. Moderate-intensity training (walking, yoga, pilates) for 20-30 minutes a day is beneficial for your pregnancy. 

Take care of yourself. Apply cream or essential oil to your belly and breasts to avoid stretch marks. Do not forget to put sunscreen on when exposed to the sun. 

 If you missed the nuchal translucency scan, do not worry. Between the 15th and 20th week of pregnancy, you can have the A-test (triple test) or the quadruple test. With these 2 tests, the levels of 3 or 4 hormones are measured in your blood and, based on these measurements, the risk your baby has for a chromosomal anomaly is calculated. 

This is the 15th week of pregnancy. It may seem like time is passing by slowly, but maybe not so much. You have already completed the 1st trimester and you are now in the 2nd. During this week, most of the annoying symptoms of the early pregnancy months have subsided, so you can relax and enjoy this feeling. A new life is growing inside you and this may have caused a variety of emotions, joy and impatience or anxiety and fear. There is nothing wrong with how you feel. Share your thoughts with your partner or someone close to you. In any case, do not forget that pregnancy is a unique experience. Try to find creative ways to make it more enjoyable. Arrange a trip, go out for a romantic dinner, or spend some quality time with your friends. 

Your baby is about 10cm long, the size of a pear. During this week, the development of the brain, ears, oral cavity, and nails continues. The brain will continue to mature until the end of pregnancy and after birth. Your baby is getting smarter day by day. If your doctor performs an ultrasound at this point, you will be able to see your baby rocking in its amniotic sac more vigorously than before. However, you still can’t feel these movements. This will happen in a few weeks, usually during the 16th to 20th week of pregnancy, or maybe even later. Sexual differentiation is now complete, and, with a bit of luck, your doctor may be able to inform you about the sex of your baby. 

Continue taking your daily supplements. To avoid missing any doses, you can try taking the supplements at a specific time during the day, such as in the morning, before breakfast, or at night before bed. You can also buy a pillbox from the pharmacy. This will make it easier to check if you missed a dose. 

 Follow a healthy diet. You may feel hungrier now that nausea has subsided. Keep in mind that your daily energy needs have only slightly increased by now and no more than 300 kcal per day. 

 Start some form of physical activity. 20-30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise a day can be beneficial for pregnancy. 

 Do not forget to take care of yourself. Put cream or essential oil on your belly and breasts and protect your skin with sunscreen when exposed to the sun. Make sure you find some me-time during the day. 

You are about to complete the 4th month of pregnancy and you have every reason to feel excited. You will soon be holding your baby in your arms and this has definitely filled you with excitement and joy. This trimester is milder in symptoms and comes with an energy boost that makes you feel like you can accomplish anything. You probably already have the results of the nuchal translucency scan, however, if you missed it, there’s no need to worry. From this week on and until the 20th week of pregnancy, you can have the triple test (A-test) or quadruple test. These two tests measure the level of 3 or 4 hormones in your blood, respectively, and calculate the risk that your baby has for a chromosomal anomaly. 

By this week, you have probably noticed your belly growing in size. Your pregnancy is now more apparent than ever. Time to proudly wear your first maternity clothes. Your baby is growing fast. It is 12cm long, the size of an apple, and weighs around 100 grams. Its ears continue their development and soon your baby will be able to hear sounds. Its skeletal system becomes stronger day by day, and coordinated movements start gradually occurring. This week your gynecologist will probably ask for a new set of blood tests. If he performs an ultrasound at this point he might be able to inform you about your baby’s sex. Many women feel, this week, their baby move for the first time. This is called the quickening. 

Take your supplements daily and make sure you don’t skip doses. Rest as much as you can and eat healthy.  

 Make a to-do list. Put it in your diary or stick it on the fridge. This way you won’t forget anything and will remain as productive as ever. 

 If you missed the nuchal translucency scan, then make sure you take the triple or quadruple test. 

 If you already know the sex of your baby, you can start thinking of how to decorate the nursery. You can also start making a list of names you like for your baby. However, you should keep in mind that the definite answer for your baby’s sex will come when you’ll have the anatomy scan, which is performed between the 20th and 24th week of pregnancy. 

You are fast approaching the midpoint of your pregnancy and you will soon be four months pregnant. You have every reason to be happy, however, anticipation and fear of the unknown might intimidate you. If this is how you feel, then now is the time to get organized and prioritize. Start rearranging your baby’s room, even if you still don’t know if you’re carrying a boy or a girl, and make a financial plan. Start saving money for the time of delivery or open a bank account for your baby’s future needs. You can now make the initial market research for the equipment you will need upon the arrival of your family’s new member. These tasks will distract you and make you feel more productive. 

Your baby is now 13cm long, the size of a pomegranate, and weighs around 140 grams. It now moves more vigorously in your womb and this week, you might feel your baby’s first kicks. This is called the quickening. However, if it is your first pregnancy, this might not happen until the 20th week. Your baby can now hear sounds, so feel free to talk or sing to your baby. The maternal bond has already begun to form. If you visit your gynecologist this week, they may be able to inform you about the sex of your baby. 

Keep taking your daily supplements and continue having a healthy lifestyle. Add some form of physical activity to your daily routine. 20-30 minutes of walking a day can boost your mood and be beneficial for your pregnancy. 

 Spend some quality time with your partner. Now is the time to get closer or even go for a trip. Remember that soon this will not be that easy. 

 You can start creating a diary of your pregnancy. Start taking weekly pictures of yourself. Thus, you will be able to record your progress and how your body changes through pregnancy. Paste these photos into a book and write down your thoughts. You can later add pictures from your baby’s ultrasound or your first visit to the stores. 

 If you missed the nuchal translucency scan, then now is the time to take the triple test (A-test) or quadruple test. With these two tests, the levels of 3-4 hormones are measured in your blood and, based on these, the risk your baby has for a chromosomal anomaly is calculated.

Congratulations! You have officially completed the 4th month of pregnancy. Your growing belly now clearly shows that you will soon be a mom. Time to wear those comfortable maternity clothes and share the news with others. As your baby gets bigger, so does your uterus, while your body adjusts to the increased needs of pregnancy. Your emotions can be greatly affected by all these changes. Do not be afraid to express how you feel and ask for help if this whole process makes you feel anxious. 

Your baby has grown considerably. Its crown-rump length is now 14cm, the size of a pepper, and weighs around 200 grams, as much as a mobile phone. Your baby is moving a lot inside your womb and this week you will probably feel the first flutters. This is called the quickening. If you don’t, then it’s ok as well. Many women feel their baby’s first movements no earlier than the 20th week. Your baby can now yawn, swallow, and there are also times when it has hiccups. Its gastrointestinal system is already functioning, while its urinary system has begun to produce urine, which fills its bladder making it visible with ultrasound. This week, it is also developing fingerprints. Your baby becomes more and more special! 

Keep taking your daily supplements, follow a healthy diet and drink plenty of water. 

 Exercise can be beneficial for you and your baby. Moderate-intensity exercise, such as yoga, pilates, walking, swimming, or resistance training, is ideal for pregnancy. 

 If you missed the nuchal translucency scan, you can now take the triple (A-test) or the quadruple test. These two tests measure the levels of three or four hormones in your blood and calculate the risk your baby has for a chromosomal anomaly. 

 Now is also the time to schedule your anatomy scan. This ultrasound is performed between the 20th and 24th week of pregnancy by a gynecologist specialized in fetal medicine. It thoroughly checks the anatomy of your baby and can inform you about its sex. 

 Try sleeping on your side. This is a habit that will help you a lot in the future. 

You have come so far, but you still have a long way to go. The bothersome symptoms of the first trimester have subsided, but new ones make their appearance, probably just as annoying. Arm yourself with patience, as this is only the midpoint of pregnancy. Weight gain might have become an issue. For a woman with a normal body mass index (BMI), the recommended weight gain in the 1st trimester is 1-2 kg. The suggested weekly increase in the 2nd trimester is around 0.5 kg. So, by now, your weight may have increased as much as 5 kg. If your number is much greater than this, then you should probably adjust your diet and start some form of physical activity. 

Your baby’s length is now about 15cm, i.e. the size of a mango, and weighs around 240 grams. At this point, it has fully developed the oral cavity, while the inner ear, the auricle, and the lungs continue their development. The brain and kidneys are also constantly maturing. Your baby keeps moving around in your belly and this week, you may feel the first baby flutters. This is called the quickening. Most mothers-to-be have their quickening by the end of the 20th week. Soon, you will have your anatomy scan. This ultrasound will check all of your baby’s organs and will inform you with certainty about its gender. If you don’t wish to learn the sex of the baby and keep it as a surprise for the birth, then you should ask your doctor to withhold this information. 

Keep taking your supplements regularly and make sure you do not skip doses. Stay hydrated at all times. 

 During the 2nd trimester, most women experience an increase in their energy levels. Take advantage of this opportunity to do things you’ve been putting off. Make a to-do list so you don’t forget anything and remain as productive as ever. Start writing down all the equipment you are going to need when your baby arrives. You can also start painting and rearranging the nursery now that you know the sex of your baby. 

 It may seem a bit early, however, it is a good idea to start looking for a pediatrician. You can ask your relatives or people from your inner circle and start interviewing. The pediatrician will examine your baby not only immediately after delivery, but also a few days later, to make sure it is perfectly healthy. 

 If you have not scheduled the anatomy scan, now is the time to do so. 

 The skin is the largest organ of your body, so don’t forget to take good care of it. Apply cream or essential oil on your belly and breasts to avoid stretch marks and put sunscreen on when exposed to the sun. 

You have reached the midpoint of pregnancy and you will soon be five months pregnant. Time to celebrate and reward yourself. Plan a trip or just spend some quality time with your partner. This moment is unique, but you can make it even more special. 

From this week on, you can have the anatomy scan. This ultrasound is performed by a gynecologist specialized in fetal medicine and examines your baby’s anatomy in detail. With this scan, you will also find out if you are carrying a boy or a girl. Time to start thinking of possible names for your child and rearrange the nursery. 

This week, your baby is about 16cm long, the size of a banana, and weighs around 320 grams. At this stage, it has completed the development of the inner ear, which means that it can now hear you and respond to loud noises. It has also begun to demonstrate regular sleep-wake cycles. If you pay close attention, you can tell when it is awake or asleep. When awake it is more energetic and you can feel it moving more vigorously. You may also have noticed that whenever you eat something sweet, the kicks multiply. That is because sugar stimulates your baby. It is now making organized movements and has started sucking its finger. If you’re carrying a girl, then, this is the week that the follicles in her ovary are the highest in number, about 6 million. However, most of them will degenerate, that is, they will be destroyed, by a process called atresia. At birth, there will be only 1 million follicles left. 

Keep taking the iron, calcium, folic acid, and vitamin D supplements recommended by your doctor. These supplements provide your body with the nutrients your baby needs during its development. 

 Eating healthy is important, while moderate-intensity exercise, such as walking, swimming, yoga, or pilates, can be beneficial for pregnancy. 

 Schedule your next appointment with your gynecologist and have your anatomy scan. 

 Go for a trip. Take advantage of the energy boost the 2nd trimester gives you. If you plan on traveling by plane, then make sure you wear elastic socks during the flight to avoid vein thrombosis. 

You have now completed the first half of pregnancy and you are probably looking forward to holding your baby in your arms. Just picturing that makes you smile and of course, you have every reason to do so. Most of the annoying symptoms of the first trimester have subsided and with the energy boost the second trimester gives you, you feel more creative than ever. So, time to find ways to make the most out of it. 

The anatomy scan of the fetus is usually performed this week. This is an ultrasound that examines your baby’s anatomy in detail, from the brain and heart to the lungs and fingers. With this ultrasound, you will also find out the sex of your baby. Time to make a list of the names you like and choose a color for painting the nursery. If you want the baby’s gender to be a secret for you, then you should ask your doctor not to disclose this information. In this case, you can choose neutral colors for the baby’s room and clothes. 

This week, your baby’s crown-rump length is about 18 cm, about the size of a carrot, and weighs around 370 grams. The inner ear is now fully developed and your baby is able to hear sounds and respond to auditory stimuli. Its nails are constantly growing and its skin has begun to produce vernix, a viscous substance made up of water, lipids, and proteins. Vernix covers your baby’s skin and protects it from the amniotic fluid. The respiratory system continues to develop and the brain and kidneys keep maturing. Finally, in the intestine, the production of meconium has begun. This is a dark green substance composed mainly of dead cells. If your baby is a boy, then his testicles are already functional and produce testosterone. However, they have not yet descended into the scrotum, but they are still in his abdomen. 

Continue taking your daily supplements without skipping doses. Eat healthy and exercise if you feel up to it. Walking, swimming, yoga, or pilates is ideal for pregnancy and can be beneficial for your baby. 

 If you have already decided what your baby’s name will be, then now is the time to start thinking about who your child’s godfather or godmother will be. You can also start looking for places where this beautiful event can take place. 

 Make sure you have everything you need for your baby’s arrival or make a list to ensure you’re not forgetting anything. 

 You can now start attending childbirth classes. They will help you prepare for the time of labor. You can also choose if you want to have a personal midwife, who will monitor your pregnancy, along with your gynecologist, and be present at your delivery. 

You have just completed the 5th month of pregnancy. Only 4 left to go. Time to reward yourself. Plan a trip with your partner and spend some quality time together or just have some me-time. In the third trimester, the fatigue you felt in early pregnancy might return, so take advantage of this opportunity to do things you enjoy. Time to pack your bags, book your tickets, and go. 

If you have not already had your anatomy scan, then now is the time to do so. This ultrasound is usually performed before the 23rd week of pregnancy and no later than the 24th. So, don’t put it off and just have it done. 

Your baby has grown considerably. Its crown-rump length is now 19cm, about the size of a Coconut. Very exotic! It weighs around 460 grams, almost half a kilo. The inner ear is developed and your baby can hear sounds and respond to loud noises. Its skin has started producing vernix, a waxy substance that covers its body and protects it from the amniotic fluid. The maturation of the brain, kidneys, and lungs continues. Your baby can now make coordinated movements and has regular sleep-wake cycles. The moments that you notice your baby’s movements the most are usually the ones when it is awake. 

Follow a healthy, balanced diet to avoid excess weight gain. Your energy needs have only slightly increased, around 300 kcal per day, and the recommended weight gain this trimester is 0.5 kg per week. Continue taking your daily supplements and make sure you do not miss any doses. Drink plenty of water especially during the hot months. Staying hydrated can help prevent urinary tract infections. 

 Add some form of exercise to your daily routine. A little walking or swimming for 20-30 minutes a day can help boost your mood and can have significant benefits for pregnancy. 

 Hydrate your skin using cream or essential oil, paying extra attention to your belly and breasts to avoid stretch marks. Always put sunscreen on when going out in the sun. 

 Start equipping your house with the essentials for when your baby arrives. Now that you know its gender, you can start rearranging the nursery. You can also start making a list with possible names for your child and thinking about who will be your baby’s godfather or godmother. 

 Make a delivery plan. Discuss with your doctor where the birth will take place along with the possibility of having a personal midwife, who will help you in pregnancy, childbirth, and the puerperium. 

This is the 5th month of pregnancy, while the 6th is fast approaching. This means that you have already completed the first half of pregnancy. Take a deep breath, relax and reward yourself. All the changes your body is going through, as well as the anticipation of your baby’s arrival, may have made you feel anxious. Many women feel the exact same thing as you do. Make sure you find some me-time to relax and let off steam. Your baby can sense what you are feeling, so don’t forget to tend to your own needs as well. If it makes you feel better, share your thoughts with your partner or someone close to you. You don’t have to be alone in all this. 

Your baby is now 20cm long from head to bottom, the size of an eggplant, and weighs around 500 grams. After the end of this week, your baby will be considered viable, meaning that its chances for survival outside the uterus increase. This is usually the last week, in which the anatomy scan is performed, but it can be done up until the 24th week. This ultrasound is performed by a gynecologist specialized in fetal medicine and examines your baby’s anatomy in detail. With this scan, you can also find out if you’re carrying a boy or a girl. This week, your baby’s facial features have fully developed, while the brain and kidneys continue to mature. It can hear sounds and demonstrates regular sleep-wake cycles. You have probably noticed that there are moments when your baby is more active than others. These are usually the moments when it is awake. 

Eat healthy, drink plenty of water and continue to take your daily supplements. By now you should have gained about 6-7 kgs. Your extra energy needs at this point are 300 kcal per day. 

 Exercise can help you relax. Go for a walk or do some yoga. Moderate-intensity training is not contraindicated during pregnancy and may be beneficial for you and your baby. 

 Start making a financial plan and calculate the first expenses of childbirth. This way you will avoid any unpleasant surprises. You can also now consider whether you want to buy a health insurance plan for your baby right after birth. 

 Take weekly pictures of yourself, paste them into a diary, and write down your thoughts. This way you will keep your memories from pregnancy alive. You can also schedule a professional photoshoot, which can take place a few weeks later, once your belly grows a little bigger. 

 Ask your doctor for an ultrasound image of your baby, put it in a frame, and place it in a special place in your house. 

 If you already have children, then you should start preparing them for your baby’s arrival. If you do not know how there are many websites that can help you with this. Consulting an expert is also an option that you can consider. 

This is an important milestone of pregnancy. From this week on, your baby is considered viable, which means that its chances of adapting to life outside the uterus have increased. This can be reassuring. Even though most women give birth after the 36th week of pregnancy, some women might deliver earlier than that. 

By this week, you should have already had your baby’s anatomy scan. Your gynecologist will review the results and inform you about them. They will also ask you to do a test called glucose tolerance test. This test is done between the 24th and 28th week of pregnancy and looks at how well your body responds to glucose and if you have gestational diabetes. Most women describe this as an unpleasant experience, however, it is an important pregnancy test. 

Your baby’s crown-rump length this week is 21cm, i.e. the size of corn, and weighs around 630 grams. It has developed most of its organs and has now started to store fat, which will keep it warm after childbirth and cover its first energy needs. In this phase, its eyebrows begin to grow, while its body is covered by a fine layer of hair, called lanugo. Lung development and brain and kidney maturation continue to occur. Your baby now demonstrates organized sleep-wake cycles and can hear sounds. Now you can sing and talk to it. Your baby is all ears. 

Nutrition plays an important role in pregnancy. Make sure you cook and wash your food properly and avoid any unhealthy eating habits. By now you should have gained around 6-7 kg. Continue taking your supplements daily and drink plenty of water. 

 Make sure you incorporate some exercise into your daily routine. 20-30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise, such as walking, swimming, or yoga, can be beneficial for pregnancy. You can also start doing some Kegel exercises to strengthen your perineal muscles. This will help reduce the chances of developing urinary incontinence later in pregnancy or after childbirth. 

 If you feel up to it and there are no relevant contraindications, you can have sex with your partner. 

 If you have not yet decided how or where you want to deliver, now is the time to do so. You should also consider the possibility of having a personal midwife, who will assist you in childbirth and the puerperium. 

 While you still have enough energy, you can think of the necessary modifications that will make your home safer for your baby. Block open outlets with safety plugs, cover sharp furniture edges and corners, and place cabinet latches in your cupboards and drawers. 

 This is probably your last chance to go on a trip with your partner. This will be much more difficult later. So book your tickets, pack your things, and go.