Pregnancy week by week: my diary from 4 to 41 weeks
Every week of my pregnancy diary in one place, from 4 weeks to 41 weeks. Each entry is written from my own experience as a mum of four: the symptoms, the appointments, the worries and the funny moments. We’re updating each week with current NHS guidance, starting with the most-read weeks.
Not sure how far along you are? Use our due date calculator first.
First trimester: weeks 4 to 12
Key NHS milestones: take 400 micrograms of folic acid every day until 12 weeks, plus 10 micrograms of vitamin D. Contact a midwife or your GP to book your first appointment, ideally before 10 weeks. Your dating scan happens between 8 and 14 weeks.
- Week 4: No symptoms at all and it feels strange
- Week 5: No symptoms at all!
- Week 6: Time to register the pregnancy
- Week 7: I’m tired all the time
- Week 8: The pregnancy has started to become a reality
- Week 9: Metallic taste in mouth. Why?
- Week 10: Appointment letters have come through the post!
- Week 11: How long does morning sickness last?
- Week 12: Blood tests today!
Second trimester: weeks 13 to 27
Key NHS milestones: your mid-pregnancy (anomaly) scan happens between 18 and 21 weeks. Most people first feel their baby move between 16 and 24 weeks. You’ll be offered the whooping cough vaccine, ideally between 16 and 32 weeks.
- Week 13: Ultrasound scan day!
- Week 14: Symptoms of fatigue are getting to me
- Week 15: Time is really flying now
- Week 16: The morning sickness period is over!
- Week 17: I don’t look pregnant I look fat!
- Week 18: On holiday and loving it!
- Week 19: Have I developed my first craving?
- Week 20: My second scan is nothing short of amazing!
- Week 21: Found a new job and it suits my pregnancy well
- Week 22: Braxton Hicks contractions have started
- Week 23: Babies come with suitcases
- Week 24: Does drinking alcohol affect your unborn baby?
- Week 25: I have a nocturnal baby in my belly!
- Week 26: I can’t stop looking at other pregnant mums’ bumps!
- Week 27: My third trimester has arrived!
Third trimester: weeks 28 to 41
Key NHS milestones: from 28 weeks, go to sleep on your side, as this is safer for your baby. Get to know your baby’s pattern of movements. If your baby is moving less than usual, call your midwife or maternity unit straight away; don’t wait until the next day.
- Week 28: I can hear my baby’s heartbeat
- Week 29: The end is near!
- Week 30: We’re moving to our new home!
- Week 31: I can’t see my feet!
- Week 32: Things are really getting to me now…
- Week 33: It’s my birthday and baby shower this week!
- Week 34: Antenatal classes start this week
- Week 35: Finally got my hospital bag packed and ready
- Week 36: My bump is huge!
- Week 37: Boxer is full term!
- Week 38: Pelvic pain and pressure has started
- Week 39: No sign of labour yet!
- Week 40: My due date has arrived, but still no baby!
- Week 41: Finally my baby has arrived!
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Health information checked against the NHS pregnancy guide. This diary is my own experience and isn’t a substitute for advice from your midwife or GP.
About Leyla Preston
Leyla is a UK mum of four, a writer and the founder of Motherhood Diaries, which she has edited since 2010. She has written about pregnancy, birth and family life for more than 15 years, edited NCT Harrow’s Special Delivery magazine, and is the author of several children’s and family books. She is also co-founder of Poppy, a new app helping UK parents find trusted local support, and presents Tech Talks Zone, a YouTube channel reviewing tech and AI tools for busy parents. Read Leyla’s story
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Our health articles follow NHS guidance and aren’t a substitute for advice from your midwife, health visitor or GP.