Pregnancy Symptoms Week by Week, From Week 4 to 40

Medically reviewed by: Safi Allah Khan · Written by the Momi team · Last updated 20 October 2026

This guide covers the whole pregnancy. For a detailed look at the very first weeks, see early pregnancy symptoms. For your baby's development each week, see pregnancy week by week.

Pregnancy symptoms week by week chart

Weeks	Common symptoms	What's behind them
4–6	Missed period, light spotting, tiredness, sore breasts, needing to pee more	Rising hCG and progesterone
6–9	Nausea and vomiting (any time of day), smell sensitivity, food aversions, bloating	Hormone peak; ACOG says nausea usually starts before 9 weeks
10–13	Nausea still common, constipation, visible veins, mood swings, waistband tight	Uterus growing, blood volume rising
14–17	More energy, nausea easing, stuffy nose, bleeding gums, round ligament twinges	Higher blood flow; uterus rising out of the pelvis
18–22	First movements (16–24 weeks), skin darkening, backache, leg cramps	Bump growing; hormones affecting skin
23–27	Heartburn, swollen ankles, stretch marks, Braxton Hicks may start	Uterus pushing up and out
28–32	Tiredness returns, breathlessness, back and pelvic pain, trouble sleeping	Baby gaining weight fast
33–36	Needing to pee often, swelling, heartburn, practice contractions	Baby large and low; less room
37–40	Pelvic pressure, baby "dropping", more discharge, possible show, irregular tightenings	Body preparing for labor

Use this as a guide only. The NHS week-by-week pages list many of the same symptoms, and note that some from earlier weeks, such as nausea or mood swings, can carry on.

First-trimester symptoms (weeks 1–13)

You aren't pregnant in weeks 1 and 2, because pregnancy is counted from your last period. Most people notice symptoms from around weeks 4 to 6. ACOG lists these first-trimester changes: your period stops, breasts become larger and more tender, you need to pee more often, you feel very tired, you may feel sick and vomit, and you may crave some foods or go off others.

• Nausea: usually starts before 9 weeks. See morning sickness.
• Tiredness: the NHS says it's common, especially in the first 12 weeks.
• Spotting: light spotting can be normal, but always mention bleeding to your provider.

Read first trimester symptoms for tips and warning signs.

Second-trimester symptoms (weeks 14–27)

ACOG says your appetite increases and nausea and tiredness may ease, your abdomen starts to expand, and you begin to feel your baby move. Mayo Clinic adds that you may notice:

• Body aches: back, belly, groin or thigh pain, including round ligament pain
• Skin changes: darker patches on the face, a dark line down the belly, stretch marks
• Nasal congestion and nosebleeds, plus sensitive or bleeding gums
• Leg cramps, often at night. See pregnancy leg cramps
• Dizziness when you stand up quickly
• Braxton Hicks contractions: mild, irregular tightenings
• Vaginal discharge: clear or white is normal

The NHS says most people feel movements between 16 and 24 weeks. Many call this the "honeymoon" trimester; our guide on why the second trimester is called the honeymoon period explains why.

Third-trimester symptoms (weeks 28–40)

ACOG says you'll feel your baby's movements strongly, you may be short of breath, you'll need to pee more often as the baby drops, colostrum may leak from your nipples, and your belly button may stick out. Other common ones:

• Back and pelvic pain, sometimes pelvic girdle pain
• Heartburn and indigestion
• Swollen ankles, feet and fingers, worse at the end of the day
• Trouble sleeping; see pregnancy insomnia
• Braxton Hicks, more noticeable; see Braxton Hicks vs real contractions
• Tiredness, as you carry more weight

From 28 weeks, the NHS advises going to sleep on your side. Get to know your baby's usual movements and call your maternity unit straight away if they slow down or change. More in the third trimester guide.

Symptoms that need a call to your provider

Some symptoms are not normal pregnancy discomforts. The CDC's urgent maternal warning signs and NHS guidance say to get help quickly for:

Symptom	Why it matters
Vaginal bleeding or leaking fluid	Possible miscarriage, placenta problems, or waters breaking
Severe or constant belly pain	Possible ectopic pregnancy (early), placental abruption or other problems
Severe headache, vision changes, sudden swelling of face, hands or feet	Possible pre-eclampsia, usually after 20 weeks
Baby moving less, or a change in pattern	Can be a sign your baby needs checking
Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher	Possible infection
Vomiting so severe you can't keep fluids down	Risk of dehydration; possible hyperemesis gravidarum
Pain, swelling or redness in one leg	Possible blood clot (DVT)
Chest pain, trouble breathing, fainting, seizures	Emergency: call your local emergency number
Regular contractions before 37 weeks	Possible preterm labor

If you're unsure, call. Midwives and maternity units would rather check you than have you wait.

How to track your symptoms

• Keep a short daily note: what you felt, when, and how bad.
• Note anything new or sudden, and anything that's getting worse.
• Bring the list to appointments; see the pregnancy appointment schedule.
• Check your week with How Many Weeks Pregnant Am I? so you can compare with the chart.

Track your symptoms with Momi

Momi follows your pregnancy week by week, with tips for the symptoms that are common at each stage. Use the diary to log symptoms and mood, the weight tracker to record your weight, and the visits screen to keep appointments and medicine reminders together.

Download Momi free on the App Store or Google Play. Free with ads; optional Premium.

Sources

• ACOG, Changes During Pregnancy (infographic)
• NHS Best Start in Life, 20 weeks pregnant
• NHS, Common health problems in pregnancy
• Mayo Clinic, 2nd trimester pregnancy: What to expect
• CDC, Urgent Maternal Warning Signs
• NHS, Pre-eclampsia

Medical disclaimer: Momi and this website provide general information, not medical advice. Always talk to your doctor or midwife; in an emergency call your local emergency number.