Pregnancy Week-by-Week Chart: Your 40-Week Schedule
Short answer: A pregnancy chart divides the forty weeks into three trimesters: the first (1-13) for foundation and early tests, the second (14-27) for the detailed ultrasound and gestational diabetes screening, the third (28-40) for growth monitoring and birth preparation. Use it by finding your current week from the first day of your last period, then follow the tests and developments assigned to each week.
A pregnancy chart is your personal map of the forty weeks: it tells you which week you are in, what is happening to your baby, which checkups are due, and which tips fit each stage. Instead of guessing and worrying, you follow your pregnancy week by week with confidence.
In this article, a comprehensive chart summarizing the forty weeks with the key milestones, a detailed explanation of how to use the chart in practice, the tests tied to each stage, and signs that mean breaking the chart and seeing a doctor immediately.
Quick takeaways
- Calculate your current week from the first day of your last period; this is the standard the chart and doctors use.
- First trimester (1-13): foundation; folic acid and a confirmation ultrasound at 8-10.
- Second trimester (14-27): the detailed ultrasound at 18-22 and gestational diabetes screening at 24-28.
- Third trimester (28-40): weekly growth monitoring, then the hospital bag from week 36.
- The chart is a guide; your doctor may adjust appointments to your specific condition.
How to Use a Pregnancy Chart: Practical Steps
Step one: find your current week. The method: count the weeks since the first day of your last menstrual period. Example: if your last period was 20 weeks ago, you are in week 20. The pregnancy-weeks calculator on our site gives you the week and day precisely once you enter the date. Step two: know your trimester; weeks 1-13 are the first trimester, 14-27 the second, 28-40 the third. Each trimester has different tests and tips.
Step three: follow the checkups column for your current week and the next two weeks, and book your appointments early, especially the detailed ultrasound and the gestational diabetes screening, which need advance booking at many hospitals. Step four: review the developments column to know what is happening to your baby this week; this gives you reassurance and helps you notice anything unusual. Step five: apply the week's tip (nutrition, activity, preparation), designed to fit your stage exactly.
Golden tip: print the chart or save it on your phone and tick off each week you complete; seeing your progress visually gives you a huge morale boost, especially in the long final weeks.
And if you track your pregnancy with the Hijri calendar, convert the chart's weeks to Hijri months by dividing the week number by about 4.3. Example: week 20 equals about 4.6 months, the middle of the fifth month. The Hijri pregnancy calculator on our site gives you the week and the Hijri month together with no math.
The Complete Pregnancy Chart: 40 Weeks
| Week | Key developments | Checkups and appointments |
|---|---|---|
| 1-2 | Ovulation and fertilization; no baby yet by calculation | Start folic acid if you have not |
| 3-4 | Implantation; the pregnancy hormone starts rising | Home pregnancy test at the end of week 4 |
| 5-6 | The heart starts beating; limb buds | Confirm pregnancy; avoid medications and smoking |
| 7-8 | Fingers and facial features form | Book your first visit (weeks 8-10) |
| 9-10 | Major organs complete and start working | Confirmation ultrasound; full blood test and blood type |
| 11-13 | End of the sensitive phase; starts hearing sounds | Nuchal translucency screening (11-13) if needed |
| 14-16 | Fingerprints; first possible fluttering | Regular follow-up; discuss NIPT screening |
| 17-19 | Sleep-and-wake cycle; hearing begins | Get ready for the detailed ultrasound |
| 20-22 | Kicks are clear; the sex can be known | Detailed ultrasound (18-22); anomaly screening |
| 23-24 | Opens its eyes; viable from 24 | Gestational diabetes screening (24-28); blood pressure monitoring |
| 25-27 | Rapid brain growth; responds to sound | Lung-maturation shot if preterm birth threatens |
| 28-30 | Fast weight gain; lungs maturing | Follow-up every two weeks; count the baby's kicks |
| 31-33 | Usually settles head-down | Growth ultrasound; anemia screening |
| 34-36 | Growth nearly complete; head descends into pelvis | Pack the hospital bag; discuss the birth plan |
| 37-38 | Early full term; lungs ready | Weekly follow-up; group B strep screening |
| 39-40 | Final weight 2.5-4 kg | Watch for labor signs; expected delivery |
| 41-42 | Post-term follow-up | Fluid and placenta assessment; the doctor may decide on induction |
Note: we grouped the weeks for easier reading, but each week has its precise details on our pregnancy-weeks page, where you will find a detailed explanation of each of the forty weeks separately. The table above is for quick tracking and appointment planning.
Each Trimester's Tests in Detail
First trimester: the first visit between 8 and 10 weeks includes a full blood test (hemoglobin, blood type and Rh factor, diabetes, thyroid, and hepatitis), baseline blood pressure and weight, a confirmation ultrasound and due-date setting, and the nuchal translucency screening between 11 and 13 weeks for early detection of Down syndrome if you wish. Start folic acid immediately.
Second trimester: the detailed ultrasound between 18 and 22 weeks is the most important ultrasound; it examines every organ of the baby in detail. The gestational diabetes screening between 24 and 28 weeks (drinking a glucose solution, then a blood test). Blood pressure and weight monitoring at every visit. NIPT screening from week 10 for those who want higher accuracy.
Third trimester: follow-up every two weeks, then weekly from week 36. A growth ultrasound to estimate the baby's weight, position, and fluid amount. The group B strep (GBS) screening between 35 and 37 weeks. Count the baby's kicks daily from week 28: 10 movements within two hours is a reassuring sign.
Chart-Breaking Signs: See a Doctor Immediately
The chart assumes a normal pregnancy, but some signs need an immediate visit no matter which week you are in: heavy vaginal bleeding, a sudden gush of amniotic fluid, the baby's movement stopping after it had been regular (after week 28), a severe headache with blurred vision and sudden swelling (signs of preeclampsia), severe persistent abdominal pain, fever above 38.5 degrees Celsius, or regular contractions before week 37.
The rule: when in doubt, call your doctor or head to the emergency room; early evaluation saves lives. Do not wait for your scheduled appointment if a warning sign appears.
Try the calculator now
Open the calculator →Frequently asked questions
How do I know which week of pregnancy I am in?
Count the weeks since the first day of your last menstrual period; the pregnancy-weeks calculator on our site gives you the week and day precisely.
What is the most important ultrasound in pregnancy?
The detailed ultrasound between 18 and 22 weeks; it examines every organ of the baby and detects most birth defects.
When do I start counting the baby's kicks?
From week 28; watch for 10 movements within two hours daily during its usual active time.
Does the chart suit a twin pregnancy?
The chart is a guide for singleton pregnancies; a twin pregnancy needs closer follow-up and different appointments set by your doctor.
What if I miss a test's window?
Tell your doctor immediately; most tests have a time window that can still be caught, and the doctor adjusts the plan.
When do I pack the hospital bag?
From week 36, just in case; it includes your documents, clothes for you and the newborn, and hygiene supplies.