Pregnancy is a journey of transformation — for both the mother and the growing baby.
It’s divided into three trimesters, each lasting about 12–13 weeks.
Here’s what to expect, when to consult your doctor, and key tests to ensure a healthy pregnancy.
🩷 First Trimester (0–13 weeks)
What’s happening
- Fertilization, implantation, and formation of baby’s organs begin.
- By the end of this trimester, your baby is about 7–8 cm long and weighs around 25 g.
Common symptoms
- Missed period, nausea, vomiting (morning sickness)
- Breast tenderness, fatigue, frequent urination
- Mild cramping or spotting (from implantation)
When to consult your doctor
- Heavy bleeding or severe abdominal pain
- Persistent vomiting (unable to retain fluids)
- Fever or severe dizziness
👩⚕️ Routine visits: Every 4–6 weeks
Important tests
- Pregnancy confirmation and ultrasound for gestational sac and heartbeat (6–8 weeks)
- Blood group, Hb, thyroid, sugar, HIV, Hepatitis B, VDRL, Rubella tests
- Urine routine and baseline ultrasound (NT scan at 11–13 weeks) for genetic screening
💖 Second Trimester (14–27 weeks)
What’s happening
- Baby’s organs mature, movements begin (quickening).
- By 24 weeks, the baby weighs around 600–700 g.
Common symptoms
- Increased appetite, glowing skin, mild leg swelling
- Reduced morning sickness
- Round ligament pain due to stretching uterus
When to consult your doctor
- Vaginal bleeding or fluid leakage
- Severe abdominal pain or uterine contractions
- Persistent headache, blurred vision, or swelling of hands/face
👩⚕️ Routine visits: Every 4 weeks
Important tests
- Anomaly scan (18–22 weeks) — detailed ultrasound for baby’s organs
- Quadruple or triple marker tests for chromosomal abnormalities
- Urine test for infection and sugar
- CBC to monitor anemia
- Blood pressure and weight monitoring at each visit
💕 Third Trimester (28–40 weeks)
What’s happening
- Baby gains most of its weight — around 2.5 to 3.5 kg by term.
- Brain, lungs, and fat layers mature for life outside the womb.
Common symptoms
- Backache, heartburn, frequent urination, shortness of breath
- Braxton Hicks (practice) contractions
- Leaking colostrum from breasts
When to consult your doctor immediately
- Decreased baby movements
- Leaking fluid or bleeding
- Severe headache, swelling, or vision issues (possible preeclampsia)
- Painful contractions before 37 weeks (preterm labor)
👩⚕️ Routine visits:
- Every 2 weeks till 36 weeks, then weekly till delivery
Important tests
- Growth scan and Doppler (32–36 weeks)
- Blood sugar (GCT / GTT) repeat
- Urine protein check for preeclampsia
- Group B Streptococcus (GBS) swab test (around 36 weeks)
- Non-stress test (NST) in late pregnancy to assess baby’s well-being
🩺 Summary Table
| Trimester | Baby Weight | Key Tests | Visit Frequency | When to Consult Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st (0–13 wks) | ~25 g | Blood & NT scan | 4–6 weekly | Bleeding, pain, vomiting |
| 2nd (14–27 wks) | ~700 g | Anomaly, triple/quad tests | 4 weekly | Pain, fluid leak, vision changes |
| 3rd (28–40 wks) | 2.5–3.5 kg | Growth scan, NST | 2 weekly → weekly | Reduced movements, headache, swelling |
🌸 Final Words
Every pregnancy is unique. Regular checkups, healthy diet, folic acid and iron supplements, and emotional support make the journey smoother.
Stay in touch with your obstetrician and never ignore warning signs — they’re your body’s way of protecting both you and your baby.
About Dr. Pyreddy Pavani
Caring obstetrician-gynecologist supporting women through every stage—from adolescence to motherhood and beyond.
Services
- Antenatal check-ups & scans review
- Normal & high-risk pregnancy care
- PCOS & fertility counselling
- Menstrual & menopausal health
- Family planning & contraception