Pregnancy Health Information Organization

Maternal Changes (Changes that occur with the Mother)

Week 1
- period begins
Week 2
- uterus has shed its lining through your period
- a new bed of blood-rich tissue is delevoping
- eggs are ripening in one of the ovaries
- preparing to release an egg
Week 3
- ripened egg is released and is travelling down a fallopian tube
- conception occurs
- implantation of blastocyst, may have some spotting or bleeding
Week 4
- may be expecting period
- early signs of pregnancy, such as, fatigue, breast soreness, and mood swings
Week 5
- period is late
- hormone changes will cause swelling of breasts, increase in hunger, and nausea
- uterus grows and puts pressure on bladder cause an increase in urination
Week 6
- nausea, morning sickness, food cravings
Week 7
- loss or gain of weight
Week 8
- uterus grows to the size of an orange
- increase in oil secretions and change in hormone may result in skin breakouts
- there is about 4 times the normal levels of progesterone and estrogen hormones
Week 9
- breasts may be fuller and very sensitive
- waistline may be growing
- heartburn and indigestion as body adjusts to pregnancy hormones
Week 10
- morning sickness may start to ease
- veins in abdomen, breasts, and legs will be more noticeable due to increase in blood volume
Week 11
- uterus grows to the size of a grapefruit
Week 12
- uterus will shift up and forward as it grows and won't be pressing on bladder
- morning sickness is usually better
- less tired
- headaches and light-headedness may occur due the increased blood
Week 13
- the ligaments that hold up your uterus stretch to accommodate your growing uterus causing some achiness
Week 14
- hormones have relaxed bowel muscles causing them to work slower and less efficiently that may result in constipation
- uterus is also pressing on your bowel
- the veins on your chest and breasts are dilated and more noticeable
- the areolas may be darkening and growing in diameter
Week 15
- the uterus is three to four inches below the navel. Fundal height is the distance from the top of the uterus (fundus) to the pubic bone.
Week 16 - 17
- the uterus is about 1 1/2 to 2 inches below the navel
- weight gain is between five and ten pounds
Week 18
- the uterus is just below the navel
Week 19
- several skin changes may occur due to hormones such as the "mask of pregnancy" - blotchy patches on your forehead, cheeks, nose and chin, Itchy skin, and/or dry and flaky in certain areas and many pregnant women develop rashes, particularly on the stretched skin
Week 20
- the uterus is at the navel
- some tenderness as your belly button becomes an "outtie" from the uterus pressing on it
- the line between your navel (linea nigra) and pubic hair has darkened; it will fade after delivery
Week 21
- the uterus is about 1/2 inch above thenavel
- the average weight gain is between 10 and 15 pounds at this point
- ankles and feet may be swelling
Week 22
- the uterus is nearly an inch above the navel
- gaining weight more steadily now as your baby continues to fill out
Week 23
- feeling kicks and jabs
- the uterus is about 1 1/2 inches above the navel
Week 24
- the uterus is 1 1/2 to 2 inches above the navel
Week 25
- the uterus is the size of a soccer ball
- the uterus places pressure on your back and pelvis and may cause periodic shooting pains in thelower back and legs
Week 26
- the uterus is about 2 1/2 inches above the navel
- "Braxton Hicks" Contractions may start to happen, this is a sudden tightening and then relaxing of the uterus. These are normal, usually painless or feel similar to menstrual cramps and happen at irregular intervals.
Week 27
- the uterus is close to the rib cage now, and thelungs may not be able to fully expand causing a shortness of breath
Week 28
- the uterus is around 3 inches above the navel
- average weight gain is between 17 and 24 pounds at this point
Week 29 - 30
- difficulty sleeping
- the aorta and vena cava are slightly to the right of the center of your back, so laying/sleeping on the left side as much as possible ensures an unobstructed blood flow to the organs and extremities
Week 31
- the uterus is about 4 1/2 inches above the navel
Week 32
- the uterus is measuring about 5 inches above the navel
- the uterus is pushing the organs causing heartburn, constipation, indigestion and breathlessness
Week 33
- gaining about a pound a week
- mild edema is normal
- delveopment of pre -eclampsia. Signs are: severe headache; seeing "spots" or "flashing lights" while at rest; sudden increase in swelling, such as over 2-3 days, especially of the face; abdominal pain; and nausea, vomiting, and feeling sick, contact your caregiver immediately.
Week 34- 35
- the cervix may be stretching, thinning (effacement) and opening (dilation)
Week 36
- the average weight gain now is between 25 and 30 pounds
Week 37
- vaginal discharge may be heavier and will have more cervical mucous in it as the body prepares for labor
Week 38
- contractions may be felt
- false labor contractions are irregular and can be very painful. These contractions may be felt in various parts of the body (back, lower abdomen, pelvis)
- true labor contractions start at the top of the uterus and then spread over the entire uterus, through the lower back and into the pelvis. True labor will become stronger and more painful and won't be alleviated by changing position.
Week 39
- the baby settles into the pelvis
- center of gravity shifts which may make you feel off-balance
- easier to breathe
- the uterus is pushing on the bladder causing an increase in urination
- the uterus is 6 1/2 to 8 inches above the navel
Week 40
- labour (labor) may occur anytime

Click here for Fetal Development information.

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The information on this website is compiled and written by;

Vancouver Pregnancy & labour (labor) Acupuncturist

Raeghan Siemens, R.Ac., DTCM
Raeghan Siemens has always had an interest in medicine;
but she found her true passion in Traditional Chinese Medicine & Acupuncture.
Her special interests are treating Pregnancy related issues and aiding women through labour (labor).

Raeghan practices at Acubalance Wellness Centre Ltd. in Vancouver BC Canada.

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