Medically reviewed by Dr. Ruqaiya Khan, MD, FACOG.
Pregnancy symptoms by week shift considerably as pregnancy progresses. Here’s a general overview of pregnancy symptoms by week, from the earliest signs to the final stretch – use this as a guide rather than a checklist, since every pregnancy is different.
Weeks 4-8: early pregnancy symptoms by week
The earliest pregnancy symptoms by week typically include a missed period, fatigue, and breast tenderness, with nausea often beginning around week 6. Other early symptoms can include mild cramping, frequent urination, and heightened sense of smell.
Weeks 9-13: first trimester symptoms by week
This window often brings peak nausea for many people, along with frequent urination, mood swings, and food aversions. A visible bump may just begin appearing by the end of this stretch, especially in later pregnancies. See our morning sickness relief guide if nausea is intense.
Weeks 14-27: second trimester symptoms by week
Energy often returns during this stretch as hCG levels stabilize, and appetite typically increases. Quickening – the first felt movements – usually happens between weeks 16 and 25. Round ligament pain, a sharp or achy sensation on one or both sides of the lower belly, is also common as the uterus grows quickly.
Weeks 28-40: third trimester symptoms by week
Back pain, swelling in the feet and hands, Braxton Hicks contractions, and shortness of breath become more common as the uterus continues expanding and baby grows, in line with typical patterns described by ACOG. Many people also feel increasing anticipation – and impatience – as their due date approaches. Our back pain and swelling guides cover relief options in more detail.
Pregnancy symptoms by week and trimester at a glance
- First trimester (weeks 1-13): Missed period, nausea, fatigue, breast tenderness, frequent urination
- Second trimester (weeks 14-27): Increased energy, quickening, round ligament pain, visible bump
- Third trimester (weeks 28-40): Back pain, swelling, Braxton Hicks, shortness of breath, trouble sleeping
Which symptoms warrant a call to your provider?
Contact your OB-GYN or midwife for heavy bleeding, severe abdominal pain, sudden or severe swelling, decreased fetal movement after it’s established, severe headaches, or vision changes at any stage of pregnancy.
See what to expect for your exact week
For a closer look at any specific week, visit our week-by-week hub, or check your current stage with the gestational age calculator.
Tracking your own pregnancy symptoms by week
Keeping a simple log of your pregnancy symptoms by week can help you spot patterns and give your provider useful context at appointments. Note when a symptom starts, how it changes, and anything that seems to make it better or worse – this can be especially helpful if a symptom feels unusual or more intense than expected.
FAQs about pregnancy symptoms by week
Do symptoms vary between pregnancies?
Yes. Pregnancy symptoms by week can vary significantly from person to person and even between different pregnancies for the same person. The general timeline is a helpful guide, not a strict rule.
Which symptoms are considered most common?
Fatigue, nausea, and breast tenderness are among the most commonly reported pregnancy symptoms by week in the first trimester, while back pain and swelling become more common later on.
Can these symptoms suddenly disappear?
Yes, particularly around the end of the first trimester, many pregnancy symptoms by week (like nausea and fatigue) ease noticeably as hormone levels stabilize.
When do pregnancy symptoms by week typically peak?
For most people, pregnancy symptoms by week peak during the late first trimester, particularly nausea and fatigue, before gradually easing in the second trimester as hormone levels stabilize.
Related Reading
- Morning Sickness Guide — causes and relief options
- Pregnancy Swelling Guide — what is normal and when to call
- Pregnancy Back Pain Guide — causes and ways to ease it
- Labor Guide — signs, stages and preparation
Also see our calculator FAQs, pregnancy FAQs and pregnancy terms glossary.
Related Resources
- Pregnancy Symptom Explainer
- First Trimester Guide (Weeks 1–13)
- Second Trimester Guide (Weeks 14–27)
- Third Trimester Guide (Weeks 28–40)
- Morning Sickness Guide: Causes and Relief
Sources and Further Reading
This page is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your OB-GYN or midwife about your own pregnancy.