There were those days when our mothers suffered during pregnancies due to fewer resources, and now the modern advancements have made pregnancy much better. Knowing your pregnancy month by month can help you to take care of your baby and your health. Planning everything carefully, including your food and care, can help manage pregnancy symptoms and have a healthy pregnancy. This pregnancy month-by-month guide can help in creating a daily activity chart, including the nutrition, exercises and self-care plans. 

Key Takeaways

• Learning about pregnancy month by month is beneficial for planning nutrition and self-care.
• The baby development month by month makes you understand the changes that they go through at every stage from forming an embryo to developing into a foetus.
• The common symptoms faced during pregnancies include morning sickness, frequent urination, constipation, nausea, dizziness, fatigue and heartburn.
• Consume foods rich in magnesium, iron, calcium, folic acid and vitamin D.
• Follow a balanced meal with whole grains, fruits, vegetables, eggs, meat, dairy, legumes and nuts.
• Check with the doctor regularly and get tests and screenings done when necessary.
• Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience bleeding, severe cramping, blurry vision and reduced baby movement.

A Quick Overview of the 9-Month Journey

Trimester	Month of pregnancy	Foetal development at this time	To-do lists
First trimester	1st month	Implantation occurs, and the heartbeat starts	Light exercise and diet changes
First trimester	2nd month	Face development, brain, digestive tract and sensory organs start to shape	Prenatal tests and appointments
First trimester	3rd month	Limbs, hands, toes, fingers and feet become developed, and organs are formed	Check up with a dentist
Second trimester	4th month	Eyelids, eyelashes, hair and nails become more developed	Wear comfortable maternity clothes.
Second trimester	5th month	Baby can move	Screening tests, anomaly scan and ultrasound tests performed
Second trimester	6th month	Fingerprints and toe prints become more developed, and eyes can be opened	Perform pelvic floor exercises
Third trimester	7th month	Lungs and other organs develop	Doctor visit every 2 weeks
Third trimester	8th month	Fat adds, and more weight gain can be observed, and the head turns down	Prepare hospital bag
Third trimester	9th month	Lungs and brain are fully developed, and the baby is ready for labour	Follow the doctor’s advice

Baby Development Month By Month

First Trimester

The first trimester is where you start the journey, and you can experience many changes to your body. This trimester starts after the last menstrual period (LMP).

First month: The Journey Begins

This is the beginning of your pregnancy, and you can start feeling symptoms like fatigue and morning sickness. The fertilisation leads to implantation, and hormonal changes begin.

Baby development

• The fertilisation occurs, the egg travels through the fallopian tube and implantation occurs inside the wall of the uterus.
• The cell divides, through which the formation of the embryo and placenta occurs.
• The umbilical cord forms, which transports the nutrients and removes the waste.

First-Month Symptoms

At this month you would be having doubts about whether you are pregnant due to the missed periods. You may or may not experience any symptoms, and if you do, then the following are the most common signs:

• Fatigue
• Morning sickness
• Missed period
• Soreness in breast
• Mild spotting
• Frequent urination
• Nausea

First-Month Pregnancy: Food and Diet

There are risks of early miscarriage, neural tube defects, infections and ectopic pregnancy. This is why folic acid should be consumed, as it can reduce the neural tube defects.

The folic-acid-rich foods include:

• Leafy greens: spinach, lettuce and kale
• Legumes: Lentils, beans, chickpeas and peas
• Citrus fruits: Lemons, oranges and grapes
• Vegetables: Cauliflower and broccoli
• Nuts: Sunflower and peanuts
• Eggs

Avoid processed foods, excess caffeine, alcohol, undercooked eggs and meat and unhygienic foods.

1. Consider fruits like banana, apple, orange and pomegranate.

2. Take iron-rich foods like dates, jaggery, legumes and green vegetables.

3. Consume protein-rich foods like paneer, pulses and eggs.

Daily Care

• Consulting a doctor is beneficial, as the doctor may suggest blood tests, scans and additional supplements based on your medical history.
• Stop smoking and drinking alcohol and restrict caffeine.
• Start taking vitamins such as folic acid.

Medical Disclaimer:  Always consult or go for medical advice and do not take any actions on your own.

Second month: The Stage of Baby Development

The first trimester is where the rapid growth of the foetus occurs, and during this month, the foetus undergoes many changes, and you can also start experiencing the symptoms.

Baby development

• The cardiac activity starts, but the heart is not yet fully formed.
• The buds develop for arms and legs.
• Facial features like arms, legs and fingers form.
• The structures of organs start to develop.
• Your baby is around 1 inch long.

Second-Month Symptoms

The uterus is growing at this time; you may feel more tiredness, and the total blood in the body increases. The symptoms include:

• Nausea
• Urge to urinate
• constipation
• Moodiness
• Sleepiness
• Sensitive breasts
• Morning sickness

Second-Month Pregnancy: Food and Diet

Consume small portions, frequent and bland meals containing iron and folic acid.

Avoid greasy food, processed items, raw milk and cheeses made from unpasteurised milk.

1. Consume folic acid-rich foods like spinach, legumes and fenugreek, as they can reduce neural tube defects.

2. Take calcium source foods like milk, paneer, yoghurt, buttermilk and curd.

3. Drink plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated.

4. Chicken, eggs and dairy products support tissue development of the baby.

Tip for morning sickness: Crackers, plain rice, dry toast and ginger tea can help with morning sickness.

Daily Care

• Eat meals in small portions frequently to tackle nausea.
• Take plenty of rest and sleep well.
• Continue taking prenatal vitamins. The folic acid consumption should be 400 micrograms per day.
• Prenatal tests can be prescribed by the doctor in this month.

Note: Always consult a doctor before taking any medications.

Third month: The End of the First Trimester

The embryo develops into a foetus, and the umbilical cord connects the foetus with the uterine wall and the placenta.

Baby development

• The fingers and the toes of the baby will have soft nails.
• The buds in the mouth start becoming baby teeth.
• Formation of fine hair occurs on the baby’s skin.
• The organs continue to develop, and the weight gain in the baby can be observed.
• The heartbeat of the baby can be felt using an instrument called a doppler.
• The baby is around 2.5 to 3 inches long.

Third-Month Symptoms

The uterus is growing at this time; you may feel more tiredness, and the total blood in the body increases.

The symptoms include:

• Morning sickness
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Breast tenderness
• Constipation
• Heartburn and acid reflux
• Frequent urination

Third-Month Pregnancy: Food and Diet

1. Calcium-rich food sources like cheese and yoghurt can be helpful for the baby’s bone growth.

2. Foods like carrots and sweet potatoes are rich in beta-carotene and are essential for the skin and eye health of the baby.

3. Walnuts and salmon are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which help in the brain and eye development of the baby.

Tip for constipation: Whole grains, fresh fruits, legumes and vegetables can help with constipation.

Note: Miscarriages and infection risk are high in the first trimester; hence, avoid undercooked foods and street foods and wash vegetables and fruits properly before consuming or cooking.

Daily Care

• Walking, swimming, pelvic floor exercises and prenatal yoga are safe to do. Avoid heavy lifting and stressful activities that can put pressure on the joints.
• Hear your baby’s heartbeat through your first ultrasound.
• Visit the doctor for a prenatal checkup.
• An increase in the vitamin and mineral supply is necessary for the baby’s nourishment.
• Prenatal screening tests like genetic tests can be performed.

Disclaimer!!

A doctor should suggest and approve the exercises, vitamins, and other habits.

Second Trimester

This is the golden period in the time of pregnancy, because the nausea and fatigue are reduced and you will have more energy.

Fourth month: Beginning Second Trimester

You can notice a baby bump at the beginning of this trimester. Changes like increased appetite and discomforts, including ligament pain, can be experienced.

Baby development

• The baby can move and swallow.
• The gender of the baby can be seen through the ultrasound.
• The skin of the baby is transparent and pink.
• The hair starts growing.
• The roof of the mouth will be formed.

Fourth-Month Symptoms

The symptoms include:

• Mild back pain
• Bleeding gums
• Frequent urination
• Occasional dizziness
• Constipation
• Heartburn
• Nasal congestion

Fourth-Month Pregnancy: Food and Diet

1. This period is the growth stage for the baby; hence, iron, healthy fats and calcium-rich foods are important.

2. Beetroot, dates, and cooked leafy vegetables are rich in iron.

3. Sesame seeds, fortified soymilk and dairy products are calcium-containing foods.

4. Ghee, nuts and avocado contain healthy fats but have to be consumed in moderation.

Tip for heart burn and indigestion: Having small frequent meals and avoiding greasy, acidic or spicy foods can reduce the stomach burning.

Daily Care

• You can start wearing maternity clothes.
• Visit the healthcare and get your prenatal checkup.
• Amniocentesis or a quad screen may be suggested by the doctor during this period.

Fifth month: The Feel of Movement

This is your special month, as you can feel the baby’s movement, like kicking, rolling and stretching.

Baby development

• The baby’s skin is covered with a coating named ‘vernix’, which can protect the foetal skin from amniotic fluid.
• The baby can kick, stretch and punch.
• A layer of hair is formed on the body called lanugo.
• The foetus is around 9 to 10 inches long.

Fifth-Month Symptoms

The symptoms include:

• Back pain
• Stretch marks
• Occasional leg cramps
• Foetal movements
• Headache
• Skin changes
• Swollen feet and ankles
• constipation

Fifth-Month Pregnancy: Food and Diet

1. Chicken, fish and beef are lean sources of protein that can be consumed.

2. Brown rice, oats and quinoa are fibre-containing foods that can aid digestive issues.

3. Spinach, dates, legumes and beetroot can deal with anaemia.

4. Bell peppers, citrus fruits and bell peppers can provide vitamin C that is needed for your baby’s skin, tendons and cartilage.

5. Calcium-rich foods can support teeth and bone growth of the baby.

Tips for leg cramps: Eat magnesium- and calcium-containing foods like paneer, milk, spinach, bananas and yoghurt, as they can ease muscle nerves.

Note: Be aware of fishes like salmon, mackerel and shark, as they have high mercury content. Avoiding them is the best choice, and do not consume any undercooked meat.

Daily Care

• Swimming, yoga, low-impact aerobics, stretches and leg lifts can be safely performed.
• An ultrasound scan, also called an anomaly scan, may be performed to check the development of the organs like the heart, spine, kidneys, brain and limbs of the baby.
• Start doing pelvic exercises.

Sixth month: Getting Bigger and Stronger

The baby is growing rapidly at this stage and can respond to the external sounds and loud noises.

Baby development

• The baby is around 12 inches long.
• The weight gain of the baby will be rapid as the fat is being stored under the skin.
• The facial features of the baby will be more distinct.
• The lungs, kidneys and digestive system are developing and maturing.
• The bones are becoming denser but stay flexible and softer.
• The baby can feel the taste and can swallow amniotic fluid.

Sixth-Month Symptoms

The symptoms include:

• Backache
• Emotional changes
• Swollen feet and ankles
• Increased
• Itchiness in the stomach
• Dizziness
• Increased hunger
• Round ligament pain

Sixth-Month Pregnancy: Food and Diet

1. Drink lots of water and stay hydrated.

2. Fibre containing foods can aid in digestion and can improve bowel movements.

3. Continue consuming folic acid-containing foods.

4. Lean protein can help a baby’s rapid growth.

Tips for swollen feet: Avocados and bananas are rich in magnesium and potassium that can help in maintaining fluid balance.

Daily Care

• A blood test may be suggested for gestational diabetes.
• Take four or five small meals per day to reduce heartburn issues.
• Do not use any medications like antacids or laxatives without doctor recommendation.
• Antibody screening will be done for the parents with Rh-negative blood.

Third Trimester

This is the final trimester, the start of rapid growth and the stage of preparation for birth.

Seventh month: The Time For Expectations

This month is the start of the third trimester, and this is the rapid developmental stage of the baby.

Baby development

• The length of the baby is around 14 to 16 inches, and he weighs almost 1 to 1.5 kg by the end of this month.
• The baby can close and open the eyes.
• The baby can respond to sound and light.

Seventh-Month Symptoms

The symptoms include:

• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Insomnia
• Braxton Hicks contractions
• Back pain
• Pelvic pain
• Haemorrhoids

As the baby grows, there is less space near the lungs, which can cause shortness of breath and digestive issues.

Note: Braxton Hicks contractions are just false labour and not a real one. The contractions stop when you change the position, while the real labour contractions are stronger and do not stop when you change the position or move.

Seventh-Month Pregnancy: Food and Diet

1. Extra dosage of iron is required in this trimester to prevent issues related to anaemia.

2. Calcium-rich foods can support the baby’s skeletal system.

3. Magnesium-rich foods like black beans, pumpkin seeds and almonds can prevent premature delivery and help with muscle cramps.

4. Foods containing DHA (fatty acid) like walnut, flax and fish oil can help in brain development.

Note: Always consult a doctor before taking fish oil capsules.

Tips for fatigue: Whole grains, spinach and lean meats can help you be energised.

Daily Care

• Get a lot of rest.
• Visit a doctor for checkups every two weeks.
• Get a scan for monitoring the baby’s growth.
• Walk slowly, gently and regularly to improve body circulation.
• Use a pillow and sleep on their side to support the blood flow improvement in the baby.
• Keep your feet elevated or raised to manage the swelling in the feet.

Eighth month: The Preparation Starts

This is the phase of organ maturation, lung and brain development. Rapid weight gain occurs due to gain of body fat.

Baby development

• The brain is maturing and growing.
• All the organs except for the brain and lungs are matured.
• The foetus is around 17 to 18 inches long.
• The baby can kick stronger and roll.
• The fingernails have grown.

Eighth-Month Symptoms

The symptoms include:

• Shortness of breath
• Increased urination
• Pelvic pressure
• Braxton Hicks contractions
• Haemorrhoids
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Varicose veins
• Skin stretching

You can use lotions and moisturises in the areas of stretchy skin for keeping the skin soft and reduce itchiness and uncomfortable tightness.

Eighth-Month Pregnancy: Food and Diet

1. Drink a lot of water, as it can support the amniotic fluid levels.

2. Protein and healthy fats can support tissue growth and the baby’s brain development.

3. Iron-rich sources can help in preventing anaemia.

4. Eat foods that are bland like bananas, yoghurt and oatmeal if you are facing heartburn issues.

Tips for Oedema: Bananas and avocados are hydrating and rich in potassium, which can help in balancing the fluid.

Daily Care

• Visit the doctor for a checkup every two weeks.
• You may undergo screening for group B Streptococcal (GBS) colonisation.
• Get your hospital bag ready and plan for delivery.

Ninth month: The Countdown Starts

This is your special month, as your baby has fully developed and is ready for the birth, and you can expect to meet your baby anytime soon.

Baby development

• The baby is in the head-down position, ready for birth.
• The length of the baby is around 18 inches, while the weight is around 2.5 to 3.5 kg.
• The foetus has lost lanugo and has hair on its head.
• The foetus drop could be felt in your pelvis.

Ninth-Month Symptoms

The symptoms include:

• Oedema
• Heartburn and indigestion
• Fatigue
• Constipation
• Frequent urination
• Severe backache
• Braxton Hicks contractions

Ninth-Month Pregnancy: Food and Diet

1. Eat healthy fats, calcium, vitamin D, iron and fibre-containing foods.

2. Stay hydrated and drink lots of water to maintain amniotic fluid and also to aid digestion.

Daily Care

• Talk to the obstetrician once a week.
• As it is the time for delivery, you can expect regular contractions which can stay more than five minutes in an hour.
• Prepare and pack the necessary items like maternity clothes, medical records and documents.

When Should You Contact a Doctor?

Call your doctor if you experience:

• Blurry vision
• Leakage of fluid
• Burning or pain while peeing
• Dehydration
• Severe cramping
• Regular contractions before week 37
• Reduced baby movement
• Bleeding
• Continuous headache
• Swelling on hands or face
• Itchy hands or feet

Frequently Asked Questions