A trimester-by-trimester guide to the moments many families cherish—paired with an evidence-aware checklist of appointments, screening windows, and safe ways to celebrate each stage. Every pregnancy is unique; use these milestones as a gentle framework.
Quick Overview
Gestational age is usually counted from the first day of your last menstrual period (LMP). A full-term pregnancy is commonly considered 37–42 weeks. Only a small percentage of babies arrive exactly on the estimated due date.
First Trimester (Weeks 1–12)
- Positive test; first prenatal visit
- Heartbeat often visible by ~6–7 weeks (ultrasound)
- Screening window: ~10–13 weeks (if chosen)
Second Trimester (Weeks 13–26)
- “Quickening” (first movements) ~16–22 weeks
- Anatomy scan ~18–22 weeks
- Glucose screening ~24–28 weeks
Third Trimester (Weeks 27–40+)
- TDap & other vaccines as advised
- Group B Strep screen ~35–37 weeks
- Birth preferences & hospital bag
Timing ranges vary by country/clinic. Your clinician will tailor the schedule to your needs.
First Trimester Highlights (Weeks 1–12)
Milestones to Celebrate
- Positive pregnancy test & first prenatal booking
- Seeing the fetal heartbeat (~6–7 weeks) on early ultrasound
- Hearing your estimated due date (EDD)
Care & Screening
- Initial labs (blood type, hemoglobin, infections per local guidelines)
- Optional first-trimester screening (e.g., nuchal translucency, blood tests) ~10–13 weeks
- Discuss supplements (e.g., folic acid) and medications
Celebrate safely: a photo of your first prenatal visit, a private journal entry, or a simple meal that eases nausea (small, frequent, bland foods).
Second Trimester Highlights (Weeks 13–26)
Milestones to Celebrate
- Quickening: first flutters often around 16–22 weeks
- Anatomy scan (~18–22 weeks)—a detailed look at growth and organs
- Choosing a name, sharing the news with loved ones (if/when it feels right)
Care & Screening
- Glucose screening (for gestational diabetes) ~24–28 weeks
- Iron recheck and anemia counseling if needed
- Discuss movement patterns and what to expect
Celebrate safely: a maternity photo at a comfortable time, a keepsake from the anatomy scan, or a low-impact class (as cleared by your clinician).
Third Trimester Highlights (Weeks 27–40+)
Milestones to Celebrate
- Feeling a more regular movement pattern
- Finishing your birth preferences & hospital bag
- Setting up safe sleep space and car seat
Care & Screening
- Group B Strep screening ~35–37 weeks
- Vaccine discussions (e.g., Tdap, flu/COVID as regionally advised)
- Late-pregnancy checkups: blood pressure, swelling, fetal position
Celebrate safely: a calm “baby-moon” close to home, a playlist for labor, or a small family gathering with foods approved by your provider.
Milestone Timeline & Appointment Checklist
- Weeks 4–8: Confirm pregnancy; start prenatal vitamins (folic acid as advised); book first visit.
- ~6–7 weeks: Heartbeat often visible on ultrasound.
- Weeks 10–13: Optional first-trimester screening (if offered/desired).
- Weeks 16–22: Quickening; schedule anatomy scan ~18–22 weeks.
- Weeks 24–28: Glucose screening; review iron levels and vaccinations with clinician.
- Weeks 28–36: More frequent visits; discuss birth preferences and feeding plans.
- Weeks 35–37: Group B Strep screening; confirm hospital/birth center arrangements.
- Weeks 37–42: Full-term range; discuss induction or monitoring if pregnancy continues past due date.
Your care plan may differ based on your health history, number of babies (singleton vs multiples), and local guidelines.
Fetal Movement & Reassurance
Many feel first movements between 16–24 weeks. Movements tend to become more regular in the third trimester.
Call your clinician promptly for reduced or absent movements after movements have become regular, vaginal bleeding, fluid leakage, severe headache, vision changes, chest pain/shortness of breath, or severe abdominal pain.
Safe Ways to Celebrate Each Stage
- First trimester: Start a journal, plan nutrition that eases nausea, take a gentle walk route.
- Second trimester: Low-impact classes (if cleared), a simple photo session, baby name brainstorming night.
- Third trimester: Create a birth playlist, pack the hospital bag, set up skin-to-skin and feeding support plans.
Always confirm activity, travel, and nutrition choices with your clinician if you have complications or risk factors.
Helpful FAQs
How precise is the due date?
It’s an estimate. Most births occur within two weeks before or after the calculated EDD. Early first-trimester ultrasound is often the most accurate way to date a pregnancy.
What routine tests might I expect?
It varies by region and personal history, but often includes blood work, infectious disease screening as recommended locally, anemia checks, optional genetic screening, glucose testing (~24–28 weeks), and GBS screening (~35–37 weeks).
When should I seek urgent care?
Severe pain, heavy bleeding, fluid leakage, persistent headache with vision changes, chest pain, shortness of breath, or reduced fetal movements—seek care promptly.
Daisycle Can Help
Use Daisycle to log symptoms, track appointments, and receive gentle reminders. Keep your data private and under your control while you celebrate each milestone with clarity and calm.
