Frequency of visits:

Initial consultation is usually 8-10 weeks after the onset of your last menstrual period, thereafter at
14 weeks
20 weeks
26 weeks
30 weeks
33 weeks
35-36 weeks
37-38 weeks
39-40 weeks

Extra visits are needed for high risk pregnancies, eg twins, hypertension, diabetes

Pregnancy Calendar

8 weeks
Baby is about 2.5cm long all the organs are in place

You -

may feel tired, irritable and moody

may experience dizzy spells

may have constipation
may feel sick in the morning or at any time during the day

What to do:
- continue with your normal fitness routine
- make sure you are eating regular meals with a balanced diet. Drink enough water during the day, we
recommend 2 litres per day.

- around now you should be having your first consultation with your specialist

12 weeks
Baby:
- is about 10cm long
- although you cannot feel it yet, baby is moving
- all organs are fully formed, including the babys testes or ovaries

You:
- may start to notice weight gain
- your breasts will feel heavier
- the amount of blood in your circulation increases

What to do:
-

around now, think about booking into Parenthood classes

16 weeks
Baby
- is now 15cm long and weighs 170gm, with fingernails, toenails and eyebrows
- swallows the amniotic fluid and passes urine
You:
-

will start to lose your waistline

can continue with a normal sex life unless advised otherwise by a midwife or doctor

20 weeks
Baby:

now measures 20cm

weighs approximately 400gm

can suck its thumb

can respond to loud noises

You:
-

may start to feel the babys movements

may start to feel less tired and recover some energy

you may start to become more interested in food, exercise and sex

What to do:
start a gentle exercise program if you have not already done so (walking, swimming and or yoga are
best)
-

a detailed ultrasound is usually arranged between 18 and 20 weeks

Do not sleep flat on your back. Have a pillow under the right hip while sleeping

24 weeks
Baby:
-

is now about 30cm long

is growing rapidly and weighs about 600gm

can get the hiccups

You:
-

will feel the babys movements clearly

may experience heartburn and leg cramps

may experience stitch-like pain at the top of your legs as the ligaments start to stretch

may feel Branxton-Hicks contractions, also called tightenings these are not painful and are quite
normal

What to do:
-

be careful with lifting and take care of your posture to decrease back problems

ensure your diet is adequate and well balanced, as the baby is growing well at this stage

28 weeks
Baby:
-

may start to move lower in your pelvis in the next few weeks

You:
-

may start to feel generally uncomfortable and tired

may start to feel increased pressure in your pelvic area

What to do:
report any problems (eg headaches, blurred vision, sudden swelling in your feet or hands, contractions,
any change in vaginal discharge

32 weeks
Baby:
-

measures 40cm; weighs 1.5kg

You:
-

will start to feel your internal organs are cramped

may experience breathlessness with activity or exercise

What to do:
-

consider a tour of the delivery suite

start to pack your bag

organise a child restraint for your car

36 weeks
Baby:
-

weighs about 2.5kg now, and should continue moving as much as before right up until birth

will start to move lower in your pelvis over the next few weeks

You:
-

will feel generally uncomfortable and tired

40 weeks
Baby:
-

is now about 50cm long and weighs about 3.5kg on average

birth is expected any time between 38 and 41 weeks

should continue to move as much as before

You:
-

will probably feel a lot of pressure low down and may be very uncomfortable

sleeping can be difficult because of aches, mild contractions and/or pressure over your bladder

What to do:
-

watch for any signs of labour, eg regular contractions, watery vaginal discharge

immediately contact the hospital if babys movements slow down, if you have any bleeding or if your
membranes break
We will offer a vaginal examination at this time to assess whether your body is preparing for labour.

We will discuss a date for induction of labour.

Continue to check the babys movements daily. Ensure they are more than 10 per day.