Pregnancy week by week

Dear parents-to-be. Welcome to a review of the different weeks of pregnancy. A pregnancy is said to last 40 weeks. It is counted from the first day of the last menstrual period onwards. When a pregnancy is confirmed, the due date is calculated - first from the first day of the last menstrual period, then by scan, if you say yes to the malformation scan which is in pregnancy week 11+3 – 13+6. None of the methods are 100% sure. That is why it is so important to remember that the due date period is from pregnancy week 37+0 – 42+0. More about that when we get there in the review of the weeks.

A pregnancy is divided into 3 trimesters, which is why I have done the same in my review of the pregnancy week by week.

Really good reading pleasure - and good pregnancy to both you who are pregnant and you who are your partner.

First trimester

The first trimester spans from conception to week 12+0 of pregnancy. It is a vulnerable period for both the fetus and for many expectant parents. Perhaps you have been trying to get pregnant for a long time, perhaps you have previously experienced spontaneous abortion(s). Perhaps you are in doubt whether the pregnancy is wanted, or nausea fills everything. In other words, it is normal for you as a future mother and father to experience both emotions and changes during this trimester.

For the baby, it is also a vulnerable trimester. It is during these weeks and months that the baby's body and organs are formed. Therefore, it is important to avoid chemicals, cigarette smoke and alcohol as much as possible. It is important to take certain supplements from the start of the first trimester. Read more about it here . In this trimester, baby goes from being a two-celled life to, by the end of the trimester, being a small child that moves around and is the size of a plum with a beating heart.

Week 0 – 2

Here you are not yet pregnant. It is for professional and practical reasons that these weeks are counted. At the end of week 2 you ovulate and the egg begins its journey through the fallopian tube on its way to the uterus.

3rd week

This is where fertilization takes place. A whole new life begins! As soon as a sperm cell has penetrated the egg, the fertilized egg divides every 12 hours. It is the sperm cell that determines whether the baby will be a boy or a girl. The egg is now fertilized and attaches itself to the lining of the uterus. This may cause a little spotting around where you would have expected your period.

4th week

It is at the end of the 4th week that you should have had your period. This is when most people discover they are pregnant, when their period is missed. Some have had a feeling already, others have been hoping and counting the days.

When you discover that you are pregnant, it is time to make an appointment with your doctor to have your pregnancy papers drawn up. You will often be given an appointment around week 8 of pregnancy.

Some women already experience nausea, fatigue and breast tenderness. Read more about the early signs of pregnancy here .

At this point, the baby is called an embryo. It is 1.5-2.5 mm long and is developing rapidly! It is now possible to see what the head and bottom are and the structures for skin, gastrointestinal tract, lungs, nervous system, muscles and blood vessels have formed.

5th week

This week, the primitive heart begins to beat and the umbilical cord develops. The umbilical cord consists of 3 blood vessels that are responsible for transporting oxygen and nutrients from the mother to the embryo, and carbon dioxide and waste products back the other way. Your uterus is the size of a tennis ball, but you can't yet see with the naked eye that you are pregnant.

6th week

The embryo is now 4 weeks old. Already one month after fertilization, the formation of all the organs is in full swing. A continuous intestinal tube is now forming from its mouth to its butt. This will later become the intestinal system itself.

The embryo is now 7-9 mm long and has a large head at one end and a tail at the other end. A bit like a tadpole. It now has the development of eyes, ears, face and teeth. The head and brain are now growing rapidly.

If you have an early scan this week, you will be able to see a heartbeat. It is normal to be tired, feel bloated, have nausea and mood swings when you are pregnant. This is due to the hormonal changes that pregnancy brings.

7th week

The embryo is now surrounded by the amniotic cavity which is filled with amniotic fluid and later means that there is plenty of freedom of movement for the baby, who will also be well protected against external shocks. The fetus now has an opening where the mouth is forming and 2 small nostrils. The facial structure is formed, and it is possible to see where the eyes are forming. The brain and spinal cord are now forming from the neural tube.

From the end of this week, the risk of miscarriage drops to 3% risk if you are over 30 and 2% if you are under. If you are over 40, the risk is somewhat higher.

8th week

The embryo is now approximately 13-17 millimeters long from head to tail. Tiny fingers and toes become visible this week, and the digestive system continues to develop.

Some have told family and friends about their pregnancy at this point. Others wait until later. There is no right or wrong, so feel what feels good for you. One word of advice, though: If you are worried, I recommend reaching out to friends, family, or professionals.

Week 9

The embryo is now about 18-22 mm long. The heart is soon fully developed with all heart valves and the septum between the heart chambers. It now consists of four fully developed chambers. At the end of this week, the baby reaches its maximum heart rate. Here the heart beats 180 beats per minute.

10th week

All organs are now formed. Just think about how big it is! The embryo now has a head and eyes, a nose and mouth, hands and feet and a skeleton. It measures just 31-42 mm from head to butt and weighs about 5 grams. And despite its small size, it is a small human being, which will also be visible on an early scan.

It is normal to feel an increased urge to urinate. Partly due to hormonal changes and now also because the uterus is starting to fill. Some women have started to gain weight. It is very individual when and how you gain weight during pregnancy. Some gain weight evenly throughout the weeks and months. Others gain weight in periods. For a normal weight woman, it is normal to gain 10-15 kilos during pregnancy. The kilos cover the baby's weight, the amniotic fluid, the placenta, the growing breasts, your increased blood volume and increased fat deposits.

11th week

The baby now weighs 8 grams and grows by about 1.5 mm per day. Gradually the organs mature and become functional.

The brain now has approximately the same structure as it will have at birth. This does not mean that it is fully developed. It will not be until the child is around 7 years old.

If you have previously experienced several miscarriages, it is often both overwhelming and vulnerable to reach this point in your pregnancy. It is normal to feel a mixture of relief, fear, insecurity, loneliness, responsibility and hope. Dear woman, know that there is nothing you can do about miscarriages - no matter how much you want to keep the pregnancy. You are almost at week 12, where the risk of miscarriage drops significantly. For some, the malformation scan is the big milestone. Take heart, I send loving thoughts!

12th week

The baby is now called a fetus. From now on and for the next 2 weeks, it is time for the so-called malformation scan. This is where the due date is determined and whether there is a risk of chromosomal defects, including Down syndrome, is assessed.

The fetus is 6-7 cm long and the head makes up half of its length. The dental implants for all 20 milk teeth are now in place. However, they do not erupt through the gums until several months after birth.

The fetus has developed reflexes and is diligently practicing swallowing, urinating and moving. It is still too early to feel the baby's movements, both as a pregnant woman and as a partner.

Second trimester

You have now come through the first trimester. Your nausea has probably subsided or gone completely. Maybe your clothes are starting to feel tight and you and your partner are getting used to the fact that a baby is on the way. If you haven't already told friends and family about your pregnancy, now is a good time. The risk of miscarriage is now minimal and the pregnancy will soon be visible - especially if you have been pregnant before. In this trimester, it is normal for you to feel like yourself again in terms of your energy as a pregnant woman. Most people can manage their work just fine and are slowly starting to prepare for the baby's arrival. For most partners, it is becoming real that a baby is on the way. Many people are starting to think about practicalities such as finances, the size of their home and car, and the like.

If you have children or bonus children, definitely invite them to be part of the pregnancy process. Completely on their terms. Go with their interest, for example invite them to the midwife, draw on the belly together, read books, watch birth videos on YouTube, etc. Of course, based on the child's age.

Start considering now whether you want a home birth or a hospital birth. And whether your child/children will be present at the birth.

13th week

The fetus is now about 8 cm long and weighs about 35 g. It both swallows and digests the amniotic fluid, which has no nutrition. The fetus receives all nutrition from the mother via the placenta and umbilical cord. The urine is sterile and disappears together with the amniotic fluid when replaced through the mother's circulation. At the same time, the amniotic fluid is renewed about every three hours.

The entire skeleton is formed. Much of it is still cartilage. The process that turns cartilage into bone continues until the first weeks after birth. The fetus has now begun to produce its own hormones. So there is still a lot from week to week.

As a pregnant woman, you are probably starting to get your energy back. It is important to take action as an opportunity to make exercise a regular part of your daily life. Whether it is regular exercise or cycling to and from work is not so important. But exercise is important to support an uncomplicated pregnancy and birth.

14th week

Baby is now about 9 cm and weighs about 50 g.

Now the baby is practicing “pulling” amniotic fluid in and out of the lungs to prepare for life outside the womb. This is important training for normal lung development. Swallowing and sucking movements are also useful training for the fetus when it will suckle at its mother’s breast after birth.

A thin, transparent skin is developing, and the esophagus, trachea, and larynx are already fully developed.

15th week

Baby is now about 12 cm long and weighs about 100 g - that's double from last week!

There is a lot of movement in the womb. Baby's muscle movements are now more harmonious and coordinated like a newborn child. From now on, baby exercises his muscles daily.

16th week

Baby is developing rapidly! Now with a length of about 16 cm and a weight of about 140 g. The organs are now more or less fully developed.

Your pregnant body now begins to transfer antibodies to your baby to protect against infections. A total genius move by nature!

There are differences in when you feel life when you are pregnant. This is because there are differences in how much contact you have with your body as a pregnant woman and thus how much you can feel small changes, and partly the location of the placenta has an impact on when life can be felt. A placenta that is located in the front of the uterus - towards your belly - means that the baby must be somewhat larger and thus be able to kick somewhat harder in order for it to be felt against the belly. It also has something to do with whether you have been pregnant before. In that case, you will probably be able to recognize the sensation - first of the bubble in your stomach - then of small "dots" against the belly. Regardless of when you feel life for the first time, it is always a very special experience!

Week 17

Baby is now about 17 cm and weighs about 190 g.

Fingerprints are now forming, as small, fine patterns on the fingers and toes. And the eyes are developing rapidly. At this point, the fetus can see light, for example if you are at the beach on a sunny day.

Baby continues to swallow lots of amniotic fluid and is now so big and experienced that he or she feels thirsty. As the due date approaches, baby will have reached the point of drinking about 1 liter of amniotic fluid per day.

Hair grows on the head, and eyebrows and eyelashes form this week.

The time for the malformation scan -or 2nd trimester scan- is approaching. It is in 18-20 weeks. The scan is offered to detect any malformations in the fetus. Therefore, the fetus's organs are examined carefully during this scan. The fetus's movements are observed and the position of the placenta is checked and described in the medical record.

18th week

Baby is about 18 cm and now weighs about 230 g.

The baby is now both bigger and stronger. Many pregnant women will now feel small kicks and movements in the uterus.

The intestinal system is well underway. Baby is forming meconium (fetal stool), which consists of waste products, dead skin cells and secretions from the intestines. After birth, this stool is the first to be seen. It is liquid, black and sticky like tar.

The brain is developing rapidly. Millions of nerve cells are developing. Among them are nerves that connect the muscles to the brain. They enable the baby to perform more controlled movements. The baby twists and turns, bounces, hits and kicks - partly because the baby physically can, but also because there is still room in the uterus. Later in pregnancy, the space is so tight that the movements feel more like a sleeve around.

Beneath the baby teeth, which have already formed in the gums, the permanent teeth are now developing and the structure for the lungs is now developed. However, the lungs are far from mature and functional at this time.

Week 19

Baby is now about 21.5 cm long and weighs about 250g.

Female fetuses have now formed millions of primitive egg cells in the ovaries. In other words, you are carrying the genes for your potential grandchildren! In male fetuses, the testicles are now formed. They will soon descend and, in most boys, will reach the scrotum before birth. This is something that we midwives check at the well-child examination a few hours after birth.

20th week

Baby is now 25 cm long and weighs approximately 325 g.

Baby can now hear sounds and voices. This is why it is important that you as a partner talk to baby. For example, you can also start singing bedtime songs to baby now. Sing the same bedtime song daily, and baby will be able to recognize it after birth and, wow, you have already created part of a cuddle ritual with your child. Speaking of sleep, baby has now developed sleep phases and sleeps just as much as a newborn. Baby typically sleeps the most when you are active as a pregnant woman and wakes up when you lie down.

21st week

Baby is now about 26 cm long and weighs about 400 g.

There is plenty of room to move. The amniotic fluid allows the baby to somersault around. The baby can feel contractions (the uterus practicing to contract before birth), but it is not uncomfortable for the baby. Now the taste buds are formed, and the brain is so developed that the baby can feel touch. So if you and your partner are not busy stroking the belly, now is the time. The baby's legs have now reached their proportions. Fat is deposited under the skin, which later helps the baby to keep warm.

All pregnant women have contractions. Most feel them, others don't. Contractions are the uterine muscles tightening. Even now. It's natural and part of pregnancy. The uterus is training for labor. At the same time, contractions can also be your body's way of telling you to take it easy.

22nd week

Baby is about 27 cm long and weighs about 450g.

The body is covered with small, fine lanugo hair which helps baby keep warm. The skin is wrinkled like an old person. Eyebrows and hair are now visible and the hands are now big and strong enough to grasp.

Many pregnant women are currently experiencing a range of different discomforts. I would like to invite you to view them as communication from your body. For example, if you have lower back pain, it could be your body telling you that your daily working positions are not beneficial - perhaps it is smart to sit on a pilates ball instead of an office chair? Maybe you need a pair of sneakers with good soles? Maybe your body needs more movement, or more rest - perhaps with a large pillow between your knees?

Be lovingly exploratory about what your body is telling you. We are not meant to be affected by various pregnancy symptoms. There is always one or more causes that sometimes need to be looked for thoroughly. If there is something you are struggling with emotionally or mentally, it can also manifest itself physically, for example as contractions. The same can happen with cystitis. Therefore, it is better to get checked 3 times too much than once too little by your doctor.

23rd week

Baby is now about 28 cm long and weighs 600 g.

The body has become more well-proportioned. The baby's skin is still thin and transparent. Hearing is developing, and the baby can now distinguish between different sounds - and react to them. For example, the baby gasps at loud noises. The lungs have now started to produce Surfactant . A substance that prevents the lungs from sticking together when the baby is born and needs to breathe. If the baby is born now, he or she is still not able to breathe on his or her own. If the baby is born before the 34th week of pregnancy, lung maturation medicine will be given to help the baby's lungs breathe.

24th week

Baby is now about 29 cm long and weighs about 700g.

The baby's weight gain is primarily due to the development of muscle and bone mass. There is less and less space in the uterus as the baby grows. The baby is now so large that it is possible to feel a foot against the skin of the abdomen, for example.

You are now so far along in your pregnancy that you bowl feel life every day. This means you shouldn't go to bed at night thinking that you'll probably feel baby tomorrow. If you're in doubt about whether you've felt baby today, lie down and tune in to baby.

Place your hands on your stomach, take a few deep breaths to relax, and possibly pat your stomach. Talk to your baby and ask him or her to move.

If you still don't feel anything after some time, call the maternity ward. You are not a nuisance - which unfortunately many women believe. You are a responsible parent for your child . At the same time, know that it is very normal not to notice your child that much during the day, as many are often on their minds during the workday and the day's other tasks. Therefore, please take time during the day to talk to and tune in to baby. Remember that he or she can hear you and recognize your voice - the same applies of course to you as a partner and to any children you may have.

25th week

Baby is now about 32 cm long and weighs about 800g.

The skin is still wrinkled and gradually becomes less transparent. If the baby is born now, the chances of doing well are increased, even if it is still a premature birth. The nostrils are now opening and the finger and toenails are gradually getting longer. Many newborns have rather long and sharp nails when they are born. The nails are so thin that they can be nipped off instead of being cut in the first few weeks.

You as a partner can really feel the baby's movements through the skin of the belly now. Many people get the feeling of being able to almost communicate with the baby by, for example, nudging his or her foot and getting a kick back. Often, as a partner, you also feel that the baby calms down when you put your hand on the belly. The baby feels your presence and your love - both through the skin of the belly and via the pregnant woman's emotional and hormonal response to your touch.

26th week

Baby is now about 34 cm long and weighs about 900g.

He or she now looks like he or she did at birth, just a little smaller and a little thinner. During these weeks, the brain grows a lot, it simply develops by leaps and bounds. Baby's movements are more powerful and can feel like ninja kicks.

If you are not already preparing for birth, it is about time. Unfortunately, there is no longer any public funding to provide good and rewarding birth preparation. I am often asked whether birth preparation is important. My answer to that is a resounding YES. And … it should be a birth preparation that is addressed to both you as a pregnant woman and you as a partner. A birth preparation that not only goes through the physical phases of birth, but also the psychological phases - for both of you. And the hours and weeks after birth. Breastfeeding, relationships, etc. It is not done in a few hours of classroom teaching. So if you want to invest some money in increasing your family, I would encourage you to find a birth preparation together that resonates with you. You can read on my website what preparations I have, right here .

27th week

Baby is now about 35 cm long and weighs about 1100g.

From now on, he or she will be more able to cope on his or her own after a possible premature birth.

The baby's eyes are now open and can begin to blink. The color of a baby's eyes varies depending on their ethnic background. It is a myth that all babies are born with completely blue eyes. However, it is true that a newborn's eye color can change during the first 6 months after birth.

Baby is now so big that we midwives can feel how baby is positioned in your uterus. If you have children with you to your midwife consultation, it can be fun and rewarding to draw baby's position on the outside of your belly with the midwife - and of course hear baby's heartbeat.

If your sibling or partner is unable to come to your midwife consultation, you can ask the midwife to listen with a dop tone so you can record your baby's heartbeat on your mobile phone. Hearing your baby's heartbeat helps boost bonding between parents and child -well the same goes for grandparents and siblings.

28th week

Baby is now about 36 cm long and weighs about 1200g.

Now baby is so big that he or she is starting to be able to regulate his or her own temperature. Baby continues to drink a lot of amniotic fluid and now produces up to half a liter of pee a day. At the same time, baby is practicing breathing movements. Baby continues to get all the oxygen and nutrients from the placenta via the umbilical cord.

During pregnancy, as a woman, you experience a number of hormonal changes. Among other things, the hormone relaxin which is designed to allow your pelvis to give way, making room for your baby to pass through your pelvis during birth. It can feel both strange and “wrong” when your pelvis becomes more mobile and gives way. Some people feel like it’s falling apart. It’s not. It’s good to continue moving and exercising if you can. A little is so much better than nothing. If you have pain from the symphysis, the front joint of the pelvis, so pay attention to keeping your knees together, as if you were wearing a slightly tight-fitting skirt. The synphysis joint is not very fond of, for example, the tailor's position, crossed legs when sitting or breaststroke swimming.

Third trimester

You have now entered the third trimester, a period that leads to family expansion.

Until then, it's time to prepare yourself and your partner, both practically and emotionally, for the time ahead. Now is the time to truly nurture and enjoy your relationship - and strengthen it if necessary.

The freezer needs to be filled with nutritious food. Baby clothes need to be purchased, washed, and laid out. And no, you don't need to get a sea of things for baby. In this trimester, fatigue can return. You are carrying and feeding an almost ready-to-be-born baby around the clock, your body is preparing for birth and breastfeeding.

In other words, your body, hormones and psyche are really at work. You will feel an increased need to withdraw and stay home and be close to your partner, which is completely normal. I wish you a nice and calm time ahead of the addition of your family.

29th week

Baby is now about 37 cm and weighs about 1400g.

The skeleton is now more firmly in place, and the brain, muscles and lungs continue their rapid development towards being able to fend for themselves after birth. Baby's breathing exercises can now cause the baby to have hiccups, which you, the pregnant woman, may notice. Some babies hiccups for hours and many days, others more rarely.

Some pregnant women feel uncomfortable at this point. Others love being pregnant and don't feel any discomfort, and still others are just waiting for it to be over. There is no right or wrong way to be pregnant. We are all different as women - and therefore also as pregnant women. P

On social media and in various pregnancy and baby advertisements, everything often looks rosy and happy. Neither social media nor advertisements depict the entire reality. I would therefore lovingly and clearly encourage you to practice not to compare yourself and your pregnancy with others. Neither in prenatal groups, mothers' groups, with friends, sisters-in-law, in the queue at Netto or anywhere else. You get nothing out of speculating about why X gained weight in a different way than you. Or why Y is radiant when pregnant, and you have difficulty sleeping and are therefore tired.

Use your energy to be loving towards yourself and your body. Maybe there are some parameters you can or should adjust to nourish yourself. Can you optimize your sleep, say no more often, leave the dishes, kiss your partner more or…?

30th week

Baby is now about 39 cm and weighs about 1600g.

Many babies have now found their favorite position in the womb. For most, it is head down. In popular parlance (and unfortunately also in professional parlance now and then) there is talk about whether the baby is lying right or wrong. The baby lies as the baby lies. Period. I would like to remove the words 'right' and 'wrong'. The baby lies where there is the best space. Our organs and intestines fill the uterus, ligaments and tendons wrap around and hold the uterus in place. For various reasons, they can be more or less tight and make the baby have better space, for example by placing the bottom down and the head up. This can then be done in different ways if desired. Alternatively, you can usually give birth to a child with the bottom first.

Some pregnant women can feel how the baby is positioned. Others can't - and both are perfectly okay! If your baby is positioned head down, you may feel the head filling up the pelvis. It's one of many new bodily experiences during pregnancy 🙂

31st week

Baby is now about 40 cm long and weighs about 1800g.

The thin lanugo hair has disappeared and the skin gradually becomes thicker and less transparent as the fat deposits fill up. The fat both insulates and acts as an energy store - in other words, a packed lunch baby is born with.

The number of pregnancy check-ups is now increasing in order to keep a loving and knowledgeable eye on whether the baby is growing and thriving as a baby should. If you or anyone else has any questions, make sure to ask them. You simply must not go around fiddling with ambiguities. And absolutely no questions are stupid!

32nd week

Baby measures approximately 42 cm and weighs approximately 2000 g.

He or she lies there sensing and learning a lot inside the womb. There is a lot to listen to, feel, taste, see, feel and move. Baby practices the grasping reflex, maybe sucks on a thumb, swallows, urinates and rolls around. In other words, it is a child with experience who lands in your arms after birth.

Speaking of feeling, I often get asked if you can have sex during pregnancy. The answer is a huge YES. Explore which positions are nice and doable during pregnancy. Some pregnant women have an increased sex drive during pregnancy, others less.

Some partners are afraid that they might harm the baby - You can't. The baby is well protected by the uterine muscle, amniotic fluid and mother all around. If one of you doesn't feel like having sex, remember that sex is much more than penetrative sex. It's also nice, deep and connecting to cuddle, kiss, lick, suck, spoon, take a bath together and much more. Connecting as a couple is important - no matter how you do it. Deep, present conversations are also intimacy. Holding hands, caressing a neck, giving a foot massage - you name it - is also intimacy. And intimacy is important, in fact central to your relationship. If you're struggling here, reach out for help. You won't have more time or energy after the birth.

33rd week

Baby is now about 43 cm long and weighs about 2200g.

Space is getting tight in the uterus. Fewer babies are doing somersaults now. Most have adopted the fetal position with their heads down towards your pelvis. The amount of amniotic fluid peaks this week and will usually be about 1 liter.

The baby is now taking up so much space that some pregnant women find it difficult to eat the same amount of food. In that case, eat a few more and smaller meals spread out over the day instead of regular main meals. You may also feel more contractions at this time. The body is smart. It is preparing for birth.

34th week

Baby is now about 45 cm long and weighs about 2400g. If baby does not follow the average weight, it is important that baby follows his own weight curve. If there is any doubt whether baby is growing as baby should, your midwife or doctor will send you for a weight scan. Here a thorough decision will be made as to whether you should be followed more closely in the last period for…

…One of the baby's main tasks now is to gain weight. From now on, the weight increases by about 200g per week. The immune system has begun to prepare for life outside the womb. Up until now, antibodies have passed from you to the baby via the placenta and umbilical cord. Now the baby has begun to produce its own antibodies.

Many pregnant women experience a bout of flu or two during pregnancy. This way, the baby is boosted with antibodies against that particular flu. The same thing happens when you breastfeed your baby and are sick. Then your antibodies are transferred to the baby via breast milk. Nature is wise!

35th week

Baby is now about 46 cm long and weighs about 2600g.

The proportions between arms, legs, head and body are becoming as they should be at birth. The fat deposits are increasing and now make up about 15% of the baby's weight. It is now time for the baby's cheeks to be padded with fat. Together with strong sucking muscles, the baby's facial features are now as they were at birth - and the baby is getting ready to suckle at the breast. The baby's lungs are now so well developed that if you go into premature labor, there is no longer any need to give lung maturation treatment. From an obstetrician's perspective, this is a major milestone.

These days, many pregnant women are concerned about whether bowl stimulate milk production by hand expressing during pregnancy. The answer is no. You shouldn't. You can choose to do it. For example, if there is professional reason to believe that baby will need a little extra milk after birth - this could be if you have diabetes. In that case, it is smart to hand express and collect your yellowish colostrum drops in a small syringe (without a needle) and freeze them. Then they can be brought frozen to the delivery room.

If there is no professional suspicion that the baby will need extra milk, then you do not need to spend time and energy on hand expressing during pregnancy. Your body is smart. And it is already hormonally and physically preparing to produce milk. Some pregnant women have yellowish colostrum that flows when you stand under a hot shower, or during orgasm. Others can express a few drops and still others do not see the shadow of milk until after birth. All variations are completely normal!

36th week

Baby is now about 47 cm long and weighs about 2800g.

The space in the uterus is getting tight, and will get tighter and tighter over the next and final weeks. This means that the baby's movements will feel different. More rolling, less ninja. On the outside of the belly, a foot, a knee or, for example, a butt will be visible every now and then. A bit like when a cat stretches, the baby pushes from the inside of the belly. Some say that it looks like an alien in the belly. Many think it's fun to see and feel, others find it a little strange or a little too intense to feel such a big person moving inside you - it's perfectly okay to feel that way.

37th week

Baby is now about 48 cm long and weighs about 3000g.

You have now hit the term period which runs from gestational week 37+0 – 42+0 . Within that period, it is completely normal to give birth - regardless of when in the period you give birth, the baby is said to be born 'at term'. As a bonus information, I can tell you that the average first-time mother gives birth at week 40+4 of pregnancy.

 Baby is now full-term. This means that all organs have matured and that baby is able to breathe on its own, breastfeed, pee, poop, and much more after birth.

For you as a pregnant woman, it is normal to gradually feel a greater or perhaps outright overwhelming need to withdraw from the outside world. To go into hiding. Not to deal with the news, friends' everyday lives, family's well-meaning questions and experiences outside the home.

You are in process.

On the way to labor. Your body knows it. Your psyche knows it. Go with what you feel. It's perfectly okay to cancel an appointment 5 minutes before you're supposed to be there. It's perfectly okay to not answer phone calls and to ask your partner for extra time.

Safety is the keyword for your nervous system in the next few weeks - well, and the next few months.

Create security during pregnancy

Security at home, security in the relationship, security in relationships. That's why it's also good that you as a partner help shield your woman from the often many questions from family and friends. And also shield your woman from talking about the big world news. If you experience something violent on the way home from work, share it with a friend instead of your woman in the coming weeks. Think of yourself as an important source of security and calm for your woman and thus for your child.

If you are a single mother, it is perfectly okay to ask for help, hugs and quiet movie nights from, for example, a best friend or sibling. The support of 1 or 2 close relationships to create security and peace around and within you. And who knows, maybe you still want to see people and go to various events. At the same time, don't be surprised when the cave stage hits - perhaps almost overnight.

38th week

Baby is now about 49 cm long and weighs around 3200g.

Movements are limited due to lack of space, but they is there. And it is still important that you feel the baby every day. If you are in doubt one day, lie down, take a few deep breaths to calm yourself, put your hands on your stomach and talk to the baby. Ask him or her to “make a sound”. If necessary, give the baby a pout. If there is no reaction within a while and you have not felt the baby for days, you should call the maternity ward. And no, you are not disturbing and are not being fussed over - as many pregnant women mistakenly believe. You are a responsible parent.

Baby's hand grip is now firmer, for example, baby can grab the umbilical cord and baby automatically tries to turn towards light sources outside the belly.

Did you know that babies have more bones than adults? At birth, babies have 300 bones in their bodies. Several of them grow together over time, so that by adulthood there are 206 bones.

The baby's skull consists of bony plates that press together and move slightly over each other during birth. A totally clever mechanism that makes it easier for the baby to pass down through your pelvis and vagina during birth. Nature is simply brilliant!

If you are having a planned cesarean section, it will most likely take place this week to prevent you from going into spontaneous labor. Should this happen, your labor will be stopped medically and the cesarean section will be performed shortly after. And let's be clear: A cesarean section is also a birth!

39th week

Baby is now on average 50 cm long and around 3500g. In addition, the placenta now weighs about 700g and the uterine muscle itself, which has grown from a pre-pregnancy weight of around 50g to now weighing 1100g!

In professional terms, a baby is called a fetus as long as it is inside your womb. I deliberately choose to use baby, he or she, as I find it important to personalize the child in the womb in my communication with you.

When I have clients, I often know what they call the baby in the womb and ask if I can call their baby that too. Most of them are touched by that. Because is your child is right there and is ready to come out. Are you and yours ready? I don't mean practically ready, because that's secondary. I mean mentally and emotionally ready. Becoming a parent is a big deal - whether it's your first time or not. It comes with a huge responsibility, a lot of emotions, learning by doing and no right to change. That affects some women and men during this period. Know that it's completely normal! And that you'll get through it.

40th week

You are now on your due date. A date that may have been very important to you. Some people think it is fantastic to be on your due date. Others feel: What now? And here is the thing: it is actually completely crazy that people talk about a due date for those of you who are expecting a child. It is more correct to talk about the due date period. (from pregnancy week 37+0 – 42+0). When talking about due date, the next sentence is often: What if I go overdue - that is, give birth after the due date? Dear, you have only gone 'overdue' when you pass pregnancy week 42+0, which is only a good 1%. I have been a midwife for 12 years, and have met 1 woman who did not give birth until 42+1.

Most babies are born this week, week 40 of pregnancy. The average weight of newborns is around 3600 g, and the length is approx. 51 cm. Boys weigh slightly more than girls on average. In addition to gender, weight and length are also influenced by genes and ethnicity.

Baby's reflexes are now coordinated and baby is highly responsive to touch and sounds. So talk to baby, rub his tummy. Let baby know that you are ready for the birth, ready to meet baby - if that is the case. If you or you would like baby to wait a few days to announce his arrival, tell baby that.

41st week

If labor has not started when you reach 41+5, obstetricians recommend that labor be induced. There is professional disagreement about when induction should be recommended.

Everyone has the goal of course to take good care of you and baby. For me it is important to make you aware of the super key word recommends. Because no one can decide whether the birth of your child should be initiated. You always have the final say. Of course, we are talking about a healthy and vigorous child. If something is wrong, that is a different story.

When everything is fine, as it is in the vast majority of cases, I would encourage you to accept the public offer of a check-up consisting of a thorough scan and an interview when you are 41+4. Here you can ask all your questions and everything will be checked. And then I would recommend that you say thank you and leave.

Launching – yes please or no please

Without saying either yes or no to induction. Say you will return later that day or tomorrow, depending on how much time you need. Go for a walk, sit on a bench, sleep on it. Maybe as a pregnant woman you already feel a clear yes or no to induction?

Maybe you need time to feel it - because in my opinion it is a decision that should also be felt. And in my opinion it is you, as the pregnant woman, who has the final say in the decision, since it is you who is pregnant and will give birth - and you who carry your child and can thus feel the baby more deeply and more clearly.

Many partners are ready to say yes to the doctor's recommendation because it may seem sensible. There is nothing wrong with that, I would just encourage you as a partner to listen at least as much to your woman's intuition about her body and baby. If If you choose to say no to initiation, it is not the case that the doors to the hospital will slam shut. You can always call and say that you are now ready for initiation, if that is the case.

You should also know that there are a number of things you can do yourself to support your body in going into labor naturally - this will be covered in a separate article.

42nd week

If you haven't given birth yet, you're one of very few women. And I imagine your patience is being put to quite a test. Hugs to you! I can promise you one thing: Within a few days, you and I will have a baby in our arms.

In Denmark, the due date is most often determined based on the malformation scan, but no scan or professional is 100% sure. Nor is it 100% sure when the due date is calculated based on the first day of the last menstrual period. In other words, there may be uncertainty about your due date - and thus whether you are, for example, 42+1 or maybe “only” 41+5. Especially if your menstrual cycle was irregular or longer than the average 28 days. And then there are women who have become pregnant with help from fertility clinics. You know, almost to the minute, when the egg was fertilized. There is nothing to worry about in relation to your due date.

If you are still pregnant, allow yourself really to take care of yourself. A long bath, your favorite movies, a bouquet of flowers, soft cozy clothes, your favorite ice cream in long lines or anything else that is self-care for you. If you or anyone has questions, is insecure or anything, reach out. To professionals, friends, family, me - whatever. You must not feel abandoned, left to your own devices or go around worrying. Baby will land in your arms soon. No one has ever been grsavid forever.

Congratulations on your child.

Dear pregnant women, dear partners!

Thoughts for you and congratulations on your child.

I hope your pregnancy and birth have been safe and good. The reality is that unfortunately this is not always the case. If there is something rumbling in one of you -or both of you-, then from here comes a strong call to ask the birth center for a postpartum interview. Everyone has the right to that -regardless of whether the birth was in the hospital or at home, vaginal or by cesarean section.

I have had hundreds of postpartum consultations and see again and again how both small and large things can flow and leave their mark for months, years and into a possible next pregnancy and birth. I usually say that the art of dealing with life's somersaults is to land firmly on your feet again.

This also applies if there have been small or large somersaults in your pregnancy or birth, and regardless of whether you are a mother or a father. Reach out - that is taking loving responsibility for your family. With those words, I wish you all the best!

Know that I'm rooting for you!

Most affectionately

Siff, HeartMidwife