Your pregnancy week by week

This is a brief guide to the different stages of your pregnancy and some of the services Angus midwives offer.
 
8-10 weeks
This is a very exciting time for both you and your family. We are keen to meet with you, so that together we can develop a plan for your pregnancy. Please contact your local midwives either by phoning them directly, or by making an appointment to see the midwife at your GP surgery.

12 weeks
At this stage we offer an ultrasound scan to help us estimate the date your baby is due. By the end of week 12, the baby measures about 5cm from head to bottom. Up until this stage you may have been feeling very tired and sick; most women now start to feel a bit better.

15-16 weeks
By week 16, your baby has clearly marked eyes, nose and ears. The eyelids have developed and the teeth are inside the gums. The baby is 8 cm in length. We offer screening tests in the form of a blood test.

20 weeks
A further ultrasound scan is offered. This is a more detailed look at the baby, examining the chambers of the heart and looking at the spine. Around now you may begin to feel the baby’s first movements. At 20 weeks the baby is 15cm long.

24 weeks
Antenatal appointment with the midwife. The midwife can measure the baby to check on the growth and can listen to the baby’s heartbeat. Hopefully some of the tiredness of early pregnancy goes and you feel more energetic.

28 weeks
You will probably feel the baby moving a lot more, and you may even see movements. Your baby is about 22 cm long and weighs 800 grams.

32 weeks
Appointment with the midwife, first time mums only.

34 weeks
Appointment with the midwife. Your baby puts on about 200 grams a week. Some more blood tests are offered to ensure that you don’t need extra iron. Probably a good time to get ready for the birth. A birth plan visit will be offered.

36 weeks
Appointment with the midwife, first time mums only.

38 weeks
Hopefully the baby’s head will start to move down into the pelvis. Movements may feel a little different, as there is less space for the baby to move. If you have any concerns about the baby’s movements contact your midwife.

40 weeks
Be patient, and try not to think of your baby being due on a certain date - many babies come later than the estimated date.