9 Early Stages of Pregnancy (Weeks 1–9)

Here are the 9 Early Stages of Pregnancy – week by week, covering what’s happening in your body and signs you may notice

Week 1: Menstruation (Not Pregnant Yet)

  • This is counted as the first week of pregnancy based on your last menstrual period (LMP)
  • The uterine lining is shedding
  • Your body is prepping a new cycle for ovulation Signs/Symptoms: Period bleeding, cramping, low hormones

Week 2: Ovulation Approaches

  • Your body is maturing an egg
  • High estrogen leads to fertile cervical mucus
  • Around day 14 (in a 28-day cycle), ovulation occurs Conception happens here if sperm meets egg

Week 3: Fertilization & Implantation

  • Sperm fertilizes egg in the fallopian tube
  • The fertilized egg (zygote) becomes a blastocyst
  • Implantation usually occurs 6–10 days after ovulation Possible Signs:
  • Mild spotting (implantation bleeding)
  • Cramps (less intense than period cramps)
  • Slight temp dip (if tracking BBT)
  • Creamy white discharge

Week 4: Missed Period + Positive Test

  • hCG hormone begins to rise
  • The embryo is now embedded in the uterus
  • Home pregnancy test may show positive Common Early Signs:
  • Missed period
  • Fatigue
  • Breast tenderness
  • Emotional shifts
  • Nausea starting for some

Week 5: Hormone Surge Begins

  • Baby is now the size of a sesame seed
  • hCG levels rise rapidly
  • Placenta and neural tube begin forming Symptoms May Intensify:
  • Nausea or morning sickness begins
  • Mood swings
  • Frequent urination
  • Heightened sense of smell

Week 6: Brain + Heart Start Developing

  • Embryo is the size of a lentil
  • Heartbeat may be detectable via early scan
  • Organs begin forming Symptoms:
  • Stronger nausea or vomiting
  • Food aversions or cravings
  • Sore, swollen breasts
  • Fatigue

Week 7: Major Growth Spurt

  • Baby's brain, face, and limb buds grow rapidly
  • Uterus is expanding
  • hCG levels peak Symptoms Continue:
  • Acne, bloating
  • Headaches or dizziness
  • Constipation
  • Increased emotional sensitivity

Week 8: Hormones Peak

  • Embryo is now about 2 cm long (size of a raspberry)
  • Arms and legs are forming
  • Bones begin to develop You Might Feel:
  • Strong nausea
  • Breast changes (darkened nipples, veins)
  • Vivid dreams
  • Heightened fatigue

Week 9: Baby Graduates to 'Fetus'

  • Embryo is now officially a fetus
  • Baby is about the size of a grape
  • All major organs are developing Your Body:
  • You may start showing a tiny bump
  • Blood volume is increasing
  • Time to schedule first prenatal appointment if you haven’t already