40 weeks: How a pregnancy progresses

Plus/minus two weeks: It's well known that a baby doesn't necessarily arrive on the doctor's estimated due date. There's usually a margin of up to two weeks, so not every pregnancy lasts exactly 40 weeks – anything between 38 and 42 weeks is considered perfectly normal.

Regardless of the due date, babies develop in the mother's womb more or less at the same pace: characteristic developmental milestones can therefore be observed week by week throughout the pregnancy.

The stages of a pregnancy:

Three trimesters:

Pregnancy is divided into three parts, or trimesters. At the end of each trimester a detailed ultrasound scan is carried out to check the baby's health and stage of development.

Embryonic phase:

The first ten weeks of pregnancy are referred to as the embryonic phase. During this time the foundations for the skeleton, all internal organs and the nervous system are formed.

The foetal phase:

From the 11th week of pregnancy the baby becomes a foetus: all the essential structures are present, and from now on it continues to grow and to develop its body, nervous system and organs until birth.

The critical three months:

During the first 12 weeks of pregnancy the risk of miscarriage is relatively high, because the body usually responds immediately to potential damage or risks and may end the pregnancy prematurely. Many expectant parents therefore wait until the fourth month to announce the news.

The most important questions about pregnancy

How do I cope with pregnancy?

For every woman, pregnancy means profound changes in her life. This applies not only to her own body, but also to the relationship with her partner and friends, to her job and possibly to her housing and living situation.

The good news: a pregnancy lasts long enough to adjust to these changes. The first weeks and months may be characterized by uncertainty and doubt, but at the latest, when they feel the first delicate movements of the baby, most women enjoy their pregnancy and look forward to the changes the baby will bring.

When do I inform friends and family?

The closest family circle is often informed immediately after a positive pregnancy test. Many women wait until after the 12th week of pregnancy before telling the wider circle of acquaintances and their employer. The likelihood of a miscarriage drops significantly after the first three months, so announcing the pregnancy is now a somewhat "safe" matter.

By the way: there is no legal obligation to inform your employer about a pregnancy by a certain time. As a rule, however, it is easier for everyone involved if your boss knows as early as possible.

What can I do for my health during pregnancy?

Your doctor and, if applicable, your midwife will ensure during your pregnancy that you cover your additional nutritional needs. You will probably need to take folic acid and iron supplements, and perhaps magnesium in the last months.

In addition, the classic health tips apply to pregnant women: a balanced, fiber-rich diet with plenty of vitamins, eat regularly and drink enough, regular exercise, lots of fresh air and sufficient sleep. You should completely avoid cigarettes and alcohol. Also listen to your gut. Your body will likely signal very clearly what it needs during pregnancy.

What risks are there for my baby?

Every pregnancy is different and every baby grows with different genetic traits. Damage to the baby in the womb can never be ruled out 100%. In principle, doctors keep existing risks well in view, and you can also do a lot to keep the risk of harm as low as possible:

Alcohol and nicotine:

Alcohol and nicotine are neurotoxins that can permanently damage the development of the fetus and can lead to malformations, growth disorders, or preterm birth or miscarriage.

Bacterial infections:

Listeriosis, caused for example by undercooked or raw foods, usually goes unnoticed in normal cases, but can cause severe developmental damage to the baby during pregnancy.

Viral infections:

In particular, the rubella virus is dangerous for unborn children. An antibody test for rubella is part of the basic prenatal screening at the beginning of pregnancy.

Parasites:

Toxoplasmosis is caused by a parasite that is primarily found in cat feces. Many people are immune to toxoplasmosis, but if the mother has no antibodies, contact with the parasite can severely damage the baby in the womb.

Genetic defects:

Genetic damage during the baby's development cannot be controlled and in part cannot be reliably diagnosed. Women with high-risk pregnancies have options for prenatal diagnostics - but this often also means having to confront the possibility of terminating the pregnancy in a serious case.

Where would I like to give birth?

• Hospital:The majority of pregnant women choose to give birth in a hospital. On the maternity ward there is usually a doctor and a midwife available. Many women appreciate the extensive medical care options in case of complications, but some find the "sterile" hospital atmosphere disruptive during childbirth.

• Birthing center:An alternative to the hospital are birthing centers where the birth is attended by one or more midwives. Women usually give birth there on an outpatient basis and in a calm, pleasant atmosphere. In case of complications, the expectant mother is usually transferred directly to the nearest maternity clinic.

• Home birth:Especially for the second or third birth, some women prefer to give birth in the familiar atmosphere of their home. If there are no health objections, there is nothing against a home birth. However, due to the difficult liability situation, it is nowadays not so easy to find a freelance midwife to attend a home birth.

Who will support me during childbirth?

Today it is usually assumed as a matter of course that the father of the child is present in the delivery room. Many men are unsure whether they can cope with the birth or whether they can provide the right support to their partner. In any case, the man should have the option to decide freely—even to change his mind at the last minute. Sometimes women prefer to take their best friend or their own mother for support. Decide based on your gut feeling who makes you feel most comfortable. In general: less is more during birth, as you will be fully occupied with yourself.

Pregnancy symptoms

What helps against nausea and the like?

The classic accompanying symptoms:

Around the sixth or seventh week of pregnancy most women become truly aware of their pregnancy for the first time. Namely when the notorious pregnancy symptoms appear: tiredness, nausea, constipation, sensitivity to smells, irritability or a feeling of being 'under the weather' are now part of the daily routine for many expectant mothers. Contrary to what the classic term 'morning sickness' suggests, nausea and vomiting do not occur only in the morning, but suddenly and at any time of day — although they are particularly common in the morning.

Pregnancy side effects are individual:

Which symptoms occur and how severe they are varies from woman to woman. Some feel almost nothing from the massive hormonal changes that cause the pregnancy symptoms. Others continue to suffer from nausea and vomiting into the fifth or sixth month of pregnancy. Many women, by the way, experience different or differently intense side effects in a second pregnancy than in the first.

There is no miracle cure:

Nausea, tiredness and constipation unfortunately cannot be avoided, only alleviated at best. One consolation is that strong pregnancy symptoms are basically a good sign: they indicate that the body is doing everything it can to maintain the pregnancy and protect the embryo. Lots of rest and some exercise in the fresh air are usually a good combination in the first, strenuous weeks. To combat nausea, it can help to eat a small snack before getting out of bed. For very severe symptoms or distressing constipation, homeopathic or allopathic medicines can help. And with a bit of luck everything will be over after a few weeks anyway.

Childbirth preparation – is that necessary?

Many women attend a childbirth preparation course in the second half of their pregnancy. These courses are offered by midwives, maternity clinics or birthing centres and include, for example:

• Tips on pregnancy and pregnancy-related complaints

• Light exercises for relaxation or, for example, to relieve back pain

• Information about childbirth

• Exercises to prepare for childbirth, e.g. breathing exercises, movement exercises, partner exercises, etc.

Depending on the type of course, the woman attends alone or together with her partner.

'Hechelkurse' — this term is often used for childbirth preparation courses. In practice, however, childbirth preparation is only secondarily about breathing techniques and contraction work: once labour begins, many women act instinctively and rely on the instructions of the attending midwife.

The courses are more about preparing for the hard-to-assess birth situation. Women find out what to expect during childbirth and what options are available. In addition, many pregnant women use the familiar group to discuss problems or fears 'among themselves' and to get support.