Complete Pregnancy Guide · 40 Weeks
Your Journey to Motherhood
ഗർഭകാലം — ആഴ്ചതോറും ഒരു വഴികാട്ടി
A medically-informed, week-by-week guide through all 40 weeks of pregnancy. Understand your baby’s growth, your body’s changes, and what to expect at every milestone.
13
Weeks
ഒന്നാം ത്രൈമാസം
14
Weeks
രണ്ടാം ത്രൈമാസം
13
Weeks
മൂന്നാം ത്രൈമാസം
40
Total Weeks
ആകെ ആഴ്ചകൾ
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I
First Trimester
The Beginning of Life
ഒന്നാം ത്രൈമാസം — ജീവന്റെ ആരംഭം
Weeks 1–13. The most critical phase of organ formation. Your baby grows from a single cell to a fully formed foetus with all major organs. Morning sickness, fatigue, and emotional changes are common.
Weeks 1 – 13Essential Prenatal Tests & Screenings
ആവശ്യമായ പ്രസവപൂർവ്വ പരിശോധനകൾ — When to test and why
Week 8–10
Blood Group & Rh Factor
Determines blood type and Rh compatibility. Rh-negative mothers need special monitoring.
Week 10–13
First Trimester Scan (NT Scan)
Nuchal translucency ultrasound to check for chromosomal abnormalities like Down syndrome.
Week 11–13
NIPT / Cell-Free DNA Test
Non-invasive prenatal test screening for chromosomal conditions with high accuracy.
Week 15–20
Quad Screen / AFP Test
Blood test screening for neural tube defects, Down syndrome, and other conditions.
Week 18–22
Anomaly Scan (Level II USG)
Detailed ultrasound checking baby’s organs, spine, face, limbs, and placenta position.
Week 24–28
Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT)
Screens for gestational diabetes. Critical for Indian mothers who have higher risk.
Week 28–32
Growth Scan & Doppler
Monitors baby’s weight, position, amniotic fluid, and blood flow through the umbilical cord.
Week 35–37
Group B Strep (GBS) Test
Vaginal/rectal swab to check for Group B Streptococcus bacteria that can infect the newborn.
Week 36–40
Non-Stress Test (NST)
Monitors baby’s heart rate and movement to assess foetal wellbeing in the final weeks.
II
Second Trimester
The Golden Period
രണ്ടാം ത്രൈമാസം — സ്വർണ്ണ കാലഘട്ടം
Weeks 14–27. Most mothers feel their best during this phase. Morning sickness eases, energy returns, and you feel baby’s first movements (quickening) around week 18–20.
Weeks 14 – 27Pregnancy Nutrition Guide
ഗർഭകാല പോഷകാഹാര മാർഗ്ഗദർശി — What to eat and what to avoid
🥬
Folic Acid Foods
ഫോളിക് ആസിഡ്
Spinach, lentils, chickpeas, fortified cereals. Essential in first 12 weeks to prevent neural tube defects. Take 400–800mcg supplement daily.
🥛
Calcium-Rich Foods
കാൽസ്യം
Milk, curd, paneer, ragi, sesame seeds. Baby needs 1000mg calcium daily for bone and teeth development from week 8 onwards.
🐟
Iron & Protein
ഇരുമ്പ് & പ്രോട്ടീൻ
Eggs, fish, chicken, dal, rajma, tofu. Iron needs double during pregnancy (27mg/day). Prevent anaemia which is very common in Indian mothers.
🥑
Healthy Fats (DHA)
ഒമേഗ-3 ഫാറ്റി ആസിഡ്
Walnuts, flaxseeds, fatty fish, ghee in moderation. DHA is critical for baby’s brain and eye development in the third trimester.
💧
Hydration
വെള്ളം
Drink 2.5–3 litres of water daily. Prevents UTIs, constipation, and premature contractions. Coconut water is excellent during Indian summers.
🚫
Foods to Avoid
ഒഴിവാക്കേണ്ടവ
Raw fish, unpasteurised dairy, papaya (unripe), pineapple excess, alcohol, high-mercury fish, excess caffeine (>200mg/day), raw sprouts.
III
Third Trimester
The Final Countdown
മൂന്നാം ത്രൈമാസം — ജനനത്തിനുള്ള തയ്യാറെടുപ്പ്
Weeks 28–40. Baby gains most of its weight and prepares for birth. You may feel breathless, have back pain, and experience Braxton Hicks contractions. Prepare your hospital bag from week 35.
Weeks 28 – 40⚠ Warning Signs — Seek Medical Help Immediately
ഈ ലക്ഷണങ്ങൾ കണ്ടാൽ ഉടനടി ഡോക്ടറെ കാണുക
Vaginal Bleeding
Any bright red bleeding at any stage of pregnancy requires immediate evaluation.
Severe Abdominal Pain
Intense cramping or persistent pain could indicate placental abruption or preterm labour.
Vision Changes
Blurring, flashing lights, or spots can signal pre-eclampsia, a serious blood pressure condition.
Severe Headache
Persistent severe headache that doesn’t respond to paracetamol may indicate pre-eclampsia.
Fluid Leaking
A gush or trickle of watery fluid before 37 weeks could mean premature rupture of membranes.
Reduced Foetal Movement
After 28 weeks, baby should move at least 10 times in 2 hours. Less movement needs urgent review.
Leg Swelling + Pain
Sudden severe swelling with pain in one leg can indicate deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
High Fever
Temperature above 38°C (100.4°F) during pregnancy needs immediate medical attention.
⚠ Medical Disclaimer: This guide is for educational purposes only and is based on WHO and ACOG guidelines. Pregnancy experiences vary significantly between individuals. Always follow your obstetrician’s specific advice. This guide does not replace professional medical care. If you experience any concerning symptoms, contact your healthcare provider immediately.