MumKnowsBest has teamed up with the NCT to offer you an insight into your developing baby. If you have not yet confirmed your due date click here

WEEKS 1 - 12
Your growing baby
Week 1 of your pregnancy is actually before you're even pregnant. The first day of your last period is the date that is calculated as the start of your pregnancy. Between weeks 2-4 one of your eggs met and was fertilized by a single sperm. It travelled down a fallopian tube to imbed itself in the lining of your womb. During the first three months your baby's brain, head and organs begin to form and he or she develops the ability to make simple movements, like moving a single arm.

You
You will probably find out you are pregnant around week 5. During these early weeks you may experience tender breasts and a feeling of extreme tiredness and also feel nauseous. You may go to the loo more often and suffer from a combination of constipation and wind as your muscles will be softening. You've probably noticed your clothes are beginning to tighten and that you have ‛thickened' a little around your waist.

WEEKS 13 - 16
Your growing baby
Your baby is now looking more like a human being.

You
You probably still won't be able to feel any of the movements that your baby is making inside your growing womb. If you've had sickness and nausea, this may be easing as the levels of the hormone thought to be responsible for causing ‛morning sickness' are dropping.

WEEKS 17 - 20
Your growing baby
The sex of your baby can now be identified. By 20 weeks your baby's skin will be covered in a protective waxy substance called ‛vernix'. This protects your baby's skin from becoming waterlogged.

You
If this is your first baby, then from about 18 weeks you may start feeling your baby kick or roll as by this stage your womb will have reached your abdominal wall. You may be offered an ‛anomaly scan' to check for possible problems with your baby - it's up to you whether to accept or refuse this test.

WEEKS 21 - 22
Your growing baby
Your baby's hearing is now developed enough for him to be able to recognise your voice. His lungs are also beginning to mature and tiny teeth will be developing under the gums.

You
You've probably noticed your bust expanding. This is your body getting ready for breastfeeding your baby. It's worth buying a maternity bra as they are designed specifically for pregnancy, and a good supporting bra will help to make you feel more comfortable. Contact NCT Sales on 0870 112 1120 to find out about the NCT's bra fitting service

WEEKS 23 - 25
Your growing baby
Your baby is starting to establish sleeping and waking patterns and the brain cells that make thinking possible are starting to mature. By 24 weeks your baby is sufficiently developed to have a chance of survival if born prematurely, but would need specialist care to limit the potential problems of being born so early.

You
By now many of the niggles of early pregnancy will have gone but may have been replaced by some new ones. Swollen gums, backache and nasal congestion are all caused by hormones. Varicose veins and piles may also cause problems - resting with your legs raised and drinking lots of fluids can help. Thrush can be a common complaint and can be treated with pessaries from your pharmacist.

WEEKS 26 - 29

Your growing baby
Your baby's bones are hardening and his nails are growing. His muscles are developing and his toenails are visible.

You
Around week 26 you will need to inform your employer that you are pregnant, by giving them a copy of your MAT B1 certificate (which you should get from your midwife or GP), plus a letter from you stating that you are pregnant, your due date and when you plan to go on maternity leave.

WEEKS 29 - 30
Your Growing Baby
Your baby will be fully formed by this stage. His movements will be getting stronger and you may even see the outline of a foot or knee against your abdomen when he kicks hard.

You
You may start to feel Braxton Hicks contractions from this stage. These are tightenings of the uterus in preparation for your real contractions. You may find that you can squeeze colostrum (the first milk) from your breasts. You can start your maternity leave at any time from now. NCT Nearly New Sales are a great way of finding things for your baby at cheaper prices. To find out where your nearest Nearly New Sale is look at www.nct.org.uk

WEEKS 31 - 32
Your growing baby
By Week 32 your baby's head is in proportion with the rest of his body.

He will have delicate eyebrows and eyelashes. He may also experience hiccups as he prepares himself for breathing.

You
Your uterus will be putting pressure on your other organs. There will be less room for your stomach, so you may find you aren't able to eat much at a time and that you frequently experience heartburn. Try avoiding rich, spicy or greasy foods. Some women find drinking milk, fizzy water or peppermint tea can help.

WEEKS 33 - 34
Your growing baby

In most cases your baby will now be lying with his head down, poised, ready for birth. If he isn't then try and encourage him into a better position.

You
Your pelvis will be expanding in preparation for the birth, so your pelvic joints might ache. The size of your bump might make it difficult for you to find a comfortable position to sleep in. Lie on your left side and try putting one pillow under your bump and another between your legs. Lying on your back can lead to a drop in blood pressure and to faintness, so try to avoid it.

WEEKS 35-36
Your growing baby
If this is your first baby your baby's head will probably drop down (become engaged) anytime from now, which will make it easier for you to breathe, although it may squash your bladder.

You
If your baby has engaged then now is a good time to have a fitting for a feeding (nursing) bra. Call NCT Sales to find out details of someone in your area who can come to your home and measure you properly to fit you for a comfortable bra.

WEEKS 37-38
Your growing baby

Your baby is now gaining weight at about 198g (7oz) a week.

You
You may find that you suddenly have a ‛nesting' instinct, clearing out cupboards, cleaning the oven and scrubbing floors.

WEEKS 39-40
Your growing baby

Full term is considered anytime from 37 weeks. Nobody knows quite what triggers labour to begin, but only 4% of babies arrive on their due date. Some babies arrive early, but the majority of babies that haven't arrived by their EDD (estimated due date) make an appearance within the following 10 days.

You
Your cervix is softening, ready to open up when your contractions start and labour begins. You're probably feeling a mixture of elation, anxiety and perhaps even sadness that this pregnancy will soon be over. But most of all you're probably feeling impatient to meet your baby and begin your life as a new family.

Visit: www.nct.org.uk or call 0300 330 070

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