Maternity services
Our hospitals provide maternity care for more than 8,000 women every year
Your pregnancy and birth
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Your Pregnancy & Birth
Being pregnant is both an exciting and often daunting experience for people who are pregnant, partners and their families. There are lots of things to think about and decisions to be made along with lots of questions to be asked, especially so for first time parents. We want you to have the best possible experience during this very special time.
Below you will find links to general information and advice you may find useful to follow up at the different stages of your pregnancy. For more specific information about your pregnancy and giving birth, including advice, please take a look at our Your pregnancy and Giving Birth pages.
Birth stages information
This table outlines the various stages of pregnancy and what you can expect for you and your baby.
| Week | Information and Resources |
|---|---|
| 12 Weeks |
At just 12 weeks after your last period, all your baby's organs, muscles, limbs and bones are in place and baby is ready to grow and mature. You may have started to notice some changes to your own body too. Baby Buddy App: A free multi-award-winning, interactive pregnancy and parenting app to support parents, co-parents and caregivers. Stopping Smoking: Organisations in Nottinghamshire offer free support and advice on how to quit smoking during pregnancy. Weight management: Weight gain in pregnancy varies. Healthy eating and keeping fit benefits both you and your baby. More info at Tommy's Pregnancy Hub. Alcohol: No known safe level during pregnancy. More info at Tommy's Pregnancy Hub. Exercise: Keep up your normal routine. More info at NHS site. |
| 16 Weeks |
Find out about your baby at 16 weeks and things to consider on the NHS site. Breastfeeding: Benefits and support available: Tommy's Pregnancy Hub. |
| 18 Weeks |
Your baby may start moving; you might feel first 'flutterings'. For your partner: Info on paternal mental health at Father's Reaching Out. Feeding your baby: Resources at Start4Life NHS. |
| 20 Weeks |
Halfway through your pregnancy! Healthy eating: Guidance from RCOG. Skin-to-skin contact: Learn benefits at Unicef. Becoming a parent or carer: Baby Buddy app offers practical skills. |
| 22 Weeks |
Expect increased baby movements and stretch marks. Improving mental wellbeing: Advice at Tommy's Pregnancy Hub. |
| 24 Weeks |
Things to consider as your pregnancy progresses. Pelvic floor exercises: Guide at Tommy's. |
| 26 Weeks |
Baby’s eyes start opening. Good time to consider pelvic floor health. Breastfeeding: Learn more at NHS site. |
| 30 Weeks |
Baby may suck thumb; you might get leg cramps. More info here. |
| 32 Weeks |
Baby may be head down, or still have time to turn. More info You and your baby at 32 weeks. Preparing for birth: Info on Baby Buddy app or NUH Giving Birth pages. |
| 33-36 Weeks |
Maternity support workers (MSWs) offer home visits. Discuss hospital packing, visiting arrangements, information leaflets, and referrals for smoking/weight management. |
| 35 Weeks |
Baby still moves; you may see movements on your bump. Reducing perineal tears: Techniques at Royal College of Gynaecologists. Coping with labour: NUH Giving Birth pages. Your emotions: Support at Emotional Wellbeing page. Infant feeding leaflets: NUH leaflet library. |
| 37 Weeks |
Pregnancy considered full-term. Average baby weight 3–4kg. Newborn screening tests: Offered within first 6–8 weeks. |
| 39 Weeks |
Baby’s head may be engaged; time to start packing hospital bag. Baby Blues: Up to 80% of women affected. Info at National Childbirth Trust. Planned caesarean at 37–39 weeks: Info at Edinburgh University. |
| 40 Weeks |
Pregnancy usually lasts ~280 days from last period. Baby Buddy App for support and info. Induction of labour: Info on NUH pages. Postnatal depression and perinatal mental health: Support from Mind. |
| 41 Weeks | |
| 42 Weeks |
In most pregnancies, labour will naturally start by this stage. |