“Reaching 24 weeks is a really significant milestone in pregnancy. From now on the baby is viable, meaning that even if they were born prematurely there is a chance that they would survive, though they would need to be looked after in neonatal intensive care,” Dr. Philippa Kaye, a London-based GP who specialises in paediatrics and gynaecology, told MadeForMums.

From common symptoms you might be feeling and those new pains you’ve started feeling to how your baby is developing, we’ve got a guide on everything you need to know about being 24 weeks pregnant.

Your baby’s development at 24 weeks

At this stage, your baby does actually look like a baby — albeit a small one. They are about 30cm long, about the same size as a big ear of corn, and weigh about 600 grams.

“Their respiratory system is developing, meaning that although they aren’t using them, the lungs are developing. They begin to produce a substance called surfactant which is important for the tiny air sacs within the lungs,” Philippa says.

Your baby's brain and central nervous system are continuing to develop, and at this stage, the number of connections in the brain is increasingly quickly. They may also be making faces as their movements in-utero become more coordinated.

“The baby is still covered in fine hair called lanugo and they will have eyelashes, eyebrows and may even have some hair on their heads,” Philippa says. Their skin is gradually becoming less translucent, too.

Your body at 24 weeks pregnant: changes & what to expect

“Your bump is going to continue to get bigger and you will be gradually gaining weight,” Philippa says. The NHS says that you don’t need to be eating any more than you would usually yet — this comes in the third trimester.

As the bump expands, you might notice some cramping or aching pains on the sides of it. This is called round ligament pain, and it happens as the womb expands.

“You may also notice that you develop a darker line down the centre of your abdomen, often from the belly button downwards, this is called the linea nigra and is totally normal,” Philippa says.

“Many women will report that their skin becomes clearer and their hair feels lustrous and thicker, though others will report spots,” she says. “Some women will notice dark patches on their face called chloasma, again related to hormonal changes in pregnancy.”

“Your breasts will also be changing, often increasing in size and there may be some tenderness,” she says. “They may even begin to leak colostrum.”

Common symptoms and concerns in week 24

Here are some common symptoms at 24 weeks pregnant, and Philippa’s advice:

Cramps

“If you have cramping abdominal pain and it is associated with bleeding, you have regular bleeding, or it feels like contractions, please contact your medical team for advice,” Philippa says.

“If it is a more aching sensation in the sides of your bump then it may be due to round ligament pain (see above). Abdominal cramps can also be due to constipation. If you aren’t sure, get checked out.”

“Leg cramps are common, in particular at night. To try to prevent these, make sure you are well hydrated and try stretching exercises for your calves and legs,” she says.

Constipation

“This is due to the hormonal changes of pregnancy, which relax the smooth muscle of your intestine and slow down the passage through your guts — leading to constipation,” Philippa says.

“Make sure you are eating plenty of fibre, keep well hydrated, and exercise to try to prevent/relieve this. You can also discuss pregnancy safe laxatives with your pharmacist and antenatal team.”

Leaking nipples

“Leaking nipples can occur at any stage in pregnancy, though is more likely the further along you get,” she says. “You may be able to express colostrum, or it may simply leak from your nipples. Use nipple pads in your bra to keep the skin dry.”

“If there is pus or blood then please seek medical advice. If you have breast pain with swelling and redness, this may be an infection called mastitis.”

Brown discharge

“It is common to have changes to your discharge during pregnancy, and thrush can also be an issue. However, if you have red or brown discharge it could be due to bleeding, and this must be checked by your antenatal team,” Philippa says.

Swollen ankles

“You may notice that your feet begin to swell due to fluid retention. However, if your feet/ankles/hands swell very suddenly, you have a headache, nausea or changes in vision, please see your antenatal team as these can be signs of pre-eclampsia,” she says.

Rib pain

“This tends to occur during the third trimester of pregnancy but can occur earlier. As the bump gets bigger the ribs have to splay outwards in order to accommodate the pregnancy. This can lead to pain, often under the ribs at the side,” Philippa says.

“Or, rib pain can be related to the movements of the baby, to heart burn, or even breast pain.”

Lower back pain and pelvic pain

“The hormonal changes of pregnancy mean that there are changes in the pelvis which can lead to back pain,” she says.

“Keeping gently active is important. If your pain is severe or not manageable, see your antenatal team who can refer you to a women’s health physio for further advice and treatment.”

Heartburn and indigestion

“Heartburn and indigestion are common due to hormonal changes and because there is less room in your abdomen,” Philippa says.

“Eating plain, simple foods might help, as may avoiding fatty foods, spicy foods, pickles, caffeine and smoking. There are also various medications available to treat this which are safe in pregnancy, so please discuss this with your pharmacist and antenatal team.”

As always, if you are concerned about any symptom you might be having, please seek medical advice from your antenatal team.

Tips for a healthy pregnancy

As with the whole of your pregnancy, avoid alcohol and smoking, limit the amount of caffeine you drink, and avoid certain foods like raw fish and mouldy cheeses.

Philippa also has the following advice: “Try to avoid lying on your back for prolonged periods, and try to keep as physically active as possible while avoiding activities with a risk of contact or falling, like skiing or judo.”

It is recommended that pregnant women do 150 minutes of exercise a week.

And if you haven’t had it already, you are eligible for a whooping cough vaccine from week 16 to week 32 of pregnancy, which can protect your unborn baby from the infection.

The NHS suggests that you start doing pelvic floor exercises around 24 weeks, which will help prevent leakage during and after pregnancy, and aid your recovery after giving birth.

Read more:

• 25 weeks pregnant - what to expect
• How often should I feel my baby move – week by week?
• 15 of the best newborn prams, pushchairs and buggies of 2025, tried and tested

An expert from Tempcover, a temporary car insurance company, has shared her advice on how to keep safe, comfortable and on the right side of the law during pregnancy.

If you’re planning to stay behind the wheel right up to your final weeks, here’s what you need to know.

The legal stuff mums-to-be should know

Driving during pregnancy isn’t just about how you feel in the driver’s seat – the law has clear rules around pregnancy-related conditions. If you develop a condition that could affect your ability to drive safely, you must tell the DVLA. Ignoring this requirement could mean you get a fine and put you and your baby at risk.

Claire Wills-McKissick, temporary car insurance expert at Tempcover, explains: “While pregnancy itself doesn’t require notifying the DVLA, certain conditions that could still arise during the third trimester do. Conditions such late-stage gestational diabetes, high blood pressure or severe sickness must be reported — and failing to do so could result in a fine of up to £1000.”

Seatbelt positioning is another key area where mistakes can be unlawful. Seatbelts “offer the best protection for both mother and baby in a collision. Get it wrong and drivers not only increase the risk of injury but could also face a £500 fine,” Claire says.

Listen to your body behind the wheel

Pregnancy can bring all sorts of changes, from fatigue to dizziness, which can make driving feel tougher than usual. There’s no set point when pregnant women should stop driving, but paying attention to your body is essential.

“It’s crucial to recognise when you’re not fit to drive,” Claire says. “If you’re feeling sick, fatigued or too dizzy to focus, you risk not only your safety but are also committing a motoring offence. In severe cases, it may even be classed as dangerous driving.”

If your pregnancy belly is making reaching the pedals or steering wheel tricky, you’re finding it hard to check your mirrors comfortably, or you’re feeling tired enough that it’s slowing your reactions, “it may be time to hand over the keys,” Claire says.

Safety tips for driving in late pregnancy

Claire has some handy tips for mums-to-be who still drive their cars throughout pregnancy.

“Proper positioning of the seatbelt is crucial,” she says. “The lap strap should sit low, tucked under the baby bump, while the diagonal strap should run across the chest over the shoulder.”

She also recommended adjusting your seat to create as much space as possible between your bump and the steering wheel, to reduce risks of injury if the airbag deploys.

Taking regular breaks – ideally every 90 minutes – can help to improve circulation and prevent fatigue.

And carrying your maternity notes can be a lifesaver in case you need emergency care while out and about.

For some mums-to-be, giving up driving can feel like losing independence. But Claire says that temporary insurance is a practical way to share the load, allowing partners, friends, or family members to legally drive your car without having to adjust your full annual policy. Temporary policies can cover as little as an hour or as long as 28 days, allowing you flexibility while you prepare for your incoming baby.

Read more:

• What you can and can’t eat during pregnancy
• 7 things to do in the final weeks of your pregnancy
• Car seats on holiday: how child car seat laws differ in different countries

“Baby is continuing to grow steadily,” says Dr. Philippa Kaye, a London-based GP who specialises in paediatrics and gynaecology.

Some women notice that they gain weight at around 16 weeks, so this might be the time to think about upgrading your wardrobe to be a bit more maternity-friendly.

We asked Dr. Philippa about some of the biggest questions mums have at this stage of pregnancy, so here’s everything you need to know about being 16 weeks pregnant.

Your baby at 16 weeks

“By 16 weeks pregnant, your baby is approximately 11.6cm from head to bottom and weighs around 80 grams,” Dr. Philippa says. “Developing babies are often compared to fruits and vegetables, so right now your baby is about the size of an average avocado.”

Because their nervous system is better developed, babies might move more at 16 weeks.

“Your baby might start to move its arms and legs in a more co-ordinated way, including hand movements such as fist clenching. They can make facial expressions like grimaces,” she says. “They start to practice breathing, inhaling and exhaling amniotic fluid, too.”

“Some women will notice the first movements from as early as 16 or 17 weeks. Initially it feels like tiny flutters, almost like you need to pass gas,” Philippa says.

“You tend to notice this initial fluttering earlier if you have been pregnant before, because you have more experience in knowing what you are looking for. But don’t worry if you don’t feel anything just yet. The average time people notice it is around 20 weeks.”

Babies also have eyebrows and eyelashes by 16 weeks. That’s not the only hair they have — their skin is covered in a layer of very fine hair, called ‘lanugo,’ which provides protection and warmth. This is generally lost by the time a baby is born, or after the first few weeks.

“Their eyes also develop further. By now they can sense light through the womb, so will be able to tell the difference between you being in the light or dark,” Dr. Philippa says.

Your body at 16 weeks

“The womb has risen up and out of the pelvis now, so most people will have at least a small bump,” Philippa says. You might not be able to hide your pregnancy by 16 weeks, if you had been trying.

But “different women will show/have a bump at different times, related to whether it is their first pregnancy, how strong their tummy muscles are and how many babies they are carrying,” she said.

“Some people will notice pains on the sides of the abdomen, called round ligament pain, as the womb slowly begins to expand,” Philippa says.

“You might also notice an increase in appetite or even food cravings, and that you begin to gain weight.”

But hopefully any morning sickness and fatigue has improved by now.

“Many women feel that the second trimester is where they feel their best, with increased energy,” she says.

Common symptoms at week 16

“Don’t worry if you don’t have symptoms — many people feel extremely well,” Dr. Philippa says.

But you might notice some symptoms like constipation. This is due to hormonal changes in pregnancy. If you experience it, “try to increase your fibre intake, keep well hydrated, and keep moving. Laxatives safe for use in pregnancy are also available,” advises Dr. Philippa.

Bleeding gums or nosebleeds are also common in pregnancy, due to increased blood flow. Maintaining good oral hygiene helps with this so make sure to brush twice a day, avoid too much sugar, don’t smoke, and use alcohol-free mouthwashes to reduce plaque.

Other symptoms might include:

• Headaches
• Sore breasts
• Leg cramps
• Feeling hot
• Dizziness
• Swollen hands and feet

Tips for a healthy pregnancy at 16 weeks

“From now onwards, it is recommended that you try to avoid lying on your back for prolonged periods,” Dr. Philippa says, because the weight of your womb can compress the blood vessels supplying blood to the uterus and baby. Try lying on your side to sleep or using a pregnancy pillow.

“You can continue to exercise and don’t forget to do your pelvic floor exercises!” she says.

If you’re having dental troubles, remember that you are entitled to free NHS dental care during pregnancy and for a year after your baby is born. You can get this using a maternity exemption certificate, which your midwife, doctor or health visitor can apply for on your behalf.

Although it is generally offered at around 20 weeks, you are also eligible for a whooping cough vaccination when you’re at 16 to 32 weeks of pregnancy.

“This is given because whooping cough is increasing in the UK. The vaccine will mean that you produce antibodies to whooping cough which pass through the placenta to give your baby protection for the first few weeks of life until they have their own vaccinations,” Dr. Philippa says.

Read more:

• 6 best tips for the 2nd trimester of your pregnancy
• How often should I feel my baby move – week by week?
• 20 steps to a blissful pregnancy

You’re now in month five of your pregnancy, and by 20 weeks, scans can usually reveal the sex of your child if you choose to find out.

“Around 20 weeks there is often a pregnancy milestone known as ‘quickening’, which is the first time that you feel your baby move,” says Dr. Philippa Kaye, London-based GP who specialises in paediatrics and gynaecology.

Here’s everything you need to know about being 20 weeks pregnant, from how your baby is developing to your 20-week scan and what benefits you may be able to claim.

Your baby’s development at 20 Weeks

By now, your baby will be around 25 centimetres long – about the same size as a banana. This might seem like a big jump from 19 weeks, when babies are estimated to be 15cm long, but this is because the way they are measured changes at 20 weeks.

Whereas in earlier weeks, babies are measured from the top of their heads to their bottoms, now, they are measured from their heads to their heels, because their legs aren’t as curled up.

“At your 20-week scan, you may see them moving around or even doing more intricate motions, like sucking their thumb,” Dr. Philippa says. Babies can kick, punch, and turn around at 20 weeks, too.

“Their organs will all be present and the skin is protected by a white waxy coating called vernix caseosa, which helps protect the skin from the amniotic fluid. Their skin will also develop a fine coating of hair, called lanugo hair, which helps them maintain their body temperature and help the vernix stick to the skin.”

Your baby’s genitals are fully formed, which is why scans can tell you their sex. Baby girls will have a fully formed uterus, and ovaries containing about seven million eggs (this decreases to one or two million before they are born, and again to a few hundred thousand by puberty). Baby boys’ testicles are also fully grown but won’t have descended out of their abdomens yet.

Your body at 20 weeks

“As your bump continues to get bigger, you might notice stretch marks or changes to the skin over the bump, and a darker line of pigmentation (the linea nigra) may develop down the middle of your abdomen, generally from the belly button downwards,” Dr. Philippa says.

Check out other members of the MadeForMums community’s bumps at 20 weeks.

As skin stretches, it can feel itchy, and it’s common for mums-to-be to have itchy bumps. If that’s you, check out our guide on how to relieve itching in pregnancy.

“Some women will report that their skin improves due to the impact of pregnancy hormones, while others report that their skin becomes spottier and greasier, again due to hormones,” she says. “Some will notice dark patches on their faces, sometimes called the ‘mask of pregnancy’ or chloasma, and others that their hair is shinier and thicker.”

You might feel like there are bubbles in your stomach, or like you need to pass gas — but this could be your baby’s first movements, known as ‘quickening.’

“If this is your first pregnancy you might not notice quickening until a bit later — often women notice it earlier in subsequent pregnancies,” Dr. Philippa says. But “if the placenta develops anteriorly, on the front of the womb, it can be more difficult to feel the movements of the developing baby.”

20 weeks pregnant symptoms

“As always, you might experience lots of symptoms or very few, aside from a growing bump,” Dr. Philippa says. “Having symptoms or not does not necessarily indicate an issue with the developing baby.”

“Some women will have difficulties sleeping, or feel tired, while others will feel more energised than in the first trimester. You may notice that you feel hotter than usual, have more tender breasts, are bloated and constipated, develop heartburn or indigestion, have nosebleeds, or have bleeding gums especially when you brush your teeth,” she says.

Here are some other common symptoms of being 20 weeks pregnant, with advice from Dr. Philippa on how to manage them:

• Cramps, especially in the legs: “Try to ensure that you stay hydrated, and there are stretching exercises that you can do to help,” she says. “However, if you develop calf pain on one side, perhaps with swelling, seek urgent medical attention.”
• Diarrhoea: “Constipation is a common symptom related to pregnancy but if you develop diarrhoea try to ensure that you stay well hydrated. If it persists, or if there is blood in the diarrhoea, seek medical advice,” she says.
• Pelvic pain: “There may be some discomfort in your pelvis and lower back during pregnancy which is often related to the effects of pregnancy hormones relaxing the muscles and ligaments in your pelvis and lower back. Sometimes physiotherapy and other support is needed, and if it is severe please see your doctor.”
• Swollen ankles: “Swollen ankles are a common symptom of pregnancy, but if the swelling comes on or worsens suddenly, and/or is associated with swelling of the hands, headaches or nausea/vomiting, please seek medical advice as these could be signs of pre-eclampsia or eclampsia,” Dr. Philippa says.

Tips for a healthy pregnancy

“Dietary advice remains the same throughout pregnancy,” Dr. Philippa says. That means no alcohol, limited caffeine, and dietary restrictions like avoiding certain cheeses, raw or undercooked meat, eggs that don’t have the Red Lion stamp, too much fish, and enoki mushrooms.

“From around 16 weeks of pregnancy it is advised to try and avoid lying on your back as the growing weight of your womb can compress the blood vessels to and from the uterus and baby,” Dr. Philippa says. Instead, “try to lie on your left-hand side to sleep and avoid exercise which involves lying on your back.”

You can also get a whooping cough vaccination at this time — it’s available from 16 weeks to week 32.

“This is given because whooping cough is increasing in the UK and by vaccinating you, as the pregnant woman, can protect your baby for the first few weeks of life until they have their own vaccinations,” Dr. Philippa says. “The vaccine will mean that you produce antibodies to whooping cough which pass through the placenta to give your baby protection.”

“If it is coming up to, or during flu season, from September to March you will also be offered a flu vaccine,” she says.

The NHS recommends you start doing pelvic floor exercises at this point, to prevent any leakage when you do things like laugh, sneeze, or cough.

Things to start preparing for now

Mums tend to have an ultrasound scan at 20 weeks, known as the anomaly scan. As we mentioned, you can usually tell the sex of your baby at this scan, using the three lines method.

“The baby’s organs and development as well as the placenta may be checked” at this scan, too, Dr. Philippa says.

You can also get what is known as the Maternity Certificate, or MAT B1 form, from your midwife or doctor at 20 weeks. You need this to claim maternity pay or benefits (like free prescriptions or dental care), as well as to confirm your pregnancy.

The NHS also recommends you start thinking about telling your employer that you’re pregnant. You have to tell them by 15 weeks before the baby is due (so before you reach 25 weeks pregnant), so you don’t have too long left. Once you’ve told your job that you’re expecting, you are entitled to maternity rights, can attend antenatal appointments during work time, and can ask for a risk assessment of your workplace.

Please note: this advice is not personalised or meant to replace individual advice given to you about your child by your doctor or medical team. As always, if you are concerned about your or your child’s health then please seek medical advice.

Read more:

• 21-week bump gallery - pregnancy in pictures
• Is the combined whooping cough vaccination safe when pregnant?
• Pregnancy Scans and Tests Timeline

Depending on when you found out the news, you may be getting used to being pregnant at this point, or it all might still feel new.

“By the time you are 10 weeks pregnant you may only have known about it for six weeks,” Dr. Philippa Kaye, a London-based GP who specialises in paediatrics and gynaecology, says, because “you are considered four weeks pregnant on the day of your first missed period.”

“Although they are only the size of a small apricot or a fig, there has been lots of development in your baby,” Dr. Philippa says.

Whether you’re eagerly awaiting your 12-week scan, or still getting to grips with the fact there’s a human growing inside you, we’ve compiled everything you need to know about being 10 weeks pregnant.

Discover everything you need to know when you're 5 weeks pregnant, including common symptoms, baby development, and tips for a healthy start to your pregnancy.

Baby development at week 10

“Babies are born at different lengths and weights, but during the first trimester they all tend to grow at the same pace. This is why the pregnancy can be dated at the first ultrasound scan, which tends to be around 12 weeks,” Dr. Philippa says.

By 10 weeks, your baby is around three centimetres long and has officially progressed from an embryo into a foetus.

“Their heart and other organs continue to develop, and their heart rate is much quicker than yours — about 180bpm,” Dr. Philippa says.

“Proportionally their head still seems much larger than the body, but all the limbs will be present and will begin to make jerking movements. The face is developing, though the eyes are still half closed, and within the baby’s jaw the precursors to their milk teeth are beginning to appear,” Dr. Philippa says.

Your baby’s ears and ear canals are starting to grow, and they have tiny nostrils and an upper lip by week 10, too. Their half-closed eyes can also react to light.

What’s happening to your body at 10 weeks pregnant

While your baby is the size of an apricot, your womb is a bit bigger — about the same size as a big orange.

Your womb is still sitting within your pelvis, so although it might be harder to do up your jeans, you might not have a full-on baby bump yet. They tend to appear at around 12-16 weeks.

Some women do have bumps at 10 weeks, though, especially if they are carrying multiple pregnancies or if it’s not their first pregnancy.

“The hormones of pregnancy will be affecting not just your uterus but the rest of your body, too,” Dr. Philippa says. “For example, progesterone acts to help the muscles of your womb and pelvis relax so that the uterus can grow as needed. It also acts on the muscles of your intestines, meaning that you may become constipated or notice bloating.”

Progesterone can also mean you experience heartburn or burp and fart more as the muscles in your digestive tract also expand.

To help lessen these symptoms, the NHS recommends making a few small changes:

• Try eating six small meals a day instead of three big ones
• Monitor how much coffee, or rich, spicy, or fatty foods you eat — some women find that these things worsen their bloating and burping
• Avoid eating late at night
• Eat slowly and sip fluids
• Try taking a short walk after meals

Pregnancy symptoms at 10 weeks

“Some women have symptoms at this stage and others don’t,” Dr. Philippa says, but it isn’t anything to worry about either way.

“Whether or not you have symptoms at 10 weeks pregnant does not give any predictions or information about the viability of the pregnancy, about the gender of the developing baby, or anything else,” she says.

Pregnancy symptoms that are common at 10 weeks include:

• Feeling tired
• Needing to wee more often
• Breast tenderness or other changes
• Morning sickness — “Morning sickness is quite misnamed as it doesn’t always happen in the morning, it can happen at any time. And it doesn’t have to lead to vomiting — it can be nausea, either with or without vomiting,” Dr. Philippa says.
• Feeling bloated
• Weight changes
• Indigestion (also known as heartburn or acid reflux)
• Stomach pain or cramps

“For some women the tiredness and fatigue of early pregnancy is already beginning to lift, and you may feel more energised,” Dr. Philippa says. “You might also notice changes to your vaginal discharge or that your hair becomes thicker or shinier.”

Tips for a healthy pregnancy

“The advice around which foods to avoid and the supplements to take remain the same throughout the first trimester,” Dr. Philippa says.

This means avoiding alcohol, raw meat and fish, soft and blue cheeses, liver and pâté, undercooked eggs or eggs that don’t have the British Lion stamp, and enoki mushrooms. Plus, pregnant women shouldn’t drink more than 200mg of caffeine a day, and should take folic acid supplements.

“Aside from foods and drink to avoid such as alcohol, it is also important to avoid recreational drugs, if you need help with this please seek medical advice,” she says.

“Please do keep exercising and moving your body, but avoid contact sports, exercising at high altitude, and scuba diving!”

What to expect next at 10 weeks

“By 10 weeks pregnant, ideally you will have either already had, or been booked in for antenatal care with a midwife, called the ‘booking appointment’,” Dr. Philippa says. If not, you should do this now, by telling your GP that you are pregnant, or self-referring at your local hospital

At the booking appointment, you will be asked about your medical history and lifestyle, have some tests (like blood tests, urine tests, and height and weight measurements), and discuss your options for pregnancy and the birth.

“You will also be offered a dating ultrasound scan between 10 and 14 weeks pregnant and offered tests for both your health and that of your baby,” Dr. Philippa says. “If you develop bleeding or pain please seek medical help.”

Tommy’s, a pregnancy and baby charity, advises that now is a good time to check if you’re eligible for programmes like Healthy Start in England and Wales and Best Start Foods in Scotland. These can provide eligible mums-to-be with help for buying healthy food and vitamin supplements.

Please note: this advice is not personalised or meant to replace individual advice given to you about your child by your doctor or medical team. As always, if you are concerned about your or your child’s health then please seek medical advice.

Read more:

• 10 week bump gallery - pregnancy in pictures
• Planning your day when pregnant
• Decisions you need to make when pregnant

It's also a bit of a moment. That's because it's likely to be the first time you 'see' your baby (whee!) and you get a set of (rather blurry, black-and-white) images to take home with you.

But what exactly should you expect? How long will it take? What will you need to do? What will the sonographer (who operates the ultrasound equipment) be looking for? Will you find out the baby's sex? Will you find out anything else?

Wondering what is happening at 5-6 weeks pregnant? Discover our articles on 5 weeks pregnant and 6 weeks pregnant: Symptoms and baby development. At this stage, your little one has tiny facial features forming and their heart is already beating.

Here, with the expert help of Gill Harrison, professional officer for ultrasound at the Society and College of Radiographers, is a clear, complete and jitter-calming guide to your first routine pregnancy scan...

Your 12-week pregnancy ultrasound scan: here's what to expect

What is the dating scan? | When will I be offered my first pregnancy scan? | Do I have to have the 12-week scan? | What does the 12-week scan show? | How do I prepare for the 12-week pregnancy scan? | What happens at the 12-week scan? | Will I see a picture of my baby on the screen? | Can I take a picture myself or take one home? | How long does the 12-week scan take? | Can I take my partner with me to the scan? | Can I take children to the scan? | Will I find out the sex at the 12-week scan? | Will I find out the results straightaway? | What will the results tell me? | I'm worried: how often does the 12-week scan find issues? | When will my next ultrasound scan be?

Why is the first pregnancy scan called the dating scan?

"This scan is often referred to as the dating scan," says Gill Harrison, "because one of the ways that it's used is to work out your baby's due date."

When will I be offered my dating scan? Will it be at exactly 12 weeks?

All pregnant women in the UK who have informed their GP or midwife of their pregnancy or completed a self-referral maternity form (now provided as an alternative by some hospital maternity services) are offered an ultrasound scan at about the 12-week mark.

If you're in England or Wales, it will be offered at between 10 and 14 weeks; if you're in Scotland, it will be offered between 11 and 14 weeks, and in Northern Ireland, it will be offered between 8 to 12 weeks.

If you've had fertility treatment, have a history of miscarriages or are in pain or bleeding during the first weeks of pregnancy, you may be offered an early scan before this routine dating scan. But, assuming your pregnancy is confirmed as healthy at that scan, you'll still have your dating scan at round about the 12-week mark.

The 12-week scan usually takes place in a hospital local to you, and you will receive a letter or a text confirming the date, time and place.

Do I have to have the dating scan? Is it safe?

Ultrasound scans use high-frequency sound waves to capture a picture of your baby inside your womb. There are no known risks, either to you or to your baby, from having a pregnancy ultrasound scan in a professional health setting, such as the NHS.¹²³

You can, however, choose not to have any pregnancy scan, if you don't want to.⁴

What does a 12-week scan reveal?

Officially, the purpose of the scan is to check:

• How many weeks pregnant you are and when your baby is due. An ultrasound scan is a much more accurate way of predicting your baby's gestation (how far along in the pregnancy you actually are) than counting from the date of your last period (which is all you and/or your GP have had to go on until now).
• Whether you're having a single baby – or twins, triplets or more. Yep, this is the moment when you find out if there's more than one baby in there!
• If there's a heartbeat. This is the bit that, naturally, we all worry about most.
• If your baby's skull, limbs, organs, and umbilical cord are developing normally for this stage of pregnancy.
• Your baby's nuchal translucency (NT). This is a measurement of the fluid at the back of your baby's neck. This measurement is then combined with the results of a blood test (which may be done on a different day to your scan) to complete the combined screening test*, which gives an indication of your baby's chance of having Down's syndrome, Edwards' syndrome and Patau's syndrome. You can opt out of this part of the scan and, therefore, the combined screening test, if you prefer.
  * If, for whatever reason, you're having your first dating scan after 14 weeks, you won't be offered the combined screening test you but will be offered another blood test (the 'quadruple test') between 14 and 20 weeks that screens for Down's syndrome (but not Edwards' or Patau's).

What do I need to do or bring for the 12-week scan?

You may have already been given some notes or forms by your midwife; if so, bring them along.

It's best to wear loose trousers or a skirt and top, rather than a dress, because when you have your scan, you'll be asked to lie on your back on a couch and adjust your clothes to expose your belly.

You'll also be asked to arrive with a full bladder: the fluid will enhance the sound waves moving through your abdominal cavity, making the ultrasound image clearer – and your scan pictures better!

Your appointment letter may give instructions about the best way to do this but, if not, we'd suggest going for a good, bladder-emptying wee about 90 minutes before your scan appointment time and then, about an hour before, drinking 400ml to 500ml water.

Don't be tempted to skip the water-drinking because you're worried about not being able to hold in it if the scanning department is running late and you have to sit in a waiting room. As Leanne from our MadeForMums Community says, "they can always send you for a [bit of a] wee [if you're bursting] but, if your bladder's not full enough, they might send you home".

What happens at the 12-week scan?

You'll be taken into a private room, which is often quite dimly lit (so it'll probably look more like the picture below – see Will I see a picture of my baby? – than the one above). You'll then be asked to lie down on your back on the couch and adjust your clothes so that your belly is exposed.

The scan is done by moving a hand-held device called a transducer – which looks a bit like a computer mouse or a small paint roller – over your tummy. The sonographer will put some gel on the skin of your tummy first (be ready: it’s normally freezing!), so there is good contact between the transducer and your skin. Often, your sonographer will also tuck some tissues around the edges of your clothes nearest your tummy, to protect them from the gel.

Once the gel's on, the sonographer will place the transducer onto your bump and move it around, allowing the high-frequency sound waves produced by the transducer to bounce off your belly and create a picture on the sonographer's monitor.

It doesn't hurt at all but you'll probably feel some downward pressure (which can be a little uncomfortable on a very full bladder).

If your womb is sitting very deep in your pelvis or you're very overweight, your sonographer may offer you a a trans-vaginal scan instead, in order to get a better image. This type of scan uses a small, finger-width probe transducer that is inserted gently into your vagina; it can be a bit uncomfortable but shouldn't be painful.

Will I see my baby on the screen?

As the transducer gets to work, a black-and-white image of your baby will appear on the monitor that the sonographer is looking at. Often, you can see it, too, or the screen will be turned towards you after a few moments – but not always.

"Sonographers have a lot to do in a short amount of time, so they need to keep their screen in a position that gives them the best view of the baby,” explains Gill Harrison. "Hopefully, if there is no separate second screen for you to look at, you will be able to see the sonographer's screen but you need to remember that the points of this clinical examination to check everything is OK with your baby.

"All being well, you're likely to see your baby moving around. And, if the pregnancy is progressing well, you'll also see a clear heartbeat."

This was certainly the case for Fiona from our MadeForMums Community. She said:

Can I take a picture or a video myself? If not, how do I get a picture to keep?

You're usually asked not to take your own video or photos – or record audio of the baby's heartbeat – while you're in the scan room but most NHS hospitals will let you take away a photograph of the scan image once your appointment has ended.

Costs for these vary, and aren't always flagged up in advance, so do make sure you take some cash with you (some hospitals can't accept card or phone payment).

If you're after lots of glossy colour pics or maybe even a video, you can consider booking (and paying for) a separate private scan; with these, it's best to wait till you're at least 16 weeks pregnant, when there's much more 'baby detail' to see.

How long does the 12-week scan take?

The scan itself will take about 15 to 20 minutes but you may need to hang about for a while in the waiting room beforehand – which we know can be tricky when you've just drunk all that water!

Occasionally, if the sonographer is unable to get a clear picture of what they need to see, you may be asked to come back for a repeat scan on another day.

Can I take my partner to the scan?

Your partner (or one close adult relative) will always be welcome to come with you but it's totally up to you, of course. Most mums-to-be would probably say it's a good idea to have some company, especially if you're anxious about the scan.

"Having a scan can be very emotional," says Jane Fisher, director of the testing-support charity Antenatal Results and Choices (ARC). "You may need someone there to support you."

Can I take my other children to the scan?

You'll need to check with your hospital about this one, and you should be prepared for them to say no: quite a few hospitals don't allow small children into the pregnancy ultrasound departments.

"We generally do not recommend bringing your children to the NHS screening scans," says Gill Harrison, "but the policy on this does vary from hospital to hospital. Performing the scan requires intense concentration from the sonographer, so many hospitals take the view that the fewer distractions, the better."

Will I be able to tell from the scan if my baby's a boy or a girl?

"The policy at most NHS trusts is not to give an opinion at this scan," says Gill. "That's usually only offered at the 20-week scan [your 2nd routine scan, done at about 20 weeks].

If you just can't wait till 20 weeks to find out your baby's sex, you can book a separate private 'gender reveal' scan.

Or you could have some fun predicting your baby's sex yourself, trying to spot some of the many boy/girl signs touted by various theories – usually with next to no scientific evidence. The most popular of these involve studying your 12-week scan photo for clues and include:

• The Nub theory
• The Skull Theory 
• The Ramzi theory

There is also the more scientifically-sound 3 lines or Potty Shot Method but this is extremely unlikely to work on a 12-week scan photo; to use it with any reliability, you need an image from at your NHS 20-week scan or from a scan done between 16 and 23 weeks by private pregnancy-scan provider.

Will I get the results straightaway?

Pretty much – even if it's not such good news.

"If there is clearly an issue with the scan, then you will be told that day," says Gill. "And you’ll probably get an appointment to see a specialist to help you make decisions about further tests."

The only exception to the results-straightaway rule is the result of the combined screening test (if you consent to it).

In order to get the full results, the findings of the nuchal translucency (NT) part of your scan need to be combined with the findings of your blood test. If you haven't had your blood test yet (timings of these tests do vary from hospital to hospital) or if your blood test results haven't come through in time for both results to be combined into the final result, you'll have to wait to get this result from your midwife at a later date (do ask when that's likely to be).

What will the results tell me?

If all is well, and your pregnancy is progressing as it should – which is the case about 95% of the time – you will be given your official due date, or estimated date of delivery (EDD), and told exactly how pregnant you are.

You may find that your EDD is quite a few days later or earlier than you thought:

You'll also be told whether you're having twins, triplets (or more) – though you'll probably have noticed that already on the scan monitor!

If your scan picks up anything of concern, this might include:

• Missed miscarriage. Very occasionally (in about 1% of pregnancies), the sonographer may not be able to detect the baby's heartbeat. This is usually because, earlier on in your pregnancy, the baby died or failed to develop but you may not have had any signs or symptoms (like pain or bleeding). If this happens to you, there are a number of possible next steps; you will be given specialist advice – and time to make up your mind.
• A developmental concern. Sometimes, the sonographer will detect an unexpected finding which may indicate a problem with your baby's development. If this happens to you, you will be referred to a fetal medicine consultant for further advice and tests.
• A raised NT measurement. You may be told on that day if your nuchal translucency test measured higher than 3.5mm. "This raised NT can sometimes be an indicator of a problem in your baby's development," explains ARC's Jane Fisher. Depending on the measurement it might need to be looked at in combination with your blood test. If there are still indications when that is done, "you will," says Jane, "be offered an appointment with a fetal medicine specialist to discuss the possible implications." Which will include the offer of further tests, including amniocentesis or CVS. "Although this can be worrying," says Jane, "it is important to remember that many babies whose NT measurement is higher than average do develop normally.”

I'm worried about this scan? Am I right to be?

It's quite normal to feel anxious – as well as excited at the idea of seeing your baby. We all do!

But it really does help to try to keep things in perspective: the chances of anything being 'wrong' with your baby are very small:

Even if there is an issue, it may well be something that turns out to be not that serious or something that can be easily managed by the specialists.

And there's always a follow-up with support and advice. "If there is a problem, you will be supported and quickly referred to a specialist," says Jane. You can also call the trained staff on the ARC helpline on 0207 713 7486 or send them a text on 07908 683004 (Monday to Friday, 10am to 5.30pm).

Above all else, remember that, for at least 95% of us, the scan will be fine and we'll go home clutching that amazing (and slightly tear-stained) first pic.

When will my next pregnancy ultrasound be?

Assuming all has gone well with your 12-week scan, your next pregnancy scan will be your 20-week scan, which is usually carried out at between 18 and 21 weeks.

This is generally the scan when you can find out if you're expecting a girl or a boy – assuming you want to know...

References:

<sup>1. Safety of ultrasonography in pregnancy: WHO systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis. Torloni et al. Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynaecology. First published 17 March 2009; doi.org/10.1002/uog.6328.
2. Warning sounded over commercial ultrasound in pregnancy. The Lancet. 3 January 2015
3. Ultrasound exams: frequently asked questions. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecology. Last reviewed October 2021.
4. Ultrasound scans in pregnancy. NHS online</sup> 

Pics: Getty Images

Read more:

• Pregnancy announcement ideas for parents, family and friends
• 12-week pregnancy bumps: see how different they are!
• What to expect at your 20-week scan

Let’s start with a little reassurance. In most cases, once you’re pregnant after IVF—and assuming no specific complications—your pregnancy is just like any other. The odds of carrying to term are in your favour. 

But here’s an important truth: those fears are incredibly common, no matter how you conceived. And while it’s easier said than done, try not to let the anxiety take over. Most early miscarriages are out of your control—and certainly not your fault. 

In the first three months of your pregnancy (especially), try to put your emphasis instead on taking it easy, being kind to yourself, practicing self-care and trying not to stress. 

Probably easier said than done! So here are some things you can do to make sure you’re giving your IVF pregnancy the best chance possible… 

What is the risk of miscarriage after successful IVF treatment?  

The Human Fertilisation & Embryology Authority (HFEA) who regulate fertility clinics and the fertility treatment process in the UK, do acknowledge there is slightly higher incidence of miscarriage in pregnancies from assisted conception. 

However, this doesn't mean there's a higher 'risk'. In fact, they believe this is mostly down to the fact that a woman who is confirmed pregnant from this method is more likely to be aware of the pregnancy much earlier than a woman who has not been treated. 

Other factors that make this incidence higher is that many women who go through IVF are older (the current average age of a patient starting IVF for the first time is over 35 compared to 29, which is the average age of a woman giving birth for the first time in England and Wales) and often have other underlying fertility issues, both of which are known factors for miscarriage.  

Miscarriage is most common in early pregnancy and therefore it is possible that other women are experiencing early miscarriage but do not realise. After 12 weeks the risk of miscarriage goes down dramatically.  

The main risks may come from the condition which stopped you from conceiving naturally in the first place. For example, if you have blocked or damaged fallopian tubes, this can cause an ectopic pregnancy. 

If you're concerned about anything, speak to your IVF team, midwife or GP. Also, an early ultrasound scan can put your mind at rest. 

Does being monitored after IVF increase the risk of miscarriage? 

If you have a history of miscarriage or stillbirth, then you may be seen more regularly by a specialist during your pregnancy. This is the same for any pregnancy with the same history.  

If you are expecting twins or more, you will probably be monitored more closely than in a regular pregnancy. 

If you went through assisted conception treatment because you were trying for a baby and are over 35, you may be more closely monitored for your own health (blood pressure, gestational diabetes etc) and for the health of the foetus. 

There is nothing to unduly worry about, but regular monitoring is a sensible move, just to be on the safe side.  

If your general health has been compromised by your treatment in any way (very rare) or you have an ongoing condition which originally led you to take the assisted conception route, you may be required to see a doctor or specialist a little more regularly than a woman going through a regular pregnancy. 

Again, you can rest assured that this is usually a precaution for most women and is nothing to panic over.  

How can you look after yourself in the early weeks of IVF pregnancy? 

The best thing to do during the early stages of your pregnancy is simply to take care of yourself as best you can, by: 

• Choosing a healthy lifestyle. It's important in any pregnancy to get yourself into good condition in terms of diet and nutrition. “There are some factors which may reduce your risk of miscarriage,” says Dr Philippa. “Not smoking or using recreational drugs, not drinking alcohol, trying to maintain a healthy weight and eating a balanced diet.  

• Making sure you’re up to date with immunisations. “Some infections, such as rubella (German measles), can increase the risk of miscarriage, so if you are not already immunised or haven’t been exposed you can consider having the MMR vaccination before you get pregnant,” says Dr Philippa. “If testing during pregnancy, (often at your booking appointment) shows that you are not immune to rubella, you will be advised to have the MMR vaccine AFTER the baby is delivered as the MMR vaccine cannot be used in pregnancy.” 

• Speak to your specialist medical team about your specific needs. “If there is a known cause of previous a miscarriage, for example a condition where the blood clots more commonly, such as antiphospholipid syndrome then treating with medications to prevent clots such as aspirin may help reduce the risk of miscarriage,” says Dr Philippa. “In some people, a late miscarriage, or premature delivery may be due to a weakened cervix, for example after surgery to the cervix, and treatment may be offered.” 

• Pay attention to your body. Take it easy and pay attention to your body. If you feel tired, have a rest or take a nap. Early pregnancy can be exhausting.  

• Travelling? Check you’re OK to beforehand. If you're working and have to travel, check with your midwife that she's happy for you to do so. 

• Don’t be afraid to contact your GP. If you see signs of bleeding in early pregnancy, don't panic. Some small bleeding episodes are common. Still, don’t worry about checking in with your midwife or GP just for a little reassurance. 

• Reach out to those in the same boat. If you're finding it tough to enjoy your pregnancy, or are really struggling generally, make use of the counselling services available via your fertility clinic, or join an IVF support group to seek support from other women (or men) who know just how you feel. 

Should you wait before having sex after IVF? 

Some practitioners believe that sex is not advisable in the early weeks after getting pregnant by IVF. 

As a general rule of thumb, most fertility clinics advise that you should wait 2-3 weeks after your embryo transfer before being intimate with your partner, but you should ask your fertility specialist for advice based on your individual situation. 

Sex isn’t advised straight after IVF because there’s a small risk that the female orgasm, which causes contractions in your uterus, could affect the embryo implanting. Sex could also increase the chance of contracting an infection.  

If you’re concerned, consult the clinic that treated you, or speak to your midwife. If you want to be especially cautious, you can wait until you’ve seen your positive pregnancy test before getting intimate again.  

Some people choose to wait until the first antenatal scan – seeing your baby's heartbeat and going through this first proper medical check is the best way of putting your mind at rest. 

Please note: this advice is not personalised or meant to replace individual advice given to you about your pregnancy by your doctor or medical team. As always, if you are concerned about your health then please seek medical advice.

References:  

[1] The Human Fertilisation & Embryology Authority (HFEA), Key facts and statistics, https://www.hfea.gov.uk/about-us/media-centre/key-facts-and-statistics/ 

Dr Philippa Kaye, an NHS GP who specialises in paediatrics and gynaecology, told MadeForMums that you can’t tell whether a pregnancy is viable at five weeks, because “it is generally too early to see the heartbeat on an ultrasound scan.”

The main thing to think about in early pregnancy is looking after yourself, she said.

Here’s everything you need to know about being five weeks pregnant, from pregnancy symptoms you might experience and how your baby is developing, to how to look after yourself.

If you're 10 weeks pregnant, you're in month 3 of your pregnancy. Only 6 months left to go! Still have questions? Discover our guide on 10 weeks pregnant: Symptoms, baby development & tips.

What's happening to my body?

“At five weeks, you are unlikely to have a baby bump just yet,” Dr Philippa says. But that doesn’t mean there’s not plenty going on inside your body.

In the first few weeks of pregnancy, your hormone levels change to prepare for the rest of the pregnancy and after birth. This is when they become high enough to detect via a pregnancy test.

Although it’s still early in your pregnancy, at week five your breasts are already beginning to get ready for breastfeeding. “The increased levels of some hormones might cause breast tenderness, swelling, and increased sensitivity,” says Dr Philippa.

“The placenta, which provides nourishment and oxygen, is also developing,” she adds. “In time this will give your baby oxygen and nutrients and remove waste products such as carbon dioxide.”

Your baby’s development

At five weeks, an embryo is about 2 millimetres long — about the size of a sesame seed.

Your baby’s heart is beginning to develop, as well as their neural tube which will become their brain and spinal cord.

Their face is also starting to form, including a tiny nose and eyes.

Common symptoms at 5 weeks

Some women don’t have any symptoms in early pregnancy, but common symptoms at five weeks can include:

• A missed or late period
• Feeling fatigued or more tired than normal
• Breast tenderness/soreness
• Nausea (otherwise known as morning sickness — although it doesn’t only happen in the morning!)
• Feeling a bit under the weather
• Bloating
• Cramping, almost like period pains
• A metallic taste in your mouth
• Needing to wee more often
• Light spotting or a milky white discharge from your vagina
• Mood swings
• A heightened sense of smell
• Changes in the foods you like and dislike.

Some women also notice that their hair is thicker and shinier, or that they have darker patches on their skin.

“Whether you feel tired, nauseous, or nothing at all at 5 weeks of pregnancy, it doesn’t give us any indication of how the baby is developing, how the pregnancy will progress or how you will feel for the rest of the pregnancy,” Dr Philippa says.

Foods to eat and avoid at 5 weeks pregnant

As soon as you know you are pregnant, you should avoid certain foods. These include:

• raw or undercooked meat, fish, and shellfish
• soft and blue cheeses
• liver
• pâté
• eggs which are raw or undercooked, and don’t have the British Lion stamp
• enoki mushrooms

"Pregnant women should avoid alcohol and are also advised to limit their caffeine intake to 200mg a day," says Dr Philippa. Remember to factor in chocolate and painkillers when thinking about how much caffeine you get each day.

“If you are not already taking a supplement of folic acid, then it is recommended that you start doing so until 12 weeks of pregnancy,” Dr Philippa says. This is because folic acid helps a foetus’s brain and spine to develop normally.

Tips for a healthy pregnancy

As well as avoiding certain foods and alcohol, Dr Philippa advises that smoking is not recommended during pregnancy. Smoking while pregnant has been linked to behavioural problems in children, and contributes to reduced sperm counts in boys.

If you smoked, drank alcohol, or did drugs before finding out you were pregnant at five weeks, Dr Philippa assures you that you aren’t alone, and shouldn’t worry too much. Just make sure to let your antenatal team know so that they can make sure everything is okay and get you help you to stop if you need it.

"Pregnant women should also avoid contact with cat litter due to a risk of an infection called toxoplasmosis", Dr Philippa says, which you can catch from the poo of infected cats. It’s usually harmless but can cause miscarriage if you get it while pregnant.

“You can continue to exercise but activities with high risk of falling and contact sports should be avoided,” Dr Philippa says. Exercising during pregnancy is great for your health and can help to reduce the likelihood of problems in later pregnancy and labour, according to the NHS.

Take care not to overdo it with exercise in pregnancy. You may need to slow down or change your fitness routine as your pregnancy progresses.

When to seek help

Some light bleeding, called implantation bleeding, when an embryo attaches to the womb lining, is relatively common at five weeks pregnant. But Dr Philippa advises seeking medical advice anyway.

“If the bleeding is severe, you feel unwell or dizzy, or you have abdominal pain please seek urgent medical care,” she says.

Discharge can change in the early stages of pregnancy, but if you have brown discharge or brown spotting at five weeks pregnant, Dr Philippa also advises seeking medical advice.

Similarly, cramps and stomach discomfort can occur, but it is important to get these checked out, “in particular if the pain is severe, on one side, associated with bleeding or you feel unwell,” she says.

And don’t forget to refer yourself to the NHS for antenatal care — you’ll ideally arrange your first midwife appointment before you’re 10 weeks pregnant, where you can get all the information you need and do some screening tests.

Please note: this advice is not personalised or meant to replace individual advice given to you about your child by your doctor or medical team. As always, if you are concerned about your child’s health then please seek medical advice.

Read more

• 5 week bump gallery - pregnancy in pictures
• Your guide to pregnancy sex in your first trimester
• Should I get an early pregnancy scan? How early? And is it free?

Just like any party, a theme can help give you direction for everything from decorations to games and gifts.

When it comes to baby shower planning, MyCrib makes for a fantastic companion. The modern baby registry that makes gift-giving easier, more personal, and completely stress-free, helping families avoid duplicates, share their essentials effortlessly, and get exactly what they need – from practical must-haves to meaningful extras.

Beyond just building a baby registry, you can also send out invites to the baby shower using your MyCrib account, making the planning process that bit easier. They also have a range of guides available on their website to give you even more inspiration for your baby shower, as well as a range of great baby shower print-out games you can use to get started as well as an article dedicated to the best baby shower games.

For more tips and ideas, check out our guide on how to throw a baby shower, where we break down everything you'll need to consider. You can also find our guide to the best baby shower gifts for mum and baby in 2025 if you're looking for ideas for presents.

Most popular baby shower themes in 2025

1. Neutral colours

If you've seen the parenting section of any department store over the past few years or scrolled through #parenting on TikTok, you'll know that neutral colours are all the rage. Whether that's 'champagne' or 'taupe', these neutral, warm tones are everywhere, and it's easy to see why. There's a minimalist elegance to the neutral colour palette that will lend your baby shower a sense of simple sophistication. It's also gender neutral, making it an ideal pick if the mum-to-be doesn't yet know the gender of their baby.

What decorations do you need?

Classic decorations like balloons, bunting and simple table dressing are great picks for an elegant neutral baby shower. Look for warmer whites, off-whites, browns and greens and then use an accent colour like gold to add an extra pop of elegance to proceedings.

2. Maximalist colours

On the other end of the colour spectrum is the maximalist style, which embraces bright colours and elaborate displays. Inspired by the 'dopamine dressing' trend that swept TikTok, this theme is ideal if you're looking to wow the mum-to-be with something truly special. Ideal for summer or for maximalist mums, here understated elegance gives way to bright pops of colour that draw the eye, putting a smile on your face in the process.

What decorations do you need?

This is an ideal theme for creatives as it involves matching various bright colours to create a harmonious sense of over-the-top fun. Lean on floral displays here by bringing in a florist to craft some bright centrepieces and photo-ops that'll help elevate the vibe for all your guests.

3. Classic Storybook Theme

If you're looking for a timeless, easy and nostalgic baby shower theme, then look no further than the classic storybook theme. Bring children's books to life with your decorations, including books and vintage paper, to add that extra sense of storybook magic to the experience.

Start by selecting the books you want to spotlight, for example, a 'Winnie the Pooh' theme could include lots of bright yellows, reds and, of course, tons of honey-flavoured snacks. Incorporating reading time into the baby shower could be a really nice way to bring the magic of storytelling to life, especially if your guests will be bringing children.

What decorations do you need?

Books, books and more books. This could be a great opportunity to get your guests to chip in by bringing along their favourite storybooks from their childhood. You can use book covers for the stories you choose to lead the colour scheme, and you could even try recreating the cover as a cake. Balloon arrangements are also a great shout here. Pull the colours out of the books you've chosen to create a simple and show-stopping decoration that can instantly transform and fill a space.

4. Woodland Wonder

Is the mum-to-be a big fan of the outdoors? Or maybe you're looking for a nice, cute and cosy theme for an autumn baby shower. Either way, a woodland theme is a great, versatile pick for a baby shower, working for both a boy or a girl.

Greens, browns and rustic elements are your friend here. Look to the autumn season and classic woodland animals like foxes, hedgehogs and rabbits for inspiration. A crafting station makes for a great activity at a woodland-themed baby shower (or any baby shower, really), especially if you've got children coming along.

What decorations do you need?

Faux leaves are a great way to add texture to a space without breaking the bank, especially as they come in a range of warm, autumnal colours. You might also want to look at dried flowers as well as wood, gold and copper accents for things like invitations, picture frames and themed signage.

5. Afternoon Tea

You could take the tea party theme in several directions. You could go down the Alice in Wonderland route and throw a Mad Hatter's tea party. You could also go for a vintage Bridgerton vibe complete with cups and saucers, beautiful floral centrepieces and string quartet covers of Taylor Swift.

Whatever approach you take, a classic tea party theme is always a guaranteed winner. Tea tasting with flavours and varieties from around the world makes for a great activity here, especially if you're holding an alcohol-free baby shower before baby is born.

What decorations do you need?

Fine china, vintage table runners, classic floral bouquets paired with classic scones and finger sandwiches arranged on that cake stand your grandmother has had for decades. Lean into pastel tones for this theme to create a sophisticated and elegant setting.

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Here, we’ll walk you through what’s happening inside you, what to expect next, and how to support a healthy pregnancy in these crucial early weeks.

How your baby is developing at 6 weeks

"Before we start it is important to understand what 6 weeks pregnant means.  Your pregnancy is dated from the first day of your last period, meaning that if you have a 4 week menstrual cycle and test positive on the day of your expected period, you are actually said to be 4 weeks pregnant!" says our resident GP Dr Philippa Kaye.

"At this stage, your baby has small buds which will form arms and legs but actually looks rather like a tadpole, with a bulge where the head and what looks like a tail," explains Dr Philippa.

Their tiny heart is beating at around 100-160 times per minute — almost twice as fast as yours!

Facial features like the eyes, nose and ears are beginning to take shape. Likewise, major organs including the liver and kidneys are starting to develop. Though still tiny, your baby is already undergoing crucial changes that lay the foundation for their growth in the months ahead.

Discover everything you need to know when you're 5 weeks pregnant, including common symptoms, baby development, and tips for a healthy start to your pregnancy.

How big is your baby?

"At 6 weeks pregnant your baby is about the size of a pea, just over half a centimetre long and about 6mm," shares Dr Philippa.

Your little one is curled up in a c-shape with their spine forming. Although you can't feel any movements yet, your baby is already making small, twitchy motions as its muscles and nerves begin to connect. They're so tiny but it's truly an exciting time of transformation.

"A heartbeat can be found with a transvaginal ultrasound scan at around 6 weeks of pregnancy. However, an ultrasound scan is not routinely suggested at this point, but might be offered, for example, if you have had bleeding," explains Dr Philippa.

Common pregnancy symptoms at week 6

"Some people will have pregnancy symptoms and others don't by 6 weeks of pregnancy. Having or not having pregnancy symptoms does not predict the health of the pregnancy," says Dr Philippa.

"Perhaps the most common and obvious symptom is that your period didn’t start but other symptoms can include feeling tired, nauseous and experiencing morning sickness (a terrible named condition as it can affect you at any time of the day!)"

Other symptoms present at 6 weeks pregnant are:

• a metallic taste in your mouth
• tender breasts
• mood swings
• headaches
• food aversions or new food likes
• heightened sense of smell
• needing to pee more often
• a white, milky vaginal discharge
• light spotting (seek medical advice if you have bleeding in pregnancy)
• mild cramping
• pregnancy nose
• thicker and shinier hair
• feeling bloated

Blame for the extra loo visits lies partly with the pregnancy hormone HCG for revving up the blood flow to your kidneys, and partly with your growing uterus for putting pressure on your bladder. In a few weeks, your uterus will move up to allow your baby room to grow even more and that might ease the frequent bathroom visits a bit.

Tips for managing symptoms

At 6 weeks pregnant, we know those early symptoms can feel intense. Thankfully, there are ways of managing your pregnancy symptoms if you have them. Some effective relief methods to try include:

• eating smaller meals regularly
• staying hydrated
• getting plenty of rest
• getting fresh air
• keep snacks by your bed
• ginger tea, biscuits or sweets
• sucking on ice cubes
• wearing a supportive bra without underwires

It's also helpful to attend your midwife appointments when you receive them as this is a great way to keep on track with the progress of your pregnancy and know how to best look after yourself and your baby.

And don’t forget to be kind to yourself — your body is working hard, so go easy and reach out for support or medical advice when you need it.

Healthy lifestyle changes for early pregnancy

Making small, healthy lifestyle changes can set you up for a smoother pregnancy. Here are some lifestyle changes we recommend:

Take prenatal vitamins

"Ensure that you are taking folic acid, even if you were not taking it before pregnancy it is important to start once you know you are pregnant and continue until 12 weeks of pregnancy," advises Dr Philippa.

Folic acid is an important vitamin that is vital to your baby's growth. It helps to protect your baby’s neural tube which is the channel that develops into your baby's brain and spinal cord.

Prenatal vitamins are super beneficial to take (if you can stomach them) during the early stages of your pregnancy. If you struggle to take your vitamins you can try alternative supplement brands that might be more suitable for you.

Food

Focus on a balanced diet as much as you can, think plenty of fruit, vegetables, whole grains and protein. These nutritional foods will help to support your baby’s development as well as your growing body. Staying hydrated is also key, aim for around 6-8 glasses of water a day.

"Aim to follow the dietary advice about food and drinks to avoid during pregnancy.  For example, you should avoid eating liver as it contains high levels of vitamin A which can affect the development of your baby’s eyes and vision; certain cheeses and other foods should also be avoided," advises Dr Philippa.

Cutting back on caffeine is also strongly advised (no more than 200mg a day). You can opt for decaffeinated tea if you prefer.

Some types of soft cheese are fine to eat during pregnancy, others are not. You can eat cottage cheese, ricotta, mascarpone, mozzarella, halloumi, feta, Boursin and processed cheese, such as Dairylea.

But the ones you'll want to avoid on the cheese board are brie and Camembert – plus goats' milk soft cheese that's mould-ripened. Also avoid tangy soft blue cheese, such as Gorgonzola, Roquefort, Cambozola and Danish Blue.

Exercise

Gentle exercise like walking or pregnancy-friendly yoga can boost your energy and mood while getting enough rest will help combat first-trimester fatigue.

Ensure your environment is safe to exercise and avoid any rigorous fitness programmes that aren't suitable for pregnancy.

Smoking

"It is also never too late to stop smoking, stop drinking alcohol and any recreational drugs" advises Dr Philippa.

Smoking (including vaping) and drinking alcohol can have significant side effects on your growing baby and should be avoided. You can always speak to your doctor if you're having trouble cutting out smoking and drinking during pregnancy.

When to contact your doctor

"You can contact your doctor, or self-refer to your local antenatal clinic for antenatal care.

"They will send you a booking appointment generally before week 10 of pregnancy. However, if you have bleeding before this point please seek medical help, if you have heavy bleeding with pain, or you have severe pain or dizziness please seek urgent medical assistance," shares Dr Philippa.

"Don’t forget that if you are struggling with nausea and vomiting to also discuss with your doctor as there are things we can do to help!"

Pic: Getty

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