Pregnancy Week Calculator – How Far Along Am I?
Find out exactly how many weeks pregnant you are based on your last menstrual period. Track your trimester and key milestones.
How Pregnancy Weeks Are Counted
Pregnancy is measured in weeks from the first day of the last menstrual period (LMP), not from conception. This means at conception (typically week 2–3), you're already 2–3 weeks pregnant by medical counting. Full-term pregnancy is 40 weeks, but term is broadly defined as 37–42 weeks.
Week-by-week pregnancy counting gives precise gestational age, used to track fetal development, schedule screenings, and determine delivery timing. Knowing your gestational week helps you understand expected fetal size, appropriate prenatal tests, and normal symptom timelines.
Fetal Development by Trimester
A summary of key developmental milestones by gestational week:
| Week | Size | Key Development |
|---|---|---|
| 4–5 | Poppy seed | Implantation; heart begins beating |
| 8 | Raspberry (1.6 cm) | All major organs forming; embryo becomes fetus |
| 12 | Plum (5.4 cm) | End of first trimester; reduced miscarriage risk; fingers/toes distinct |
| 20 | Banana (25 cm) | Anatomy scan; movement felt; halfway point |
| 24 | Corn (30 cm) | Viability threshold; lungs developing |
| 28 | Eggplant (37 cm) | Third trimester begins; eyes open; REM sleep |
| 32 | Squash (42 cm) | Rapid brain development; nails and hair growing |
| 37 | Winter melon | Early term; lung maturity; ready for birth |
| 40 | Pumpkin (51 cm) | Due date; full term |
Prenatal Screenings by Week
Prenatal care follows a schedule based on gestational weeks:
- Weeks 10–13: First trimester screening (nuchal translucency ultrasound + blood test for chromosomal abnormalities including Down syndrome)
- Weeks 15–20: Optional quad screen/MSAFP blood test for neural tube defects and chromosomal issues
- Weeks 18–20: Anatomy ultrasound — detailed structural scan of fetus
- Week 24–28: Gestational diabetes screening (glucose tolerance test)
- Weeks 35–37: Group B Streptococcus (GBS) swab; delivery planning discussions
- Week 40+: Biophysical profiles, non-stress tests if going post-dates
Common Symptoms by Trimester
Understanding what symptoms are normal at each stage helps distinguish typical pregnancy changes from concerns requiring medical attention:
- First trimester (weeks 1–12): Nausea/vomiting (70% of women), fatigue, breast tenderness, frequent urination, food aversions. Mild spotting (implantation bleeding) may occur around week 4. Heavy bleeding requires immediate evaluation.
- Second trimester (weeks 13–26): Nausea typically subsides; energy improves. Round ligament pain (sharp brief pain from uterine ligaments) is common. Fetal movement (quickening) begins around weeks 16–20 for first-time mothers.
- Third trimester (weeks 27–40): Back pain from weight distribution changes, heartburn from uterine pressure on stomach, Braxton-Hicks contractions, shortness of breath, edema (swelling in feet/ankles), frequent urination returns.
Running Through Pregnancy: Week-by-Week Guide
Many runners continue training through significant portions of pregnancy. Here's a general week-by-week guide for previously active runners:
- Weeks 1–12: Can generally maintain pre-pregnancy intensity if nausea and fatigue permit. Many women run normally through the first trimester. Heart rate limits (140 bpm or 'can hold a conversation') are outdated — current guidelines focus on perceived exertion (5–7/10).
- Weeks 13–20: Continue running with pace reduction as needed. Center of gravity shifts; consider trail shoes or extra cushioning on roads. Hydration is critical — pregnant women dehydrate faster.
- Weeks 21–28: Running becomes increasingly uncomfortable for many. Pelvic girdle pain, Braxton-Hicks contractions, or simply discomfort may signal transition to walking or water running.
- Weeks 28–40: Most runners have transitioned to walking, swimming, or stationary cycling. Stop running if contractions increase or pelvic pressure is uncomfortable.
Calculating Your Current Pregnancy Week
To find your current gestational week: count the days from the first day of your last menstrual period to today, then divide by 7. Example: LMP was 10 weeks and 3 days ago → you're in week 10 day 3 of pregnancy.
Week 1, day 1 = the first day of your LMP. Each week starts on the same day of the week as your LMP. If your LMP was on a Wednesday, each new gestational week begins on Wednesday. Our calculator computes this automatically from your LMP date and today's date, providing your exact gestational week and day along with developmental milestones.
Tips for Getting Accurate Results
For the most accurate calculations, use precise inputs. Body weight should be measured at the same time each day (morning, after using the bathroom, before eating). Height should be measured standing straight against a wall. For calculations involving body fat percentage, use consistent measurement methods — if using bioelectrical impedance scales, measure at the same hydration level each time. If tracking changes over time, compare measurements taken under identical conditions.
Remember that all calculators provide estimates based on population averages and validated formulas. Individual variation is real — genetic factors, hormonal status, training history, and gut microbiome composition all affect how your body responds to diet and exercise. Use calculator outputs as starting points and adjust based on your real-world results over 4–8 weeks.
When to Consult a Healthcare Professional
These calculators are educational tools for general health and fitness guidance. They are not medical devices and do not replace professional medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional if: your results indicate values outside healthy ranges (BMI under 17 or over 35, body fat under 5% for men or 10% for women); you're experiencing symptoms that concern you; you're pregnant, have a chronic medical condition, or take medications that affect metabolism; or you're planning significant dietary or exercise changes alongside a medical condition.
For personalized nutrition advice, a registered dietitian (RD/RDN) can provide individualized guidance based on your complete health picture. For performance optimization, a sports medicine physician or certified strength and conditioning specialist (CSCS) can assess your fitness and create appropriate programming.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate which week of pregnancy I'm in?
Count the number of days from the first day of your last menstrual period (LMP) to today, then divide by 7 and take the whole number. For example, if your LMP was 56 days ago, you're in week 8 (56÷7=8). Our calculator does this automatically.
When does morning sickness start and end?
Morning sickness typically begins around week 5–6 and peaks around week 8–10. For most women (70%), it resolves by weeks 12–14. About 10% experience nausea throughout pregnancy (hyperemesis gravidarum in severe cases). Despite the name, nausea can occur at any time of day.
When can you find out the sex of the baby?
Through cell-free fetal DNA testing (NIPT): as early as week 10. Through anatomy ultrasound: typically weeks 18–20, when external genitalia are clearly visible. Earlier ultrasounds may show sex characteristics at 16+ weeks, but anatomical confirmation is most reliable at 18–20 weeks.
Is it safe to run in the first trimester?
Generally yes, for women who were running regularly before pregnancy. The first trimester has the highest miscarriage risk, but exercise does not cause miscarriage in low-risk pregnancies. Reduce intensity if experiencing significant nausea, fatigue, or if your healthcare provider advises modification. Listen to your body and stay well hydrated.
When should I stop running during pregnancy?
This varies by individual. ACOG has no specific week cutoff — stop when running becomes uncomfortable, causes pelvic pain, triggers contractions, or your healthcare provider advises stopping. Most recreational runners transition to walking or other low-impact activities between weeks 24–32.
How often should I recalculate?
Recalculate when your weight changes by 5+ kg, when your activity level changes significantly, or every 3–6 months to account for age-related metabolic changes. For athletes, recalculate training-related values (VDOT, training zones, VO2max estimates) after each significant race or every 6–8 weeks of structured training.
Are these calculations accurate for everyone?
All calculations use validated scientific formulas but are estimates based on population averages. Individual variation means any estimate could be off by 10–20% for a specific person. Use the results as starting points and adjust based on real-world outcomes over several weeks of monitoring.