From the moment of conception to when your baby is delivered, your baby grows by leaps and bounds inside you. The gestational age of a baby is initially determined from ultrasound scans using such markers like sac length and length from crown to rump. This is because every baby grows at the same pace only up to a certain stage of pregnancy. We’ve come up with some fruits and veggies that will give you a rough idea of how big your baby is getting as each week passes by.
How Big is Your Baby
Studying your baby size during pregnancy is fascinating. At the time of conception, your baby is hardly discernible. The size of the foetus at every stage during pregnancy is used as a benchmark to determine if the pregnancy is progressing normally and your baby is growing as they ought to be. When you just become pregnant, your baby is barely the size of a seed. From this size, your baby will gain up to 3.5 kilos of weight by the time she is born.
Baby Size: Weeks 1 to 3
At this stage, fertilisation of the egg happens in the mother’s body and the zygote attaches itself to the uterus. Your baby has just been formed at this stage and begins growing from a two-cell.
Week 4 Baby Size
In medical terms, the baby is called a blastocyst. If one had the chance to look at the baby, it would look like a group of cells bunched up together like a ball. It would be comparable to the size of a poppy seed.
Baby Weight:
The baby’s weight is barely discernible at this stage weighing in at less than a gram.
Baby Length:
Your baby is very tiny at this stage and can be identified as a sac in the ultrasound scan. The baby would be less than 3mm in length.
How You Will Feel:
This is when the first signs that you are pregnant will start such as bleeding and mild cramping. However, most women dismiss these symptoms as it can easily be confused with the menstrual cycle.
Week 5 Baby Size
Your baby is roughly the size of an apple seed. During this phase, organs such as the liver and kidney begin to form.
Baby Weight:
The baby’s weight at this stage is negligible and less than a gram.
Baby Length:
At this stage, the baby’s size is about 0.13 inches long.
How You Will Feel:
You will start experiencing some of the more apparent symptoms of pregnancy such as morning sickness and frequent urination.
Week 6 Baby Size
Your baby’s size can be compared to that of a sweet pea. During this phase, the eyes, nose, tongue, and vocal cords begin to form.
Baby Weight:
Your baby continues to be too small to have any significant weight.
Baby Length:
Your baby will measure just 0.25 inches in length at this stage.
How You Will Feel:
Your baby bump may still not be visible but you may experience pregnancy-related issues like mood swings, cramps and sore breasts.
Week 7 Baby Size
The size is comparable to that of a blueberry at this stage and the brain will grow by almost a third of its full size.
Baby Weight:
The babies weight is still negligible.
Baby Length:
At this stage, your baby measures between 13 and 18 mm in length.
How You Will Feel:
A few moms-to-be might get lucky and not experience any symptoms at all but most pregnant women experience nausea, food cravings and acne.
Week 8 Baby Size
As you approach the 8-week mark, your baby will be half an inch in length and the size of a kidney bean. The baby has just about “lost their tail” and has fingers that are webbed in nature.
Baby Weight:
Your baby will weigh around 1.1 grams (0.04 ounces) at this stage.
Baby Length:
Your baby will measure half an inch in length at this stage.
How Will You Feel:
Moms-to-be usually begins feeling the symptoms of early pregnancy during this stage. A rush of hormones can make one sensitive to the faintest smells along with dreams that are stranger than usual. Other issues that one might face include nausea, light-headedness and bloating.
Week 9 Baby Size
Your baby will be the size of a grape. Their milk teeth will be forming at this point along with the hair follicles.
Baby Weight:
The baby weighs 1.9 grams (0.07 ounces) at this stage.
Baby Length:
The foetus is usually 0.9 inches long at this stage
How Will You Feel:
One will experience the usual pregnancy symptoms such as headaches and morning sickness.
Week 10 Baby Size
At this stage, your baby is now the size of a tiny tangerine. Your baby has a fully functioning heart and will begin to grow a set of arms and legs.
Baby Weight:
Baby weighs approximately 3.9 grams (0.14 ounces) at this stage.
Baby Length:
The baby’s length will be 1.25 inches at this stage.
How Will You Feel:
Apart from the regular symptoms, you may also experience pain in the abdomen as your uterus grows larger to accommodate the foetus.
Week 11 Baby size
Your baby is as big as a fig now and is well on its way to developing its arteries and veins.
Baby Weight:
Your baby will weigh 7 grams (0.25 ounces) at this stage.
Baby Length:
At 1.61 inches, your baby is growing rapidly in length.
How Will You Feel:
Along with the regular symptoms, one may experience some gas issues, which is why one should avoid beans, and fried food, and focus on fibre rich food.
Week 12 Baby size
Your baby is the size of a lime and their soft body is gradually developing bones.
Baby Weight:
Your baby will weigh 14 grams (0.49 ounces) at this stage.
Baby Length:
Your baby will be 2.13 inches long at this stage.
How Will You Feel:
You should see a reduced bout of morning sickness and increased energy. However, you are likely to experience headaches due to changes in blood pressure.
Week 13 Baby Size
Your baby is now the size of a pea pod from head to toe. You can clearly view the hands, legs and head in a scan. You will also see that baby is constantly moving and very active at this stage.
Baby Weight:
Your baby will weigh 23 grams (0.81 ounces).
Baby Length:
At 2.91 inches in length, your baby will be very visible on an ultrasound scan.
How Will You Feel:
This is the best phase of your pregnancy period as the incidence of nausea reduces, your energy level increases along with a spike in your libido.
Week 14 Baby Size
Your baby has now reached the size of a lemon and is in the process of exercising their facial muscles which change their expressions ever so often.
Baby Weight:
Your baby will weigh over 42 grams (1 and a half ounces) at this stage.
Baby Length:
Your baby will measure 3.9 inches in length.
How Will You Feel:
You will have surprisingly silky thick hair and won’t feel lethargic anymore.
Week 15 Baby Size
Your baby can be compared in size to an apple or small pear. Your baby’s sense of hearing is getting developed and she can most probably hear the soothing rhythm of heartbeat beat.
Baby Weight:
Your baby weighs 68 grams (2.4 ounces) by this stage.
Baby Length:
Your baby will be closing in on 4 inches of length at this phase.
How Will You Feel:
If you are a second-time mother, you may begin to feel your baby move around this time. It may take much longer for new mothers to recognise or feel the baby move.
Week 16 Baby Size
Your baby is now the size of an avocado and has got a fully functional circulatory system in place.
Baby Weight:
At 100 grams (3.53 ounces), your baby is gaining weight rapidly.
Baby Length:
Your baby will be over 4.5 inches in length at this stage.
How Will You Feel:
You would be dealing with a mixed bag of symptoms. On the one hand, you would experience backaches and constipation, and on the other, you would also have glowing and radiant skin.
Baby Size 17 weeks
Your baby is now the size of a pear and has developed their unique fingerprint by this point.
Baby Weight:
At 140 grams (4.94 ounces), your baby is slowly filling up your uterus area.
Baby Length:
Baby stretches to nearly 5.12 inches in length at this stage.
How Will You Feel:
As the baby grows at a rapid pace you might experience strange dreams, weight gain, and increased fluids in your body.
Baby Size 18 Weeks
Your baby’s size is comparable to that of a sweet potato and the gender of baby becomes clear.
Baby Weight:
Baby weighs 190 grams (6.70 ounces) at this stage.
Baby Length:
Your baby is well over 5.5 inches in length.
How Will You Feel:
If you haven’t already, you should start to feel the baby move.
Baby Size 19 Weeks
Your baby will be nearly as big as a mango and the sensory organs are continuing to develop at a rapid pace.
Baby Weight:
Your baby weighs nearly 238 grams (8.4 ounces) at this stage.
Baby Length:
Baby will be 6 inches long at this stage.
How Will You Feel:
Ligament pains aren’t unusual at this stage. As your uterus expands and puts pressure on your body, you may feel dizzy and light-headed. Some women also experience leg cramps and hip pain at this stage.
Baby Size 20 Weeks
Your baby is almost as big as a banana now. Second-time mothers can usually feel the baby move at this stage as the baby becomes more active every day.
Baby Weight:
Your baby weighs 283 grams (10 ounces) at this stage.
Baby Length:
Baby is over 10.5 inches in length at this time.
How Will You Feel:
Swelling and shortness of breath is common at this stage. You may also experience high bursts of energy at times.
Baby Size 21 Weeks
Your baby is the size of a bulky carrot. At this point, the baby’s rate of growth will begin to out-pace the placenta.
Baby Weight:
Your baby weighs nearly 340 grams (12 ounces).
Baby Length:
Baby will be 10.58 inches long.
How Will You Feel:
Your baby bump should be rather noticeable at this stage. Leg cramps can feel more severe. You may also experience vaginal discharge which is normal.
Baby Size 22 Weeks
Once you reach this stage, babies tend to grow at differing rates. So, doctors measure the fundal length to ensure growth is as per expectations, when your baby reaches this stage. Your baby will be the size of a squash at the 22-week mark.
Baby Weight:
At over 425 grams (15 ounces) in weight, your baby is now nearly half a kilogram.
Baby Length:
Your baby will be nearly 11 inches long.
How Will You Feel:
Your skin may show signs of itching and heartburn is a common occurrence at this stage. Your body may also prepare for the impending delivery by experiencing Braxton Hicks contractions which is a type of pre-labour uterine contraction.
Baby Size 23 Weeks
Your baby is as big as a grapefruit and its bone marrow has begun to produce red blood cells on its own.
Baby Weight:
Your baby will weigh 498 grams (1.1 pounds) at this stage.
Baby Length:
Your baby’s size is nearly 11.4 inches from head to heel.
How Will You Feel:
Lingering backaches, swollen gums and ankles are all common discomforts experienced by pregnant women during this phase of their pregnancy.
Baby Size 24 Weeks
Your baby is now the size of an ear of corn. The lungs are now developed enough that they can survive a premature delivery.
Baby Weight:
Your baby is nearly 589 grams (1.3 pounds).
Baby Length:
Your baby is now a whole foot long, and much bigger than when he was when first formed.
How Will You Feel:
The linea nigra or the line that runs along the centre of your belly will darken and be very visible at this stage. You may also see stretch marks as your baby pushes your uterus out and your skin expands to accommodate this.
Baby Size 25 Weeks
Your baby is comparable to an acorn squash at this stage and is active enough to respond to unpleasant sounds by an occasional kick or two
Baby Weight:
Your baby is nearly 680 grams (a pound and a half) in weight.
Baby Length:
Your baby will be 13.6 inches in length.
How Will You Feel:
You may have trouble sleeping and may have the urge urinate more frequently.
Baby Size 26 Weeks
Your baby resembles a head of kale in size and has a fairly developed spinal cord.
Baby Weight:
At a whopping 771 grams (1.7 pounds), your baby is now much heavier than when he was first seen on a scan.
Baby Length:
Your baby will be over 14 inches in length.
How Will You Feel:
Your blood pressure may be elevated and you must track it. You may find that you have difficulty remembering things, unlike before. Your belly will be much bigger, that this may be the right time to switch to comfortable fitting maternity clothes.
Baby Size 27 Weeks
Your baby is as big as a cauliflower. Their ears have developed and can distinguish your sound at this stage.
Baby Weight:
Baby weighs 861 grams (1.9 pounds) at this stage.
Baby Length:
Baby is little over 14.4 inches in length.
How Will You Feel:
The regular discomforts of the second trimester continue but as you step into the third trimester you will also experience stronger fetal movements even as your belly expands.
Baby Size 28 Weeks
Your baby is now the size of a large eggplant and you may hear them getting hiccups often which is normal.
Baby Weight:
Your baby will weigh nearly 997 grams (2.2 pounds).
Baby Length:
Baby will be about 15 inches long.
How Will You Feel:
As your baby grows and your stomach expands, you will experience several difficulties. The growing size of your uterus will apply pressure on your urinary bladder, creating frequent urges to empty it. Your baby’s movements will also be stronger, and probably keep you up at night.
Baby Size 29 Weeks
Your baby is as large as a butternut squash and a large part of that constitutes the brain which is developing at a rapid pace.
Baby Weight:
Your baby will easily reach 1.1 kgs (2.5 pounds) of weight at this stage.
Baby Length:
Baby will be 15.2 inches long.
How Will You Feel:
You may experience constipation, haemorrhoids and itchy skin at this point. It will be difficult to get a good night’s sleep and it is recommended to sleep on your side to avoid straining your back with your growing stomach size.
Baby Size 30 Weeks
Your baby is as big as a large cabbage at this stage and the growth of the baby in terms of size is likely to decelerate
Baby Weight:
Baby weighs 1.3 kgs (2.91 pounds).
Baby Length:
Baby length is 15.7 inches at this stage.
How Will You Feel:
Your baby’s size has reached up to your rib cage and you will feel shortness of breath and exhaustion at this stage of your pregnancy.
Baby Size 31 Weeks
Your baby could be comparable to a large coconut and would have a sense of taste that is developed enough to taste the amniotic fluid.
Baby weight:
Your baby will weigh over 1.4 kgs (3 pounds) at this time.
Baby Length:
Baby will be 16.2 inches in length.
How Will You Feel:
Achy back, heartburn, swelling of your extremities and light contractions are normal pregnancy symptoms at this stage of your pregnancy.
Baby Size 32 Weeks
Your baby is now the size of a Chinese cabbage and has a complete set of toes and fingernails.
Baby Weight:
Baby will weigh 1.7 kgs (3.8 pounds).
Baby Length:
Baby will be over 16.7 inches in length.
How Will You Feel:
During this time one is likely to experience vaginal discharge, dark nipples and leaky breasts.
Baby Size 33 Weeks
Your baby is now the size of a pineapple and is well on its way to having an immune system.
Baby Weight:
Baby weighs nearly 1.9 kgs (4.2 pounds) at this stage.
Baby Length:
Baby will be 17.2 inches long now.
How Will You Feel:
You may have headaches as you grow increasingly exhausted. Stay hydrated always and be careful when you move around.
Baby Size 34 Weeks
Your baby is now the size of a melon and has probably developed a layer of fat to insulate them from losing too much heat.
Baby Weight:
Your baby is 2.1 kg (4.7 pounds) in weight.
Baby Length:
Your baby will be over 17.7 inches long.
How Will You Feel:
You may feel your stomach lower than it was a few weeks ago. This is because the baby would have descended to the pelvis for final delivery.
Baby Size 35 Weeks
Your baby is now as big as a honeydew melon and one can experience a lot more movement during this time.
Baby Weight:
Baby is 2.4 kgs (5.3 pounds) heavy.
Baby Length:
Baby will measure 18 inches in length.
How Will You Feel:
One might need to go the bathroom more frequently. This is because the baby would be pressing down on the bladder as it would have moved to the pelvis region by now.
Baby Size 36 Weeks
Your baby is as big as a canary melon and there is a chance that the baby’s head has shifted down to the pelvis.
Baby Weight:
Weight gain slows down, and baby will weigh 2.6 kgs (5.78 pounds) at this stage.
Baby Length:
Your baby will measure 18.6 inches in length at this stage.
How Will You Feel:
The baby descent would be putting pressure on your pelvic floor. On the bright side, your ability to breathe will have improved as the lungs have more space to expand.
Baby Size 37 Weeks
Your baby is now as long as a bunch of Swiss chard leaves and during this time the lungs and brain continue to mature.
Baby Weight:
Your baby will be 2.8 kgs (6.3 pounds) on average at this stage.
Baby Length:
Your baby is roughly 19 inches long.
How Will You Feel:
You will experience Braxton Hicks contractions which may be confused with labour pain. You may notice increased discharge and even vaginal spotting.
Baby Size 38 Weeks
At 38 weeks, your baby is the size of a stalk of rhubarb.
Baby Weight:
Your baby may weigh 3 kgs (6.8 pounds) on average.
Baby Length:
Baby will be roughly 19.5 inches long by this phase.
How Will You Feel:
Your contractions may come closer together. Pay attention to make sure you do not confuse labour pains with Braxton hicks contractions. One may also experience anxiety as one waits in anticipation for the baby to get delivered.
Baby Size 39 Weeks
Your baby now resembles the size of a small watermelon and develops a new layer of skin which is much tougher than its older skin.
Baby Weight:
Your baby weighs nearly 3.1 kgs (7 pounds).
Baby Length:
Your baby will easily measure 20 inches in length.
How Will You Feel:
Along with Braxton Hicks contractions, one would experience thick mucous-like discharge along with blood.
Baby Size 40 Weeks
You are officially at the end of your pregnancy. Your baby will be as big as a watermelon, and your pregnancy will soon culminate in the delivery of your child.
Baby Weight:
A full-term baby weighs 3.4 kgs (7.6 pounds) on average.
Baby Length:
Your baby will be 20.2 inches long from head to toe at this stage.
How Will You Feel:
You made it to full-term. Now just hang in there till your body decides it is time for the birth. Get as much rest as you can, for your body needs the energy and strength to push out a little being.
After a certain stage, every baby takes on his or her own pace of growth. Hereditary factors, maternal nutrition and health come into play at this stage, and this is why every baby has a different size, weight and head circumference at the time of birth. Eating right and healthy is the key to have a successful pregnancy. This will also help you to enjoy these natural changes in your body! Have a happy pregnancy!
