Understanding pregnancy weeks and months can be confusing. We've all been there, scratching our heads and Googling things like, 'How many weeks are in 6 months?' But don’t worry, it doesn’t have to be a mystery. Once you get the hang of it, things will start to make much more sense. This guide will help you stay on track so you can easily follow along with our week-by-week pregnancy articles and always know exactly where you are (and how long you have left).
How many weeks is pregnancy?
We totally get it; 40 weeks can feel like a lifetime when you're pregnant! But in reality, it’s only 280 days (give or take). This is calculated from the first day of your last period, which, let's be honest, can make it a little tricky to pinpoint exactly. And here’s the twist: most pregnancies don’t start until about two weeks after your last period. So, while it sounds straightforward on paper, it’s a bit more of a wild ride in practice. In fact, only about a third of babies actually arrive on their 'due date'. The rest are running on their own schedules. So, the exact pregnancy weeks and months are specific to each mumma-to-be and baby.
How many weeks are in a trimester?
Each trimester of pregnancy is about 13 weeks long. But if you're good at maths, you will know it's not exact. But essentially, you’ve got three chunks of roughly 13 weeks to track, making up the full 40-week journey. It's a marathon rather than a sprint. You're full of energy and excitement at the start, but as the weeks go by, you realise it’s all about pacing yourself and finding your rhythm. But like in a marathon, each step, no matter how slow, gets you closer to the finish line.
How many trimesters are in a pregnancy?
Your pregnancy weeks and months is broken into three trimesters. Each trimester lasts about 12–13 weeks, making up the full 40-week journey. The first trimester is the early stage, the second trimester is when your body experiences the most changes, and the third trimester is the final stretch, when you’re eagerly awaiting the big arrival.
Pregnancy weeks and months FAQs
How many weeks is 5 months?
Five months is typically around 20 weeks. Since most months are a little over 4 weeks long, you can estimate 5 months to be 20 weeks, though it can vary slightly depending on which specific months you’re counting. In terms of pregnancy, the fifth month generally falls between weeks 17 and 20.
Hannah Carroll is our Senior Digital Writer. In her capacity, she curates top-notch listicles, crafts insightful how-to guides, and delivers expert product reviews. As a mother of three, Hannah draws upon her comprehensive understanding of all facets of family life to bring true insight into all the products that make running a home easier.