Pregnancy week by week in Ireland
Your baby, your body and the Irish dates that matter, from week 4 to week 42.
In short
Pick your week to see how big your baby is, what is happening for you and what to know in Ireland that week. Everything here is checked against HSE guidance.
- Weeks 4 to 42, each with your baby's size and the Irish dates that fall that week.
- Not sure how far along you are? Use the due date calculator.
- The free Lullagram pregnancy section brings this to your phone, week by week.
Not sure which week you are in? Work out your due date first, then come back to your week.
First trimester: weeks 4 to 12
- 4 weeksA poppy seed
- 5 weeksA sesame seed
- 6 weeksA lentil
- 7 weeksA blueberry
- 8 weeksA grape
- 9 weeksA cherry
- 10 weeksA strawberry
- 11 weeksA kiwi fruit
- 12 weeksA satsuma
Second trimester: weeks 13 to 27
- 13 weeksA peach
- 14 weeksA lemon
- 15 weeksAn apple
- 16 weeksAn avocado
- 17 weeksA pear
- 18 weeksA bell pepper
- 19 weeksA beef tomato
- 20 weeksA banana
- 21 weeksA carrot
- 22 weeksA sweet potato
- 23 weeksA mango
- 24 weeksA corn on the cob
- 25 weeksA courgette
- 26 weeksA head of lettuce
- 27 weeksA loaf of bread
Third trimester: weeks 28 to 42
- 28 weeksA coconut
- 29 weeksA small pineapple
- 30 weeksA head of cabbage
- 31 weeksA cantaloupe melon
- 32 weeksA bunch of bananas
- 33 weeksA pineapple
- 34 weeksA mini watermelon
- 35 weeksA honeydew melon
- 36 weeksA head of romaine lettuce
- 37 weeksA baguette
- 38 weeksA bag of potatoes
- 39 weeksA small watermelon
- 40 weeksA small pumpkin
- 41 weeksA watermelon
- 42 weeksA pumpkin
What happens when in an Irish pregnancy?
These are the usual dates for public care under the Maternity and Infant Care Scheme. Timing varies between maternity units, and your own appointments come from your GP and hospital.
| When | What happens in Ireland |
|---|---|
| Weeks 4 to 8 | See your GP: Your GP confirms the pregnancy and registers you for the Maternity and Infant Care Scheme, which is free. Bring your PPS number. |
| Weeks 8 to 12 | Booking visit: Your first visit to the maternity unit, usually between 8 and 12 weeks, with blood tests and an offer of a dating scan. |
| Weeks 10 to 14 | Dating scan: Offered to everyone, ideally before 15 weeks. It confirms your due date and how many babies there are. |
| Weeks 16 to 36 | Whooping cough vaccine: Recommended between 16 and 36 weeks in every pregnancy, free from your GP. |
| Weeks 18 to 22 | Anatomy scan: Usually between 18 and 22 weeks, depending on your hospital. |
| Week 24 | Maternity Benefit: You can apply once you are past 24 weeks: at least 6 weeks before your leave starts, or 12 if self-employed. |
| Weeks 24 to 28 | Glucose test, if offered: Some units test everyone for gestational diabetes between 24 and 28 weeks; others test those at higher risk. |
| Weeks 26 to 32 | Antenatal classes: Most classes start between 26 and 32 weeks. |
| Week 28 | Anti-D, if you are rhesus negative: Usually offered at 28 weeks. |
| Week 29 | Tell your employer: Written notice at least 4 weeks before your maternity leave starts. |
| Weeks 34 to 36 | Pack the bag: Pack your hospital bag, learn your Eircode and save your maternity unit's number. |
| Week 37 | Full term: Most babies arrive between 37 and 42 weeks. |
| Week 41 | Past your due date: In a straightforward pregnancy you are usually offered an induction at 41 weeks. |
Is pregnancy care free in Ireland?
Yes. Public care from your GP and maternity unit is free under the Maternity and Infant Care Scheme, and you do not need a medical card. You can also choose semi-private or private care. Our guide to pregnancy care in Ireland explains the options, and maternity leave and benefit covers the money side.
What if I am still trying for a baby?
Start with trying for a baby in Ireland: your fertile days, folic acid and when to talk to your GP. If you need help, free IVF through the HSE is now available to couples who qualify.
When should I get help straight away?
Contact your midwife, GP or maternity unit straight away if you have bleeding, severe tummy pain, leaking fluid, a severe headache or changes in your vision, or if your baby's pattern of movements slows down, changes or stops. Do not wait until the next day. In an emergency ring 112 or 999. HSE: when to get help.
Questions and answers
How many weeks is a pregnancy?
About 40 weeks, or 280 days, counted from the first day of your last period. Most babies arrive between 37 and 42 weeks.
When are the trimesters?
The HSE counts the first trimester to the end of week 12. The second trimester starts at week 13 and runs to the end of week 27, and the third starts at week 28 and lasts until your baby arrives.
Is pregnancy care free in Ireland?
Yes. Under the Maternity and Infant Care Scheme, public care from your GP and maternity unit is free, and you do not need a medical card. Register through your GP.
When are the scans in Ireland?
A dating scan is offered to everyone, ideally before 15 weeks, and an anatomy scan is usually offered between 18 and 22 weeks, depending on your hospital.
Sources and guidance
Weekly content is written to be consistent with HSE guidance; baby sizes are typical figures from fetal growth charts. It is general information, not medical advice. Links checked 23 September 2026.