We have great memories of praying for our son to be born. And now we’re praying as his son will be born in a few days. Here is a 40-week guide about pregnancy with related scriptures. There is also some interesting information about how a baby develops. God is faithful to help us, and He gives us the desires of our hearts.
God’s Design for Pregnancy and Life
You can see God’s design of the 7-day week by looking at how long it takes for baby animals to develop in their mothers. Most insects take exactly 2 to 6 weeks to develop. Mice and chickens take 3 weeks, rabbits 4 weeks, ducks 6 weeks, cats 8 weeks, dogs 9 weeks, lions 14 weeks, sheep 21 weeks, and people 40 weeks [40 in the Bible stands for something being completely proven and accomplished]. Even the human heart beats on a “weekly” basis: faster in the morning for six days and slower on the seventh. We see God’s design in pregnancy with three trimesters: conception to 12 weeks; 12 to 24 weeks; 24 to 40 weeks. Let’s see what happens each week as a baby grows, and think about a scripture to encourage us each week.
Week 1
This first week is when a woman is ready to conceive. Her delivery date is calculated from the first day of her last period, so this week counts as part of her 40-week pregnancy. Even God had to wait 40 weeks for His only-begotten Son to be born. This is a time to thank the Father for His wonderful blessing of having children, including those a person already has!
I Samuel 1:17,20:
Then Eli answered and said, Go in peace: and the God of Israel grant thee thy petition that thou hast asked of him.
Wherefore it came to pass, when the time was come about after Hannah had conceived, that she bare a son, and called his name Samuel, saying, Because I have asked him of the Lord.
Luke 1:31:
And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.
Week 2
Her baby is conceived about 2 weeks after the start of her last period. This is a miracle that God designed where a man and woman become “one flesh” by sharing their love and genetics to see a whole new person begin their own life. Praise the Lord! Sarah is a great example of someone who conceived at her “set time.” She trusted God, our loving Father, to give her the strength to do this.
Genesis 21:2:
For Sarah conceived, and bare Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to him.
Hebrews 11:11:
Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised.
Week 3
Thirty hours after conception, the cell splits into two. Three days later, this growing baby has divided into 16 cells. After two more days, it travels from the fallopian tube to the womb and attaches there to gain nourishment and grow. God made the womb when he designed Eve’s body to carry on life. Her name means “mother of all living.” God’s design still works perfectly, and He “fashions” babies in their mother’s womb.
Job 31:15:
Did not he [God] that made me in the womb make him? and did not one fashion us in the womb?
Week 4
Now that the baby is attached to the womb, it begins to grow and a placenta forms to provide food and oxygen through the umbilical cord. Even though her baby is smaller than a grain of rice, its rapidly dividing cells are forming the various body systems, including the digestive system. This is the “fruit” of the womb that God has blessed a woman with. What a time to rejoice for all God’s goodness to us!
Luke 1:42:
And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.
Week 5
Amazingly, the baby’s neural tube forms and will become the brain, spinal cord, and backbone. Even the baby’s arms and legs begin to form as tiny buds, just as a plant “buds” to later bring forth a fully-developed plant. God’s design is so detailed and orderly that both plant “blood” (chlorophyll) and human blood (hemoglobin) have the same chemical structure with chlorophyll having a magnesium (green) center and hemoglobin having an iron (red) center. The baby’s little lungs are developing, and its heart begins to beat—and will continue to beat strong and faithfully for years and years. God knew her baby would be growing, and He protects each member and organ as it develops unto perfection. His eyes are upon her baby, and in His foreknowledge, God has written the details of this wonderful new life in His “book” of remembrance.
Psalms 139:16:
Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.
Week 6
Her baby is still only about one-tenth of an inch long, but does its job well. It sends out special hormones that keep a woman from having her period. Its little heart is “fixed” and steadily beats more than 100 times a minute. So much of the baby’s personality—its nose, mouth, fingers, toes, and ears—begin to take shape. What a wonderful time to pray in the spirit for this sweet new life.
Psalms 108:1:
O God, my heart is fixed; I will sing and give praise, even with my glory.
Week 7
The placenta continues to develop, giving direct access to her bloodstream to provide the needed food and oxygen. The amniotic sac also forms, to offer a protective “home” where her baby can safely and comfortably grow. Her baby’s bones start to form but are still soft, and will harden as she gets farther along in her pregnancy. The baby has eyelids that for now stay shut. Even the sex organs are forming, making this a boy or girl to live as a man or woman of God. There is so much beauty that goes on in her womb that modern science doesn’t understand. But God does, and our Father made it all to work together for good.
Ecclesiastes 11:5:
As thou knowest not what is the way of the spirit, nor how the bones do grow in the womb of her that is with child: even so thou knowest not the works of God who maketh all.
Week 8
The baby is now almost one-half inch long and has a tail-like spinal cord that will form the “backbone” of their body for life. The baby’s head is much larger than other parts of the body, for it holds the brain—a God-designed organ that can think and will know God someday. As the placenta works to bring nourishment, every major organ and body system begins to take on its own function. These many members each have their own purpose to keep the whole body strong and healthy.
Romans 12:4:
For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office [function, purpose].
Week 9
Her baby’s eyes, mouth, and tongue are forming. Its tiny muscles help it start moving as it begins to take on its own life direction. The baby’s liver is making its own blood cells. And tiny buds appear that become the baby’s teeth. The Lord made the baby’s ears to hear and its eyes to see. He even gave it teeth to eat and talk and smile!
Proverbs 20:12:
The hearing ear, and the seeing eye, the Lord hath made even both of them.
Week 10
The baby is now an inch long and all of its organs are formed. Its hands and feet continue to develop fingers and toes (with unique prints) and nails grow. During a prenatal checkup, she can hear the baby’s heartbeat. God has given her baby a sound heart that will continue to pump life-giving blood throughout its long and healthy life.
Proverbs 14:30:
A sound heart is the life of the flesh [body].
Week 11
Her baby’s bones begin to harden. The baby’s skin is thin and “see-through” and will become less so over time. The head—which gives so much direction to other members—is as big as the rest of the baby’s body. God has “clothed” her baby with skin and flesh. The baby’s bones and sinews (muscles, tendons, ligaments) “fence” and protect all the vital organs inside her baby. God has built her baby to last and be healthy!
Job 10:11:
Thou hast clothed me with skin and flesh, and hast fenced me with bones and sinews.
Week 12
The fingers and toes are now easy to see and have webbing between them that will last for life. Of all other “primates,” only humans have this webbing that helps us be good swimmers. Her baby’s hands develop faster than its feet. As the baby moves around, the woman may not be able to feel it, since it is only about 2 inches long and weighs about ½ an ounce. God has made her baby to grow eyes, hands, feet, and a head full of amazing ability. Each member is so important, and our loving Father helps them grow to perfection in her baby.
I Corinthians 12:21:
And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.
Week 13
Welcome to the second trimester! Her baby’s growing fast and all its organs are fully formed and continue to develop. On an ultrasound, it may look like her baby’s breathing and swallowing. Now nearly 3 inches long, the baby starts “swimming” around vigorously.
Psalms 139:13:
For thou hast possessed [made to be His very own] my reins [inner organs]: thou hast covered [entwined like a fence to cover and protect] me in my mother’s womb.
Week 14
Her baby’s eyes are fully developed, and the baby starts to move them under the eyelids. The baby can now mutely cry, since it has vocal cords. The nose and taste buds develop, and the skin starts to thicken. Hair follicles under the skin begin to grow. Her baby even opens and closes its hands and brings them to the mouth. It may even start sucking its thumb. The fingers and toes continue growing nails. God knows each and every part of her baby as it develops. He has even numbered every hair that grows in each follicle.
Matthew 10:30:
But the very hairs of her head are all numbered.
Week 15
Her baby is very active, and she may begin to feel it move as it flips and rolls around inside. The baby’s bones are growing strong, and she may be able to see them during an ultrasound. Her baby’s kidneys make urine and its heart is pumping blood. The Lord is fusing these vital organs so that her child will be ready for life in the world. The kidneys and heart are purified in the womb so that they can later purify and cleanse this child’s entire body.
Psalms 26:2:
Examine me, O Lord, and prove me; try [fuse, refine, purify] my reins [kidneys] and my heart.
Week 16
Her baby is now about 5 inches long and weighs about 5 ounces. Its eyelids, upper lip, and ears have developed. Her own little baby can hear her! Talk or sing to this wonderful new life and see what her baby will do.
Luke 1:41:
And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation [greeting] of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost [holy spirit].
Week 17
Her baby starts to add body fat that gives her baby energy and helps it stay warm after being born. Vernix (a waxy or greasy waterproof coating) appears on her baby’s skin to protect it while in the womb. We need have no fear, for God has chosen us to love Him. He will help us, for our Father designed life to be formed within the womb. He made us, so let’s serve Him with a joyful heart and claim all the blessings we have through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Isaiah 44:2:
Thus saith the Lord that made thee, and formed thee from the womb, which will help thee; Fear not…my servant; and thou…whom I have chosen.
Week 18
If a woman has an ultrasound this week, she may be able to tell if her baby’s a boy or girl. Her baby goes to sleep and wakes up throughout the day. Loud noises and her movements may wake her baby. Its skin now has God-designed lanugo. This is soft, fine hair that helps keep her baby warm in the womb. Even in the womb, our Father wants each child to stay warm, have a sweet sleep, and wake up at just the right time! He loves us.
Jeremiah 31:26:
Upon this I awaked, and beheld; and my sleep was sweet unto me.
Week 19
Her baby’s kicks and movements are getting stronger and they let her know how active and growing it is. To get ready for breast feeding after being born, her baby now learns how to suck, and may even suck its thumb in the womb. Look how God has called us to be ready for a full and rich life in fellowship with Him!
Isaiah 49:1:
The Lord hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name.
Week 20
The future mother is halfway to full term! Her baby is about 10 inches long and weighs about 1 pound. Its ears are fully functioning. Her baby’s nails grow toward the ends of the fingers. She can now see if it’s a boy or a girl. God has made her baby to be a wonderful man or woman to live with Him. She can thank the Father for the first half of her “marathon” as she begins the second half!
Genesis 1:27:
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.
Week 21
Her baby’s fingers and toes are fully formed, including its unique finger prints and toe prints. Her baby can swallow now and from time to time, may even hiccup! The mother may feel these as regular, jerky movements. God’s work in her body is marvelous as her baby takes on its own unique and wonderful characteristics that will shape its life to walk with God. What a loving and joyous time!
Psalms 139:14:
I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully [uniquely] made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.
Week 22
Her baby’s eyelids stay shut as the eyes move behind them. Little tear ducts start to develop, and eyebrows grow. God has “molded” her baby’s eyes, like an artist with a beautiful masterpiece.
Psalms 94:9:
He [God] that formed [molded into shape] the eye, shall he not see?
Week 23
Her baby may recognize her voice. If she talks to her baby, it may respond and move! The mother has already started teaching and training her child to respond to love—the loving call of her voice. God “planted” the ear deep inside her baby’s head—complete with intricately designed inner, middle, and outer ears. Just as her baby hears her voice, God hears our cries to Him.
Psalms 94:9:
He that planted [set up inside] the ear, shall he not hear?
Week 24
Her baby is about a foot long and may weigh a little more than a pound. The fused eyelids now separate into upper and lower lids, so that her baby can open and shut its eyes. The skin is still covered in fine hair (lanugo) and protected by a layer of waxy secretion (vernix). Her baby’s muscles continue to grow. Now real hair appears on the head. Her baby’s lungs are fully formed and the baby can make breathing movements, although not yet ready to breathe outside the womb. God, the Almighty Spirit Who gives life, made her baby able to breath and know Him.
Job 33:4:
The Spirit of God hath made me, and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life.
Week 25
Welcome to her third and final trimester! Her baby’s nervous system (the brain, spinal cord, and nerves) is developing quickly and helps her baby move, think, and feel. Its skin looks smooth and less wrinkly, as more fat is added to the body. We trust the Lord and are made fat and prosperous.
Proverbs 28:25:
He that putteth his trust in the Lord shall be made fat.
Week 26
Her baby’s body is making melanin, a substance that gives it skin color and protects the skin from the sun after birth. The lungs start to make surfactant to help her baby’s lungs get ready to breathe.
Psalms 121:6:
The sun shall not smite thee by day.
Week 27
Her baby is doing lots of kicking and stretching as its lungs and nervous system continue to develop. God makes her baby’s vital organs steadfast and props up her baby for a full life.
Psalms 71:6:
By thee have I been holden up [propped up, established, made steadfast] from the womb: thou art he that took me out of my mother’s bowels: my praise shall be continually of thee.
Week 28
Her baby is about 14 inches long and weighs about 2½ pounds. The growing body has caught up with the large head and the baby now seems more in proportion. Her baby has fully ready eyelashes and can open and close its eyes. Think of the many wonderful things the Father will show her baby from the Bible and in other ways as it lives a full and rewarding life!
Psalms 119:18:
Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.
Week 29
Her baby starts to put on weight fast! In the last 2½ months of pregnancy, her baby gains about half of its birthweight. What a blessing to eat healthy foods so her baby has the nutrients that it needs to grow. God designed us to take care of our bodies, and now she is taking care of two!
Ephesians 5:29:
For no man [person] ever yet hated his own flesh [body]; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord [Jesus Christ] the church.
Week 30
Her baby begins to lose the lanugo, the soft fine hair that covers its body. Her baby may have a good amount of hair on its head. If it’s a girl, now begins God’s design for a glorious beauty.
I Corinthians 11:15:
But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering.
Week 31
Her baby’s brain grows and develops quickly and can now help control its body heat. Her baby will learn to talk and understand as it grows from childhood to adulthood. Her prayers for her baby are answered as it grows in God’s grace and goodness.
I Corinthians 13:11:
When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.
Week 32
Her baby is about 16 inches long and may weigh about 5 pounds. As her baby adds more fat to its body, the skin is no longer see-through. The baby spends most of its time asleep. Its movements are strong and coordinated. It may have assumed the “head down” position by now, in preparation to be born. God gives her baby rest, even in the womb. We can teach our children to trust in what Christ has done for us. We can come to him and lay our burdens and cares down, knowing we have true rest in God’s grace, mercy, and peace.
Matthew 11:28:
Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Week 33
Her baby’s still gaining weight and growing. As she gets closer to her due date, her baby gains about ½ pound per week. God continues to cover and protect her baby deep in the innermost parts of the womb. Each member of her baby’s body is embroidered to work perfectly together. They are made of the same components as the earth. Just as Adam was made from the soil, God reminds us in Psalm 103 that He remembers we are dust. But look at how magnificently our Father put that “dust” together!
Psalms 139:15:
My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret [under her covering], and curiously wrought [embroidered so every part fits together] in the lowest [innermost part of the womb] parts of the earth [from the same elements in the soil].
Week 34
The vernix gets thicker as her baby gets ready to have skin that will protect it in the outside world. It’s getting close to time for the baby to be born! Enjoy these last few weeks of her “marathon” as her husband takes good care of her.
Ecclesiastes 3:1,2:
To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
A time to be born.
Week 35
Her baby’s brain and lungs are still developing. A baby’s brain at 35 weeks weighs only two-thirds of what it will weigh at 39 to 40 weeks. What joy and gladness awaits as her baby gets ready to be born!
Luke 1:14:
And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth.
Week 36
It’s starting to get crowded in the womb! Her baby weighs about 6 to 7 pounds. It is about a “cubit” long (18 inches) and has probably nestled its head into her pelvis, getting ready for birth. Development of the lungs is rapid over the next few weeks. She is about a month from delivery. She will continue to prepare for the work it will take, and doesn’t forget the joy that awaits her on the other side of delivery!
John 16:21:
A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow [heavy work], because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world.
Week 37
All her baby’s important organs (brain, lungs and liver) are still developing as its body continues gaining weight. Just imagine what God has built within her from “dust”—the basic elements in her body that are also in the earth. Our Father designed the mother to be able have a child formed from her “dust” and breathe the breath of life.
Genesis 2:7:
And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.
Week 38
Her baby’s size may make her feel uncomfortable. Hang in there! Her days will soon be “accomplished” and her labor will come. Get ready for a “special delivery” from the Father!
Luke 2:6:
And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
Week 39
Her baby is full term and will let her know when it’s ready to be born.
Luke 2:7:
And she brought forth her firstborn son.
Week 40
Her baby may be about 18 to 20 inches long and weigh about 6 to 9 pounds. Happy Baby!!!!!
Isaiah 9:6:
For unto us a child is born.
Scriptures of Encouragement in Pregnancy
No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. – I Corinthians 10:13
Blessed is she who believed that the Lord would fulfill His promises to her. – Luke 1:45
Since then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. – Colossians 3:1-2
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:6,7
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. – James 1:17
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. – I Peter 5:7
I can do all this through him who gives me strength. – Philippians 4:13
Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit itself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. – Romans 8:26
…and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me. – Psalms 50:15
The Lord will fight for you, you need only to be still. – Exodus 14:14
But for you who fear My name, the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings. You shall go out leaping like calves from the stall. – Malachi 4:2
For this child I prayed, and the Lord has granted me my petition that I made to him. – I Samuel 1:27
If you worship the Lord your God, the Lord will bless your bread and your water. I’ll take sickness away from you. – Exodus 23:25
Praise the LORD, my soul, and forget not all his benefits —who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion. – Psalms 103:2-4
But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. – Isaiah 40:31
For I satisfy the weary ones and refresh everyone who languishes. – Jeremiah 31:25
Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. – Proverbs 31:2
I have set the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in Your presence, with eternal pleasures at Your right hand. – Psalms 16:8,11
Heal me, Lord, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved [delivered], for you are the one I praise. – Jeremiah 17:14
Give your burdens to the Lord, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall. – Psalms 55:22
He will love you, bless you, and multiply you. And He will also bless the fruit of her womb and the fruit of her ground, her grain and her wine and her oil, the increase of your herds and the young of your flock, in the land that he swore to her fathers to give you. – Deuteronomy 7:13
None shall miscarry or be barren in your land; I will fulfill the number of your days. – Exodus 23:26
Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us. Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. – Hebrews 12:1,2
Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. – Psalms 37:4,5
Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Trust ye in the Lord for ever: for in the Lord JEHOVAH is everlasting strength. – Psalms 37:3,4
Shall I bring to the birth, and not cause to bring forth? saith the Lord: shall I cause to bring forth, and shut the womb? saith thy God. – Isaiah 66:9
But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. – I Corinthians 15:57,58
One reply on “God’s Blessings in Pregnancy”
Thank you so much for this!!! 😊