I used a pregnancy app through both of my pregnancies, and I still remember the thrill of opening it each week to see how big the baby was. If you’re looking for the best pregnancy app, here’s the short answer: What to Expect has the highest rating and a big set of free tools, The Bump is a good all-in-one with a planner for doctor visits, and Pregnancy+ is polished but pushes a paid plan harder. All three are free to download.
Here’s what the app can — and can’t — do. A pregnancy app can tell you about your baby’s development, count kicks, and help you plan. It can’t diagnose anything or tell you whether your pregnancy is going well. Your doctor or midwife does that.
Best pregnancy apps at a glance
I compared each app’s App Store listing. Ratings and prices are as of October 2026 and can change. All three apps are also on Google Play, so check that listing if you have an Android phone.
| App | Price | iPhone / Android | Rating | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| What to Expect | Free | Both | 4.9 (380K ratings) | Most people, plus a community forum |
| The Bump | Free | Both | 4.8 (about 40K ratings) | Planning doctor visits and registries |
| Pregnancy+ | Free; paid plans start at $5.99/month | Both | 4.8 (about 77K ratings) | Birth plan and hospital bag checklists |
What to look for in a pregnancy app
- A week-by-week guide with a due date calculator
- A kick counter and contraction timer for later in pregnancy
- A place to log symptoms, weight, and questions for your doctor
- Clear pricing, with no surprise subscription
- A privacy label you’ve read, since you’re sharing sensitive health details
What to Expect: best for most people
What to Expect is the app most of my friends used. It walks you through each week with plain-language articles, size comparisons, and daily tips, and its forum lets you talk to other parents who are due around the same time.
- Pros: The most ratings on this list, plus symptom, weight, and kick-count logs, a due date calculator, and a twin mode.
- Cons: The privacy label is long (see below). It’s also built to keep you reading, so you may see content you didn’t ask for.
- Price: Free. The App Store listing shows no in-app purchases.
- Rating: 4.9 stars (380K ratings on the App Store), as of October 2026.
- Developer: Everyday Health, Inc.
Download it from the App Store or Google Play.
The Bump: best for planning appointments
The Bump is made by The Knot Inc. and feels like a pregnancy planner. Its Planner+ section tracks appointments and suggests questions to ask at each visit, and it syncs with your phone’s calendar.
- Pros: Kick counter, contraction counter, weight gain tracker, food safety tips, and a baby registry tracker.
- Cons: Heavy on registry and shopping content, and it collects the most browsing data of the three.
- Price: Free. The App Store listing shows no in-app purchases.
- Rating: 4.8 stars (about 40K ratings on the App Store), as of October 2026.
Download it from the App Store or Google Play.
Pregnancy+: best for birth plan and checklists
Pregnancy+ has a calm design, 3D baby models, and tools for the end of pregnancy: a hospital bag list, a birth plan, and a contraction timer. You can also share updates with your partner or family.
- Pros: Clean layout, a birth plan builder, and lots of checklists.
- Cons: The free version is limited, and the App Store lists paid plans at $5.99/month and $34.99 a year. A weekly plan is listed too, so read the price before you tap Subscribe.
- Price: Free with in-app purchases.
- Rating: 4.8 stars (about 77K ratings on the App Store), as of October 2026.
- Developer: Philips Digital UK Limited, on the App Store.
Download it from the App Store or Google Play.
A quick word on privacy
Pregnancy is some of the most personal data you’ll ever type into a phone. Before you install, open the App Privacy section on the App Store or Data safety on Google Play. Here’s what the developers report on the App Store (it’s self-reported, and Apple doesn’t verify it):
| App | Used to track you across other apps | Linked to you |
|---|---|---|
| What to Expect | Contact info, identifiers, usage data, sensitive info | Contact info, photos and videos, identifiers, advertising data, sensitive info |
| The Bump | Contact info, browsing history, identifiers, usage data, sensitive info | Contact info, search and browsing history, identifiers, usage data, sensitive info |
| Pregnancy+ | Identifiers | Coarse location, contact info, identifiers, usage data, sensitive info |
“Used to track you” means the data may be combined with data from other companies’ apps and websites, mostly for advertising. Pregnancy+ lists the shortest tracking list of the three. If privacy matters most to you, here’s what I’d do:
- Use a separate email address for the app.
- Skip optional questions you don’t need to answer.
- Turn off ad personalization in your phone’s settings.
- Delete the app, and your account, when you’re done.
When to skip the app and call your doctor
It’s also worth booking your first prenatal visit soon after a positive test. MedlinePlus has a page on prenatal care and testing, and the Office on Women’s Health has a helpful pregnancy hub. Bring this to your next appointment: any questions you’ve saved in the app, a list of your vitamins and medicines, and your kick counts if you’re past the early weeks.
For more health apps, browse our health and fitness app guides and our guides for parents.
Frequently asked questions
What’s the best free pregnancy app?
For most people, What to Expect: it’s free, highly rated, and has a good set of tools. The Bump is a close second if you want an appointment planner.
Are pregnancy apps accurate?
Due date calculators give an estimate, and your doctor sets your official due date. The articles are general information, not advice for your situation.
Are pregnancy apps safe for my privacy?
It depends on the app. All three collect some sensitive data, according to their App Store labels. Read the label, limit what you share, and delete your account when you no longer need it.
Do I need a paid plan?
No. The free versions cover the main tools. Only pay if there’s a specific feature you’ll use, and set a reminder to cancel if you try a free trial.
Bottom line
- Best for most people: What to Expect.
- Best for planning visits: The Bump.
- Best for birth plan and checklists: Pregnancy+ (watch the subscription).
Pick one app, read its privacy label, and use it as a notebook, not a doctor. Bring your questions to your next appointment, and congratulations on this exciting time.
