12th week of pregnancy
The intense symptoms you experienced in the first trimester may finally be subsiding. The morning sickness may subside and you may start to shake off the fog of fatigue. So hope is in sight!
If you haven’t bought maternity pants yet, now is the time to buy some. Your belly is expanding and by this week you may have a slightly prominent belly.
This week your baby continues to develop rapidly. Fingers and toes are no longer webbed, eyes, nose and nails are forming – how exciting is that?
If you have a 12-week ultrasound appointment, it may be possible to determine the sex of the baby during this ultrasound, but this is not always certain and accuracy is not fully guaranteed.
With week 12 you are nearing the end of your first trimester (finally!). Your hormones will start to stabilize a bit, which means that your symptoms will ease. You may also be ready to share the news of your pregnancy with family and friends. What an exciting time!
12th Week of Pregnancy Your Baby Development
Your 12-week-old baby is very close to completing the important systems and parts of his or her body. All his bones, muscles, limbs and organs are now developed and his digestive, excretory and circulatory systems are working. This means that your baby has started to urinate by swallowing amniotic fluid (don’t worry, this is completely normal!). From here, your baby moves into the growth and maturation phase, during which the organs and tissues will continue to develop rapidly.
The 12-week-old baby is opening and closing her fingers, curling her toes and her brain is developing rapidly! And yes, you may even start to look like someone you know, as facial features are becoming more defined.
How big is a 12-week-old baby?
At this week, your baby is the size of a small lemon (lime). The average 12-week-old fetus is about 5.3 cm long and weighs 14 grams. Since it has all its important organs by now, its most important task is to grow!
How many months is a 12-week pregnancy?
A 12-week pregnancy is approximately three months. Since pregnancy lasts for 40 weeks, it is better to keep track by weeks. There is only one week left until you finish the first trimester.
12th Week of Pregnancy Ultrasound
You can have one more check-up before you reach the end of the first trimester. A 12th week ultrasound may depend on your doctor’s preference or insurance coverage. If you have an ultrasound this week, you may be able to see your baby more clearly, which may make you want to share the news of your pregnancy.
Do you want to know the sex of your baby? Sorry, but the gender is usually not clear on a 12-week ultrasound. Although the gender can be estimated at 12-13 weeks, it is difficult to see the anatomy clearly. The sex of the baby can be seen more precisely in the mid-pregnancy anatomy scan around 20 weeks. However, a DNA test for chromosomal disorders may give you the option to find out the sex.
This week you can have genetic tests if you want to know more about your baby’s health. This can be a bit worrying, but ask your doctor all your questions and remember that babies are usually in good health!
12 Week Baby Ultrasound Image
Now that the first trimester is almost over, you may be wondering, “What does a 12-week-old baby look like?” Exciting new changes are happening for your baby this week! The eyes and nose are taking shape, fingers and toes are losing their webbing, fingernails are growing, tooth buds are forming and organs like the kidneys and intestines continue to grow.
12th Week of Pregnancy Pregnancy Symptoms
There is good news about the symptoms you are experiencing in Week 12 of pregnancy: Morning sickness and fatigue may subside as hormones settle down. But the bad news is that these symptoms can be replaced by headaches and dizziness. Here’s more information about what’s going on in your body at 12 weeks pregnant:
Increased Vaginal Discharge: This transparent discharge may look strange, but it is normal and has the function of protecting your vagina from infections. However, if you have yellow, greenish, pink or brown discharge, call your doctor immediately. These colors can be a sign of infection or miscarriage.
Spotting or bleeding: Spotting or bleeding in the 12th week of pregnancy can be worrying, but sometimes it is nothing serious. For example, because the cervix is more sensitive during pregnancy, you may experience light bleeding after sexual intercourse. Be sure to tell your doctor if you experience bleeding. If the bleeding is heavy or accompanied by cramps, it could be a sign of an emergency.
Headaches Around week 12, headaches may intensify. Hormone changes, blood sugar drops, dehydration, lack of sleep or stress can cause headaches. Pay attention to what can cause headaches and try to avoid these factors. Tell your doctor if you experience a significant increase in headaches or a type of headache that you have not experienced before (for example migraine), or if you have a headache with other strange symptoms.
Dizziness Hormone fluctuations and changes in blood pressure can cause dizziness at 12 weeks of pregnancy (sometimes even earlier). To prevent dizziness, eat regular snacks and drink plenty of water. Sit or lie down if you feel dizzy and report serious conditions to your doctor.
For Mothers Expecting Twins: If you are 12 weeks pregnant with twins, morning sickness can still be intense, but for most moms it starts to ease around this time. Soon you will feel less nauseous too.
What Does 12 Weeks of Pregnancy Feel Like?
Your body is working hard, so you may wonder, “How does it feel at 12 weeks pregnant?“. Although there are no obvious changes on the outside, everything is changing rapidly on the inside! Morning sickness and fatigue are starting to subside, and you may feel energized on some days and tired on others. As you approach the second trimester, make sure you drink fluids and eat healthy foods; this is especially important on days when nausea is challenging.
12th Week of Pregnancy Mother’s Belly Image
At 12 weeks, your pregnant belly may be a little more pronounced. That’s why many expectant mothers start to announce their pregnancy around week 12. (Of course, if you are expecting twins, you may have had a prominent belly for a few weeks because you are carrying two babies inside!)
If you haven’t already, you can start photographing your 12-week pregnant belly. You might want to see how much your body has changed after pregnancy. Feel free to use the “Pregnancy Album” feature in the app.
Pregnancy gas and bloatingAs your bellystarts to grow, you may notice that your clothes are tight around the waist. Your uterus is growing, making room for your baby. This growth can put pressure on the tissues around the uterus, causing a tight feeling in the abdomen. Conditions such as gas or constipation are also common causes of abdominal discomfort.
Tips for the 12th Week of Pregnancy
As you are nearing the end of your first trimester and heading towards your second trimester, here are some tips to support you during this period of your pregnancy:
Gentle Approach to Sensitive Breasts: Hormones can affect your breasts and cause tenderness as you prepare for breastfeeding. To ease this discomfort, wear comfortable non-irritating clothing, replace underwire bras with maternity or nursing bras, or use an ice pack for short-term relief.
Use Sunscreen: Melasma (pregnancy mask), a symptom that many women experience during the 12th week of pregnancy, can appear as dark spots on the face. This condition is caused by hormones, but sun exposure can make melasma worse. Protect your skin with a mineral-based sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat, and try to stay in the shade or indoors during the day if possible.
Watch your junk food intake: If your morning sickness subsides but your appetite returns, avoid feeding yourself sugar, fat and processed foods. Healthy eating is good for you and your baby and promotes healthy weight gain. It is normal not to gain any weight (or even lose some weight) in the first trimester, but you can aim for one or two pounds a week in the second trimester.
Think about Exercise You’ll soon have more energy, so start talking to your doctor about a safe exercise plan. Regular exercise can help control weight, support heart and lung health, reduce pain and help prevent risks such as gestational diabetes.
These tips will help you move into your second trimester of pregnancy healthier and stronger!
Frequently Asked Questions About the 12th Week of Pregnancy
Does the Risk of Miscarriage Persist Near the End of the First Trimester?
By the end of the 12th week, your baby will have completed most of the important developmental stages, which means that the risk of miscarriage will be significantly lower. Around 80% of early pregnancy losses occur in the first trimester, so your risk will be much lower as you move into the second trimester.
What Can I Do For Acne During Pregnancy?
While you may love the pregnancy glow, you may not love the acne that comes with it. To combat acne, try washing your face twice a day with warm water and a gentle cleanser. For acne problems, you can use topical products containing erythromycin, clindamycin, benzoyl peroxide or azelaic acid after getting your doctor’s approval. It is important to avoid oral isotretinoin and topical retinoid acne medications that should not be used during pregnancy, as they can cause birth defects.
What are the Benefits of Walking During Pregnancy?
Walking is a great boost to your health during pregnancy, reducing back pain and constipation, strengthening your heart and blood vessels, and more. One of the safest exercises during pregnancy, walking is a full-body activity without straining joints and muscles. It also boosts your energy, provides mental relaxation and helps with prenatal weight control.
Is It Safe to Listen to a Baby’s Heartbeat at Home Using Fetal Doppler?
While it may seem exciting and relaxing to hear your baby’s heartbeat at home whenever you want, it is usually safer to leave this type of monitoring to the experts. The FDA does not recommend buying or using a Doppler device at home. One reason is that it can sometimes be difficult to detect a baby’s heartbeat, which can cause you unnecessary anxiety. Also, hearing the heartbeat can give you a false sense of security if you need a medical examination.
Checklist for the 12th week of pregnancy
- One last patience for morning sickness: Morning sickness may have started to ease, but if you’re still struggling, try to soothe your stomach with small snacks and support your body with plenty of fluids.
- Shop for a New Bra: Choose comfortable, underwire-free maternity or nursing bras for breast sensitivity. These bras adapt to the changing size of your breasts and provide comfort in the weeks to come.
- Use Sunscreen: Use a mineral-based sunscreen to protect against dark spots like melasma (the mask of pregnancy). You can give your skin extra protection by wearing a wide-brimmed hat and staying in the shade.
- Review your exercise plan: As your energy starts to increase, you can work out a safe exercise plan with your doctor. Walking, gentle yoga or prenatal exercises will strengthen your body and provide mental relaxation.
- Eat a balanced diet: If your appetite has returned, reach for nutritious foods and avoid junk food. Plan to add about 300 extra calories each week for healthy weight gain in the second trimester.
- Start taking pictures: As your baby grows, your belly may start to become more prominent. From this week onwards, you can start taking regular photos of your belly to document your pregnancy (you can use the Pregnancy Album feature in the app!)
- Avoid Unnecessary Worries: The risk of miscarriage decreases significantly as you approach the end of the first trimester. Try to relax and seek reassurance by talking to your doctor about any concerns you have.
This list will guide you through the 12th week of your pregnancy in a comfortable and healthy way. Remember to take care of yourself!
