Pregnancy Week 12

What does my baby look like?

This week your baby is about the size of a lime and keeps growing quickly.

The internal organs and muscles have grown. The heartbeat can be seen or heard during an ultrasound. The skeleton starts out as soft tissue and then gradually hardens into bone. The genitals have formed, but it may not always be possible to determine the sex clearly this week.

Your baby is fully formed

Your baby's vital organs and basic body parts are all in place. From here on, these structures will keep growing and maturing. Tiny nails are becoming visible on the fingers and toes.

The digestive system is beginning to rehearse its contracting movements. The bone marrow is starting to produce white blood cells. The liver and brain continue to develop, and nerve cells are multiplying very rapidly. Even though you can't feel it yet, your baby may already be moving inside the womb.

Reflexes and first rehearsals

Your baby's reflexes are beginning to develop: the fingers will soon open and close, the toes can curl, and the mouth makes sucking movements. This week, the intestines move from their temporary spot in the umbilical cord into the abdominal cavity.

What's happening in my body?

The placenta is gradually taking over more of the job of nourishing your baby. With this shift, your hormones may settle down a bit; for some moms-to-be, nausea eases while appetite picks up.

Your waistline may thicken and your breasts may grow larger. The size of your belly varies from person to person. Your hormones, your pre-pregnancy weight, whether you've given birth before, and the condition of your abdominal muscles can all play a role.

Gaining weight and eating well in pregnancy

Weight gain during pregnancy depends on your individual makeup. Most moms-to-be gain a total of about 10 to 12.5 kg, with much of that increase happening in the later weeks.

The main goal of healthy pregnancy nutrition isn't to "eat for two" but to eat a balanced diet. In the third trimester, you may need to add about 200 calories to your daily intake.

Stress, headaches, and food aversions

Feeling stressed during pregnancy is common. But if the stress becomes constant, intense, or overwhelming, it's important to talk with your doctor.

Headaches can be common this week. Drinking water regularly, eating small and frequent meals, getting enough sleep, doing light exercise, and practicing relaxation techniques can all help. If needed, use an appropriate pain reliever with the approval of your healthcare provider.

Food aversions are also common this week. Some people may feel turned off by meat, eggs, dairy, spicy foods, or coffee. For most people, this eases up as they move into the second trimester.

Fatigue, dizziness, and shortness of breath

Fatigue is very common during this stage of pregnancy. Light exercise, enough sleep, and rest help most people. If the fatigue is pronounced and won't go away, you may need to be checked for iron deficiency or mood-related issues.

Dizziness can happen because of the increase in blood volume and the changes in your circulatory system during pregnancy. If you feel dizzy, lying on your side or sitting down and putting your head between your knees can bring relief.

Some moms-to-be may feel short of breath. This can develop from the effects of hormones and your increased need for oxygen. However, if you have chest pain, an irregular heartbeat, or sudden and severe shortness of breath, seek medical care right away.

Your belly this week

This week some moms-to-be start to show, while for others it isn't noticeable from the outside yet. Both are perfectly normal. The growth of your uterus, your body type, and whether you've been pregnant before all affect how you look.

Symptoms you might notice this week

Symptoms you might notice this week can include:

• nausea
• mood swings
• a metallic taste in your mouth
• tender breasts
• indigestion and heartburn
• dizziness
• food cravings or aversions
• fatigue
• increased vaginal discharge
• headaches
• mild aches in the belly and groin area

Nosebleeds and gums

Nosebleeds can occur because of hormonal changes. If you get a nosebleed, sitting down and pinching the soft part of your nose for 10 to 15 minutes can help. If the bleeding doesn't stop, seek medical help.

Pregnancy hormones can make your gums more sensitive and prone to bleeding. Regular oral care is especially important during this time.

Getting enough water is important during pregnancy. If you're exercising or it's hot out, your fluid needs may increase.

You shouldn't cut out fish entirely, but you do need to avoid types high in mercury. Well-cooked, low-mercury seafood can be part of a balanced diet.

Small, frequent meals can feel more comfortable, especially if you're dealing with heartburn, bloating, or nausea. To meet your energy needs, reach for light snacks with protein like yogurt, fruit, and whole grains.

First screening and follow-up appointments

The first screening may take place around this week. If you haven't been given an appointment, you may need to reach out to your doctor. It can help to jot down any questions you have ahead of the first screening.

Things to keep in mind while exercising

Try not to hold your breath while exercising. Avoid sudden, twisting, or balance-challenging movements. Activities that risk a blow to your belly aren't appropriate. Stop when you get tired, and avoid overheating.

Having a light snack and some fluids before exercising can help some people feel more comfortable. A small recovery snack afterward can also feel good.

Planning and care during pregnancy

These weeks can be a good time to start looking into your birthplace options and to keep up with regular dental checkups. When to share your pregnancy is a personal choice; some people feel more comfortable doing so after the 12th week.

As you approach the end of the third month of pregnancy, and the second trimester, some people begin to feel more energetic. For others, fatigue and dizziness may linger a while longer.

This is an important week for your baby: the basic body systems and vital organs have formed, and from here on the focus shifts to growth and maturation.