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Baby Development, Symptoms and Tips

In this article:
Key takeaways at week 12
Baby's development at week 12
3D anatomy views
Pregnancy symptoms this week
Your body at 12 weeks
Tips for week 12
Checklist for week 12

Key Takeaways at 12 Weeks Pregnant

• Those overwhelming first-trimester symptoms may begin to wane. That means morning sickness may start fading soon and the outrageous exhaustion-fog may lift. Hope is on the horizon!
• Have you bought maternity pants yet? If not, it’s time to loosen your purse strings—and your belt. Your belly is expanding and a budding bump is probably visible at this point.
• Baby continues to develop by leaps and bounds every day. Their fingers and toes are no longer webbed, and their eyes, nose and fingernails are forming—so cool!
• Getting a 12-week ultrasound? Your tech might be able to determine the sex of baby at this point, but it’s not guaranteed, nor is it foolproof.

Things are changing fast at 12 weeks pregnant. You’re reaching the home stretch of the first trimester (we know, finally!), which means your hormones are likely to tone things down a bit. It also means you may be ready to share your pregnancy news with family and friends. So exciting!

Watch Week 12 Highlights

Baby at Week 12

Your 12-week fetus is almost done developing their body’s important systems and parts, which means it’s all about getting bigger and more mature from here on out. Yep, baby's about to enter the growth and maturation stage, in which organs and tissues will grow and develop rapidly.

Baby at 12 weeks is opening and closing their fingers and curling their toes, and their brain is developing fast!

Baby is now developing reflexes—if you poke your 12-week pregnant belly while looking at baby on an ultrasound, you'll likely see movement. If you’re 12 weeks pregnant with twins, your twosome is developing at a similar rate as singleton babies at 12 weeks. Later on, they’ll have a slightly slower rate of growth.

How big is baby at 12 weeks?

At 12 weeks pregnant, baby is as big as a plum. The average 12-week fetus is about 2.1 inches long and .49 ounces. Now that baby's got pretty much all of their important organs, their main job is to keep on growing. Go, baby, go!

12 weeks pregnant is how many months?

At 12 weeks pregnant, you’re about three months pregnant. Remember, pregnancy is 40 weeks long, which doesn't break down cleanly into nine months. Just two more weeks until you can officially put your first trimester behind you!

12 week ultrasound

You may have one more prenatal checkup before the end of your first trimester. Whether or not you have a 12-week ultrasound may depend on your doctor’s preference and maybe also on what your insurance covers. If you do get an ultrasound at this time, you’ll notice that you can see your 12-week fetus more clearly this time around, which may make you want to start spreading the news that you’re expecting.

Itching to find out if it’s a boy or a girl? We hate to be the bearers of bad news, but on a 12 weeks pregnant ultrasound, the sex isn’t usually revealed. Between 12 and 13 weeks is the very earliest a boy or girl could possibly be seen on an ultrasound, and the anatomy is still difficult to make out with any certainty. Your OB or technician is much more likely to be able to see baby’s sex at the mid-pregnancy anatomy scan, which will happen around week 20. However, if you received DNA blood testing for chromosomal disorders, you may find out baby’s sex when you get those results—if you want to know, that is!

Around week 12, you might want to know more about baby’s health, so you may have genetic testing done to determine the risk of birth defects or other problems. This can be a little scary—and confusing—so be sure to ask your OB plenty of questions, and know that it’s much more likely that baby is a-okay than anything else.

What does a 12-week fetus look like?

With the first trimester almost done, you may be wondering, “what does a 12-week fetus look like?” New and exciting changes are happening for baby at 12 weeks! The eyes and nose take shape, fingers and toes lose their connective webbing, fingernails develop, teeth buds crop up and organs such as the kidneys and intestines keep growing.

3D Views: My Baby, My Body

See their progress for yourself with our 3D interactive tool.

See My Baby in 3D

See My Body in 3D

Pregnancy Symptoms at Week 12

Here’s the good news about 12 weeks pregnant symptoms: Morning sickness and fatigue may start to fade a bit soon as your hormones start to calm down. The bad? Headaches and dizziness may replace them. We’ll take that trade-off. Here’s more info about what’s happening to your body at 12 weeks pregnant:

Increased discharge

This clear discharge might seem weird, but it’s normal and has an important purpose: to protect your vagina from infection. But if you have yellow, greenish, pink or brown discharge during pregnancy week 12, call your doctor right away. Those colors could be a sign of infection or even miscarriage.

Spotting

Spotting or bleeding during pregnancy at 12 weeks could be worrisome—or it could be nothing at all. For example, your cervix is more sensitive during pregnancy, so simply having sex could cause light bleeding that’s harmless. If you’re spotting or bleeding, definitely tell your doctor. If the bleeding is accompanied by cramping or the flow is heavy, it’s an urgent call.

Headaches

These may start to intensify around week 12 of pregnancy. Headaches may be caused by hormonal shifts, drops in blood sugar, dehydration, lack of sleep or stress. To deal, pay attention to what might be triggering your headaches and try to avoid those culprits. If you notice a drastic increase in headaches or a type of headache you’ve never experienced before (such as a migraine), or if your headaches are accompanied by other weird symptoms, let your OB know.

Dizziness

Whoa! Hormone shifts and blood pressure changes could cause dizzy spells around pregnancy week 12 (and sometimes even earlier!). You can help prevent dizziness by snacking regularly, avoid becoming overheated and drinking plenty of water. Sit or lie down if you’re feeling dizzy or lightheaded and let your doctor know about any severe bouts.

If you’re 12 weeks pregnant with twins, you may still be experiencing morning sickness, while your singleton mom-to-be counterparts are likely starting to see the light at the end of the nausea tunnel. Know that things will likely improve soon.

What should I be feeling at 12 weeks pregnant?

Your body is working hard, and you may wonder, “what should I be feeling at 12 weeks pregnant?” You may not be showing much on the outside yet, but on the inside everything feels like it’s changing! In addition to typical 12 weeks pregnant symptoms, you may start to feel shifts with morning sickness and fatigue. One day you might be exhausted, and another you may feel a burst of energy, while nausea comes and goes. Hang tight—you're getting closer to the second trimester! Make sure you get plenty of fluids and healthy foods for those days when morning sickness makes it rough to keep anything down.

Your Pregnant Belly at 12 Weeks

At 12 weeks, your pregnant belly is probably getting noticeable now. This is one reason many moms-to-be start to tell others they’re expecting around 12 weeks. (Of course, if you’re 12 weeks pregnant with twins, you may have been showing for weeks now, obviously because you’ve got double the babies in there!)

If you haven’t already, start taking photos of your pregnant belly at 12 weeks. Trust us, after pregnancy you’ll want a memento of how much your body changed throughout.

How does your stomach feel at 12 weeks pregnant?

You may already feel the waistband of your clothes getting tighter as your stomach begins to round out. When baby is at 12 weeks, your uterus is expanding to make room for your growing little one. This can also cause a tight feeling in your stomach itself as the stretching uterus puts pressure on the surrounding tissues of your body. Gas or constipation are other common causes of tummy troubles.

“You are moving for two!… Going for a walk, doing your favorite workout or dancing to music, creates better weight management, cognitive development, cardiovascular health and beneficial health outcomes for baby. Remind yourself on your exhausted days that exercising through your pregnancy is going to make this journey easier for you and set your baby up for a lifetime of better health!” - Joanie Johnson Rubin, pre- and postnatal fitness expert and founder of Strong Mom Society

Tips for 12 Weeks Pregnant

Here’s some advice for living your best pregnant life as you finish up your first trimester and move into your second.

Give sore breasts some TLC

Your body’s hormones are getting you ready for breastfeeding, which can make breasts sore or tender. Soothe pain by wearing comfortable clothes that don’t irritate the body, trading in underwire bras for maternity or nursing bras with soft support or using ice packs for temporary relief.

Wear sun protection

One 12 weeks pregnant symptom that can occur for many women is melasma, or the “mask of pregnancy,” where dark spots appear on the face. It’s caused by those active hormones, but melasma can be made worse with sun exposure. Protect your skin with a mineral-based sunblock and a wide-brimmed hat, and stay in the shade or indoors during the day whenever possible.

Don’t give into junk food temptations

If your appetite starts to return as morning sickness fades, don’t feed it with lots of sugar, fats or processed foods. Healthy eating is good for you and baby, and it also helps you achieve a healthy weight gain moving forward. While it’s totally normal to not gain any weight in the first trimester (or even lose a few pounds), women of normal pre-pregnancy weight should plan on adding a pound or two a week during the second trimester

Think about getting physical

Pretty soon, you’ll have more energy, so make sure to talk with your OB about a safe exercise plan for the rest of your pregnancy. Regular workouts may help manage weight gain, make your heart and lungs strong, decrease pain and potentially reduce risk of issues such as gestational diabetes.

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Pregnancy Checklist at 12 Weeks Pregnant

Reminders for the week:

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Pregnancy calendar 12 weeks - Miracle Doctor multidisciplinary clinic in Moscow

The twelfth week sums up the first trimester of pregnancy. The laying of all organs has already been completed in the fetus; after 12 weeks, their further growth and development takes place. At the beginning of the week, the size of the fetus from the crown to the coccyx is 5.3 centimeters, weight is about 10-12 grams. From the 12th week, the growth rate of the child accelerates, on average, the KTP indicator (coccygeal-parietal size) increases by 1.5-2 mm per day. By the end of the week, the growth of the fetus is 6.1 cm, and the weight is 14 grams. It is comparable in size to a large chicken egg. The amount of amniotic fluid surrounding the fetus is about 50 ml. nine0003

This week, the baby's first reflexes appear. He has learned to squint, can open his mouth and begins to move his fingers and toes. The fingers of the fetus are already divided, they have marigolds, the interdigital membrane is absent. This week, active ossification of the fetal skeleton begins. Until now, its basis was cartilaginous tissues, which are gradually beginning to be replaced by bone tissues.

During the 12th week of pregnancy, there is an improvement in the existing structures of the brain. There is a daily increase in the number of nerve cells. The hypothalamic-pituitary system begins to operate, which takes part in the management of the main autonomic functions of the body. The face of the fetus has already acquired quite human features: the eyes are still closed, but they are located in the place intended for them by nature, as well as the ears. nine0003

The baby periodically swallows a small amount of amniotic fluid. Part of the liquid is immediately pushed back, and the remaining water moves through the esophagus, thereby causing the activity of the digestive tract. The intestine responds first with chaotic and then organized contractions of the muscular walls. Very soon, muscle contractions will cause a peristaltic wave, which will help food move through the digestive tract. The liver has already begun to produce bile, which is necessary for the process of digestion of food. Gradually, the kidneys begin to work, which fill the bladder with the processed amniotic fluid. Urine is excreted into the amniotic fluid. nine0003

The uterus of a woman at the 12th week of pregnancy reached 12 cm in length and 9 cm in width. In the supine position, the expectant mother can feel her edge, which has grown to the pubic joint. Compared with the volume of the uterus of a non-pregnant woman, which is 10 ml., By the time of childbirth, the uterus increases by 500-1000 times and its volume can be from 5 to 10 liters.

With the completion of the first trimester of pregnancy, the hormonal function of the corpus luteum fades. The task of producing progesterone in full was taken over by the placenta. Women who suffered in early pregnancy from manifestations of toxicosis caused by the activity of the corpus luteum can breathe a sigh of relief: nausea, heartburn and vomiting have disappeared in most expectant mothers. Subsequently, many women remember this stage of pregnancy as the happiest time - good health and good mood give strength, and the stomach is still so small that it does not interfere with everyday life. nine0003

Before the twelfth week of pregnancy, every woman should undergo an ultrasound examination. Ultrasound will reveal fetal malformations and pregnancy risks. Also, accurate to the day, the gestational age will be determined. The doctor's conclusion indicates two terms: one for conception, the other - obstetric, which is considered from the beginning of the last menstruation. Most women are looking forward to the first ultrasound, because the genitals of the fetus have already acquired a fairly large size and the study allows you to determine the sex of the unborn baby. nine0003

12th week of pregnancy what happens to the fetus

The obstetric 12th week of pregnancy, which is counted from the first day of the last menstruation, is equal to the 10th week from the moment of conception. During this period, all the baby's systems are almost formed, nature is working on the details. This is the moment when the first trimester comes to an end. Any abnormalities in the development of the fetus are less likely. The baby is no longer so susceptible to the effects of external factors, the risk of early termination of pregnancy is behind. nine0003

What happens to the fetus?

At 12 weeks, the baby weighs an average of 15 g and is about 6 cm long. His body is still disproportionate - a large head and long limbs, but little fingers are covered with marigolds, and the eyes are not so widely spaced. In a tiny man, the upper layer of the epidermis is updated.

Interesting! The baby has facial expressions: he can close his eyes, wrinkle his nose, open his mouth.

There are other changes in the whole body:

• The pituitary, thyroid and thymus produce hormones and cells for the immune system.
• The liver produces bile and the kidneys excrete urine into the amniotic fluid.
• The inner part of the ear is forming, but the auricle itself is not yet, although the lobe may already be visible.
• The intestine has moved to its proper place and is actively contracting
• The heart is a complete organ: 4 chambers, 2 atria and ventricle. The frequency of contraction reaches up to 160 beats per minute. nine0032
• Muscles begin to master movements.
• The neck and larynx are forming - the baby tries swallowing movements.
• The skeleton is formed in the same way, but is still more represented by cartilaginous tissue.
• The activity of the fetus is high - it moves the legs and arms, makes grasping movements.
• The final stage of the formation of the respiratory system is also taking place. The baby's chest rises up and down, which is similar to the breathing cycle.

At the 12th week, a planned ultrasound is done, on which you can see the sex of the baby, but not always - the genitals are not yet fully formed. Diagnostics allows you to exclude fetal malformations, determine its size, find out the tone and parameters of the uterus of the expectant mother.

Important! At the 12th week, a woman will have to undergo a series of tests that are designed to detect genetic diseases. Such a survey is highly informative and safe.

What happens in the mother's body? nine0023

The function of producing progesterone, which was previously performed by the corpus luteum, is now transferred to the placenta. The uterus increases in size, but no longer presses on the bladder, so urination is less frequent than before. But the intestines feel pressure, hence constipation and flatulence appear.

It's time to change your usual clothes for more free and comfortable. It may seem to some mothers at the 12th week of pregnancy that they already feel the movement of their baby, but so far this is an illusion. Explicit tremors of tiny legs are yet to come. nine0003

Help! When choosing comfortable clothing, it is important to consider that it must be functional, made from natural hypoallergenic fabrics. A bra with wide straps is good, but softly supports the chest.

Rapid heartbeat, which is often observed in women, is associated with an increase in blood volume due to the fact that the fetus takes most of the oxygen and nutrients for its development.

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