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At 12 weeks pregnant, you’re approaching the end of your first trimester and preparing to enter the second, which many expectant mothers find to be the most enjoyable stage of pregnancy.
If you’ve been struggling with pregnancy symptoms, you may find that you’re starting to feel more like yourself again. Your baby is also developing quickly with most of their organs and bodily systems developed, ready to mature and start working on their own.
The pituitary gland in your baby’s brain, located at the base of the brain, has begun to produce hormones.
Until week 11, the intestines were in the umbilical cord, but this week, there is enough space in your baby’s abdomen for the intestines to move into.
White blood cells have started producing in your baby’s bone marrow, and he or she will be able to fight off all the germs.
The pituitary gland in your baby’s brain, located at the base of the brain, has begun to produce hormones.
Until week 11, the intestines were in the umbilical cord, but this week, there is enough space in your baby’s abdomen for the intestines to move into.
White blood cells have started producing in your baby’s bone marrow, and he or she will be able to fight off all the germs.
At 12 weeks, your baby has finally taken on the appearance of a small human as their eyes move closer together and their ears shift towards their final position. The rapid growth of their intestines causes them to extend into the umbilical cord temporarily, but they will begin to move back into the abdomen, where they belong.
The abdominal organs, such as the spleen, intestines, and liver, are now formed. Your soon newborn’s liver is producing red blood cells for oxygen delivery, and the bone marrow is producing white blood cells for your baby to fight germs.
The pituitary gland, located at the base of the brain, has begun producing hormones that will eventually allow your baby to have children of their own in the future. These hormones are crucial for reproductive development and function later in life.
They’re developing complex reflexes, like sucking, and might begin moving spontaneously this week, although you’re unlikely to feel it until between weeks 16 to 22.
Vocal cords are forming, and your baby’s kidneys are now functioning, allowing them to pass urine after swallowing amniotic fluid.
The internal organs and muscles have undergone growth, and the heartbeat is detectable during an ultrasound scan. Initially formed from tissue, the skeleton is now beginning to harden into bone.
Throughout the remainder of your pregnancy, your baby will continue to develop, grow larger, and become stronger. By the end of this week, the likelihood of miscarriage significantly decreases.
As you near the end of your first trimester, you may notice a reduction in your pregnancy symptoms. While some early signs may start to diminish, new ones may arise. For instance, morning sickness and fatigue should lessen as pregnancy hormones stabilise.Â
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), For the majority of women, morning sickness resolves by the 14th week of pregnancy. However, for some, it may persist for several weeks or months, while few women experience it throughout the entire pregnancy.
This week, your uterus begins to shift upwards, alleviating pressure on your bladder. You might need to use the toilet less frequently, at least for a while.
You may also feel less fatigued, although some women still experience significant tiredness. You might observe darker patches of skin on your face or neck, known as ‘Melasma’ or the ‘mask of pregnancy“.Â
You might notice the appearance of the linea nigra, a dark line running from your belly button to your pubic area. These skin changes are entirely normal and are caused by hormonal fluctuations that increase melanin production.
The placenta is likely now nourishing your baby, having assumed the role of the yolk sac, which can reduce hormonal fluctuations. You may notice your waist thickening and your breasts enlarging as morning sickness begins to ease.Â
As your baby grows bigger, your baby bump grows as well. At week 12, your baby bump may look more pronounced than before. However, for some people, you may only look like you’ve put on weight on your stomach side.Â
Don’t worry if you don’t have a bump yet; the size of everyone’s bump depends on several factors, including your hormones, pre-pregnancy weight, previous pregnancies, and muscle strength.
The hormonal surge during pregnancy triggers various changes in the body, including increased pigmentation. A common condition known as melasma or chloasma often referred to as the “mask of pregnancy,” affects around half of pregnant women. This condition manifests as dark spots on the forehead and cheeks. Fortunately, these spots typically fade or disappear shortly after childbirth.
At this stage of pregnancy, it’s common for the areolas to darken, and breast tenderness or soreness may persist into the second trimester. To alleviate discomfort, consider wearing a well-fitted bra, ensuring it’s the right size to avoid further discomfort. Applying ice packs, cool cabbage leaves, or bags of frozen peas to the chest while lying down may provide relief. Some women find comfort in using small, silicone-filled breast soothing products that can be refrigerated and worn inside the bra for added relief.
Around week 12 of your pregnancy, you might experience dizziness, a common symptom of increased progesterone levels. This hormone, along with oestrogen, can affect specific body structures responsible for hearing and balance, potentially leading to feelings of lightheadedness.Â
Additionally, changes in electrolytes and blood vessels contribute to this sensation. To help prevent dizziness, stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water, eat regular snacks to maintain stable blood sugar levels, and sit down if you start feeling lightheaded. If the dizziness becomes severe or persistent, it’s important to contact your healthcare provider.
The clear discharge you may notice might seem unusual, but it’s entirely normal and serves an essential purpose: protecting your vagina from infection. However, if you observe yellow, greenish, pink, or brown discharge, it’s crucial to contact your doctor immediately. These colours could indicate an infection.
Around week 12 of your pregnancy, you may notice that headaches become more intense. Various factors, including hormonal changes, fluctuations in blood sugar levels, dehydration, insufficient sleep, or stress, can trigger these headaches. To manage them, pay attention to triggers and try to avoid them.Â
However, if you experience a significant increase in headaches or encounter a new type of headache, such as a migraine, or if unusual symptoms accompany your headaches, it’s important to inform your obstetrician.Â
At 12 weeks pregnant, hormonal fluctuations and the expanding uterus can contribute to feelings of bloating and digestive issues such as constipation or diarrhoea, which may persist throughout pregnancy. Eating slowly can be beneficial in reducing bloating as it helps prevent the swallowing of excess air, which can exacerbate bloating.Â
As morning sickness begins to lessen, you may find that your sense of smell becomes more sensitive during this phase of pregnancy. If you’re 12 weeks pregnant and experiencing nausea or difficulty keeping food, certain smells may be triggering your symptoms.Â
To alleviate discomfort, consider consuming cold or room-temperature foods to avoid strong odours, using a fan while cooking to disperse smells, and delegating tasks like taking out the trash to someone else in your household.Â
Spotting or light bleeding, which can occur at 12 weeks pregnant or at any time during pregnancy, is relatively common and may be noticed after activities such as intercourse. In most cases, spotting is not a cause for concern. However, if the bleeding becomes heavier or is accompanied by cramping stomach pain or lower back pain, it’s important to contact your healthcare provider promptly.Â
Experiencing excessive saliva at 12 weeks pregnant is not uncommon. While the exact cause is not fully understood, hormonal changes, particularly increases in oestrogen levels, are believed to play a role. Nausea and vomiting, common early pregnancy symptoms, can stimulate saliva production. While excess saliva can be bothersome, it is usually harmless and diminishes as pregnancy progresses.
Experiencing changes in your sex drive during pregnancy, including at 12 weeks, is entirely normal. You might notice an increase in libido due to hormonal shifts and heightened sensitivity, or you may find that your desire decreases due to factors like fatigue, nausea, or emotional changes associated with pregnancy.Â
It’s important for you and your partner to communicate openly about your feelings and desires during this time and to explore alternative forms of intimacy if traditional sexual activity becomes less appealing.
The hormonal surge during pregnancy triggers various changes in the body, including increased pigmentation. A common condition known as melasma or chloasma often referred to as the “mask of pregnancy,” affects around half of pregnant women. This condition manifests as dark spots on the forehead and cheeks. Fortunately, these spots typically fade or disappear shortly after childbirth.
At this stage of pregnancy, it’s common for the areolas to darken, and breast tenderness or soreness may persist into the second trimester. To alleviate discomfort, consider wearing a well-fitted bra, ensuring it’s the right size to avoid further discomfort. Applying ice packs, cool cabbage leaves, or bags of frozen peas to the chest while lying down may provide relief. Some women find comfort in using small, silicone-filled breast soothing products that can be refrigerated and worn inside the bra for added relief.
Around week 12 of your pregnancy, you might experience dizziness, a common symptom of increased progesterone levels. This hormone, along with oestrogen, can affect specific body structures responsible for hearing and balance, potentially leading to feelings of lightheadedness.Â
Additionally, changes in electrolytes and blood vessels contribute to this sensation. To help prevent dizziness, stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water, eat regular snacks to maintain stable blood sugar levels, and sit down if you start feeling lightheaded. If the dizziness becomes severe or persistent, it’s important to contact your healthcare provider.
The clear discharge you may notice might seem unusual, but it’s entirely normal and serves an essential purpose: protecting your vagina from infection. However, if you observe yellow, greenish, pink, or brown discharge, it’s crucial to contact your doctor immediately. These colours could indicate an infection.
Around week 12 of your pregnancy, you may notice that headaches become more intense. Various factors, including hormonal changes, fluctuations in blood sugar levels, dehydration, insufficient sleep, or stress, can trigger these headaches. To manage them, pay attention to triggers and try to avoid them.Â
However, if you experience a significant increase in headaches or encounter a new type of headache, such as a migraine, or if unusual symptoms accompany your headaches, it’s important to inform your obstetrician.Â
At 12 weeks pregnant, hormonal fluctuations and the expanding uterus can contribute to feelings of bloating and digestive issues such as constipation or diarrhoea, which may persist throughout pregnancy. Eating slowly can be beneficial in reducing bloating as it helps prevent the swallowing of excess air, which can exacerbate bloating.Â
As morning sickness begins to lessen, you may find that your sense of smell becomes more sensitive during this phase of pregnancy. If you’re 12 weeks pregnant and experiencing nausea or difficulty keeping food, certain smells may be triggering your symptoms.Â
To alleviate discomfort, consider consuming cold or room-temperature foods to avoid strong odours, using a fan while cooking to disperse smells, and delegating tasks like taking out the trash to someone else in your household.Â
Spotting or light bleeding, which can occur at 12 weeks pregnant or at any time during pregnancy, is relatively common and may be noticed after activities such as intercourse. In most cases, spotting is not a cause for concern. However, if the bleeding becomes heavier or is accompanied by cramping stomach pain or lower back pain, it’s important to contact your healthcare provider promptly.Â
Experiencing excessive saliva at 12 weeks pregnant is not uncommon. While the exact cause is not fully understood, hormonal changes, particularly increases in oestrogen levels, are believed to play a role. Nausea and vomiting, common early pregnancy symptoms, can stimulate saliva production. While excess saliva can be bothersome, it is usually harmless and diminishes as pregnancy progresses.
Experiencing changes in your sex drive during pregnancy, including at 12 weeks, is entirely normal. You might notice an increase in libido due to hormonal shifts and heightened sensitivity, or you may find that your desire decreases due to factors like fatigue, nausea, or emotional changes associated with pregnancy.Â
It’s important for you and your partner to communicate openly about your feelings and desires during this time and to explore alternative forms of intimacy if traditional sexual activity becomes less appealing.
Watch out for stomach pain this week. Although the risk of miscarriage is significantly lower, we cannot entirely rule it out.Â
Having stomach pain this week is not abnormal, as it can be a side effect of your bloating and gas, but you should be concerned if the stomach pain is severe. Consult your OB-GYN if you are having severe stomach pain accompanied by bleeding.
Although dizziness is a symptom of pregnancy in the 12th week, low blood sugar can also be the cause. You might have a low blood sugar level if you are not eating well, so eat good food.
Also, watch out for infections. Vaginal discharge is a symptom of pregnancy this week, but if your vaginal discharge is pink, brown, green, or yellowish, you should contact your doctor. You may have an infection, or it can even be a sign of miscarriage.
Watch out for excess weight gain to avoid complications such as diabetes in pregnancy, high blood pressure, and pre-eclampsia. Eating healthy will help you avoid excessive weight gain.
During pregnancy, hormones prepare your body for breastfeeding, which can result in sore or tender breasts. To alleviate discomfort, wear comfortable clothing that doesn’t irritate your body. Consider swapping underwire bras for maternity or nursing bras that offer gentle support. You can also use ice packs for temporary relief from breast tenderness.Â
Strive to maintain a balanced diet that includes proteins from sources such as meat or plant-based alternatives. Ensure you consume diverse vegetables and fruits daily to benefit from their vitamins, minerals, and fibre. Additionally, don’t overlook calcium-rich foods such as low-fat dairy, beans, nuts, and tofu, which are essential for supporting your overall health during pregnancy.
Stay hydrated, as it’s crucial during this time. Aim to drink an additional 8-ounce glass of liquid for every half hour of activity. Stick to water whenever possible, as sports drinks often contain unnecessary ingredients. Increase your fluid intake even more in warm weather or if you find yourself sweating excessively.
As morning sickness fades and your appetite returns during pregnancy, be mindful of your food choices. Instead of indulging in sugary, fatty, or processed foods, focus on maintaining a healthy diet that benefits you and your baby. Opting for nutritious foods supports your overall well-being and contributes to healthy weight gain throughout pregnancy.Â
You should be selective when consuming fish. Avoid high-mercury varieties like tilefish, shark, swordfish, orange roughy, bigeye tuna, marlin, and king mackerel. However, don’t avoid all seafood altogether. Fish is rich in DHA, a healthy omega-3 fatty acid, so aim to include two to three servings of well-cooked shellfish, canned light tuna, wild-caught salmon, or cod in your diet each week.
One major advantage of exercising is its calorie-burning effect. As a pregnant mom, you can replenish those calories with healthy pregnancy snacks.
Grab a light snack and drink a few minutes before your workout, and indulge in another snack after exercising. Bananas and orange juice are excellent choices due to their high potassium content, an essential nutrient lost during perspiration, and they provide quick energy.Â
Begin incorporating Kegel exercises into your routine if you haven’t already. These exercises strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, supporting your uterus and bladder. Kegels offer numerous benefits, including helping to prevent accidental urination during and after pregnancy.Â
To perform Kegel exercises, simply contract the pelvic floor muscles as if you were trying to stop the flow of urine or prevent yourself from passing gas. Hold this contraction for a few seconds before releasing.Â
The flu shot and COVID-19 vaccine are considered safe and strongly recommended for all pregnant women. These vaccines significantly reduce your risk of severe infection and hospitalisation. Importantly, the antibodies you develop in response to these vaccines are passed on to your baby, offering them protection after birth.
During pregnancy, hormones prepare your body for breastfeeding, which can result in sore or tender breasts. To alleviate discomfort, wear comfortable clothing that doesn’t irritate your body. Consider swapping underwire bras for maternity or nursing bras that offer gentle support. You can also use ice packs for temporary relief from breast tenderness.Â
Strive to maintain a balanced diet that includes proteins from sources such as meat or plant-based alternatives. Ensure you consume diverse vegetables and fruits daily to benefit from their vitamins, minerals, and fibre. Additionally, don’t overlook calcium-rich foods such as low-fat dairy, beans, nuts, and tofu, which are essential for supporting your overall health during pregnancy.
Stay hydrated, as it’s crucial during this time. Aim to drink an additional 8-ounce glass of liquid for every half hour of activity. Stick to water whenever possible, as sports drinks often contain unnecessary ingredients. Increase your fluid intake even more in warm weather or if you find yourself sweating excessively.
Stay hydrated, as it’s crucial during this time. Aim to drink an additional 8-ounce glass of liquid for every half hour of activity. Stick to water whenever possible, as sports drinks often contain unnecessary ingredients. Increase your fluid intake even more in warm weather or if you find yourself sweating excessively.
You should be selective when consuming fish. Avoid high-mercury varieties like tilefish, shark, swordfish, orange roughy, bigeye tuna, marlin, and king mackerel. However, don’t avoid all seafood altogether. Fish is rich in DHA, a healthy omega-3 fatty acid, so aim to include two to three servings of well-cooked shellfish, canned light tuna, wild-caught salmon, or cod in your diet each week.
One major advantage of exercising is its calorie-burning effect. As a pregnant mom, you can replenish those calories with healthy pregnancy snacks.
Grab a light snack and drink a few minutes before your workout, and indulge in another snack after exercising. Bananas and orange juice are excellent choices due to their high potassium content, an essential nutrient lost during perspiration, and they provide quick energy.Â
Begin incorporating Kegel exercises into your routine if you haven’t already. These exercises strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, supporting your uterus and bladder. Kegels offer numerous benefits, including helping to prevent accidental urination during and after pregnancy.Â
To perform Kegel exercises, simply contract the pelvic floor muscles as if you were trying to stop the flow of urine or prevent yourself from passing gas. Hold this contraction for a few seconds before releasing.Â
The flu shot and COVID-19 vaccine are considered safe and strongly recommended for all pregnant women. These vaccines significantly reduce your risk of severe infection and hospitalisation. Importantly, the antibodies you develop in response to these vaccines are passed on to your baby, offering them protection after birth.
Your partner’s body is undergoing numerous changes during pregnancy, and once effortless tasks may now pose more of a challenge. A thoughtful way to express appreciation and care for her is by offering gentle massages to her hands, feet, or back at the end of a tiring day. Using her favourite fragrance of lotion or massage oil can enhance this experience and make it even more special for her. Â
If your pregnant partner’s nausea subsides, they may find that their appetite returns. This is a great opportunity to prepare or order nutritious and well-balanced meals for both of you to enjoy together! Opting for meals rich in vitamins and nutrients promotes the health and weight of both you and your partner and supports the development of your growing baby.
Your baby has grown almost double its size in the last three weeks. Its present size is about 2.13 inches, or about the size of a lime. Your baby now weighs about fourteen grams or half an Ounce.
By the time you reach 12 weeks of pregnancy, you may notice an improvement in troublesome symptoms like nausea and vomiting. This is because the pregnancy hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels have peaked and may begin to decrease while the placenta takes over to support the baby. As a result, you might start to feel a bit better overall.
You may experience a sense of relief as the risk of miscarriage significantly decreases towards the end of the first trimester. This marks an important milestone, and you may feel more comfortable sharing the news with others.
Dyeing your hair during pregnancy has been a topic of much debate. However, according to ACOG, it’s generally considered safe and unlikely to harm your foetus. Many pregnant individuals choose to dye their hair without experiencing any issues. If you prefer to err on caution, you could explore alternatives like vegetable dyes or postpone colouring or highlighting your hair until after pregnancy.
Deciding when to announce your pregnancy is a personal choice; there’s no right or wrong time. Some people prefer to wait until after the first trimester, around 12 weeks, when the risk of miscarriage decreases. However, if you feel comfortable and excited to share now or wait until later with close family and friends, that’s perfectly okay, too. Trust your instincts and do what feels right for you and your partner.
Whether you undergo a 12-week ultrasound depends on your doctor’s recommendations and insurance coverage. If you do have the ultrasound, you’ll likely notice clearer images of your 12-week-old foetus, which can be exciting and may prompt you to consider sharing the news of your pregnancy with others.Â
As you near the end of the first trimester, you might be curious about the appearance of a 12-week-old foetus. This stage marks a period of significant development for your baby. Their eyes and nose start to form, while their fingers and toes undergo separation as the connective webbing disappears. Fingernails begin to emerge, and tooth buds appear under the gums. Meanwhile, crucial organs like the kidneys and intestines continue to grow steadily.Â
Your baby has grown almost double its size in the last three weeks. Its present size is about 2.13 inches, or about the size of a lime. Your baby now weighs about fourteen grams or half an Ounce.
By the time you reach 12 weeks of pregnancy, you may notice an improvement in troublesome symptoms like nausea and vomiting. This is because the pregnancy hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels have peaked and may begin to decrease while the placenta takes over to support the baby. As a result, you might start to feel a bit better overall.
You may experience a sense of relief as the risk of miscarriage significantly decreases towards the end of the first trimester. This marks an important milestone, and you may feel more comfortable sharing the news with others.
Dyeing your hair during pregnancy has been a topic of much debate. However, according to ACOG, it’s generally considered safe and unlikely to harm your foetus. Many pregnant individuals choose to dye their hair without experiencing any issues. If you prefer to err on caution, you could explore alternatives like vegetable dyes or postpone colouring or highlighting your hair until after pregnancy.
Deciding when to announce your pregnancy is a personal choice; there’s no right or wrong time. Some people prefer to wait until after the first trimester, around 12 weeks, when the risk of miscarriage decreases. However, if you feel comfortable and excited to share now or wait until later with close family and friends, that’s perfectly okay, too. Trust your instincts and do what feels right for you and your partner.
Whether you undergo a 12-week ultrasound depends on your doctor’s recommendations and insurance coverage. If you do have the ultrasound, you’ll likely notice clearer images of your 12-week-old foetus, which can be exciting and may prompt you to consider sharing the news of your pregnancy with others.Â
As you near the end of the first trimester, you might be curious about the appearance of a 12-week-old foetus. This stage marks a period of significant development for your baby. Their eyes and nose start to form, while their fingers and toes undergo separation as the connective webbing disappears. Fingernails begin to emerge, and tooth buds appear under the gums. Meanwhile, crucial organs like the kidneys and intestines continue to grow steadily.Â
1. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Is it safe to dye my hair during pregnancy?
2. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Morning Sickness: Nausea and Vomiting of Pregnancy
3. American Pregnancy Association. 12 Weeks Pregnant.
4. Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Guidelines for Vaccinating Pregnant Women.
5. Healthline. 12 Weeks Pregnant: Symptoms, Tips, and More.
6. Medical News Today. Your pregnancy at 12 weeks.
7. Nemours Kids Health. Week 12.
8. NHS. Stomach pain in pregnancy.
9. NHS. Week 12.Â
10. Serna-Hoyos, L.C., Arango, A.F.H., Ortiz-Mesa, S., Vieira-Rios, S.M., Arbelaez-Lelion, D., Vanegas-Munera, J.M., Castillo-Bustamante, M., HerrĂłn-Arango, A.F. and Vanegas, J.M., 2022. Vertigo in pregnancy: a narrative review. Cureus, 14(5).
11. Webmd. Your Pregnancy Week by Week: Weeks 9-12.
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