Every week of your pregnancy is special, but the week 12 pregnancy is a milestone to look forward to! Week 12 is actually the last week in the first trimester. That means your baby is almost a third of the way through its gestation period. During this week, you’ll experience lots of physical and emotional changes. So, it’s important to be prepared for what this week has in store for you.
In this article, we’ll go over everything you need to know about the 12th week of pregnancy.
Your Baby’s Development
At 12 weeks pregnant, your baby is about 3 to 4 inches long and weighs around 1.3 ounces. They are now about the size of a plum! Your baby’s development also hinges on the nutrients they get via the umbilical cord.
The baby’s head is getting bigger relative to the body size. Their face has also formed into a more human shape. The eyes are now properly positioned in the front of the face, although they still don’t have any color. The baby is growing more and more fingers and toes, which are now completely formed.
At this stage, the baby’s vital organs, such as the heart, lungs, liver and kidneys have all developed. Additionally, its reproductive system has also started to form. That means you can get an ultrasound to know your baby’s sex!
Early Pregnancy Symptoms At Week 12
Now, let’s go to you, the lovely mom-to-be! During this week, you may have some physical and emotional changes. Common physical symptoms include:
Fatigue & Tiredness
Most women feel an increase in fatigue and tiredness during this stage. This is due to the increased hormone levels and your body’s energy being focused on growing a baby.
Nausea & Vomiting
Morning sickness, or nausea and vomiting, can be experienced by some moms during week 12 of pregnancy. But don’t worry! This is normal and will likely subside as your pregnancy progresses.
Changes In Your Breasts
Around this stage, you may notice that your breasts are larger and more tender than usual. This is due to the increased hormone levels in the body.
Increased Frequency Of Peeing
With your baby growing, you may experience an increase in trips to the bathroom. This happens because of the extra pressure on your bladder from the uterus.
Abdominal Bloating
Week 12 of pregnancy is the time when your belly starts to become more noticeable. This is due to the bloating in your abdominal area, which will continue throughout the rest of your pregnancy.
A Heightened Sense Of Smell
An increased sense of smell can be experienced during this week. This heightened sense is due to the raised hormone levels in the body.
Vaginal Discharge
Vaginal discharge can be experienced as early as week 12 of pregnancy. It can be a bit milky in appearance due to the increased blood flow to your reproductive organs.
Baby Bump
Many pregnant women see the beginnings of a baby bump during this week! However, your pregnant belly may not be that obvious yet. It really depends on each mom-to-be. For example, it will be different if it’s your first or subsequent pregnancy.
Emotional Changes At Week 12 Pregnancy
Your pregnancy hormones may also affect your emotions. During this time, you may experience a roller coaster of emotions. You may find yourself feeling excited one moment and anxious the next. It’s important to remember that these are normal emotions, and don’t let them take over your life.
Here are some emotional symptoms to look out for during week 12:
Mood Swings
As your hormones fluctuate, you may experience sudden mood swings. This can be an emotional roller coaster ride. So, it’s important to take a step back and recognize what is happening.
Anxiety & Stress
It’s common to feel anxious or stressed about your pregnancy during this time. It’s important to talk to someone about how you are feeling and seek help if needed.
Mental Fog & Memory Loss
Due to the hormonal fluctuations, you may experience mental fog or memory loss during week 12 of pregnancy. Many also call this the “Mommy Brain.” This is nothing to worry about as it usually goes away once hormones stabilize again.
What You Can Do To Prepare For Pregnancy Week 12
Week 12 of pregnancy is a great time to start preparing for the upcoming months. Here are some things you can do to get ready:
Start Educating Yourself On Pregnancy & Childbirth
Knowledge is power! Now that you’re almost in your second trimester, what to do? It’s a great time to start learning more about what to expect in the coming months. Read pregnancy books, talk to other moms, and research. You can also keep a pregnancy journal.
Of course, this will include learning about what to eat for a healthy weight gain. It also involves exercising, like keeping your pelvic floor muscles strong.
Join A Pregnancy Support Group
During this time, you may feel like you’re alone in your journey. Joining a pregnancy support group can help ease those feelings of isolation. Many women can provide invaluable resources to help you prepare ahead!
Visit Your Doctor Or Midwife
Week 12 of pregnancy is the perfect time to make an appointment with your doctor or midwife. Most doctors recommend a prenatal check-up at this stage. So, it’s important to plan ahead and book an appointment right away.
During your doctor’s visit, they will likely do a physical exam and conduct various tests. They may also discuss any questions or concerns you have about your pregnancy.
Tests For Week 12
Your doctor may order some tests at this stage, such as a urine sample and ultrasound. These are to ensure you and your baby are healthy, and will also help detect any potential issues.
They may recommend screening for certain conditions that could affect your baby too. The most common conditions to look out for are:
Down Syndrome
This condition is caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21. It typically results in mental disability and physical abnormalities. It can also lead to other medical issues.
Edwards’ Syndrome
This is another genetic disorder caused by an extra chromosome (chromosome 18). It can lead to serious medical problems, like heart defects and mental disability.
Patau’s Syndrome
This rare condition is caused by an extra copy of chromosome 13. It typically leads to severe physical and intellectual impairments.
Remember that these tests are for information gathering only. They are not intended for diagnosis. If anything unusual comes up, your doctor can discuss more with you.
To Wrap Up
Week 12 of pregnancy is an exciting time with many changes happening in your body! Taking the time to educate yourself and prepare for the upcoming months can help make this journey easier. It can also make the experience more enjoyable for you and your baby.
If you ever have any questions or concerns, call your healthcare provider right away. They will be able to provide the best advice for your situation. Best of luck on this journey!
Happy Week 12!
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