Week Twelve Pregnancy

You Are

As you get closer to week 12 of your pregnancy, you are at the end of the first trimester and you may find that many of the early pregnancy discomforts that you experienced start to fade away. You might discover that morning sickness is improving, as well as an increase in your energy. But, your hormone levels may still cause mood swings, headache attacks, and dizzy spells. You may feel a soft bump under your belly as your uterus expands to accommodate your growing baby.

Shortly, you will be subjected to your first-trimester screening, which usually involves ultrasound and blood tests to track your baby’s health. As your body adjusts to feeding your baby’s growth, eating a healthy diet, drinking lots of water, and sleeping well are necessary. It’s a good time to look at the available prenatal classes and get ready for the services you’ll need during the second trimester.

Your Baby

Your baby is approximately 2.1 inches long and weighs more than 0.5 ounces, or about the size of a plum, at 12 weeks gestation. What is especially amazing this week is that your baby’s reflexes are emerging! Your baby can flex their fingers, hug their toes, and sometimes move with your touch, even if you haven’t felt it yet.

Your baby’s face is developing, the eyes are getting closer together, and the ears are finding their final place. Your baby’s intestines are now moving to the abdomen, previously processed outside the body. Your baby’s kidneys are now functioning, producing urine and the vocal cords are developing for their first cries.

This is a very important turning point, because now your baby’s risk of miscarriage is significantly diminished, and it is a perfect time to contact your family and friends if you have not done so.