You baby is the size of Lime!

By the 12th week of pregnancy, you are nearing the end of your first trimester, and there are exciting developments to look forward to. Your unborn baby is rapidly growing and has reached a length of over two inches. Most of their organs and bodily systems have been formed and are now aligning in their proper places. Your baby will soon mature and start functioning on their own, while you prepare for the fourth month of pregnancy. This month involves more visits to the doctor and an anatomy scan during the fifth month. Overall, everything is progressing smoothly. If you haven’t experienced relief from nausea yet, you can expect it soon.

Pregnancy Week 12 Quick Facts

• At 12th weeks, Now you are 3 month pregnant.
• You have 28 weeks until your due time “Calculate your due date”.
• You have reached the conclusion of your initial trimester.

Your Unborn Baby’s Size at 12 Weeks

Your growing baby is approximately 2.13 inches long and weighs around 14 grams, which is equivalent to 0.49 ounces. It’s like having a fetus the size of a lime!

Pregnancy Symptoms Week 12

As you approach the end of your first trimester, you may notice that some of the early pregnancy symptoms you experienced, such as morning sickness and fatigue, are starting to subside as your hormones begin to balance out. However, you may also start experiencing some new issues, including bloating, headaches, and increased vaginal discharge.

Another common symptom that some women experience around week 12 is dizziness. This can be attributed to the increase in progesterone levels in your body, which relaxes and widens your blood vessels to allow more blood to reach your fetus. As a result, your blood pressure may actually lower, temporarily reducing blood flow to your brain. This may be more noticeable when standing or changing positions quickly.

To prevent dizziness, make sure to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, snack regularly to maintain your blood sugar levels, and sit down as soon as you start feeling lightheaded. If the dizziness becomes severe, it’s important to contact your medical provider for further evaluation.

Prenatal Tests and Doctor’s Appointments

If you had your first prenatal appointment at eight weeks, chances are high that you will have another visit with your healthcare provider or midwife this week. Typically, during the first and second trimesters, appointments are scheduled four weeks apart (once a month). At your 12 week visit, what can you expect?

Congratulations on your pregnancy! The 12th week of pregnancy is an important milestone as you’re nearing the end of the first trimester.

Here’s what you can expect in terms of prenatal tests and doctor’s appointments at this stage:

Prenatal Tests

First Trimester Screening: This is a combination of blood tests and ultrasound to assess your baby’s risk for certain genetic conditions, such as Down syndrome and other chromosomal abnormalities.

Blood Tests: Routine blood tests to check your blood type, Rh factor, iron levels, and immunity to certain diseases such as rubella.

Urine Tests: Urine tests may be conducted to check for urinary tract infections and other conditions.

Optional Genetic Testing: Depending on your and family medical history, you may choose to undergo additional genetic testing, such as carrier screening for certain genetic disorders.

Doctor’s Appointments:

Comprehensive Check-Up: It will conduct a thorough physical examination, including checking your blood pressure, weight, and overall health. Also listen to your baby’s heartbeat using a Doppler or a handheld fetal monitor.

Ultrasound: Your doctor may perform an ultrasound to assess your baby’s growth and development, check for any abnormalities, and confirm your due date.

Discussion of Symptoms: This is a time to discuss any symptoms you may have, like morning sickness, mood swings, fatigue, or changes in your body.

Nutrition and Lifestyle Advice: Your doctor will guide you to maintain a healthy diet, stay active and manage stress during pregnancy.

Antenatal Education: Your doctor may provide educational resources on prenatal care, childbirth preparation, breastfeeding, and care.

For twin pregnancies, there are some additional tests and appointments that may be recommended at 12 weeks:

Chorionicity determination: This test is used to determine whether the twins are identical or fraternal. It is important to know the chorionicity of twins, as identical twins have a higher risk of certain complications.

Additional ultrasounds: Twin pregnancies may require more frequent ultrasounds to monitor the growth and development of both fetuses. “Ask any questions during your appointments, the doctor will guide you.”

Risk in the 12th week of pregnancy

During the 12th week of pregnancy, both single and twin pregnancies carry some level of risk, but the specific risks can vary.

For single pregnancies, the risk of miscarriage decreases significantly after the first trimester, but there are still some potential risks to be aware of. These can include genetic abnormalities, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, preterm labor, and birth defects.

In twin pregnancies, there are additional risks due to the fact that there are two babies developing in the womb. These can include preterm labor and delivery, low birth weight, twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS), and congenital anomalies.

The degree of risk is based on various elements, like the women’s age, medical history, and lifestyle. If you have concerns about your pregnancy or the health of your babies, just speak with your doctor.

Developmental Milestones

This is an important week of development for your growing baby. By now, all of their bodily systems have been formed, or are close to being fully developed. It’s time for them to start learning how to function, beginning with their digestive system. Additionally, their vital organs and body parts are now in their proper places, and the pituitary gland located at the base of their brain is beginning to produce hormones. The bone marrow is also busy processing white blood cells, a critical process for their immune system. It’s incredible to witness the intricate processes taking place as your baby prepares for life outside the womb.