12 Weeks Pregnant: What to Expect This Trimester

by BabyYumYum
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Baby Yum Yum - Pregnancy at 12 weeks
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Congratulations, you’re 12 weeks pregnant! This milestone marks the end of your first trimester, and exciting changes are happening to both you and your baby. You may start noticing some relief from early pregnancy symptoms. Making it to the end of the first trimester significantly reduces the chances of losing the pregnancy, so this is a milestone that you should absolutely celebrate.

By now your baby is between five and six centimetres tall from head to bottom, weighing between 8 and 14 grams and about the size of a plum. It’s also a great time to focus on your health, prepare for upcoming milestones, and connect with your growing baby. Let’s dive into what you can expect this week and how to navigate this beautiful journey with ease.

pregnancy week by week 12 ultrasound

Your baby at 12 weeks

This marks the end of the first trimester and your baby’s heart will be beating very quickly now, at about 160 beats per minute, or roughly twice as fast as yours.

From now on, their growth and development along with their range of motions will multiply exponentially week after week. Your baby’s head now has a well-rounded shape and they are also able to open and close their mouth, along with yawning, hiccuping and swallowing.

Additionally, all his internal organs are exactly where they should be and are actively performing their various functions. For instance, the kidneys have started producing small amounts of diluted urine and the bladder is gradually filling up. The vocal cords are also fully formed. The foetal nervous system is also developing and the pituitary glands are secreting many hormones. The brain is also developing rapidly.

Externally, your baby has well-defined fingernails and toenails. A large part of their body is covered in soft hair. The genitals are also quite well defined by now, although it’s not possible to tell with 100% accuracy what gender your baby is on a scan.

ALSO CHECK OUT: Pregnancy Due Date Calculator

Your body at 12 weeks

12 Weeks Pregnant - Baby Yum Yum

By the 12th week, you might still be dealing with chloasma, which are dark spots that may appear on the skin of your face. Additionally, you may get a dark line straight down your abdomen. This is called the linea nigra (linea alba before pregnancy), and it is caused by a build-up of oestrogen in your body. Most women’s linea nigra lines will disappear on their own after a few weeks or immediately after giving birth.

You will likely have gained between 2kg and 5kg, and the size of your uterus will have increased significantly. It now pushes up above the pubic bone.

Internally, your body will experience an increase in blood flow. Lots of blood will be making its way around your body and to your baby. Your hormones will also activate the sebaceous glands on your skin and throw them into overdrive. The result of this is that your skin will likely look fresher and healthier (the pregnancy glow).

The Lily Rose Collection
The Lily Rose Collection

You may also notice that any freckles or moles that you have will darken. Small red lines may also appear on your chest and legs.

The good news is that your morning sickness is likely a thing of the past. In 60% of pregnant women, it will disappear by week 12. For 30% of women, it should be gone by the 16th week.

Taking care of yourself during this time

12 Weeks Pregnant - Baby Yum Yum

At 12 weeks of pregnancy, most women have the first major ultrasound. There should be three main ultrasound procedures over the nine months of pregnancy, spread out over a number of weeks.

In this first one, you should be able to see your baby’s movements for the first time. You should also get your first estimate of the expected date of delivery (EDD). This date might change as the pregnancy progresses. Only about 5% of pregnancies will meet this first estimate.

From the ultrasound, your doctor will be able to identify your baby’s hands and feet, the spine, aspects of brain development, the stomach full of fluid, and the bladder. To your untrained eye, all you will see is a cute baby floating in fluid.

This week’s ultrasound is also used to examine foetal viability. It will determine the thickness of the nuchal fold, an area behind the neck of the foetus that is considered a marker of genetic alterations like Down Syndrome and Turner Syndrome.

If the thickness is greater than three millimetres, which is the average that is considered normal in the 12th week of gestation, there may be a greater risk of Down Syndrome. If this is the case, your doctor may recommend performing an amniocentesis from the 16th week of pregnancy, or a corial biopsy (or chorionic villus sample) to confirm the diagnosis.

The Lily Rose Collection
The Lily Rose Collection

FAQs: 12 Weeks Pregnant – What to Expect This Trimester

How big is my baby at 12 weeks?

Around 12 weeks, your baby is roughly the size of a plum, measuring about 5–6 cm in length. Major organs and systems are in place and continuing to grow.

What developments are happening with my baby now?

Your baby’s facial features are becoming more defined, fingers and toes are clearly visible, and reflexes like sucking may start developing. The digestive system also begins to practise movements.

Will my morning sickness improve at 12 weeks?

Many women find nausea and fatigue start to lessen as they enter the second trimester. However, experiences vary—some may continue to feel unwell for a while longer.

Is it normal to see a little bump at this stage?

Some women begin showing a slight baby bump at around 12 weeks, but it varies greatly depending on body type, whether this is a first pregnancy, and other factors.

Can I have an ultrasound at 12 weeks?

Yes. Many women undergo a 12-week scan (often called the nuchal translucency scan) to check the baby’s development and screen for certain conditions. Discuss the timing and details with your healthcare provider.

What if I still experience occasional cramping or spotting?

Mild cramping can be normal, but any heavy bleeding, significant pain, or concerns about spotting should prompt a call to your healthcare provider to rule out complications.

How should I adjust my diet at 12 weeks?

Continue focusing on nutrient-rich foods including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and dairy or alternatives. Stay hydrated and consider supplements like folic acid and vitamin D if recommended by your doctor.

Is it safe to travel during this phase of pregnancy?

Most women can travel safely during the second trimester. However, if you have any medical conditions or a history of complications, speak to your healthcare provider before planning a trip.

What exercise is safe at 12 weeks pregnant?

Low-impact activities like walking, swimming, and prenatal yoga are generally safe. Avoid high-risk sports or heavy lifting. Always check with your doctor for personalised guidelines.

Why do I feel emotional or moody at 12 weeks?

Hormonal fluctuations, physical changes, and general stress can all contribute to mood swings. Finding ways to relax, such as gentle exercise or talking to a friend, can help.

When do I need to schedule my next prenatal appointment?

Prenatal appointments are typically every four weeks at this stage, but check with your healthcare provider for specific advice, especially if you need additional tests or screenings.

Is it okay to share pregnancy news at 12 weeks?

Many people choose to announce pregnancy around the end of the first trimester, as the risk of miscarriage decreases. Ultimately, it’s a personal decision. Share your news when you feel comfortable.

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