You`re coming to the end of the first trimester and that`s exciting ladies! The 12th week is a turning point for your pregnancy, as you have been pregnant for three months. Your hormones, which had been crazy for most of you, may now be starting to return to normal. Also, if you`ve been keeping this happy news a secret, it`s time to get the beans out of your mouth. As in the past few weeks, it may still seem minimal, but some of you may be showing at least a small tummy. Soon you won`t be able to hide!
Baby Growth
In addition to the development of the baby`s organs, your baby`s genitals may already be visible from the outside or may be visible in the coming weeks depending on the hormonal activity taking place.
More importantly, your baby will begin to develop on reflexes like sucking. Your baby`s kidneys will also be functional as they can now start producing urine. What used to be just finger beds can also show up as nails at the end of week 12. The pituitary gland in the brain begins to produce many hormones. The digestive system can create contractions that push food into the intestines. It can also absorb glucose (sugar).
Will the gender be determined in 12 weeks? Now the external genitals begin to show distinct signs for male and female sex characteristics. However, you will have to wait at least until the 16th week for a clear result.
"Can 12-week-old baby movements be felt?" Let`s talk about the subject. A 12-week-old baby starts to move in the womb, but you can`t feel this movement for a while yet.
Baby Size
By this time, your baby would be the size of an apricot or plum. This means that by the end of the 12th week, it will be averagely 5.4 cm long. It is also worth knowing that your baby weighs about 14 grams. More importantly, your baby`s body has developed a digestive system and its bone marrow has already started producing white blood cells.
Common Body Changes
Common body changes this week, as you leave the first trimester behind, include some weight gain - about 500 grams or a kilo.
More importantly, your uterus is getting bigger and your doctor can feel it in your lower abdomen. Even if you only show a small bulge, your clothes will definitely start to feel tight.
Pregnancy Symptoms
Read on to learn more about the symptoms of pregnancy at week 12.
- Melasma or an increase in skin pigmentation. This is due to hormonal changes that temporarily increase the melanin in the skin.
- Breasts begin to ache as they prepare to produce milk.
- Darkening of the areolas around the nipples due to increased pigmentation.
Besides that, let`s review some of the symptoms you may have gotten used to by now.
- Vaginal discharge: This is usually experienced to protect the vagina against infection.
- Headaches: Many women experience headaches due to low blood sugar levels.
- Spotting: Not every spotting case means you have a miscarriage. Regardless, don`t forget to talk to your doctor.
- Fatigue: Dizziness and bouts of fatigue may occur suddenly while the blood is being directed to the baby.
Abdomen
Even if it is not completely visible, your body will definitely feel more curved and will fit most of the clothes you own. Even if you don`t see any swelling yet, your lower abdomen is definitely heavier and more swollen than it was before you got pregnant.
Ultrasound
In summary, all your baby`s organs are in place, so from this point on it`s just a matter of maturation. As well as continuing to grow continuously, your baby`s tissues will also grow and mature.
The baby`s brain has developed and will continue to develop over the coming weeks. Your baby can now curl its toes and make some finger movements such as opening and closing. Most importantly, your baby has now developed reflexes enough to respond to your touch, which of course can only be seen on ultrasound.
What to Eat?
This question may have occupied you for most of your pregnancy. However, your goal should be to create a well-balanced diet, no matter how averse to food you are currently. Below is a suggestion that might help you.
- Choose fruits and green leafy vegetables that contain vitamins and minerals.
- Avoid junk food and prefer snacks such as nuts, yogurt and sunflower seeds. It is nutritious and satisfying. It also keeps you fuller for longer.
- Don`t forget to add fairly lean protein, mostly fish, as it helps the baby`s bones and muscles develop.
- Eat complex carbohydrates as they are essential for fetal development.
- Eat foods that contain more fiber, as they help relieve constipation.
- Try to eat for two, but do not overeat so that optimal weight gain is achieved.
Tips and Care
Completing the first trimester of your pregnancy, which is painful and difficult for many, still reminds you that from now on, there is no going back. This means it is your responsibility to protect both yourself and your baby. Your lifestyle choices will definitely reflect on your little one, so it`s important to take care of yourself above all else.
Listed below are some tips to do in the 12th week of pregnancy.
- Eat frequent meals to keep your blood sugar under control. But be careful not to overeat.
- Pay attention to your oral health especially as your hormones can cause bleeding gums.
Don’ts
Listed below are some tips that should not be done at any point in your pregnancy.
- Do not smoke as it can significantly increase the chance of breathing problems in the baby.
- Do not drink alcohol as it affects the growth of brain and spinal cord cells.
- Do not try weight-loss options, such as starving yourself, as this may adversely affect the baby.
- Avoid living in poor conditions such as lack of ventilation or in places that are too hot or too cold.
- Avoid saunas or hot tubs as the body cannot sweat properly due to increased blood flow and hormones. This means that it affects the baby as its body temperature rises since the body cannot lose heat effectively.
Shopping
Pregnancy shopping at the end of the first trimester is usually not much different from the last few months. However, it`s important to invest in good shoes because uncomfortable shoes can cause headaches, throw the body off balance and even cause leg cramps and swollen feet.
You can invest in parenting books, comfortable stretchy bras, and some may even opt for nursing bras because they`re going to come in handy very soon. Stock up on healthy foods and snacks. Invest in maternity clothes. Remember to buy good oral health products. Invest in good lotions and moisturizers. Consult your doctor and stock up on vitamins that will help both you and your baby.
At the 12th week of pregnancy, you are used to the second month of your pregnancy. Symptoms like headaches and dizziness can make regular work a little tedious. However, most people may begin to experience less morning sickness. The good news is that this is probably the last hard week, after which most of these symptoms are likely to disappear.