12 Weeks Pregnant: Different Symptoms You Should Know About

Woohoo! You are officially going to enter the second trimester by the end of this week. This also  means, you will finally be stepping into the safe zone of pregnancy, as the risk of miscarriage reduces considerably after week 12. 

Your baby is now about 7 to 8 cm long and weighs about 10 to 12 grams. S/he is  now able to move their fingers and toes and has developed reflexes! The little one is also sensitive to touch and their brain is fully formed. Which means, your baby can feel the sensation of pain. If you try to prod your abdomen, your baby will react by squirming away from the point of pressure. 

You might not feel your baby move or kick during this time, as strong foetal movements only begin from 18 weeks onward.  So if you do feel anything before that, it’s probably just gas! 

Let’s understand more about what happens when you’re 12 weeks pregnant and what symptoms you should be aware of this week. Keep on reading to find out interesting details.

Baby’s Development At 12 Weeks

Your child’s hands and toes can curl during 12 weeks of pregnancy. Your baby will start developing nails on the fingers and toes as well.  The oesophagus and stomach which began to develop around the seventh week of pregnancy will be almost functional by now. Your baby’s intestines also protrude into the umbilical cord due to rapid growth. Their intestines will eventually go within their belly when the abdominal wall closes. 

How Does the 12 Week Fetus Size Look Like? 

At 12 weeks of pregnancy, your baby will be the size of a lemon that measures around 2.13 inches in length from top to bottom and approx 2.05 ounces. 

12 Weeks Pregnant Symptoms 

• With morning sickness and nausea out of the way (hopefully), you might feel more relaxed by this week. Continue to eat right, take your supplements and exercise.

• Your doctor might ask you to conduct a few tests this week to rule out the risk of any abnormalities in the foetus, such as Down’s Syndrome. This is all the more essential if you are in your thirties or have a family history of genetic disorders.

• After this week’s checkup, your doctor will give your pregnancy a green signal. You can now share your happiness with the world if you wish to. But be warned – with all the congratulatory messages, will come a wave of advice!
  
• You will feel anxious and stressed during this time. But don’t fret, as these symptoms are normal and subside with some meditation and self-care techniques.
  
• Headache is one of the typical pregnancy symptoms at 12 weeks. By eating small meals frequently, staying hydrated, getting adequate sleep, exercising, engaging in stress-relieving activities like yoga and meditation, and getting prenatal massages, you can prevent them.
  
• Still worn out? According to studies, 95% of pregnant women feel fatigued at some point, particularly in the first trimester. You will probably have more energy in the second trimester. Although it’s common in pregnancy, fatigue can also be a sign of iron deficiency, anaemia or depression, so if it doesn’t go away, consult your doctor.
  
• You may also experience shortness of breath and feel dizzy. 

Your Body During 12 Weeks Of Pregnancy

By this time, your uterus will be roughly the size of a big grapefruit and  you will be nearing the end of the first trimester. Your 12 weeks pregnant bump might be more noticeable and possibly visible to others. But since everyone’s body changes differently, the baby bump might appear earlier for others and possibly a little late for you, and vice versa. 

12 Weeks Pregnant Belly Pictures

12 Weeks Pregnant Ultrasound: Do You Need It?

At 12 weeks, your doctor  will perform a trisomy 13 (Patau Syndrome) and trisomy 18 screening (Edwards syndrome). These tests are also termed as Nuchal translucency screening. A blood test and an ultrasound to evaluate the fluid in the baby’s neck and back will also be conducted during pregnancy month 3. 

Self-Care Tips & 12 Weeks Pregnancy Checklist

• Sit down and talk with your partner about how you’ll pay for the baby’s bills. Identify areas where you can reduce your spending to fund the birth of your child. 
• Start doing pregnancy workouts.
• To prevent typical pregnancy issues such as constipation, haemorrhoids, and bladder and urinary tract infections, drink at least 7-8  glasses of water everyday.
• Both the COVID-19 vaccination and the flu shot are secure and advised for all pregnant mothers, so keep up-to-date with your vaccination schedule for the security of your unborn child.
• Do pregnancy journalling to pen down your thoughts, and prepare a checklist  to reduce stress during pregnancy.

Key Takeaways

When a woman is pregnant, she may experience depression or anxiety. This is entirely normal, however it would be a good idea to talk to your doctor if the symptoms persist for longer than two weeks. 

When you’re pregnant, especially if you’ve already experienced  mental health illness, it’s possible to have prenatal depression or anxiety. You should get assistance as soon as you can if this occurs. And follow all the symptoms and tips mentioned above and enjoy your pregnancy stress-free. Happy motherhood! 

FAQs

What should I feel at 12 weeks pregnant?

Nausea, mood swings, a metallic taste in your mouth, and sore breasts.

Can you feel your baby at week 12?

The 12 weeks foetus is fully formed during this stage. The sex organs are fully grown, and there are no missing or misaligned organs, muscles, limbs, or bones. The infant must now develop and expand going forward. Although the baby will be moving quite a bit, it’s too early for you to feel their motions just yet.

What is my baby doing in the womb at 12 weeks?

Your baby will be practising breathing movements and their digestive system will start to function too.

Do you have a belly at 12 week pregnant?

Your baby bump might be more noticeable and possibly visible to others at 12 week pregnant. But it’s also possible that, despite the fact that your clothes might be getting a bit tight, you might not have a pregnant tummy that can be seen.