How Your Baby Grows Inside You: Week 12

Woohoo! You are officially going to enter trimester two 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 cms long and weighs about 10 to 12 grams. S/he is  now able to move her/his fingers and toes and has developed reflexes! The little one is also sensitive to touch now that her/his brain is fully formed.

Which means, the baby can also feel the sensation of pain. If you were to prod your abdomen, your baby will react by squirming away from the point of pressure. You still might not feel anything though.

The first time you feel your baby move will only be week 18 onwards, so if you do feel anything before that, it’s probably just gas!

Signs and Symptoms

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

Your doctor might ask you to conduct few tests this week, to rule out any abnormalities such as Down’s Syndrome. This is especially 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 advices!

Physical Development

Very soon, you will sport a  noticeable bump as the uterus shifts above the pelvic bone, giving the baby more room to grow.

If you still haven’t said goodbye to your high heels and tight-fitting clothes, now is the right time. Adapt ‘comfy and chic’ as your new fashion mantra!

Your family will insist that you eat for two but remember that the second person is just about 10 grams so doubling the food intake is not required.

Your body needs only about 300 extra calories every day which is equivalent to 2 regular rotis, a small cup of vegetables and a cup of toned/ skimmed milk. That’s all the extra food that you need in a 24 hour period.

Emotional Changes

The advices that will flow in, once you announce the pregnancy might overwhelm you. We understand that it can get annoying but relax, pregnant women ignite protective instincts in most people. Just don’t get confused. We recommend that you only listen to your doctor and trust your own instincts. After all, it’s your body and your baby!

Red Flags

Avoid eating outside as restaurant food is high in salt and saturated fats. If you must eat outside, choose wisely. Opt for clear gravies, stir fried vegetables and share your dessert. This practice will also keep your calories in check.

Old Wives’ Tales

You might be asked to stay away from certain foods like papaya and pineapple. Remember, small amounts of ripe papaya or pineapple will not cause you or your baby any harm.

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