What Happens At 3 Months Of Pregnancy?

You’ve completed 3 months of pregnancy and that completes your first trimester! By the end of this month, your baby will grow to more than three inches in length and is fully formed. Your baby develops arms, hands, fingers, feet, and toes and can open and close its fists and mouth.

At three months pregnant, some of the early pregnancy symptoms will slowly start to subside. Here’s what happens at 3 months of pregnancy.

What Happens During Week 9-10?

• By week nine to 10, the foetus is 11/4 inches long, and the head makes up about half this size.
• The beginnings of all the key organs are present even though they are not completely positioned in their final locations.
• The 3-month-old foetus’ eyelids and ears have started to form, and the tip of the nose is also visible.

What Happens During Week 11-12?

Here are some of the facts about the 3 months foetus:

• During week 11, the baby measures about two inches and starts to make its movements.
• The expecting mum might start to feel the top of her uterus above her pubic bone.
• The doctor might hear the baby’s heartbeat with the help of special instruments.
• The sex organs of the foetus start to become prominent.

Common Pregnancy Symptoms At 3 Months Of Pregnancy

Here’s a list of 3rd-month pregnancy symptoms:

1. Increase in vaginal discharge: The combination of pregnancy hormones and the increased blood supply leads to an increased vaginal discharge. As long as it’s clear or milky white, there’s nothing to worry about. This is one of the most common 3 months of pregnancy symptoms.
2. Nausea: Get ready for morning sickness to hit you. Although it can happen in any of the trimesters, it can be at its height during this time. To help relieve nausea, it is recommended to avoid having an empty stomach. Eating in small amounts every one to two hours might be helpful.
3. Fatigue: The 3 months of pregnancy also brings with it fatigue and stress. Feeling tired or exhausted is common during this time. Blame the hormonal changes for this. It is advisable to ensure a healthy diet and take adequate rest during this time.
4. Skin changes: You might notice that the colour of your nipples has started to darken. This is so because your body produces more melanin, a type of pigment during this time. The extra melanin can also lead to brown patches on your face (chloasma). You might also notice a dark, vertical line (Linea Nigra). This line runs from your belly button to the pubic area and appears at three months pregnant as your belly size increases. 
5. Breast changes: Breast changes are also common in 3 months of pregnancy. The pregnancy hormones help your breasts prepare for breastfeeding. That is why your breasts tend to grow and there’s more blood flowing to them. This can make you uncomfortable too. Your areolas might grow larger and darker, and your nipples might start to protrude a little more.
6. Constipation: Constipation in pregnancy can happen in any of the trimesters as the high levels of the hormone progesterone slow down the muscle contractions that normally move food through your system. However, it is a more common 3 months pregnancy symptom. It is advisable to stay hydrated and eat more fruits and vegetables that are enriched with fibre.

Twins At 3 Months Pregnant

In this early phase of pregnancy, twin growth compared to singleton growth isn’t that distinct. According to research, your twins might be a little smaller than a single baby at 12 weeks. However, they should still both be about two or three inches long.

Plus, it’s normal if there is a slight difference in size between your twin babies at this stage.

What Does A Foetus Look Like At 3 Months?

Medical studies suggest that at the end of the third month, the foetus is about three-four inches long and weighs about 28 g (1 ounce).

Since your baby’s most critical development has already taken place in the first 3 months of pregnancy, the chance of miscarriage drops considerably and that’s good news!

Changes In Body At 3 Months Of Pregnancy

1. Heightened sense of smell: The three months pregnant belly brings with it a heightened sense of smell during this time is common. Unfortunately, most of what you’re smelling might make you want to vomit as it brings with it food aversions too. You can blame the surging levels of pregnancy hormones for this.

2. Heartburn: During this time, the pregnancy hormones can also relax the valve between your stomach and oesophagus. This can let stomach acid reflux into your oesophagus and cause heartburn.

3. Weight gain: Get ready to put on some extra kilos for your baby. Doctors recommend adding 300 extra calories to your diet each day for a healthy pregnancy. In case of any concern, it is advisable to consult your doctor for advice on how much weight gain is right for you.

How Far Along Are You At 3 Months Pregnant?

Are you wondering which weeks are in the third month of pregnancy? Although there’s no standard answer, three months pregnant is often defined as covering week nine through week 12 or 13 and at the end of this month, you’ll be ready to enter the second trimester.

When to Visit a Doctor

It is advisable to call a doctor right away if you experience:

• Vaginal spotting and bleeding
• Abdominal cramping or intense pain on any side of the abdomen
• Extreme nausea, headache and dizziness
• Vaginal discharge having a foul or fish-like odour
• Vaginal discharge having a green hue
• High fever with an extreme body ache

3 Checklists When You’re 3 Months Pregnant

1. It is advisable to pay attention to your mental health as prenatal depression is common during pregnancy. You can consult a doctor in case of extreme emotional uplifts.
2. Keep stress at bay and ensure proper sleep and adequate rest.
3. It is recommended to use skin-friendly sunscreen to avoid melasma or chloasma that brings darker patches on your face or body.
4. Ensure that you are physically active. You can also consult a doctor and start light and less-strenuous exercises.

FAQs

Can you feel a baby at 3 months?

Although your baby can move in your belly when you are three months pregnant, it is too early for you to feel this.

What should I expect at 3 months pregnant?

At 3 months pregnant, you can expect symptoms like fatigue, nausea, constipation, breast changes, heartburn and increased vaginal discharge.

Does your belly show at 3 months pregnant?

Yes, you can flaunt your 3 months pregnant belly. However, if you have strong core muscles, you won’t start showing until four or even five months and that’s normal.

How do you know if your pregnancy is healthy?

It is advisable to go for regular checkups. Include folic acid in your pregnancy diet and plenty of vegetables and fruits. Try to be physically active. These are all the requisites for a healthy pregnancy.

Also Read: 8 Weeks Pregnant Woman – Symptoms, Baby Growth & Care

First Trimester In Pregnancy: What To Expect?