Learn what’s happening in week 12 of pregnancy and find out how your baby is developing.
The twelfth week of pregnancy is a significant time for any woman because it marks the end of the most critical stage of your baby’s growth and development.
Your baby is growing bigger and bigger each day and now is the size of a large plum. After this week, the chances of miscarriage decrease significantly and the majority of women feel more secure to break the news about their pregnancy to everyone.
What Happens in Your Body in Pregnancy Week 12?
At this stage, the muscles of your stomach may slow down, which causes some of the most unpleasant pregnancy symptoms at 12 weeks such as constipation and severe gassiness.
Your uterus is protruding above the pubic bone and you will start showing soon. Hips are widening to make more space for the uterus to grow. Heart rate may also speed up because of the increased blood volume in your body.
Heartburn is undoubtedly one of the most common symptoms of pregnancy in week 12. This happens due to the increase of the pregnancy hormone progesterone.
To help reduce heartburn, try to eat smaller portions frequently and stick to high-fiber foods.
Changes in Your Body at 12 Weeks Pregnant
Some women will get that “pregnancy glow”, but others will experience some negative changes in their skin. The skin around your nipples (areola) will darken and spots can appear all over your body.
During the twelfth week, some women will also get darker-colored patches of skin on their faces.
Your growing uterus is starting to come out of the pelvis, so you will definitely start “showing”.
The extra fluid your body retains may thicken your lens and cornea and the pressure of the fluid within your eyeball may change as well. These changes can cause blurry vision, which is one of the common signs of pregnancy.
This symptom should disappear after your baby’s birth, but make sure to contact your doctor because these changes could also signal diabetes or hypertension.
Your Baby at 12 Week of Pregnancy
This is an exciting week for your baby as its face begins to look more human. Your baby may weigh as much as half an ounce and is probably about the size of a large plum. The brain continues to develop rapidly and muscles begin responding to the brain.
This week your baby starts kicking and stretching, and if you haven’t already had the pleasure, you’ll finally be able to hear your baby’s heartbeat.
Your baby is growing finger and toenails, the kidneys and liver are working and the liver is producing red blood cells.
The placenta is almost complete and will become an incredible life support machine for your baby.
The baby has a fine layer of hair (lanugo) covering his/her body. This hair helps your baby to stay warm and will be shed towards the end of the pregnancy.
Pregnancy Week 12 Tips
Many women decide to share the news of their pregnancy at the end of the first trimester.
The irritating early pregnancy symptoms such as morning sickness, nausea, gas, constipation, and fatigue have probably disappeared by now.
During week 12, it is important to continue taking care of yourself and your baby. This means you need to eat high-fiber foods, take brisk walks, and drink plenty of water to keep your intestinal tract moving and stay hydrated.
