12 week of pregnancy

12 weeks of gestation means near completion of the first trimester. Toxicosis should stop soon. The little man under the mother’s heart is less and less threatened with developmental pathologies. The risk of spontaneous abortion is reduced. The absence of problems in the first trimester reduces the likelihood of various complications in the following months.

Fetal development

At the 12th obstetric week (for timing methods, see here) the size of the fruit is approximately 6 cm. Its weight is still not felt at all - about 9-13 g.

During an ultrasound, you can clearly see how the fetus looks. Already without any decoding and explanation of the doctor, one can distinguish the contours of the body. The baby's body is slightly larger than his head, and the arms and legs are barely distinguishable - they are still very short and thin. In very rare cases, modern equipment will allow the doctor to recognize the sex of the child - provided that the crotch of the baby is clearly visible. On standard diagnosticians, this information will not be available for a long time.

It is interesting. Expectant mothers often ask doctors a question: is their child located in the uterine cavity? The answer of experts surprises many. Now the fetus literally does what it does. He can “settle down” in any position, constantly change it, and even somersault. This is because there is still enough space in the uterine cavity for all fetal movements.

What usually happens with the baby:

• All major organs and systems are formed. Some fulfill their functions (for example, the heart), others continue their development and improve (intestines, endocrine glands);
• In place of eyebrows and cilia, a barely noticeable fluff appears;
• The formation of a unique pattern on the fingertips continues;
• Facial expression develops: the baby begins to grimace;
• The development of the fingers is completed - the membranes disappear completely, but there are already tiny nails;
• External ears may still be underdeveloped. But sometimes even in the 12th week lobes are already formed;
• White blood cells, future regulators of the child’s immunity are actively formed in the blood;
• Some reflexes work: the baby compresses and unclenches the fists, swallows and mimics the respiratory movements. Of course, the fetus cannot really breathe yet: the uterine cavity is filled with liquid, and oxygen enters the blood vessels through the placenta and umbilical cord;
• Peristalsis (muscle contraction) of the intestine appears;
• The pancreas “trains” in the production of bile;
• There is an active strengthening of bone tissue.

How are you expecting mom

What is happening now in the body of a woman? External and internal changes are permanent, the whole organism is involved in them.

• The uterus no longer fits in the pelvic space and gradually begins to occupy the abdominal cavity. Therefore, the tummy is becoming more and more visible, so far it does not interfere. Except that tight-fitting clothes no longer fit;
• Toxicosis (if any) can completely stop at this time, but it can continue. How to deal with toxicosis - read here;
• The emotional state becomes more stable. The panic fear of losing the baby recedes. Irritability and excessive sensitivity may persist.
• Feelings of irresistible drowsiness and constant fatigue gradually pass away;
• It is still difficult to concentrate, immediately perceive complex new information. This is not a drop in intelligence, just your body is now spending a lot of energy on maintaining well-being - yours and your baby;
• The heart, liver and kidneys work in an enhanced mode. If you have chronic diseases of these organs, they may worsen;
• The intestines may still be unstable, constipation and / or diarrhea are possible;
• A constant urge to urinate disappears for several weeks. Then the uterus will grow so much that it will again begin to put pressure on the bladder;
• Amniotic fluid is regularly updated, so water-salt metabolism is now very important;
• Blood volume increases slightly (this is an ongoing process);
• The chest has grown noticeably. If colostrum has not begun to secrete from the nipples earlier, it can begin now. In no case do not express;
• After a long walk, the legs begin to “buzz”;
• Small swelling of the legs and arms may appear;
• Hair can grow noticeably. However, they often become dry and brittle. The same problem occurs with nails;
• The skin of the abdomen is stretched, because of this itching may occur;
• Normally, there should be no pain at week 12. But if you pull your stomach or lower back quite a bit, this is normal;
• Vaginal discharge should be small, white or transparent, without a pungent odor. Report any abnormality to your doctor. Especially if spotting has appeared or if blood has truly gone from the vagina;
• Food quirks can persist throughout your pregnancy. Be prepared for this.

Photo of the tummies in the twelfth week

Weight dynamics

Do you follow the nutritional guidelines for pregnant women? If so, then the situation with weight should be fairly stable. With toxicosis, you can still not add a single kilogram and even lose some weight. If you feel good at the same time, there is nothing to worry about.

The total weight gain during pregnancy twelve weeks should be kept in the range of 1.5-3.5 kg. In the next two to three months, it is permissible to add 400-500 g per week in weight.

Due to lack of body weight, the baby may not have enough nutrients, this is bad for its development. Being overweight makes life difficult for mom herself: it becomes hard to breathe and move, strength is quickly lost, and then it will be difficult to give birth.

It is interesting. Doctors are aware of exceptional cases when losing a mother’s weight is good. Women with excess body weight before pregnancy during gestation did not grow fat, but lost weight, and at the same time felt fine. This is easy to explain: hormonal changes during pregnancy stabilized metabolic processes. Mom’s “reserves” simply went to the development of the child. As a result, the birth of children helped women become more slender and healthy. However, such cases are possible only when excess weight is the result of malnutrition, and not serious diseases and metabolic problems.

Paternity Awareness

The figure of a woman at the 12th week still does not change so much so that relatives (those who are not in the know), friends, or colleagues notice something. But the future father already perfectly sees the physical changes in his “half”. If paternal instincts have not yet manifested themselves, then now they will begin to take shape.There will be a desire to protect a beloved woman and especially to protect her.

[sc: rsa]

The father of the child must be helped. Many men still believe that pregnancy and childbirth are an extremely natural process, that nature has provided for everything, and different female whims and emotional breakdowns are just whims. Try to delicately discuss your condition with your loved one, do not hide the problem. Can't talk? Show something interesting on topics of concern to you on the Internet.

Medical supervision

Many expectant mothers with good health are in no hurry to go to the antenatal clinic. Interestingly, in our country, something like a prize is appointed if a woman has registered for up to 12 weeks. This is not a benefit in the full sense of the word, but a small one-time increase in maternity leave payments.

If you have not registered, go to the doctor. For a period of 11-13 weeks, it is time to conduct a so-called screening. This is a comprehensive examination. On ultrasound, the doctor will check some specific parameters of the fetus. For example, it will evaluate the size of the occipital region, according to which the threat of Down syndrome is determined in the early stages. Blood tests for certain hormones will reveal various malformations of the fetus, if any.

For up to 12 weeks, a woman still has the right to terminate a pregnancy. Later it is allowed to do this only for medical and / or social reasons:

• severe toxicosis with a threat to the life of the mother;
• fatal malformations of the fetus;
• pregnancy as a result of violent acts.

If you are already registered, then you have only a screening. In other cases, the doctor will prescribe a blood, urine and vaginal smear test for various diseases and infections. You will be asked questions about well-being, family circumstances, the health of your household. Your doctor will measure your blood pressure, weight, and pelvic size.

If the period of your pregnancy for some reason cannot be calculated on the calendar of menstruation, before the 12th week it can be determined by alternative methods. This is much more difficult to do later.

Recommendations

Throughout pregnancy, it is important to eat well, to pay attention to your health and well-being. Surely you are already following a lot of recommendations. Then just check the list below to see if you are doing everything right.

Diet and nutrition principles

[sc: ads]

• You have to give up alcohol for a long time;
• No fast food, multi-colored carbonated and non-carbonated drinks with a bunch of dyes and stabilizers;
• Tea and coffee should not be strong;
• Even with morning sickness, do not give up breakfast. Use the advice for pregnant women with early toxicosis (link above);
• The diet should include 30% of vegetables and fruits, cereals, dairy products, lean meat and fish of fatty varieties;
• Steam, boil or bake. Fried and fatty - as little as possible;
• Take vitamins (they are prescribed by a doctor);
• Watch out for viruses and infections. If outbreaks of contagious diseases are noted in your city, do not hesitate to walk in public places in a medical mask;
• Even a common cold can be very difficult during pregnancy. Tablets can be taken only in extreme cases and as directed by a doctor. Various topical preparations will help you. Gargle with a solution of furatsilina or infusion of calendula. Runny nose will pass thanks to rinsing with sea water. For headaches, massage of certain points (at the temples, in a cavity near the tragus, above the bridge of the nose) will help;
• Avoid high-heeled shoes. In winter, check if the soles of your boots or boots are slipping. If you lose balance or fall, you may be injured and your baby will be at risk. If the shoes are slippery, there is an easy way. Buy a band-aid and stick strips from it on soles and heels. The effect is noticeable immediately, but the patch will have to be replaced from time to time, as it wears out;
• Watch your weight.In case of deviations in any direction, consult a doctor - he will adjust the diet and prescribe medications, if necessary;
• Avoid stress and unrest. Great joy can tire you no less than a sad experience;
• Go in for sports. Swim in the pool, learn yoga, choose a gymnastics complex for pregnant women.

Health and beauty

You may notice the first stretch marks on the chest, hips and abdomen. Nowadays, they can be effectively fought, it is important to start as early as possible. If the skin on the problem areas has not changed, prevention will not hurt. Buy a special cream for stretch marks or good olive oil and rub it into the skin 2-3 times a day.

Breast requires your special attention. It is noticeably poured and heavier. Now you need special supportive bras.

The face may be a little rounded, acne, pigmentation are possible. Never squeeze pimples or apply makeup in a thick layer. Try not to be complex about this. Over time, the skin condition will get better.

Intimate life

If you feel good, you can be sure that you are especially beautiful and sexy. Your intimate life can take its course if it does not cause panic fear and gives pleasure. If something bothers you, be sure to talk with a partner. Now is the time to consolidate good family communication skills and mutual understanding.

There are contraindications to sexuality:

• multiple pregnancy;
• the amount of amniotic fluid is below normal;
• low location of the placenta;
• risk of miscarriage;
• genital infections (in this case, careful treatment of both partners is necessary).

Some poses may already seem uncomfortable. Empirically select the most comfortable position for sex.

And one more important tip. Love yourself and your baby. Now all your emotions should be positive, bright and joyful. And let the 12th week of your pregnancy go well.

← 11 week      13 week →

Video guide: 12th week of pregnancy - abdominal sensations, what is happening, ultrasound, symptoms, screening, doctor's advice