Pregnancy Week 12
Your guide to your body and your baby at week 12 of pregnancy
Baby development at 12 weeks pregnant
You are 12 weeks pregnant and likely finding some long-awaited relief from those early pregnancy symptoms. Now that you’re closing out your first trimester, you might even be preparing to tell your friends and family the exciting news.
At 12 weeks pregnant, your fetus measures close to 3 inches, or about the size of a lime. Your baby officially looks like a teeny-tiny human with physical features and body parts in place. Now, your baby just needs to grow, grow, grow!
Your baby has doubled in size over the last three weeks of your pregnancy, which is some major growth! Baby’s intestines are fully formed and beginning to move away from the umbilical cord and into the abdomen. Your baby is also starting to develop some reflexes that will last until a few months after they are born.
Week 12 pregnant belly
During the 12th week of pregnancy, your uterus is beginning to rise up and out of your pelvis, which is what creates that cute baby bump. Whether you look like you just ate a burrito or have a pronounced baby bump, remember that each woman will carry her baby differently.
Common pregnancy symptoms at 12 weeks
You will begin to feel some relief as you leave those early pregnancy symptoms behind and move to the final weeks of your first trimester. If you made it this far without any symptoms, you’re one of the lucky ones! Since the second trimester is typically considered to be easier than the first, you’ll probably continue feeling fine for a while. If you haven’t already started, now is a great time to begin documenting your pregnancy journey and growing bump.
- Bleeding gums: Some women experience swollen, sensitive gums during pregnancy as a result of hormones. Your gums may even bleed a little during normal brushing and flossing. Use a softer toothbrush if you experience this, and call your dentist if it becomes a concern.
- Headaches: Pressure in your head may start to intensify around 12 weeks pregnant. Headaches are a very normal occurrence that can be caused by a variety of factors, including dehydration, lack of sleep or stress. Remember to stay hydrated, get plenty of rest and pay attention to your headaches to see if you can pinpoint what might be causing them.
- Dizziness: With your body focusing on supporting blood flow to your baby, you might experience reduced blood flow through the rest of your body. This can result in lower blood pressure, making you feel a little dizzy on occasion. Low blood sugar can also contribute to that dizzy feeling, so remember to keep snacks on hand.
- Lower or increased sex drive: Some women discover an increased desire to take a romp in the sheets, while others feel like they could go the rest of their pregnancy without intimacy. Rest assured that whatever mood you're in is totally normal. All those pregnancy symptoms combined with increased hormones are bound to make you feel different, one way or the other.
- Fewer urges to use the restroom: In a stunning change of events, you may find that you don’t have to use the restroom as much! Remember to keep up those kegels as your baby grows and starts to add pressure back on your bladder.
- Leg cramps: If you experience leg cramping, increase your water intake and talk to your doctor about whether a magnesium supplement is right for you. Increased magnesium can help relax tight, cramping muscles.
- Mood swings: Those increased hormones aren’t letting up anytime soon, and they can wreak havoc on your mood. Mood swings are a hallmark symptom of pregnancy.
- Increased vaginal discharge: If you notice a thick, milky white discharge, fear not. This is a rather common symptom during pregnancy.
Pregnancy checklist at 12 weeks pregnant
You have about a few weeks before you go in for the next appointment! During weeks four through 28, appointments take place once a month.
You are reaching the end of the first trimester, which means you are almost one-third of the way through!
Reminders for
Week 12
- Schedule a dental check-up. During your pregnancy, you may find that your mouth has become more sensitive. Now is a great time to go visit your dentist for a check-in. No X-rays, though!
- Get a flu shot. Your pregnancy will overlap with flu season, which is October to May. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommend that all pregnant women get a flu shot.
- Schedule a 16-week prenatal visit. It’s time to get your next appointment on the books.
- Browse baby names. You may not have even thought about what names to consider since you probably don’t know whether you’re having a boy or a girl. Now is the perfect time to brainstorm a short list for male and female names so you’re ready if and when you do find out the gender.
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Week 11 | Week 13
