Week 12 of Your Pregnancy
This is a big week for your baby: Your little one's key body systems and vital organs have formed!
PREGNANCY WEEK 12
Your Body at Week 12 of Your Pregnancy
Changes in Mood
Some women are glowing and have a lot of energy, but others are feeling tired, emotional and moody. It’s normal to have mood swings when you’re pregnant, but talk to your doctor if you’re feeling very anxious or down.
Headaches
Headaches are a common pregnancy symptom at 12 weeks. You may be able to avoid them by eating small meals frequently, drinking plenty of water, getting enough sleep, exercising, practicing relaxation techniques like meditation and yoga, and getting a prenatal massage. Do not take any medicine without consulting your doctor.
Fainting and Dizziness
Your body is still getting used to all that blood pumping through it, so you may feel dizzy occasionally. Try to change positions slowly and be sure to sit or lie down as soon as you feel light-headed so you don’t fall. Always have a stash of healthy snacks with you for a quick blood-sugar boost and keep yourself hydrated.
You may feel quite tired
During the first trimester, a huge amount of energy goes into building a life-support system for your baby, especially the placenta, which can leave you feeling tired. There are also a lot of hormonal and emotional changes that are happening.
Heartburn and Indigestion
If you’ve got a burning sensation from the depths of your stomach to your mouth after you eat, then you’ve got pregnancy-induced indigestion and heartburn. Avoid heartburn triggers like spicy or fatty foods and caffeinated drinks and ask your doctor about pregnancy-safe heartburn remedies.
White Discharge
You may notice an increase in white creamy discharge early in pregnancy, due to higher levels of estrogen. White vaginal discharge (called leucorrhea) is nothing to worry about: This discharge is normal and can be clear to milky white, thin or thick, and mild-smelling or odorless. But vaginal discharge that's green, smells unpleasant, causes pain or itching, or seems unusual in any other way could be a sign of infection or another problem.
Abdominal Bloating
Hormonal changes in early pregnancy may leave you feeling bloated, similar to the feeling some women have just before their period.
Constipation
Constipation, gas, and bloating are all common during pregnancy, which can slow digestion. Sip water (preferably warm) throughout the day, eat high-fiber foods (like fresh fruits and vegetables), and walk as much as you are comfortable with.
Your Baby at Week 12 of Your Pregnancy
How big is my baby?
Your baby is about 6cm long — about the size of a plum – and weighs about 18g. The fetus has almost doubled in size in the past 4 weeks and is now fully formed, with all of the organs, muscles, limbs and bones in place. At this point, your baby fills your whole uterus.
The head is about half the length of the body. The arms appear a more normal length, although the legs are still short. The kidneys are functioning, and the baby is swallowing amniotic fluid and passing urine. They are practising breathing movements and their digestive system is starting to practise too.
Your Baby is making Small movements
This week, your baby can open and close their hands (making a fist) and curl their toes. The baby is moving around constantly — stretching, yawning and wriggling. The heart is beating strongly and can be heard with a heart monitor.
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