The toes are now separate and are all the same length. The ankle joints are now mature enough to be working, although it will still be many weeks before you are likely to be conscious of any kicks.
At 12 weeks and 3 days pregnant, you are in month three of your prenatal journey and well into your first trimester with just a couple of days until you'll begin the second. Your baby is growing a little more every day and you will still feel some side effects, though most of their vital organs have started to form at this point of fetal development. Morning sickness and other early pregnancy symptoms will continue as you go on through early pregnancy, though they may now begin to reduce. You are 28 weeks out from your due date. Your baby bump may start to appear, and your little one's vital organs have started to form.
If you have not already, you'll likely be getting your first ultrasound scan at this point. You will begin having checkups every four weeks or so. Blood pressure will be monitored, and urine tested for abnormal protein levels and HCG, as well as listening to your baby's heartbeat. Contact your doctor if you are having severe pain, cramping, or develop new discharge or bleeding. You are still within the time period for having a blood test for birth defects and your baby's sex. A nuchal translucency scan will also be done around this time.
If you're wondering, "how big is my baby at the 12th week of pregnancy," we have some exciting news for you. Baby is the size of a lime, and their vital organs will be taking shape. Your baby's limbs are more functional at this point. Their toes have separated and are all the same length, and cartilage has formed that will soon become bones. Their fingers have also moved apart. Baby's ankle joints are now mature enough to be working, although it will still be many weeks before you are likely to be conscious of any kicks.
Your baby's digestive system has begun to function, practicing the movement they will use to digest food. The umbilical cord, bridging your baby and the placenta, continues to grow at this point. It started forming at five weeks and will be complete and coiled at 28 when it reaches around two feet long. Baby's genitals have begun to form at this point, so in a few short weeks, you will be able to find out your child's gender in an ultrasound (if you want to).
The risk of miscarriage at 12 weeks makes a sharp decrease to between three and four percent. You will still be in the time frame to do optional screening tests for risk of developmental disorders including down syndrome. And around this time, you can also have your dating scan, which pinpoints more clearly how far along you are based on your baby's development, generating an estimated due date for when your baby will be born.
At 12 weeks and 3 days pregnant, you will want to make sure you continue to take a daily prenatal vitamin and eat nutrient-rich foods, especially those with iron, Folate, and Vitamin B12, to keep your body healthy and assist in helping you make more red and white blood cells. This helps prevent anemia as your body produces more blood than ever to support both you and your baby.
There's a strong band of connective tissue in your pelvis, supporting your uterus. Known as the round ligament, this band has to stretch as your uterus expands, which can cause some discomfort that begins anytime after 12 weeks. The pain is generally felt in the groin or lower abdomen and can be on either side. Although the pain starts in the pelvis, it may travel up to your hips. You may feel a short, sharp stabbing sensation or a more prolonged, dull ache.
You will soon adapt and find sitting and lying positions that cause you the least discomfort and which may relieve discomfort. Also, try other common methods of pain relief, too, such as taking a warm bath or resting comfortably with your feet up. Your doctor will continue to monitor your blood pressure levels. Your pregnant belly will start showing hints of a bump. Weight gain increases at this point, and while it varies, most people will have already gained between one and four pounds. Light exercise, such as walks, is important for overall health at this time. Ask your medical professional for advice on what exercise or workouts are safe for you to do.
Melasma, or skin darkening, can show up around this time. Also known as chloasma, this symptom can change the appearance of your skin on different parts of your body due to hormones. Sun exposure can contribute to chloasma, as well as a person's skin pigment, but the condition is purely cosmetic and usually goes away in the postpartum phase.
As you get closer to your second trimester, some symptoms will continue, while others may start to subside. You may also start having new side effects. Energy levels begin perking back up for many women at this time. Morning sickness may also reduce, but bloating and constipation will most likely continue and increase from this point onward. Stomachaches and heartburn are common. You may be dizzy and get headaches, have white vaginal discharge, a stronger sense of smell, and strange food cravings or aversions.
Round ligament pain is common in pregnancy and isn't a cause for concern. According to the NHS, pelvic pain or pubic bone pain is normal throughout pregnancy and may continue or begin at this stage of pregnancy as your baby grows. See your doctor, however, if you have sharp abdominal or pelvic pains that don't resolve quickly or if your pain feels like cramps. If there is any bleeding, a burning sensation when you urinate, or you are feverish, these can be signs of pregnancy complications. Always seek medical advice if you are unsure about your symptoms.
Before your next appointment, it's a good idea to come up with a list of FAQs for your healthcare provider about any changes you are concerned about or worries you have. It can be fun to start thinking about baby names, what you'd like the nursery to be like, and whether or not you are interested in breastfeeding your child, though you still have lots of time and do not need to rush into these decisions soon.
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