Week 12 is the end of your first trimester! Your early pregnancy symptoms should start subsiding, and your baby’s development continues to progress. It is time to consider some exercises for your pelvic floor muscles and to think ahead towards your second trimester.
But what can you expect to happen this week? That is what we are here to tell you! Keep reading to find out what happens during week 12 of pregnancy, the symptoms you can expect, and what an ultrasound will show you!
What’s Coming Up In The Article?
- What Does It Mean To Be 12 Weeks Pregnant?
- Can You Detect Pregnancy At 12 Weeks?
- Should You Get An Ultrasound At 12 Weeks Pregnant?
- Can You Detect A Heartbeat At 12 Weeks Pregnant?
- What Are The Common Symptoms When You Are 12 Weeks Pregnant?
- How Big Is A Baby At 12 Weeks Pregnant?
- What Are The Common Miscarriage Symptoms At 12 Weeks Pregnant?
- What Precautions Should I Take To Maintain My Health At 12 Weeks Pregnant?
- How Do You Calculate Your Due Date From 12 Weeks Pregnant?
- What Body Changes Should You Expect At 12 Weeks Pregnant?
- How Can You Prepare For Pregnancy?
Key Points
- The baby is the size of a plum
- The baby’s vital organs have developed, and their skeleton is hardening into bone
- The ultrasound scan will show your baby and allow you to hear it’s heartbeat
- The baby’s health should be a priority, with you following a healthy eating diet to maintain a healthy weight
- The common symptoms at week 12 include an aching stomach, morning sickness, and mood swings
- The risk of a miscarriage falls to 1.7%
- The twelfth week of pregnancy marks the end of your first trimester
What Does It Mean To Be 12 Weeks Pregnant?
At twelve weeks pregnant, you have made it to the end of your first trimester and are about to start your second trimester! You have been pregnant for roughly three months, and your baby’s development is progressing nicely. They are now about the size of a plum, and your pregnant belly is starting to show!
You will likely have your first ultrasound at twelve weeks, where you will hear your baby’s heart beating for the first time! You will have a prenatal checkup, too, to ensure that your baby’s health is where it should be, and you might even find out the baby’s sex depending on the tests you have.
Your baby now has its organs, including the baby’s intestines and their muscles have grown. The skeleton made from tissue is hardening into bone, and the sex organs have formed.
You might find you are hungrier than usual and might worry about the weight you put on. There is no need to panic; simply follow a healthy and balanced diet, and providing you maintain a healthy weight, your baby will follow suit!
Can You Detect Pregnancy At 12 Weeks?
Yes, you can detect a pregnancy at 12 weeks. At twelve weeks, you will miss your third period, so if you haven’t already – now is the time to test! You can take an at-home pregnancy test at twelve weeks; any from a drugstore will work. You can also purchase an early detection test if you aren’t sure of the date of your last period, as these can detect pregnancy before you even miss a period!
These tests measure the human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels in your urine. hCG is referred to as the pregnancy hormone, with its levels rising in your body during pregnancy. At twelve weeks, the levels are high enough for a positive test result.
You can also have a blood test performed by your doctor to confirm a pregnancy. This also measures the hCG levels in your body to indicate a pregnancy. Your doctor might also perform an ultrasound. This will date your pregnancy if you are unsure of your last period and give you a glimpse of your growing baby!
Should You Get An Ultrasound At 12 Weeks Pregnant?
Yes, most women will have an ultrasound between eleven and thirteen weeks pregnant. Typically, the ultrasound is done late into your first trimester, like week twelve, as there is more to see.
The twelve-week ultrasound is a routine test in pregnancy and does the following:
- Check your baby is developing as expected
- Check your baby is growing inside the womb
- Check your baby for chromosomal anomalies
- Check the number of babies growing
- Offer an estimated due date
The results of these checks are sent to your midwife, GP, or obstetrician, who will pass the results along to you.
At the ultrasound, you will see your 5.4 cm long baby! It is now the size of a plum, with its internal organs and muscles growing. The skeleton is made up of tissue but is now hardening into bone. Their sex organs have formed, too, although they are still too small to detect on a 12-week ultrasound.
Your baby is looking more and more like a baby now, with formed facial features and separate fingers and toes!
Are There Any Scans Or Tests I Should Consider At 12 Weeks Pregnant?
Alongside the routine checks in a twelve week scan, you will also be offered a blood test. This screens for chromosomal anomalies that might not be picked up on an ultrasound. They will also check your blood type, rH factor, and if you are anemic if you have not already had these tests.
While the tests will screen for anomalies, they won’t offer a diagnosis. You will need special diagnosis tests to provide a diagnosis. These are optional; you can speak to your doctor if you have any questions.
You also have the choice to have genetic testing if you wish. These are usually recommended if you have a history of genetic conditions, like cystic fibrosis, in your family. Your doctor can offer more tailored advice here for you. These tests are also optional and sometimes must be paid for privately.
Some of these genetic and blood screening tests will reveal the sex of the baby. You can ask not to be told the sex if you want to be traditional and enjoy the surprise!
Can You Detect A Heartbeat At 12 Weeks Pregnant?
Yes, you can detect a heartbeat at 12 weeks pregnant. The ultrasound will pick up your baby’s heartbeat, and you can hear it for the first time! The heartbeat will sound fast, with an average heart rate of around 130 beats per minute.
The heart rate starts to slow down around week 12; previously, it was beating at around 170 beats per minute! Your sonographer can let you know your baby’s heart rate and any issues that need to be addressed.
Hearing your baby’s heart rate for the first time can be emotional, so pack some tissues!
What Are The Common Pregnancy Symptoms At 12 Weeks Pregnant?
At twelve weeks pregnant, the common symptoms include stomach ache, nausea, and mood swings. You might also notice indigestion and heartburn, especially if you eat late at night.
These symptoms will vary from person to person, ranging in severity too. These symptoms can change daily, so don’t be surprised to wake up each day with a different pregnancy symptom!
Is There Any Change To HCG Levels At 12 Weeks Pregnant?
Your hCG levels start to drop at twelve weeks pregnant. This is nothing to be concerned about; the levels are still high, sitting between 27,107 and 201,165 mIU/mL.
Should I Expect Any Cramping At 12 Weeks Pregnant?
Stomach pain or cramps can happen at twelve weeks pregnant. They aren’t a cause for concern and are largely attributed to wind, constipation, or your ligaments growing as your womb grows. These typically feel similar to period pains.
Severe pains should be reported to your doctor.
Will I Experience Morning Sickness At 12 Weeks Pregnant?
Morning sickness can still happen at twelve weeks pregnant. It might start to get better for some women, while others might still be experiencing sickness most mornings.
Will My Breasts Feel Tender At 12 Weeks Pregnant?
Yes, it is likely that your breast will feel tender or sore at week twelve of your pregnancy. They might also feel full or ache.
Will I Have Food Cravings At 12 Weeks Pregnant?
Food cravings can happen at any point in your pregnancy, including week twelve. You might also notice that you have new aversions to foods and drinks. These might be ones you previously loved, but now the smell makes you nauseous. This will pass.
Will I Pass Urine More Frequently At 12 Weeks Pregnant?
You might pass urine more frequently at twelve weeks pregnant. As your baby and womb grow, they start to put pressure on your bladder, causing you to urinate or feel the need to more frequently.
This can worsen throughout your pregnancy, too. Ensure you always empty your bladder when going to the toilet and keep hydrated to avoid urinary tract infections (UTIs).
Will I Feel Tiredness Or Fatigue At 12 Weeks Pregnant?
Tiredness or fatigue can still happen at twelve weeks pregnant. You should start to feel less tired than you have the last few weeks as your first trimester comes to a close.
Will I Feel Bloated At 12 Weeks Pregnant?
Bloating can still happen at twelve weeks pregnant, but it is not as common.
Will I Get A Headache At 12 Weeks Pregnant?
You might suffer from headaches at twelve weeks pregnant. These will vary from woman to woman, with women who suffered from headaches before getting pregnant more likely to experience them.
Will I Experience A Metallic Taste In My Mouth At 12 Weeks Pregnant?
A metallic taste in your mouth can still happen at twelve weeks pregnant. This is normal and can happen at any point of your pregnancy, especially early pregnancy.
Will I Have A Heightened Sense Of Smell At 12 Weeks Pregnant?
A heightened sense of smell can happen at twelve weeks and is one of the more common early pregnancy symptoms.
Can You Experience Shortness Of Breath At 12 Weeks Pregnant?
Shortness of breath typically happens later in pregnancy. Speak to your doctor if you are experiencing shortness of breath at twelve weeks pregnant.
Is It Normal To Get Diarrhea At 12 Weeks Pregnant?
Diarrhea is normal at twelve weeks pregnant and is not a cause for concern. It can be due to hormonal changes, a stomach virus, food poisoning, or an allergy.
Can You Get Vaginal Discharge At 12 Weeks Pregnant?
Vaginal discharge can happen throughout your pregnancy, including week 12. Normal discharge will be white or milky in colour.
Will I Experience Lower Back Pain At 12 Weeks Pregnant?
Lower back pain can happen at twelve weeks pregnant. Often, it does not occur until the later months of pregnancy, but some women experience it as early as eight to twelve weeks.
Women with lower back problems are at higher risk for back pain, occurring earlier in their pregnancies.
Will I Experience Mood Swings At 12 Weeks Pregnant?
Mood swings can happen at twelve weeks, although they can lessen as you end your first trimester.
Is Spotting Normal At 12 Weeks Pregnant?
Spotting is normal at twelve weeks pregnant. Spotting or light bleeding is common, but mention it to your doctor if you have any concerns.
The bleeding might be brown or light red and should not last more than a day. Speak to your doctor immediately if the bleeding worsens or continues for over a day.
What Other Symptoms Are Common When 12 Weeks Pregnant?
The following pregnancy symptoms can also be experienced at twelve weeks pregnant:
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Darkened skin
- Brown patches on your face
- Spotty and oilier skin
- Shinier and thicker hair
How Big Is A Baby At 12 Weeks Pregnant?
Your baby is the size of a plum at twelve weeks pregnant! This and your enlarged womb will cause a pregnancy bump to appear! Your baby’s belly might seem bigger or smaller than others in their twelfth week of pregnancy, but do not worry! There are many factors like your weight before conception, hormones, and if you have had a child before that can impact the size of your baby bump.
Your baby is also developing, measuring 5.4 cm long from crown to rump. Its internal organs and muscles have grown, and its skeleton is hardening into bone!
Can You Feel The Baby At 12 Weeks Pregnant?
While your baby is growing and moving at 12 weeks pregnant, you will unlikely feel any movements. You might experience stomach pains or cramps, but these have to do with your muscles and ligaments stretching rather than your baby moving.
Don’t worry; it won’t be long before you can feel your baby moving!
What Are The Common Symptoms Of Miscarriage At 12 Weeks Pregnant?
At twelve weeks pregnant, the common miscarriage symptoms are heavy bleeding and abdominal pain or cramping. These pains might feel like period pains, or worse, it varies from woman to woman. The bleeding can sometimes start as light or spotting but quickly progresses to heavy bleeding.
You might also notice tissue or fluid in the blood and any other pregnancy symptoms you have. Any morning sickness or sore breasts will stop at this point. Speak to your midwife or doctor immediately if you have any concerns or these symptoms.
What Are The Chances Of Miscarriage At 12 Weeks Pregnant?
The chances of miscarriage at 12 weeks pregnant are around 1.7%. According to the National Childbirth Trust, the chance of a miscarriage falls at 12 weeks, offering many women a sigh of relief.
This percentage is based on an average and does not consider any pre-existing medical conditions, age, previous complications, or other factors that can impact pregnancy health.
It is usually at 12 weeks pregnant that people will share the news of pregnancy with their families, and usually their first ultrasound picture, too! Of course, you can share the news whenever you feel comfortable doing so.
What Precautions Should I Take To Maintain My Health At 12 Weeks Pregnant?
You should take several precautions to maintain your health at 12 weeks pregnant. Let’s take a look at them now.
Take Prenatal Vitamins
Start taking prenatal vitamins if you have not already. These will provide both you and your baby with the nutrients you need. Folic acid should be taken for the first twelve weeks of your pregnancy, including week 12.
You can also take multivitamins throughout your pregnancy to give your body the necessary nutrients. Taking multivitamins that include calcium and iron can help to maintain a healthy pregnancy. Speak to your doctor to ensure you are taking the correct dosage.
Prevent Heartburn
Heartburn can cause grief throughout your pregnancy, starting as early as your first trimester. The best way to help is to prevent heartburn, which can be done by eating smaller meals throughout the day rather than three large meals.
You should also avoid eating a large meal late at night and avoid greasy and spicy foods. You can also use an antacid to help with heartburn symptoms and provide relief. You should seek medical advice to find a way to prevent and treat heartburn that works for you.
Stay Hydrated
Drinking plenty will help to maintain your health during pregnancy. Not only is it good for you, but the baby too! Research by the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists shows that drinking water helps amniotic fluid around the foetus, helps nutrients circulate in the body, and aids digestion.
They recommend drinking eight to twelve cups a day throughout your pregnancy.
Enjoy A Healthy Diet
You should eat a healthy and balanced diet throughout your pregnancy, including pregnancy week twelve. This will help you fuel your body with the proper nutrients and your baby too! Enjoy a diet of healthy fats, fruit and vegetables, lean protein, and some carbohydrates.
You will notice some weight gain throughout pregnancy, even eating a healthy diet. Healthy weight gain is expected throughout pregnancy, but you don’t want to put more weight on than is necessary. Your doctor can help you with this, but you are off to a good start by eating a healthy and balanced diet and moving your body.
Are There Any Foods I Should Avoid At 12 Weeks Pregnant?
The following foods should be avoided throughout your twelfth week of pregnancy.
- Raw or undercooked meat
- Raw or undercooked seafood
- Raw or undercooked poultry
- Undercooked or runny eggs
- Deli meats
- Prepared salads
- Seafood with a high mercury level
- Unpasteurized milk and soft cheese
- Food that has sat out for too long
- Raw sprouts
- Unwashed fruits and vegetables
- Freshly squeezed juice
Are There Any Drinks I Should Avoid At 12 Weeks Pregnant?
You should avoid all alcoholic drinks throughout pregnancy. You should also reduce your caffeine intake, with the ACOG recommending that you drink less than 200 mg of caffeine a day. You must monitor your caffeine levels across the coffee, tea, energy drinks, and chocolate you consume.
Are There Any Supplements I Should Avoid At 12 Weeks Pregnant?
You should avoid any supplements that your doctor has not approved. You should also avoid any supplements that are not suitable for pregnant women. The label on any supplements will tell you if they are suitable for pregnant women to take or not.
Can I Exercise While 12 Weeks Pregnant?
You can exercise at twelve weeks pregnant, but there are some considerations you need to make. You should avoid any contact sports, exercises that involve excessive bouncing, or where you could fall. You should also avoid exercising 2,500m above sea level.
Other than that, you can exercise as normal. You might notice that you are more tired than usual and unable to complete your workout; this is normal. Allow your body to rest, and don’t feel bad about needing to adjust your workouts. It is better to finish a cardio session sooner than to burn yourself out.
Is It Safe To Travel When 12 Weeks Pregnant?
Travelling at twelve weeks pregnant is considered safe, but you need to take care. Speak to your doctor if you have high blood pressure or deep-vein thrombosis before flying. You should also check before travelling to another country if you need any vaccinations or if there are any advisories in place for pregnant women.
Are There Any Acitivites I Should Avoid At 12 Weeks Pregnant?
The following activities should be avoided at twelve weeks pregnant.
- Roller coasters, bumper cars, and water slides
- Motorcycles and four-wheelers
- Contact sports
- Diving
- Downhill skiing
- Gymnastics
- Hot Yoga
- Hot pilates
- Horseriding
- Hot tubs
- Sauna
- Scuba diving
- Skydiving
- Snowboarding
- Waterskiing
- Cleaning cat litter
- Horseriding
- Hot tubs
- Sauna
- Scuba diving
- Skydiving
- Snowboarding
- Waterskiing
- Cleaning cat litter
Is It Safe To Have Sex When 12 Weeks Pregnant?
Yes, it is considered safe to have sex when you are twelve weeks pregnant.
How Should I Sleep At 12 Weeks Pregnant?
You should sleep as normal when you are twelve weeks pregnant. You might notice that you sleep more than usual or nap throughout the day. This is normal; it is tiring work making a baby, so let your body rest!
What Position Is It Safe To Sleep In When 12 Weeks Pregnant?
Any comfortable position is considered safe for sleep during your pregnancy. However, it is worth getting into the habit of side sleeping. Side sleeping is considered a safe position as your pregnancy progresses, so it’s worth getting used to it now!
How Do You Calculate Your Due Date From 12 Weeks Pregnant?
The best way to calculate your pregnancy is to use the date of your last menstrual period. This is known as the LMP method and is how most due dates are calculated. You take the date of your last period and count forward forty weeks or 280 days to give you your estimated due date.
Forty weeks is the basis of an average pregnancy, but don’t be alarmed if you give birth a few days before or after the due date. These are not an exact science.
Another way to calculate your due date is through your ultrasound. Your first ultrasound is often referred to as a dating scan and is used by doctors to date your pregnancy and provide a due date. They will use the size and weight of your baby and possibly the date of your last period to give you an estimated due date. These are handy, especially if you can’t remember the date of your last period.
What Body Changes Should You Expect At 12 Weeks Pregnant?
At twelve weeks pregnant, your waist is probably thickening, and a baby bump appears. Your breasts are probably getting bigger, and you might feel hungrier than before. Morning sickness will usually subside at this point, and women commonly notice an aching stomach and some mood swings.
As your hormone levels plateau, you should feel calmer, and the tiredness should subside, a welcome relief after what has been a tiring twelve weeks for most!
What Is Your Body Doing During This Process?
Your body is working hard growing your baby, with its size growing and skeleton hardening. Your baby is likely fed from the placenta rather than the yolk sac. When this change happens, your hormone levels can shift, making you feel emotional or irritable.
Your body also supports a growing uterus, which can cause you. to have an aching stomach. Some pain or discomfort is normal here but speak to your doctor if you worry about the pain levels.
How Can You Prepare For Pregnancy?
You can prepare for pregnancy in a few ways, even if you are not pregnant yet. We have outlined them below for you to check out now.
Speak To Your Doctor
Make an appointment to speak with your doctor if you haven’t already done so. They can guide you on booking your first ultrasound and answer any questions about pregnancy. They can also arrange any tests for you, especially if you are a carrier of a genetic condition.
It’s worth speaking to your doctor about conception for those not yet pregnant. They can offer any advice tests they think are helpful and assess your physical health. They can provide guidance towards what vitamins you should take and any other support you might need.
Make Lifestyle Changes
You might also need to make some lifestyle changes. These include quitting smoking, drinking alcohol, and taking illegal drugs. Doing so will help with a healthy pregnancy and improve your chances of conceiving. Research by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has shown that smoking can make it harder for you to conceive.
Speak to your doctor if you need assistance to help quit smoking, drinking, or taking illegal drugs.
Eat A Healthy Diet
Alongside changes to your lifestyle, eat a healthy and balanced diet. Fuelling your body with the right nutrients can help promote a healthy pregnancy and ensure your baby has the nutrients it needs.
Eating a healthy diet and regularly exercising can help your chances to conceive, too, if you are trying to get pregnant. Of course, this can only make a slight difference; you should speak to your doctor if you want guidance on conceiving.
Create A Support Group
Pregnancy can be lonely for some women, so why not create a support group? There are bound to be ups and downs, and it is always better to share these with others. Look to your family, friends, and partner for support throughout your pregnancy
You can also consider others in your area too. Social media groups and apps will help you find other expecting or new mothers in your area. These could quickly become friends, offering support, reassurance, and somewhere to vent.
A pregnancy journal can also be handy to do this if you prefer. Writing your worries, thoughts, and feelings down can be very helpful.
Final Thoughts On Week 12 Pregnancy
Week 12 marks the end of your first trimester! You are a third of the way through your pregnancy and one step closer to meeting your new baby.
Your baby’s health might be on your mind, but providing you are eating well, moving your body, and staying hydrated, you don’t need to worry too much about their health. Tests performed by your doctor will provide you with a better insight, and as you see and hear your baby for the first time, the worries will seem worth it.