You're about to say goodbye to your first trimester and you're officially on your way to your second trimester. At 11-12 weeks of pregnancy, many make an announcement about the new position, because the risk of miscarriage drops, and the baby at 12 weeks is already more human-like.
For those who are faced with this situation for the first time, the question arises: 12 weeks of pregnancy is how many months? The 12th week of pregnancy is the third month, but the 12th obstetric week of pregnancy is different from the usual one, since gynecologists count from the date of the last menstruation.
Symptoms
12 weeks of pregnancy fetal development and sensations: your hormones are a little tamed. Your body has adjusted to your new status, so you should feel much better (hopefully!). But while some first trimester symptoms may disappear, more other symptoms may appear to replace them.
Increased vaginal discharge
Discharge at 12 weeks of pregnancy. Having more clear or milky white, odorless vaginal discharge, called leukorrhea, is your body's way of fighting bacteria. You can rest easy as long as your vaginal discharge is not red in color, does not have an unpleasant odor, and does not cause any discomfort. If the color is yellow, greenish, pink, or brown, call your doctor as soon as possible, as this may indicate an infection or a sign of preterm labor.
Below is 12 weeks of pregnancy fetal photo table:
Dizziness
The cause of dizziness at this stage (12 to 12) may be hormone levels (hello, progesterone!) and changes in blood pressure, as your body sends more blood to your baby than your body does. You're also producing more heat now, and another possible culprit could be low blood sugar if you're not eating well.
To combat dizziness, try to stay in well-ventilated areas. Eat regularly and drink plenty of water. Move slowly and steadily as you change positions, from lying down to sitting to standing. If you feel dizzy, sit with your head between your knees, take a deep breath, loosen tight clothing, and then eat or drink something as soon as you feel better.
Below 12 weeks of pregnancy fetal size ultrasound photo:
Vision changes
The increase in blood volume and flow can cause the lens and cornea of the eyes to thicken and increase pressure, which can sometimes cause blurred vision and dizziness when moving too quickly. Other vision changes may include temporary nearsightedness or farsightedness, lack of peripheral vision, and sensitivity to sunlight. This should improve after delivery, but tell your doctor you have a problem to rule out any other complications.
Headache
There can be many reasons for a headache, such as fluctuating hormone levels, dehydration, hunger (maybe even caffeine withdrawal), lack of sleep, or even stress. Consult your doctor before taking any medications. If you notice that your headaches are occurring more frequently, are more intense than before, or are accompanied by vision problems, tell your doctor as soon as possible.
Below 12 weeks of pregnancy fetal development photo:
Low sex drive
Twelfth week of pregnancy: After first trimester symptoms subside, some women experience an increase in libido. For other pregnant women, it may be the opposite. They experience low sex drive also due to hormonal fluctuations. The point is to maintain an emotional connection with your partner. Remember that you can have intimacy without sex.
Skin color changes
12 weeks pregnant: Your areola may be larger and darker than usual, but these are not the last skin changes you may experience during your new position. You may begin to notice a change in skin color known as chloasma, irregular dark patches on your face and neck. These skin changes are expected to return to normal within a few months after delivery.
Frequent urination
That feeling of having to go to the bathroom is finally starting to subside. But be sure to do Kegel exercises over the next few months to prevent pregnancy-induced incontinence.
Bloating and gas
Expect frequent belching and gas, which is caused by relaxed muscles in your intestines. Stay away from foods such as fried foods, broccoli, root vegetables and beans.
Excessive salivation
Producing more saliva now may be due to morning sickness, which should be reduced as you enter the second trimester. If you are still experiencing this, chewing sugar-free gum may help.
Heartburn and indigestion
The muscle valve between the stomach and esophagus has relaxed, so you can now easily get heartburn. Your uterus may also have started to press on your stomach. Eat slowly and drink only after you have eaten. Avoid eating spicy, fatty and fried foods.
Fatigue
Your body is still continually producing more blood and increasing blood flow to your uterus as well as other parts of your body. Listen to yourself and don't overexert yourself. Rest and sleep if necessary.
Feelings at 11 weeks of pregnancy
- Special external changes in your figure are unlikely to be noticeable to others.
- The belly is not yet particularly noticeable at the 11th week of pregnancy, but gradually the figure of the expectant mother is rounded, enlarged and her breasts become fuller.
- If you haven't changed your previous wardrobe yet, then it's time to think about updating it. The expectant mother will need comfortable and roomy clothes that suit her current situation.
- Don't worry about changes in the condition of your nails and hair. If they become dull and brittle, this is a temporary phenomenon that gradually disappears after childbirth.
- The eleventh week of pregnancy is approaching - a time for a gradual decrease in the oiliness of your skin, if it occurred previously. The skin now becomes drier, pimples, blackheads and oily shine disappear.
- Nausea begins to gradually subside in those who previously suffered from toxicosis. You feel much better, although drowsiness and fatigue still remind you.
- As the fetus grows, the uterus enlarges and expands, which rises into the abdominal cavity. Now it stops putting pressure on your bladder, and the need for frequent trips to the toilet decreases.
- This is a time of increasing blood volume and enhancing your body's metabolic processes.
- Therefore, do not be surprised by the appearance of new sensations of internal heat, heavy sweating and constant thirst.
- The emotional state of the expectant mother is stabilized.
- You are 11 weeks pregnant - a photo of your belly will be an interesting and memorable photo!
The expectant mother should pay attention to all her painful sensations. You are approaching the 11th week of pregnancy - your lower back hurts, other painful sensations appear, especially if it concerns abdominal pain. Such pain can have different causes, and does not always indicate pathology.
Here are a few examples to help you determine the cause of the pain:
- At the 11th week of pregnancy, the abdomen may hurt due to the weakening of the stretched ligaments that support the uterus. In this case, the pain usually occurs sporadically, is felt on the sides of the abdomen and is intermittent. Such pain does not cause any particular trouble for women and does not pose any threat.
- The picture is completely different when the pain that occurs in the lower abdomen is spasmodic in nature, as during menstruation, and the stomach pulls and aches. Such pain indicates increased uterine tone and warns of the risk of miscarriage.
You should consult a doctor immediately, especially if such pain is accompanied by bloody or brown vaginal discharge!
Fetal size at 12 weeks gestation
12 weeks of pregnancy, what happens to the baby: now the 12-week embryo is more than 9 centimeters long and weighs about 30-50 grams. The fetus at 12 weeks of gestation is approximately the size of a plum, lime or ripe apple. If you're unlucky enough to detect your baby's heartbeat, now is the time to try again.
All the major organs of the baby's body are already formed and working now, and your baby will soon enter his growth and maturation stage.
Fetal development
What does a baby look like at 12 weeks of pregnancy? -The baby's digestive system begins to move food through the intestines. His bone marrow is now producing white blood cells to help him fight infection once he leaves your womb. The baby's pituitary gland, responsible for producing hormones that will help him bear children in the future, also began to do its job.
Your 12-week pregnant baby has probably discovered that he can open and close his fingers, curl his toes, jerk his arms and kick his legs. The baby may also have learned to develop reactions, especially the Moro reflex, otherwise known as the startle reflex. If you did a 12 week ultrasound and tapped your belly, you may see your 12 week pregnant fetus moving as a reflex reaction.
Below belly at 12 weeks of pregnancy photo:
An ultrasound will help you see your baby more clearly, but if you want to find out if it's a boy or a girl, your doctor won't be able to predict with much certainty. (You can get non-invasive genetic testing to find out sooner.)
Below is a photo of the fetus at 12 weeks of pregnancy:
Your to-do list this week
So many things to do, but so little energy to do them, right? I hope not anymore as the first trimester symptoms disappear. Here's a checklist of what you need to do now that you're about to become more active.
Plan, plan, plan
You can now email your boss or your company's HR department and let them know about your - to help you with maternity leave (and thankfully, extended maternity leave is now law!). This will give them time to prepare for their upcoming absence.
Perform a prenatal checkup
Make sure you write down your questions to your doctor if this is your first time seeing a doctor. If this is your follow-up appointment, be sure to bring the results of your routine pregnancy tests, such as a blood test and urinalysis. During this period, you can undergo your first ultrasound. Ask your doctor about genetic testing as well. Some doctors perform screening at 12 weeks of pregnancy to make sure that the baby does not develop any pathologies.
Discuss pregnancy with your doctor
Unless you have a high-risk condition, you will benefit from exercise, so start with simple, low-impact exercise. You may want to work on Kegel exercises to strengthen your muscles and prevent incontinence.
Below is a photo of an ultrasound at 12 weeks of pregnancy:
Watch your weight
Weight gain is expected, but depending on your body mass index before your new position, you may not need many more calories added to your diet. The key is to eat healthy (not for two!) and take essential vitamins and supplements regularly.
Useful tips
If toxicosis has already decreased and your appetite has improved, try not to eat “for two.” You need to eat 5-6 times a day, portions should be small. Plan your diet so that it includes only fresh and healthy foods. Protein is necessary for the development of the baby; boiled meat and baked fish should be on your table.
Vegetables and fruits are a source of vitamins and fiber, which is necessary for the normal functioning of the intestines. Folic acid is a must, don't forget about pumpkin, avocados, citrus fruits and carrots. Maintain water balance, drink fresh juices, compotes, fruit drinks and clean water. It is advisable to avoid soda, especially those that contain sugar substitutes. And although you feel great now, don’t forget about rest. Take care of yourself, meet nice people, read good books, watch good films. You now need vitamins and positive emotions.
