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What is the 12th week of pregnancy?
How big is a fetus at 12 weeks pregnant?
What happens at 12 weeks pregnant?
What happens inside your belly at 12 weeks pregnant?
Aug 21, 2024 · At 12 weeks, your baby is growing fast and is the size of a lime! Learn more about what to expect at 12 weeks pregnant with BabyCenter's week-by-week guide.
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- Overview
- Symptoms
- Working while pregnant
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- Baby development
- Lifestyle changes
During week 12 of pregnancy, the organ systems of the fetus have practically formed and will continue to grow and start functioning as pregnancy progresses.
As with earlier weeks, a fetus grows rapidly and makes huge developmental strides in week 12. In fact, between weeks 8 and 12, your child will have almost doubled in size.
This article provides a summary of the 12th week of pregnancy, what to expect, how to maintain employment while pregnant, and insights into how your baby is developing.
Take a look at the other articles in the series:
First trimester: fertilization, implantation, week 5, week 6, week 7, week 8, week 9, week 10, week 11.
Second trimester: week 13, week 14, week 15, week 16, week 17, week 18, week 19, week 20, week 21, week 22, week 23, week 24, week 25, week 26.
At this stage of your pregnancy, you may continue to experience pregnancy symptoms in the body.
These can include:
•dizziness
•changes in sex drive
•frequent need to urinate
•fatigue
Expecting the arrival of an infant is a huge change that carries high levels of pressure and preparation. If a woman is in employment while pregnant, there is often a fear of being stigmatized by an employer or even fired as a result of the pregnancy.
There have been laws in place since the Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978 to protect women who are pregnant and attending the workplace. This law states that a company may not refuse to hire or fire a woman as a result of pregnancy.
A woman working through her pregnancy is also protected from:
•losing seniority in the company
•losing retirement benefits and pensions
•losing employment as a result of having an abortion
Occupational steps
Here are some simple steps that will make continuing to work during pregnancy more comfortable: •Avoid standing for long periods, and sit down more often. •Always have a water bottle with you. •Break frequently for rest, urination, or eating. •Do not lift heavy objects without assistance. •Reduce the length of your working day. •Take time off to prepare for and recuperate from birth. Make sure your employer knows about the pregnancy and takes the relevant steps to support these measures.
Combined first-trimester screening
Ultrasound scans can create a picture of the fetus and surrounding organs using sound waves. Between week 11 and week 13, it will likely be time for two of the first ultrasound scans of the pregnancy. These are a dating scan, designed to provide an estimate of the due date, and a nuchal translucency scan, to assess the risk of chromosomal anomalies, such as Down syndrome. A blood test may also be requested to assess the risk of abnormalities. If the results come back positive, it does not confirm the presence of Down syndrome or a similar condition. However, it does recommend further diagnostics to rule out genetic disorders.
Your baby is now roughly the size of a plum, measuring approximately 2.5 inches in length and weighing around an ounce.
The head of the fetus is around one half of the length from crown to rump and rests upon its neck rather than its shoulders.
Other developments that are underway include:
•Head and neck: The head is now half of the size of the body, and the salivary glands start functioning.
•Heartbeat: The heartbeat can now be heard with an external Doppler scan.
•Chest: The lungs continue to mature, and amniotic fluid is now inhaled and exhaled.
General health
Maintaining peak physical health is essential to both your wellbeing and that of the fetus. Avoid alcohol, tobacco, and narcotic substances during pregnancy, and discuss any ongoing medications with your doctor. Eat a healthy diet and be sure to take any necessary nutritional supplements recommended by your doctor during pregnancy. Regular exercise can also help maintain health during this crucial time. Discuss your current exercise regimen or any regimen you have planned to make sure it is safe.
Cosmetics
Using permanent hair color is not recommended during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. Consider using semi-permanent dye as an alternative. This article is part of a series exploring the development of a fetus at different stages of pregnancy and the effect it will have on the body.
Find out about your baby窶冱 development and pregnancy symptoms at 12 weeks.
Nov 10, 2023 · Learn what to expect when you’re 12 weeks pregnant, including your uterus shifting upwards, your first antenatal visit and ultrasound, and your baby’s development. Find out how to eat healthy, avoid alcohol and caffeine, and get support for your pregnancy.
Jul 25, 2024 · "At 12 weeks pregnant, your baby is approximately the size of a plum," says Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist Ayanthi Gunasekera. "The length from the crown (top of the head) to the rump (bottom) is typically around 5.4cm." "Most major organs are fully formed, and they continue to mature and function."
What to do in week 12. Your first scan. Between week 10 and 14 you’ll be offered an ultrasound scan. This is your first chance to see a glimpse of the tiny life inside you! It’s sometimes known as the dating scan. The sonographer (the person who scans you) will be able to check whether your due date is accurate by measuring the size of your baby.
Jan 9, 2023 · That’s because pregnancy symptoms like morning sickness may start to subside, and you might feel a little better. Read on for more information about what happens at 12 weeks pregnant, such as the typical signs and symptoms, and to learn about your baby's development at this stage.
