The ultimate HerFamily guide to your pregnancy: Week 12
Week 12 – you're in the 1st Trimester! Read more about trimesters here.
This week....
Your baby
Is now the size of a plum (the rehydrated prune of week 10) and weighs about 15g.
Almost all the organs and body systems are now formed and the vocal cords are ready for when it needs to cry in six months time.
At this stage babies have been spotted on ultrasound hiccuping and yawning, making fists, and even sucking their thumbs.
You
As the placenta takes over the production of progesterone in your body the risk of miscarriage plummets. This is why many people wait until about week 12/14 to announce their news. Many of the early symptoms of pregnancy will ease or vanish — including nausea and headaches.
You should also be weeing less as your uterus moves upwards and takes pressure off your bladder.
Having trouble relaxing?
- Try and keep your fluid intake up, even if you cannot eat, but reduce intake after 6pm to avoid toilet trips during the night.
- Listen to your body. Rest, nap and sleep whenever you can.
- Wearing a soft cotton well-fitted bra, with thick-straps and without under-wiring, will reduce breast symptoms. Apply hot or cold flannels (or bags of cold peas!) to alleviate pain and tingling;
- Take up prenatal yoga or find a relaxation technique that suits you.
