12 Weeks Pregnant: Baby is as big as a plum!

Week 12 at a glance

A big milestone – you’re 12 weeks pregnant!

Congratulations mama, you’re in the third month of your pregnancy, and you’re almost into the second trimester!

So what does it all mean for you and your baby?

We know there’s a lot to think about, so we’ve put together a guide to what to expect at 12 weeks pregnant.

In this article: 📝

Baby development at 12 weeks

A fetus at 12 weeks will be about 5-6cm long ‒ the size of a lime.

They will be fully formed in terms of limbs, systems, and organs, and they’ll spend the next 28 weeks growing and maturing.

At 12 weeks pregnant, your baby will:

• Have white blood cells in their bone marrow, ready to fight off infections.
• Look pretty cute, with their facial features nearly in their final positions.
• Have a pituitary gland at the base of the brain which will be producing hormones ready to have children of their own one day. Mind blown!
• Be able to open and close their hands and scrunch up their tiny toes.
• Practice sucking movements with their mouth.
• Have developed their genitalia to determine their sex, although it’s unlikely you’d be able to tell at this point.

Pregnancy symptoms at 12 weeks

There’s a range of normal pregnancy symptoms at 12 weeks pregnant, that will change as you get into the second trimester.

Dizziness and headaches

As those pregnancy hormones increase and more blood is directed to your growing baby, the result can be dizziness and headaches.

Try to take it easy as much as you can, avoid long periods of standing, and stay hydrated.

Excess saliva and bleeding gums

Another weird but common pregnancy symptom.

Blame it on the hormones and keep on top of your dental hygiene.

Regular brushing and mouthwash can help you to feel fresher, especially between meals.

Feeling tired

The fatigue that first-trimester pregnancy brings can last for a few more weeks, so just go with the flow.

You might not be able to keep up with your pre-pregnancy schedule right now but don’t worry.

You’re doing an amazing job!

Sickness and nausea

Morning sickness and all-day nausea got you feeling low?

We hear you.

On the upside, for most women, this feeling will subside around weeks 16-20, so you should be feeling better soon.

Remember to drink plenty of water, and have healthy snacks by your side to keep nausea at bay.

Should you have a baby bump at 12 weeks pregnant?

Not necessarily!

Although your uterus will now be about the size of a large grapefruit, everyone’s baby bump is different.

Around now, your uterus relocates upwards and outwards, out of your pelvis, where it’s a bit more roomy.

It should mean you don’t have to pee quite so often as the earlier weeks (yay!), but it doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll look obviously pregnant.

Your bump will develop in its own time, but it’s never too soon to start browsing for maternity wear, right?!

Can you feel the baby at 12 weeks?

Your baby is still too small to feel moving around, but you’ll have an ultrasound scan at around 12 weeks pregnant to confirm everything is developing nicely in there and get a more definite due date (if you haven’t already had an early dating scan).

You’ll also be able to hear the heartbeat, which no doubt will make things seem oh-so real!

Pregnancy tips at 12 weeks

You've hit the 12-week mark ‒ congrats on making it to the end of the first trimester!

Here are some things to add to your checklist:

• Take a belly photo: Now that your bump is starting to show, it's the perfect time to start documenting your pregnancy journey with some belly photos. Get creative with your poses and don't forget to smile!
• Keep up with those prenatal vitamins: Prenatal vitamins are important for both you and baby, so make sure you're taking them as directed by your healthcare provider.
• Check in with your doctor for your 12-week ultrasound: This could be your first proper peek at baby!
• Stay comfy: You might be getting a bit of a bump now, so if jeans or tighter clothes are feeling uncomfortable, switch it up ‒ wear whatever feels good, mama-to-be.
• Make your announcement: After the 12-week ultrasound is when a lot of expectant mamas decide to announce their news, but this is in no way a hard and fast rule. If you choose to announce yours at 12 weeks, why not get creative?
  You do you, and celebrate reaching this pregnancy milestone however you want!

Remember, pregnancy can be a rollercoaster ride, but you're doing an amazing job!

Take care of yourself, listen to your body, and don't forget to enjoy this special time.

You got this, mama!