Information About Twelve Week Of Pregnancy

The body is now straighter and the first bone tissue appears. The face is formed with a chin, high forehead and small button nose. The eyes are developed and although they are shut tight with sealed eyelids, they now show reflexive movements. The ears are visible but are still small.

The tiny brain is now forming neural pathways and the fetus is starting to squirm around, although you can’t feel it yet because there is still a high proportion of amniotic fluid all around it.

The arms and legs can move freely and if you have a scan (see video clip example below) at this stage you may actually see them moving, which is really exciting! The skin is still permeable to amniotic fluid. The nails on the fingers and toes are starting to grow and if the palm is touched, the fingers will curl.

At around 12 weeks the placenta has achieved its final shape and takes over from the yolk sac to become the baby’s life support system. The placenta is much larger than the baby at this stage. After its initial rapid enlargement the placenta grows slowly and by the time the baby is born it will weigh about one sixth of the baby’s weight.

Baby’s Development

As you enter into the second trimester, the baby is growing quickly in the 12th week of pregnancy. The brain will start producing hormones and the nerve cells are multiplying very quickly. The baby will start to suck and swallow food. The kidneys will start to actually produce urine as opposed to amniotic fluid. If things are progressing the baby will grow in size and in length.

The muscles are beginning to respond to the brain like arm bending and opening and closing their fists. You can make out the features can be made out when the baby has their lips puckered or pinching of the eyebrows. The umbilical cord will start to circulate blood. The baby’s eyes and ears will start to become more proportionate to the baby’s face.

As the weeks and months go by you will see some really special changes. The baby will almost grow right in front of your eyes. This is a special time for the dad, he cannot help carry the baby and he cannot feel the kicks and the changes that are happening. So for him to see the growth and development on the sonograms, it is a very special time for him.

Changes To Your Body

You might be noticing some skin changes during pregnancy 12 weeks. If you have a lot of freckles, they may start to darken after pregnancy week 12. Some women form a dark vertical line that runs the length of their abdomen during pregnancy. This is called the linea nigra. It usually appears sometime during the second trimester. It will gradually fade within a few weeks of delivery. The skin surrounding your nipples and areolas will likely darken as well.

Other women have patches of brown skin that form on the face and neck. This is called chloasma, commonly referred to as the mask of pregnancy, and these dark spots usually disappear completely or become lighter after you deliver. You should always wear sunscreen during pregnancy to protect your skin, which may prove more sensitive throughout your pregnancy. There are many chemical free versions of sun block available on the market today, which are perfectly suitable during pregnancy.

Some women religiously use wrinkle creams and other skin firming lotions prior to pregnancy. If you typically use a product with high concentrations of Vitamin A, you should stop during pregnancy. Too much vitamin A can be harmful to you and your developing fetus. Vitamin A is found in prenatal vitamins up to 5,000 IUs. This is a beneficial dose for helping promote bone growth and support and strengthen the teeth. Larger doses of vitamin A however can cause liver damage and jaundice. If you aren’t sure whether or not a product is safe, be sure to consult with your healthcare provider before continuing its use.

You may find that you are experiencing more heartburn than normal at 12 weeks pregnant. Heartburn is a burning sensation in the throat, chest and upper abdomen. This is a very common complaint during pregnancy at 12 weeks. It is caused by an increase in the hormone progesterone during pregnancy. Progesterone relaxes the valve between your stomach and esophagus. This relaxation allows stomach acids to enter the esophagus and cause severe irritation, which gives you that burning sensation. Some great suggestions to relieve and prevent heartburn are as follows:

• Eat less at each meal and have six meals a day instead of three.
• Chew your food adequately and eat slowly.
• Drink liquids before and after your meals and not with them.
• For heavens sake stay away from fatty and greasy foods which will only make the problem worse.
• Stay away from fizzy drinks, citrus juices and spicy meals.
• Do not eat before going to bed.
• Raise the head of your bed or prop yourself up with pillows which will help minimize heartburn.
• Consider liquid antacids… they work much better than the tablet forms.

Tips/Advice

You have completed you first trimester, Congratulations! You are now moving into the second trimester. You are going into the second phase of pregnancy with a different outlook. You are feeling better physically and mentally. If you want to do any traveling, this is the time to do it but always get permission from the doctor before traveling.

Now is the time to start enjoying the pregnancy to its fullest. Not only won’t you have morning sickness anymore but it haven’t done so, now is the time to announce your pregnancy. Once family and friends find out that you are pregnant, it will make the experience all the more special. Keep in mind; once you tell people, other women are going to share their pregnancy stories with you.

Every pregnancy is different, it is fun to share stories but don’t count on their experiences as what could happen to you. If you have any questions or concerns, it is best left for a doctor to answer any questions that you may have. You are the only person who can say how you feel, you will know when everything is great and you will know when something is wrong. Don’t dismiss any feeling that you may have. Don’t ever be embarrassed to call your doctor even for something small.