The twelfth week of pregnancy is exactly the time when the future woman begins to feel her close connection with the baby. The fetus gradually grows up and during ultrasound examination it is already possible to easily determine its size, heart rate, and sometimes even gender.
Fetal development at 12 weeks gestation
During this period, the baby is developing rapidly, new organs no longer appear, but only the already formed ones are growing quite actively. At the indicated gestational age, the baby already weighs about fourteen grams, and its size reaches sixty millimeters. The small liver is already capable of producing bile, and the intestine begins to fulfill its direct tasks. The fingers on the child’s arms and legs are already divided, and the first hairs appear on the body. The baby’s nervous system continues to develop, the child makes its first movements, opens its mouth, squints and wiggles its fingers. Every day, the fetus becomes more and more like a little man, although his head is still too large compared to other parts of the body.
Nutrition and regimen of a pregnant woman at 12 weeks
Starting from the twelfth week of pregnancy, the expectant mother is better off sleeping on her back so as not to harm the fetus during sleep. Of particular note is the diet of a woman expecting a baby. Nutrition should be regular, complete and balanced. Dry food or semi-finished foods are strictly contraindicated. It is advisable to spend more time in the fresh air, while moderate exercise should not be avoided.
Changes in the female body at 12 weeks
Those pregnant women who suffered from toxicosis in previous weeks begin to experience noticeable relief. Although the tummy is not yet visible to others, but many already guess about an interesting situation. At this time, if there are no medical contraindications, you can still have sex without much discomfort, so you should not refuse to be close to your partner.
By the end of the first trimester, the uterus, increasing in size, rises into the abdominal cavity. At the same time, its bottom is located above the pubic bone. The total weight gain is an average of two to three kilograms. Some women show a brown vertical strip in the lower abdomen or age spots on the face. But do not get upset due to these changes, usually after childbirth the skin acquires its usual color. Urination becomes more rare, however, the problem of flatulence and constipation associated with the slowed-down intestinal function during pregnancy is still relevant. To avoid these unpleasant phenomena, eat foods that contain fiber, fresh vegetables and fruits, prunes and dried apricots.
Necessary tests and examinations at week 12
It is very important to register in the antenatal clinic before twelve weeks of pregnancy. Ultrasound examination and the delivery of the necessary tests will not only help to avoid the risks associated with the development of the fetus in the early stages, but also help to diagnose severe malformations of the child in time. During this period, the doctor probes the stomach of the future mother to correctly determine the location of the uterine fundus, this fact is very important for monitoring the development of the child. Hands and feet of a pregnant woman must be examined for swelling. You will certainly need to visit the dentist, as in the process of growth the baby will take calcium from the mother's body, so the woman's teeth should be healthy. In addition to the above examinations, screening for chromosomal pathologies is also carried out at twelve weeks, most of these changes in the development of the fetus are characterized by an increase in the collar space, which is located in the neck of the child. Along with ultrasound, a biochemical prenatal screening is also done, which allows the mother to determine the risks of a fetal chromosomal abnormality by the mother’s blood.
Anxiety symptoms
Particular attention should be paid to acute pain, which can suddenly occur in the lumbar region, to a feeling of pressure on the rectum, as well as to an increased separation of mucus from the vagina. If any of these unpleasant symptoms appear, you must urgently go to bed and call an ambulance. The described condition can become a fairly serious threat to termination of pregnancy, therefore, it will require immediate medical attention.
Weekly Pregnancy Calendar:
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