12th week of pregnancy

Perhaps you have been looking forward to the 12th week of pregnancy, because with it the 1st trimester ends and thus the most critical phase of pregnancy. Any discomforts may also decrease now, and you have probably already become somewhat accustomed to the idea of becoming a mother. You can find out how your child's development continues and what is important for you this week in the article.

How big is your baby in the 12th week of pregnancy?

In week 12 of pregnancy, your baby is about 5 centimeters long, roughly the size of a plum. During an ultrasound this week, you would probably be able to see it doing somersaults. The movements of its eyelids and mouth are also now visible.

12th week of pregnancy: What's changing for you

In the 12th week of pregnancy, the time has finally come. Your body has adjusted to the hormonal changes, and unpleasant side effects such as fatigue and nausea are gradually decreasing by now.

Your uterus is already as large as a clenched fist this week. Very slim women can even feel the organ, which sits above the pubic bone. Due to its increasing size, the uterus begins to press on the surrounding organs. Some pregnant women therefore experience heartburn. To counteract the uncomfortable burning sensation or at least reduce it, you can pay attention to the following:

• Eat several small meals instead of a few large ones

• Eat slowly and chew well

• Avoid acid-promoting foods

• Eat nothing for three to four hours before sleeping

• Do not wear restrictive clothing

• Sleeping on the left side

More about the causes of heartburn and tips to prevent it can be found in the article "".

The pigmentation of your skin also changes: freckles, pigmentation spots, and nipples often become darker during pregnancy, and you become more sensitive to the sun – so make sure to use proper sun protection and stay in the shade when the sun is strong. For some women, the so-called Linea Nigra , a dark, vertical line to form across the lower abdomen. The skin changes are harmless and not a cause for concern: they are due to hormonal changes and usually disappear shortly after childbirth.

12th week of pregnancy: Development of your baby

This week, the brain and muscles of the fetus develop in parallel. As a result, it is now learning to coordinate its previously unconscious movements more and more. Its sucking and swallowing reflexes are also now developed. Your baby can now suck on its thumb and drinks amniotic fluid. This may cause it to hiccup from time to time – it won't be long before you can even feel it. The fetus's bladder is also already functioning, and since it is already excreting urine, the amniotic fluid is constantly being replaced.

The heart of your child beats at 120 to 160 beats per minute in the 12th week of pregnancy. Its fingers and toes are already clearly recognizable. The thyroid gland is starting to function and begins producing its first hormones. The placenta has fully taken over the supply of your child this week.

Time for positive experiences

Many expectant mothers breathe a sigh of relief in the 12th week of pregnancy: if they suffered from severe nausea, they may finally have their appetite back, the increased blood flow gives them fuller hair and plumper skin, and they feel full of energy once again. Most women particularly enjoy the second trimester. They feel comfortable in their pregnant body, and at the same time, the belly isn't large enough to be obstructive, so many related symptoms such as back pain or sleep disturbances are still absent at this stage.

Couples often consciously enjoy and cherish the time of the 2nd trimester together again. A wonderful opportunity for a shared break, which is increasingly popular among expectant parents, is the Babymoon. Many providers and accommodations focus specifically on pregnant women and their partners, offering wellness vacations tailored to them. Tips for the last vacation just for the two of you can be found in the article „ “. Of course, it doesn't always have to be a trip: also the , a for your partner or choosing the first baby romper now give you the opportunity to share your anticipation together.

Announcing the pregnancy

Probably you already know: With the end of the 12th week of pregnancy, the first critical period is over. The risk of miscarriage decreases significantly, and the pregnancy is considered "safe." It is often said, therefore, that women should wait until after the 12th week of pregnancy before announcing it to their surroundings. Of course, you don't have to wait that long if you want to share the news with friends and family earlier. However, if you have decided to wait for the first three months, you are probably now thinking about how to share the joyful news with your environment. A creative idea is shown by DIY blogger Steffie from in the video:

This is now important

• Your thyroid begins to grow around the 12th week of pregnancy, as it produces more hormones. This in turn increases your iodine requirement. The trace element is found, for example, in seafood such as mackerel, coalfish, and cod. So feel free to include cooked fish more often in your diet to meet your increased iodine needs. Alternatively, you can also consume iodine through dairy products, eggs, or green vegetables like broccoli or spinach.

• Don't be alarmed if you notice increased whitish discharge now. This occurs because your vagina is more heavily blooded and therefore secretes more fluid.
  Only if the discharge looks greenish or brown and has an unpleasant smell should you consult your doctor to rule out an early infection.

• By the end of this week at the latest, it's time for the second check-up. You can have this done either by your midwife or by your gynecologist.
  

With our pregnancy calendar, we want to accompany you through this exciting time and provide you with relevant information, which also in exchange with our
LILLYDOO experts are being created. Nevertheless, the ones listed here can still
Never replace personal consultation with your doctor or midwife with advice. Always contact your healthcare professional for questions and professional care.