Your pregnancy at 12 weeks

Mum, can you believe your baby is now fully formed? All their organs, muscles, limbs, and bones are in place, and over the next two trimesters, your baby will concentrate on growing.

Baby's Development

It’s hard to believe that in only 12 weeks, your baby has developed into a mini version of themselves. They are now about 5.4 cm from head to bottom, roughly the size of a lime, and are fully formed from their head to their teeny toes.

• Feeding and Growth: Your baby is likely now feeding from your placenta, which provides all the oxygen and nutrients they need while also removing waste.
• Dating Scan: You may get a glimpse of your baby this week at your dating scan, usually performed between 10-14 weeks, to check everything is in order and to give you a more accurate due date.
• Sex Organs: Although their sex organs are starting to develop, they will be too small to see at this stage.

Changes in Mum

As you approach your second trimester, you will hopefully start to feel more like yourself and have more energy. The main reason for this is that your baby is now feeding off your placenta, which means your hormones will have settled down a bit.

• Bump Size: You may also start to feel a bit bigger around your bump as your baby continues to grow. Every mum is different regarding size—if this is your first pregnancy, you may show less than a mum on her second or more pregnancy. It also depends on your stomach muscles and how big you were prior to pregnancy.

Tips for This Week

• Enjoy Increased Energy: Now might be a good time to tackle that long to-do list, as your energy levels may be higher.
• Comfortable Clothing: Consider investing in maternity wear if you haven’t already, as your growing bump might make your regular clothes feel a bit snug.
• Healthy Eating: Continue to eat a balanced diet to support your baby’s growth and your own well-being.

Looking Ahead

As you near the end of your first trimester, take a moment to appreciate how far you’ve come. Your baby is fully formed and will continue to grow and develop over the next two trimesters. Stay positive and take care of yourself as you enter this exciting new phase of your pregnancy.

We’re here to support you every step of the way. Enjoy this special time, and soon you’ll be seeing even more incredible progress as your pregnancy continues.

This article has been written using the latest guidance and information from trusted sources, primarily the NHS. This information should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider for advice tailored to your personal health and circumstances.