Your pregnancy is progressing rapidly at 12 weeks pregnant, with the baby’s growth and development speeding up. If your pregnancy isn’t showing yet, it will be soon, and your baby is now in a stage where many of his organs have developed enough to begin carrying out their functions!

You’re also at the end of the first trimester! Although the three trimesters aren’t equally divided, the second is generally considered to start in week 13. Many women find that the second trimester is the easiest, with the worst of nausea and fatigue behind them.

Your Baby’s Development At 12 Weeks

Many of the cutest developments have already taken place, and your baby now has toes, eyelids, tooth buds, and the ability to kick and move around.

Much of what’s happening is beneath the surface, in your baby’s vital organs, which are preparing to perform their functions outside the womb. The thyroid, pancreas, and kidneys are all beginning to work. Outside the body in early pregnancy, his intestines have moved into his abdomen. The soft tissue that made up his skeleton is starting to harden into solid bone.

One of the most exciting fetal developments is the heartbeat, which can now be heard clearly on a Doppler machine in your doctor’s office and may even be audible now on a home Doppler machine!

Quick Overview: Baby's Development At 12 Weeks Pregnant:

• Your baby now has toes, eyelids, tooth buds, and the ability to kick and move around.
• Thyroid, pancreas, and kidneys are beginning to function.
• Intestines have moved from outside the body into the abdomen.
• Soft tissue in the skeleton is hardening into solid bone.
• The heartbeat is now clearly detectable on a doppler machine at your doctor’s office.
• The heartbeat may also be audible on a home doppler machine.

Mother’s Symptoms At 12 Weeks

Many of the symptoms that a pregnant woman has felt throughout pregnancy, such as nausea, breast tenderness, and fatigue, may actually begin easing up now. If not, there is still hope since these symptoms can start to ease anywhere between week 12 and week 14 for many women.

Unfortunately, heartburn and indigestion may take the place of morning sickness. These can make lying down a struggle, so try sleeping with your body in a more inclined position and waiting a few hours after eating to lie down.

Cravings for unusual foods or combinations are entirely normal but might be your body pleading for a certain vitamin or nutrient, so watch for patterns and consider letting your doctor know about any persistent cravings. Cravings for non-food items may be a sign of pica, and if you have this symptom, your doctor may ask you to take a supplement or change your diet.

Some women may suffer what’s called pregnancy rhinitis, in which they suffer a stuffy nose for 6 weeks or longer during pregnancy.

You may have a whitish vaginal discharge throughout pregnancy, which is a normal process your body uses to reduce the risk of infections.

You may experience dizziness or shortness of breath thanks to hormone changes, heart rate, and increased oxygen needs. If you have these symptoms, stop what you’re doing and rest safely, such as lying down or sitting with your head between your knees, to reduce the risk of passing out and falling. If these symptoms are persistent or severe or present with chest pain or rapid or irregular heartbeat, you should contact your doctor.

Spotting at this point warrants a discussion with your doctor. It could be a serious sign or almost meaningless, and in fact can even be caused by sex as your cervix can be sensitive during pregnancy. However, it could also be a sign that something is seriously wrong, so check with your doctor. If the bleeding is heavier than spotting, seek emergency care.

You may also have dental symptoms, including bleeding or swelling gums. These issues can include gingivitis and weakening of the teeth from repeated vomiting. Pregnancy also leaches calcium from the body, so make sure that you are taking in enough to build your baby’s bones while also keeping your own bones and teeth strong!

12 Week Pregnancy Symptoms Quick Recap:

• Nausea, breast tenderness, and fatigue may begin easing up between weeks 12 and 14.
• Heartburn and indigestion may develop, making lying down uncomfortable.
• Cravings for unusual foods or combinations are normal and may indicate a need for certain nutrients.
• Cravings for non-food items (pica) could signal a nutritional deficiency.
• Pregnancy rhinitis (persistent stuffy nose) may last for six weeks or longer.
• Whitish vaginal discharge is common and helps reduce the risk of infections.
• Dizziness or shortness of breath may occur from hormonal changes, heart rate fluctuations, and increased oxygen needs.
• Spotting warrants a discussion with a doctor, as it can be harmless or indicate a serious issue.
• Heavier-than-spotting bleeding requires emergency medical care.
• Dental symptoms such as bleeding or swollen gums may develop, potentially leading to gingivitis or weakened teeth.

When To Contact Your Doctor

Call your doctor for severe cramping or pain that does not diminish when you change positions or take OTC pain meds.

Call emergency services for any heavy bleeding or sudden severe pain.

Contact your doctor if you have severe nausea and vomiting that does not ease or for any signs that you are becoming dehydrated, which can be a serious risk of ongoing nausea.

Some dizziness and shortness of breath can be normal during pregnancy, but if symptoms are severe, or if they present with chest pain or irregular heartbeat, call your doctor or emergency services immediately. Contact emergency services if you faint or blackout.

What Should Mom Be Doing At 12 Weeks?

Make sure you are getting sufficient nutrients for you and your baby. This can include eating a healthy diet, getting help from your doctor if you’re struggling to keep food down, and taking a multivitamin.

Keep active unless your doctor says otherwise. If your pregnancy is not a high-risk one, your doctor will likely want you to continue doing most normal activities. Still, take caution when lifting heavy (especially if it is repetitive), and don’t add new or strenuous activities to your routine.

If you’d like (especially if it will reduce your anxiety and stress about the pregnancy), you can purchase a home doppler to check in on your baby between prenatal appointments. However, don’t let the device send you into a panic — many won’t be able to detect a heartbeat before 14 weeks, and some are only intended for use in the 3rd trimester.

Quick Recap Of What Mom Should Be Doing At 12 Weeks Pregnant:

• Ensure sufficient nutrients for you and your baby through a healthy diet, medical guidance, and a multivitamin.
• Stay active unless advised otherwise by your doctor; avoid heavy lifting and new or strenuous activities.
• Consider a home doppler for reassurance, but note that heartbeat detection may not be possible before 14 weeks.

What To Look Forward To

You’ve probably seen your baby on an ultrasound by now, or at least have an appointment. A second ultrasound will typically be scheduled mid-pregnancy, a little after the 20-week mark, and this will be the one where you may get to find out the baby’s sex and get a good peek at his activity.

If your worst pregnancy symptoms haven’t eased yet, they may in the next few weeks!

If you’re not showing yet, you soon will be. It’s a great time to look into comfortable shoes and looser clothing.