First Trimester - Week 12
Your Baby is now the size of a plum
The average fetus at 12 weeks is about 2.1 inches long and .49 ounces. Now that your baby is fully formed its main job is to grow. Your baby’s digestive system is beginning to work, the fetal digestive system is beginning to flex its digestive muscle as it starts to practice contraction movements. He/She has also developed her reflexes so if you poke her she’s likely to move!
Your Body
As you draw close to the second trimester, your nausea, tender breasts, food aversions and tiredness should be starting to wane. Hopefully you are feeling more energetic. Your uterus is now the size of a grapefruit, it is beginning to migrate from the bottom of your pelvis to front and centre in your tummy which will hopefully bring some relief to your bladder and your constant urge to urinate!
Common Symptoms:
- Increased Discharge - additional vaginal discharge is completely normal during pregnancy as your estrogen levels increase. It is to protect your vagina from infection so don’t worry!
- Headaches - Be sure to eat meals regularly to ensure you keep your blood sugar levels up.
- Dizziness - increased progesterone causes your blood vessels to relax and widen which allows blood flow to your baby however it slows the return of blood flow to you which can cause dizziness.
Your Wellbeing
You are also probably feeling relieved to find the risk of miscarriage has decreased and you can start to tell family and friends your good news!
