In week 12 of pregnancy, the first trimester is slowly coming to an end. Your pregnancy symptoms should subside and you may feel much fitter again by now. Your baby is currently in an intensive growth phase: size and weight are increasing rapidly in this and the coming weeks of pregnancy.
In our pregnancy calendar, we summarize for you how your baby is developing in the twelfth week of your pregnancy and how big or heavy it currently is. You will also find out how your body is developing and which symptoms are typical towards the end of the first trimester.
Development of your baby in the 12th week of pregnancy
Your baby grows very quickly in the 12th week of pregnancy and puts on a lot of weight. It continues to develop and looks more and more like a real baby from week to week.
We summarize for you how it develops in the twelfth week of pregnancy:
The first organs are working
In the 12th week of your pregnancy, your baby's first organs start to function. The stomach, for example, can now absorb substances. Your baby will slowly start to swallow amniotic fluid.
Your baby becomes more and more active
Your baby is now moving lively in your belly and making full use of the available space. The movements can already be clearly seen on the ultrasound. But you can't feel them yet.
Your baby can now suckle
In the 12th week of pregnancy, your baby starts to suck its thumb. After birth, this reflex is vital for your baby's survival.
The first reflexes are working
Your baby's other reflexes are also developing this week. For example, when pressure is applied to your stomach, your baby will jerk back from the abdominal wall to protect itself.
There is also a lot going on in your baby's development during this week of your pregnancy. The risk of miscarriage decreases further with the completion of week 12 of pregnancy. All body structures have now formed and the critical phase is over. Towards the end of the 12th week of pregnancy, you can start telling friends and family about the pregnancy if you feel comfortable with this.
Your baby's size & weight in the twelfth week of pregnancy
Every baby grows at its own pace. This results in different height measurements in the 12th week of pregnancy. Your baby is now between 5 and 6 cm tall. This size is roughly equivalent to an XL egg or a passion fruit.
Your baby currently weighs around 14 to 16 g. Compared to the previous weeks, it has experienced a considerable growth spurt and is now significantly larger. Your baby will continue to grow rapidly and gain weight in the coming weeks. If you don't want to miss any developments, you can follow all the milestones in our pregnancy calendar.
What happens in your body in the 12th week of pregnancy
In this phase of pregnancy, your baby is growing rapidly and a number of processes and changes are also taking place in your body. A little person is growing in your belly - this involves a lot of effort for your body.
Various things happen in your body during the 12th week of pregnancy:
Your uterus grows
Your uterus continues to grow so that your baby has enough space. It is now the size of a small melon and protrudes beyond your pubic bone. This can reduce your increased urge to urinate.
Your blood volume increases
During your pregnancy, your blood volume will increase significantly so that all organs can be supplied with blood. In week 12 of pregnancy, you already have 10 to 15 percent more blood in your body than before.
Your placenta supplies your baby
From the 12th week of pregnancy, your baby is completely supplied by the placenta. It supplies your baby with oxygen and all the nutrients it needs. It is now about the size of a fist.
You won't consciously realize it, but your placenta takes on enormously important tasks from the 12th week of pregnancy. It ensures the exchange between you and your baby, but also acts as a barrier. It filters harmful substances from your blood and prevents them from reaching your baby.
However, it cannot ensure that nicotine, alcohol or caffeine reach your fetus. It is therefore essential to avoid these substances, which are harmful to your baby, throughout your pregnancy.
Pregnancy week 12: You are starting to look pregnant
During the 12th week of pregnancy, many expectant mothers notice the first rounding of their belly. For outsiders, the pregnancy may not yet be recognizable - this will change in the coming weeks. If you are already a mother, your belly will probably grow faster. Your tissue was already stretched during your first pregnancy and is now going through this process more quickly.
Many pregnant women gain around 250 to 300 grams per week. So you can slowly start buying your maternity pants. Soon your normal pants will no longer fit you and will press on your belly.
These symptoms are typical in week 12
You may have noticed that your nausea has improved significantly and that you only rarely feel a pulling sensation in your abdomen. Many of the symptoms of the first weeks of pregnancy have now subsided and you no longer feel as weak as you did a few weeks ago.
However, many pregnant women notice other symptoms in the 12th week of pregnancy:
Feeling better
You no longer feel nauseous and your tiredness also decreases significantly. Towards the end of the first trimester, many pregnant women feel much better and can start to enjoy their pregnancy to the full. The risk of miscarriage has now dropped significantly and many fears disappear as a result.
Changes to your skin
The pregnancy hormone progesterone can lead to skin changes. This can cause spots and darker freckles as well as moles. Other pregnant women get a real glow due to the increased blood supply to the skin.
Stronger feeling of hunger
Now that you have overcome the nausea of the first few weeks, you are probably feeling very hungry. Your baby is growing rapidly at the moment, which can make you feel very hungry.
Nutrient deficiency
For some women, pregnancy leads to a lack of nutrients. Vegetarians and vegans are particularly affected by this. Your doctor will take regular blood samples - they will identify any deficiencies and prescribe appropriate supplements if necessary.
You are slowly approaching the end of your first trimester. In the coming weeks and months, your baby will continue to develop and grow. This will be associated with new symptoms and complaints - but also with a lot of joy. You will soon find out the sex and be able to feel your baby's first movements.
