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Pregnancy

      12 Weeks Pregnant: Pregnancy Symptoms & Baby Development

      Fish During Pregnancy

      12 Weeks Pregnant: Pregnancy Symptoms & Baby Development

      Read time: 4 minutes

       

      12 weeks pregnant: Pregnancy Symptoms & Baby Development

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      Month 3 (Trimester 1)

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      Baby development at 12 weeks

      Your baby’s brain is continuing to develop.

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      First scan

      If you haven’t already, it’s time to book an appointment for your 12 week scan.

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      Omegas 3 and 6

      Discover how these beneficial fats support the development of your baby’s brain.

      Baby development at 12 weeks

      Foetus Pregnancy Week 12

       

      What does my baby look like? And, what size is my baby?

      At 12 weeks pregnant, your baby is around 6cm in length, having doubled in size in the last 3 weeks alone, and is roughly the size of a plum. Amazingly, your baby is now fully formed, with vital organs, bones and muscles in place, all ready to grow and mature over the coming months.

      Your baby’s head is still large compared to their body, but they now have very definite facial features and their eyelids are now visible, although they will remain closed for some time. In their mouth, 20 small buds sit inside the gums, which will eventually emerge as baby teeth.    

      Pregnancy at 12 weeks (first trimester)

      First scan

      You are likely to have your first ultrasound scan when you’re around 12 weeks pregnant. 

      Pregnancy Scan

      Also known as the dating scan, it allows your midwife to get a more accurate idea of your baby’s due date. It’s often at this time that mums choose to share their news with family, friends and colleagues.

      LEARN MORE

      What’s happening in my body?

      At 12 weeks pregnant, you could see the beginnings of a baby bump, although this isn’t true for everyone.

      Early pregnancy symptoms at 12 weeks

      Early pregnancy symptoms vary from person to person. At 12 weeks, you may experience any of the following signs of pregnancy, or no symptoms at all:

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      Early pregnancy symptoms vary from person to person. At 12 weeks, you may experience any of the following signs of pregnancy, or no symptoms at all:

      Your breasts may become larger and feel sore. You may also find your nipples stick out more than usual and darken in colour as your body begins to prepare for breastfeeding. 

      During the first 12 weeks, hormonal changes can leave you feeling tired or exhausted. 

      Morning sickness affects up to 80% of mums-to-be in the first trimester6. It can strike at any time of the day or night and varies from mild nausea to sickness throughout the day.

      The pregnancy hormone progesterone slows down your digestion which can lead to bloating and excess gas.

      Light cramping and spotting are common in the early stages of pregnancy. If the pain becomes severe (stronger than period cramps) or if bleeding becomes heavy, you should talk to your GP.

      Frequent trips to the bathroom are one of the most common symptoms of early pregnancy, as your growing uterus begins to put pressure on your bladder.

      Pregnancy hormones, oestrogen and progesterone, soar during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, affecting how you’re feeling emotionally. Get plenty of rest and light exercise to keep you feeling like yourself.

       

      Focus on Omegas 3 and 6

      The fatty acids Omega 3 and 6 support the healthy development of your baby’s brain, and can only be obtained from your diet. Making sure you include good sources of Omega 3 in your diet will help you give your baby the best start for a healthy future.

      Making sure you include good sources of Omega 3 in your diet will help you give your baby the best start for a healthy future.

      Cereal With Milk

      Try these Omega 3-rich snacks and small meals:

      • Mackerel on a slice of wholegrain toast
      • Grilled salmon with steamed leafy vegetables
      • Salmon fishcakes
      • A handful of nuts and seeds
      • A bowl of wholegrain cereal
      LEARN MORE ABOUT OMEGAS 3 & 6

      THE
      SCIENCE
      BEHIND

      OMEGAS 3 & 6

       

      Omegas 3 and 6 are two types of long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, collectively called LCPs. One of the Omega 3 LCPs, known as docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA for short, contributes to your baby’s brain development. It also supports the normal development of your baby’s eyes and is associated with development post-birth, specifically normal visual development throughout the first year.

      To support your baby’s brain development, try to include DHA each day. Oily fish are an excellent source and eating 1-2 portions of oily fish per week will provide sufficient DHA for you and your baby. However, it’s recommended that you eat no more than two portions per week due to the toxins they may contain. For a healthy intake of other Omega 3 fats on the days you don’t eat oily fish, snack on a handful of nuts or start your day with a bowl of wholegrain cereal.

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      How much weight should I gain during pregnancy?
       

      Weight gain during pregnancy depends on your pre-pregnancy weight, and varies a great deal from mother to mother. Most women gain between 10kg and 12.5kg (22–28lb) while pregnant, some of which is the weight of the growing baby. Learn everything you need to know about weight gain in pregnancy.

      LEARN MORE

      If you haven’t been to see your GP yet, you should make an appointment so they can start planning your antenatal care, including your first ultrasound scan.

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      Your baby, this week

      Discover the science behind your baby's developments, week-by-week

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      Your baby's future health begins here

      Your baby's future health begins here

      At Aptaclub, we believe that experience helps to build resilience; that
      each new encounter, whether in pregnancy or after birth, can shape your
      baby’s future development. With our scientific expertise and one-to-one
      round the clock support, we can help you and your baby embrace tomorrow.

      Join Aptaclub

      Questions about feeding and nutrition?

      Our nutritionists and feeding advisors are always on hand to talk about feeding your baby. So if you have a question, just get in touch.

      Your baby, this week

      Discover the science behind your baby's developments, week-by-week

      Join now for free

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