WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU ARE 12 WEEKS PREGNANT

 Your baby’s development

Your baby is now officially a fetus! At week 12, his bone marrow is producing white blood cells which will help him fight against germs and diseases in the playground. Your baby is just about the size of a small plum and weighs half an ounce, and the growth of his head is at a slower pace now to allow the rest of his body catch up. Fingers, arms, and legs are also growing out to look more like that of a newly born, and your baby's posture is becoming less curled and more upright.

How your body is changing

Congratulations! You are now in the final week of your first trimester, and you might be putting morning sickness and the tiredness behind you now. You are gradually changing in size and should consider getting maternity clothes, especially if this is not your first pregnancy. If your doctor examines your lower abdomen, he can now feel the top of your uterus (fundus), and as your uterus begins to migrate from the bottom of your pelvis to center position in your abdomen, if you are lucky, this will mean an end of your constant urge to urinate. You may begin to feel heartburn, especially when lying down because gastric acid can easily sip up your pipe causing an unpleasant burning sensation. The chances of having a miscarriage drop significantly at the end of 12 weeks pregnant, so now will be an excellent time to share the exciting news of your pregnancy with your friends, family, and colleagues. 

Tips And To-Do’s At 12 Weeks Pregnant

Vaginal discharge during pregnancy

Don’t worry if your vaginal discharge is more than usual; this is common at 12 weeks pregnant. The substance you are noticing in your underwear is leukorrhea – an odorless or mild-smelling substance. Some women have this discharge before pregnancy, but there's just a lot more of it now, and this is partly because of increased production of estrogen and greater blood flow to the vaginal area. The leukorrhea discharge consists of secretions from the vagina and cervix, old cells from vaginal wall, and the normal flora of the vagina.

Eat Regularly

Dizziness during pregnancy can be as a result of low blood sugar level which occurs if you don’t eat regularly. So avoid running or walking on an empty stomach. As a tip: whenever you feel dizzy or faint, sit with your head lowered between your knees, or lie down and take slow deep breaths. Also, loosen any tight clothing you have on or take them off if possible. As soon as you start feeling better, get something to eat and drink.

Go For an Ultrasound

You should have your first ultrasound scan when you are 12 weeks pregnant; this scan is often called ‘dating’ scan because it helps confirm your due date. A cold gel will be applied to your stomach while the sonographer rubs the gel all over your bump using an ultrasound probe to pick up images of your baby and monitor his heartbeat. Measurements will also be taken from your baby’s head to his bottom (known as crown–rump length). The fun part is you get to take the first pictures of your baby home to show your family.

For more info on what to expect when you are 12 weeks pregnant, visit http://www.manyweekspregnant.com/12-weeks-pregnant/