12 weeks of pregnancy: what happens to the baby, belly, development, norm

12 weeks of pregnancy: what happens to the baby, belly, development, norm

When pregnancy approaches 12 weeks, the second trimester begins. He’s calmer. The first dangers have passed, some unpleasant sensations have disappeared.

Changes in the baby at the beginning of the second trimester

At this time, the fetus has already basically formed, it has almost all organs and systems. At this age, the first change of the upper layer of the skin begins. The old epithelium dies off, giving growth to the new.

12 weeks pregnant is a reason to seriously tackle dietary changes

The child begins to grow rapidly. The fingers and toes are already separated, the intestines have moved to the desired position, the liver produces bile, and the pituitary and thyroid glands create hormones. Bone tissue develops, and a skin pattern appears on the palms. The first hairs begin to grow in place of the eyebrows and eyelashes, marigolds appear.

The fetus already looks like a baby, its weight reaches 14 g, and the length without limbs is 6-9 cm. It actively moves, its arms and legs are in constant motion, although it is still difficult to feel it.

The feelings of the expectant mother are changing. Toxicosis goes away, and appetite appears. A woman may start to eat in large quantities, which should not be done, as being overweight can adversely affect the course of pregnancy and complicate childbirth.

Sometimes heartburn and discomfort in the intestines appear. This is due to the fact that the uterus moved higher and began to rest against the intestines. Constipation is also associated with this. More attention should be paid to foods with fiber and introduced into the diet bran, rich in B vitamins, as well as dried fruits. As the uterus shifted, the pressure on the bladder decreased. A woman does not have to go to the toilet often.

There are some more features that do not affect the course of pregnancy in any way:

  • The breasts are enlarged, itching may appear on the skin of the nipples.
  • Stretched skin may itch. It’s time to start using stretch mark remedies.
  • Pigment spots sometimes form on the face. This is a temporary phenomenon, it will go away after the birth of the baby.
  • The pigmented streak will not disappear until it disappears. You will part with her too after childbirth.
  • It may be necessary to update your wardrobe.

Minor troubles associated with hormonal changes will not darken your mood if you treat them correctly. Almost all cosmetic defects disappear after childbirth, and stretch marks can be successfully dealt with.

What happens in the belly of the expectant mother?

During this period, the weight of the fetus begins to increase rapidly, and the uterus moves into the abdominal cavity. Its size reaches 10 cm. Amniotic fluid becomes larger. By the 12th week, this is about 50 ml. Although the curves are not yet bulging, in women of fragile physique, this can become noticeable. It is difficult to hide the features of the figure if the expectant mother is carrying two or three children.

One of the features of this period is internal pain. This is due to the fact that the hormone-softened ligaments that support the uterus begin to stretch. This allows the uterus to be sized to accommodate the baby and all of its dowry. The volume of the uterus for childbirth can reach 10 liters. “Correct” pains are localized on the sides. They can sometimes give to the groin or lower back.

You can feel what is happening inside by plunging into a peaceful state.

However, there are also dangerous symptoms. Pain in the lower part of the uterus should be alerted. They may be pulling, aching, or labor-like. If there is also a discharge of blood from the vagina, an urgent need to run to the doctor. These symptoms can lead to miscarriage if not taken urgently.

Monitoring fetal development

The first ultrasound is allowed at 12-13 weeks. Finally, you can see what the baby looks like. Friendly parents usually come together for this procedure. They are worried about the sex of the unborn child. However, it is not yet possible to determine gender at this age. Only at the 15th week can the first guesses be made.

This research is important for another reason. It helps to track fetal pathologies. During the procedure, the gynecologist examines:

  • uterine tone;
  • location of the placenta;
  • the risk of pathologies.

The task of the gynecologist is to set a due date. An ultrasound scan only provides general information. If the doctor saw something on an ultrasound scan, this is not a sentence. Each assumption needs additional analysis. Therefore, in addition to ultrasound, a biochemical blood test and other necessary tests are performed.

Discharge in normal and pathological conditions

The beginning of the second trimester makes the female body work more actively. The volume of circulating blood increases. This can lead to high blood pressure. The stress on the body can affect chronic diseases. Usually the doctor warns about this.

The hormonal system is going crazy. This can open the way for genital infections. Normal vaginal discharge is light or milky white. They have a sour smell. The appearance of infections is indicated by the appearance of yellowish or greenish discharge, they can be cheesy or mixed with pus. An unpleasant odor appears. These problems are accompanied by itching and burning in the vagina or when urinating. To prevent the spread of infection, you need to see a doctor.

An enlarged belly causes increased attention of the expectant mother

Sometimes the discharge turns brown or bloody. There are two options, and both require the intervention of a doctor:

  • If blood appears after examination by a gynecologist or sexual intercourse, you may have cervical erosion.
  • If pain in the uterus is added to these secretions, the situation is dangerous: a miscarriage may occur. An urgent need to see a doctor.

An expectant mother needs to be responsible for herself when she is growing a new life in herself. You need to see your doctor regularly.

The beginning of the second trimester can be called the quietest time, although there are some surprises here too. At this time, the expectant mother receives a visual confirmation of her pregnancy and gets acquainted with the unborn child for an ultrasound scan. This is the first contact with the mystery of life growing within. You should pay attention to your diet, and especially your mood. Constant irritability and discontent will help to give birth to a little spy, who will surely take it out on her emotional mother.

What happens when you get pregnant with twins?

The final week of the third trimester. It is already much easier for a woman, as the toxicosis gradually passes. The babies weigh 20 g each, and their height is 5,3 cm. Babies begin to resemble people – their ears go down, the eyelids cease to be transparent, the membranes between the fingers disappear. Children often have hiccups this week as they train the diaphragm.

On the 12th week, you need to pass a lot of tests:

  • first screening;
  • urine and blood tests;
  • biochemistry;
  • smear;
  • analysis for hepatitis, syphilis and AIDS;
  • blood for Rh factor.

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