12 Weeks Pregnant - Saudi Mums

Baby development at 12 weeks

Minor actions During this week, your baby gains the ability to open and close their hands in a fist and flex their tiny toes.

Minuscule nails Tiny fingernails are developing on your baby’s fingers and toes.

Maturing intestines Around the seventh week of pregnancy, the stomach and esophagus began to take shape, and your baby’s intestines experienced rapid growth, extending into the umbilical cord. Soon, the abdominal wall will seal, and the intestines will relocate inside the abdomen.

Your baby is about the size of a lime

Pregnancy symptoms during week 12

Managing Pregnancy Stress

Experiencing stress during pregnancy is entirely normal. Many expectant mothers and their partners find themselves anxious about the baby’s health, financial concerns, and the impending changes. While some stress is expected, continuous or overwhelming stress should be discussed with your healthcare provider, as it can lead to pregnancy-related depression or anxiety.

Tackling Pregnancy Headaches

Around the 12th week of pregnancy, headaches become a common symptom. You can minimize their impact by adopting habits such as regular, small meals, proper hydration, sufficient sleep, exercise, meditation, and yoga. Prenatal massages can also help. If headaches persist, consider applying heat or cold, taking a shower, or trying acupuncture. Always consult with your doctor or midwife before taking any medication during pregnancy, even though acetaminophen (Tylenol) is generally considered a safe over-the-counter pain reliever.

Navigating Food Aversions

Pregnancy hormones and heightened olfactory sensitivity often lead to food aversions. Approximately 60 percent of pregnant women experience aversions, particularly to meat, eggs, dairy, spicy foods, strong-smelling foods, and coffee. These aversions typically diminish in the second trimester. In the meantime, opting for bland or cold foods might be more palatable. If cooking smells are bothersome, consider having your partner or a loved one take charge of meal preparation.

Coping with Pregnancy Fatigue

Fatigue is a prevalent experience for 95 percent of pregnant women, especially in the first trimester. Energy levels typically improve in the second trimester, only to decrease again in the third trimester due to increased weight and sleep disturbances. Engaging in gentle exercise can paradoxically boost energy levels during pregnancy. However, persistent fatigue may indicate iron-deficiency anemia or depression, necessitating a discussion with your healthcare provider.

Addressing Pregnancy Dizziness

Dizziness during pregnancy is a result of significant changes in the cardiovascular system, including an elevated heart rate, increased blood pumping, and a 30 to 50 percent rise in blood volume. If feeling dizzy or lightheaded, lying down on your side is recommended to enhance blood flow to the body and brain. If lying down isn’t possible, sitting down and placing your head between your knees can also help alleviate symptoms.

Managing Shortness of Breath in Pregnancy

Shortness of breath is a common sensation during pregnancy due to the increased need for oxygen. Progesterone’s effect on lung capacity allows for deeper breaths. However, if you have a pre-existing respiratory condition like asthma, it may worsen during pregnancy. While some degree of shortness of breath is normal, severe or sudden symptoms, such as chest pain or an irregular heartbeat, warrant immediate attention from your healthcare provider.

Pregnancy checklist at 12 weeks pregnant

Create a budget for your upcoming arrival
Sit down with your partner to go over how you’ll manage expenses related to your baby, such as baby clothes, diapers, toys, feeding supplies, and baby gear. These costs can accumulate quickly, and if you plan to cover childcare, it can significantly impact your monthly budget. Collaborate on identifying areas where you can cut expenses to allocate funds for your baby. While this task may seem like a chore, the resulting peace of mind is well worth the effort.

Initiate a prenatal exercise routine
Engaging in regular exercise during pregnancy is crucial for building the strength and endurance necessary to handle the extra weight, prepare for childbirth, and alleviate some pregnancy-related discomforts. Exercise also serves as a stress reducer and mood enhancer. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends at least 20 to 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week (equivalent to 2.5 hours per week). If you haven’t been exercising during pregnancy, consult your healthcare provider before starting, and proceed cautiously by listening to your body and adhering to safe pregnancy exercise guidelines.

Ensure adequate hydration
Maintaining proper hydration can help prevent common pregnancy issues like constipation, hemorrhoids, and urinary tract infections. While it’s suggested that pregnant women consume around ten 8-ounce cups of water or other beverages daily, individual needs may vary based on activity levels, size, and environmental conditions. Adjust your fluid intake, especially during hot weather or physical activity. A good indicator of sufficient hydration is pale yellow or colorless urine, and occasional thirst.

Keep a pregnancy journal
Recording your experiences in a pregnancy journal is a powerful way to document and contemplate the changes you’re undergoing. Beyond being a valuable record, journaling has been shown to enhance emotional well-being, mental clarity, and overall physical health. Your pregnancy journal will also serve as a cherished keepsake to revisit and perhaps share with your child in the future.

Prioritize Kegel exercises
Consistently practicing Kegel exercises can strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, potentially facilitating post-birth recovery. Kegels also aid in preventing urinary incontinence and can contribute to a more enjoyable postpartum sex life. These exercises can be done discreetly at any time, such as while brushing your teeth, waiting at a red light, or standing in line at the coffee shop. Initiate a quick squeeze and hold of your pelvic floor muscles, repeating 10 to 20 times.

Receive vaccinations
Ensure you receive both the flu shot and the COVID-19 vaccine during pregnancy, as they are deemed safe and highly recommended. These vaccinations significantly reduce the risk of severe infections and hospitalization. Additionally, the antibodies you develop in response to these vaccines during pregnancy are passed on to your baby, providing protection after birth. Familiarize yourself with the vaccines considered safe for pregnancy and those to avoid.

12 weeks pregnant bellies

Is it time to consider updating your wardrobe for maternity wear? The answer varies. Currently, you might find comfort in looser items from your existing collection, like leggings, maxi dresses, and oversized sweaters. Additionally, there are numerous practical pregnancy clothing tips, such as using a hair tie to expand the waistband or creating a DIY belly band to accommodate unzipped pants.

As your belly becomes more noticeable, maternity clothes often become the most comfortable option. When shopping, keep in mind that maternity sizes align with regular clothing sizes, allowing you to stick with your pre-pregnancy size. This sizing consistency also applies to plus-size maternity clothing.