← Back to All Weeks
🌱First Trimester•Weeks 1-13
Week 12 of Pregnancy
Your baby is the size of lime
📏
Length
2.1 inches
⚖️
Weight
0.49 ounces
🍎
Size Comparison
Lime
👶 Baby Development
- •Reflexes are developing including sucking, rooting, and grasping reflexes
- •Intestines, which had been growing in the umbilical cord, move into the proper position in the abdomen
- •Kidneys are producing urine which becomes amniotic fluid
- •Nerve cells are multiplying rapidly throughout the brain and body
- •Baby can open and close mouth, and may be yawning
- •Bone marrow begins producing white blood cells to fight infection
- •The pituitary gland starts producing hormones
💭 Common Symptoms
- •Reduced nausea and morning sickness for most women (about 70% see improvement)
- •Increased energy levels returning as you approach the second trimester
- •Visible baby bump may appear, especially if this isn't your first pregnancy
- •Darkening of nipples and areolas due to increased pigmentation
- •Less frequent urination as uterus rises out of pelvis
- •Possible spotting after sex or pelvic exams due to increased blood flow to cervix
- •Emotional changes as you process that pregnancy is becoming more "real"
🥗 Nutrition Tips
- •Increase caloric intake by about 300 extra calories per day through nutrient-dense foods
- •Focus on nutrient-dense foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats
- •Stay hydrated with at least 10 glasses of water daily
- •Include iron-rich foods like lean red meat, spinach, lentils, and fortified cereals with vitamin C for absorption
- •Eat calcium-rich foods at every meal for baby's bone development
- •Include foods with iodine (iodized salt, seafood, dairy) for thyroid function and brain development
- •Snack on nutrient-dense options like nuts, Greek yogurt, cheese, and fresh fruit
✅ To-Do This Week
- •Schedule nuchal translucency (NT) scan between 11-14 weeks if desired for genetic screening
- •Start announcing your pregnancy to extended friends and family after your 12-week scan
- •Research your employer's maternity leave policies, FMLA eligibility, and disability benefits
- •Continue healthy habits including exercise, prenatal vitamins, and avoiding harmful substances
- •Schedule your 16-week prenatal appointment
- •Take a "12-week bump" photo to commemorate the end of first trimester
- •Consider investing in a belly support band if experiencing round ligament pain
💡
Did You Know?
Your baby's vocal cords are forming this week! Though they won't make sounds for many months, they're already preparing for their first cry. The structures needed for speech are developing now.