Week 12

Development of 12 weeks fetus

How does a 12-week fetus develop?

The 12-week-old fetus is about the size of a tangerine, weighs 15g and is about 5 cm long from head to toe. Your baby's brain will continue to develop. Nails, pedicures, vocal cords and eventually intestines will begin to form during this 12th week. Also at this time, because the kidneys have started working, after absorbing nutrients from the amniotic fluid, the baby's body can filter and eliminate excess substances in the form of urine.

A change in the mother's body at 12 weeks of pregnancy

12 weeks pregnant, how does mother's body change?

She felt that she had become more beautiful: smooth, radiant skin. The main reason for the change in the mother's appearance is due to the increased blood flow and activity of pregnancy hormones . As a result, more blood flow to the blood vessels and hormones increase the activity of the oil glands, making the mother's face more rosy, firmer and the skin surface smoother. But sometimes this can cause acne.

What are the things you need to pay attention to?

The 12-week fetus, at this time, the fetus has very little nutritional needs, so most mothers do not gain weight. However, when the mother enters the second trimester of pregnancy, the baby will get older, so the demand for water, energy and nutrients increases. You will need to prepare a steady weight gain regimen.

In many cases, the mother may gain weight too quickly in the early stages of pregnancy. Part of the reason is that the mother thinks she is eating for two, but in fact, the nutritional needs of the fetus are not much. Part of this is because the foods are high in calories that make mom feel more comfortable. The truth is that these nutrients only go to the mother and not the baby. Mom do not worry too much about the weight but lose it too quickly. Set a clear, reasonable goal and plan to control body weight while providing all the necessary nutrients for both mother and baby.

Doctor's advice about 12 week pregnancy

What should mom discuss with the doctor?

Consult your doctor to recommend a reasonable weight gain regimen for the next six months of pregnancy, ensuring steady weight gain until the eighth month and not gaining more than 15 kg during the flare phases. development of the fetus. Ask your doctor about the right diet to help you keep a slim body and easily lose weight after birth, while still providing enough nutrients for both mother and baby. To achieve this, mothers should gain weight effectively and eat the best quality, nutritious food possible.

What tests do you need to know?

You can ask your doctor about a nape blurring test , which means using an ultrasound to check the skin behind the nape of the baby, to diagnose the risk of Down syndrome. Don't worry, this test won't harm you or your baby. In addition, mothers can also have a blood test to measure the levels of two proteins (proteins) in the blood to identify other problems at risk of harm to the fetus and mother.

Maternal and fetal health at 12 weeks

What do you need to know to ensure safety during pregnancy?

1. Lie on your stomach

If during the first trimester , the mother can lie on her stomach because the uterus is still protected by the pelvis, during the next six months of pregnancy, the tummy may feel uncomfortable. As the baby gets older, the weight of the uterus will increase and press on a large vein that carries blood back to the heart. This is the most worrisome concern possible, harming the health of both mother and baby. The mother's sleeping position must ensure the fetus is supplied with enough blood and nutrition, as well as safe for himself.

2. Lack of nutrition

When you are 12 weeks pregnant, one of your top priorities must be providing adequate nutrition to your baby. Therefore, a vegetarian diet will not provide enough vitamin B1 , folic acid and iron for the production of red blood cells in the blood. If you have anemia, you have a higher risk of infection and bleeding after giving birth. To avoid this, mothers should switch to eating animal products to get enough nutrients for both themselves and the fetus.