Twelfth week of Pregnancy
Development of the baby
The baby continues its rapid development and growth during this week. By this stage, the baby’s brain begins to produce hormones and the multiplication of the nerve cells happens at a really fast pace. Your baby can suck and also swallow food by now and his/her kidneys have started to produce urine. Though not fully matured as yet but the muscles begin to respond to the baby’s brain. The development of both the muscles and the brain in a synchronized fashion permits natural movements such as twisting of the wrists or bending of the elbows and arms or opening or clenching of the fist.
The umbilical chord starts helping in the circulation of the blood and placenta is functioning efficiently by the 12th week. The ears and the eyes inch closer to their rightful positions and the baby’s reflexes improve and increase at every stage.
Changes in a mother’s body
As the baby expands both in length and size, the uterus begins to weigh more and more with every passing week. In this week the uterus is positioned above your pubic bone. You may notice some pigmentation of the skin once the twelfth week is over. Spots or freckles may darken as well as the skin around your areolas and nipples. Some may even have brown patches on their skin as your skin tends to get very sensitive towards ultraviolet rays during pregnancy. In order to protect your skin, you could use sunscreen lotions or even skin firming creams. However, keep in mind that excess of Vitamin A can cause jaundice or liver damage.
Usually women also develop a slightly dark vertical line across their stomach which crosses the naval. This is also called as linea nigra and it generally fades away after the delivery.
Your pregnancy is considered safe if you have had no vaginal bleeding, your blood pressure is not abnormally high and you do not have severe morning sickness. A molar pregnancy could be detected during this time. A molar pregnancy is also know as water filled cysts and usually occurs when the placenta develops abnormally. There are less chances of a miscarriage if you do not have these symptoms.
What to expect
By this week, you will start to feel much healthier both physically and mentally as the hormones begin to adjust to all the changes that have happened during the past weeks. Annoying symptoms of fatigue, nausea or morning sickness will have reduced considerably by now.
Due to the rise of the progesterone hormone, you could experience an increase in heartburn in your upper abdomen, chest or throat. You can reduce this by eating small and light meals which are high in fiber and by consuming lots of water.
You could sign up for prenatal classes as they are the best way to interact with others while gaining more information about pregnancy. You can also book your leaves in advance in case you are working. Visit your doctor regularly and make sure to follow his advice sincerely.