12 Weeks Pregnant: Your Guide to the End of the First Trimester

Now that you’re 12 weeks pregnant, you’ve officially reached the end of your first trimester. You may be one of the fortunate few whose pregnancy symptoms, such as morning sickness, are fading. You may also notice you're getting your energy back.

Inside the womb, your baby is beginning to move around. Here’s a closer look at what to expect during this exciting week.

Your Baby’s Growth and Milestones at Week 12

By the end of Week 12, your baby would be about 5.1 cm (2 in) long and weigh about 14g (half an ounce), the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) notes.

Your baby’s major systems are now in place

Your baby at 12 weeks pregnant now has their essential organs and limbs. Over the coming months, these systems will grow and mature, preparing for life after birth.

Tiny features are developing

Another exciting development this week? Your baby's delicate fingernails are starting to grow, and their facial features are becoming more defined, a milestone noted by the Mayo Clinic. You might even catch a glimpse of them yawning during an ultrasound.

Your baby is starting to move

You likely won't feel any movement yet, but your baby is becoming active inside the amniotic sac. You might be able to feel those first flutters, known as "quickening," around 20 weeks if it’s your first baby. If you've been pregnant before, you may notice them around 16 weeks.

Symptoms and Your Changing Body

As your uterus expands at 12 weeks, you may notice your clothes feeling snug and experience mild stretching pains.

Your uterus fits inside your pelvis for the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, explains the ACOG. Then it will start to rise into your lower abdomen.

At 12 weeks, your pregnant belly likely isn’t very noticeable, so you probably won’t need to make wardrobe adjustments just yet. However, you may feel that your regular pants are becoming a bit snug.

Morning sickness might be easing up

Good news! If you're noticing your morning sickness is finally fading, you're not just imagining it. Nausea and vomiting in pregnancy (NVP) usually peak between Week 7 and Week 12, and for most people, symptoms begin to go away between 12 and 16 weeks.

However, don't worry if you're still feeling queasy since every pregnancy is different. According to the ACOG, typical nausea and vomiting in pregnancy (NVP) doesn’t harm the developing baby.

You might experience mild aches and pains

When you’re 12 weeks pregnant, pain in the lower abdomen or an aching stomach is common. These are often just stretching sensations as your uterus expands to make room for your growing baby.

You might also notice that breast soreness may lessen as you enter the second trimester.

Fatigue and headaches might still linger

It’s typical to still feel tired. Fatigue remains common as your body works hard to support your baby. Headaches can also occur due to hormonal changes and increased blood volume.

Be cautious about any bleeding

It can be startling to see spotting at 12 weeks pregnant, but some light bleeding in early pregnancy is common. ACOG explains that in many cases, it doesn't signal a major problem.

Still, you should always contact your doctor if you experience any bleeding at 12 weeks pregnant or at any time, no matter how light.

What to Eat When You're 12 Weeks Pregnant

Getting enough vitamins and nutrients when you’re 12 weeks pregnant helps support you and your growing baby.

A healthy diet is one of the best ways to support your growing baby. For instance, a 2022 review in the Annual Review of Nutrition emphasized that getting enough folic acid is crucial in the first trimester to prevent congenital disabilities of the brain and spine.

To make things simple, focus on these key habits:

• Follow the Pinggang Pinoy guide for pregnant women for a balanced diet. Check out this guide for more pregnancy meal plan ideas.
• Boost your nutrient and vitamin intake by following the Food and Nutrition Research Institute’s (FNRI-DOST) Philippine Dietary Reference Intakes (PDRI).
• Avoid raw seafood (such as kilawin), unpasteurized dairy products, and street food. Know which foods to avoid during pregnancy to keep you and your baby safe.
• Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated.
• Eat small, frequent meals if you find you're struggling with a low appetite.

Helpful Tips for Your 12th Week

As you wrap up the first trimester, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Start practicing sleeping on your side to prepare for the later stages of pregnancy.
• Prepare for your 12-week prenatal check-up, which may include a detailed ultrasound and a chance to discuss genetic screening options with your doctor.
• Having sex at 12 weeks pregnant is safe for low-risk pregnancies but always check with your doctor if you have any concerns.
• Plan a fun and creative way to announce your pregnancy if you haven't shared the news yet.

Being 12 weeks pregnant means you’ll soon be entering the honeymoon phase of pregnancy. As you pass the first trimester, the risk of miscarriage drops significantly. This is why many people wait until after 12 weeks to announce their pregnancy. So, congratulations! Time to celebrate how far you have come.

Connect with other parents on the ParentTeam Moms and Dads Facebook group and share your experiences about being 12 weeks pregnant!