Congratulations! You’ve made it to the 12th week of your pregnancy – this marks the end of the first trimester. The fetus has been developing rapidly, and at this stage, it is about the size of a plum. It’s amazing to think that in just 12 weeks, the fertilized egg has transformed into a tiny human being with fully formed organs and limbs. In this article, we’ll go through some of the major developments that happen during the 12 weeks baby fetal development stage.
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The baby’s growth and size
At 12 weeks, the fetus is about 2 inches long and weighs about half an ounce. The baby’s head is still relatively large compared to the rest of its body, but this will change as the baby continues to grow. By the end of the week, the baby’s fingers and toes will have developed and separated, and its nails will begin to grow. The baby’s teeth buds will also start to form.
The baby’s organs
At this stage, the baby’s organs are now fully formed, and they will continue to grow and mature as the pregnancy progresses. The baby’s kidneys are now functioning and producing urine, and its liver is producing bile. The spleen is also starting to function, producing red blood cells to carry oxygen around the body.
The baby’s movements
Although you won’t be able to feel it just yet, the baby is moving around a lot inside the uterus. The baby’s muscles are now strong enough to make jerky movements, and it may even be practicing its breathing by inhaling and exhaling amniotic fluid.
The baby’s brain development
The baby’s brain has now developed to the point where it can control some of the baby’s movements. The baby is also starting to develop its own unique fingerprints. The baby’s brain is growing rapidly, and it will continue to do so until the end of the pregnancy and beyond.
The placenta
During this stage, the placenta is fully developed and is now taking over the job of producing important hormones that were previously being produced by the corpus luteum. The placenta is also responsible for providing the baby with all the nutrients and oxygen it needs to grow and develop properly.
What to expect during your 12th week of pregnancy
At this stage in your pregnancy, you may start to notice a little bump in your abdomen. Your morning sickness may start to diminish, and you may have more energy. You’ll also have your first prenatal visit with your doctor or midwife, where they’ll perform a physical exam and possibly an ultrasound. This is an exciting time to hear your baby’s heartbeat for the first time if you haven’t already.
Frequently Asked Questions About 12 Weeks Baby Fetal Development
Q: Can I start to feel my baby moving at 12 weeks?
A: It is unlikely to feel your baby moving at 12 weeks, as the movements are still very small and jerky.
Q: Is it safe to have sex during my 12th week of pregnancy?
A: Unless your doctor advises otherwise, it’s generally safe to have sex during your 12th week of pregnancy.
Q: Can I still experience morning sickness at 12 weeks?
A: While it’s less common, some women may still experience morning sickness at 12 weeks.
Q: How much weight should I have gained by 12 weeks?
A: The average weight gain by 12 weeks is around 2-4 pounds.
Q: What kind of prenatal tests will I need at 12 weeks?
A: At your first prenatal visit, your doctor or midwife will perform a physical exam and possibly an ultrasound to check on your baby’s development.