Pregnancy at 12 weeks: symptoms, baby development, tests, diet and tips

You may still be feeling unwell, but its just for a week. The hormones such as estrogen, progesterone and human chorionic gonadotropin are still increasing which leads to signs and symptoms like:

• Dizziness and nausea
• Morning sickness
• Fatigue and exhaustion
• Mood swings
• Abdominal bloating
• Breast swelling and tenderness
• Frequent urination
• White vaginal discharge
• Cravings for certain foods
• Change in taste which often women describe as metallic.
• Changes in sleeping patterns
• thicker and shinier hair
• patches on the body

Though, now you and your baby are not too prone to complications, its better to have a safer side. You should be careful and consult a doctor if you see any of these symptoms :

• High blood pressure- If you have the problem of blood pressure before pregnancy, it can increase the risk of a miscarriage. you can discuss with your doctor about how to control it during pregnancy.
• Also, if you have history of gestational diabetes in your previous pregnancies, it can lead to a complication.
• If you are already obese before pregnancy or have thyroid problems, you need to be extra careful about yourself.
• PCOS - Women with PCOS are at a higher risk of getting pregnancy complications or a miscarriage.
• High blood sugars- If you have high levels of blood sugars in your blood, you can be at a risk of getting gestational diabetes or other pregnancy complications.

• Back pain -, Experiencing lower back pain at the onset of pregnancy is normal. But if your pain is sharp and uncontrollable in your pelvic region, it may be linked to some complication

• Obesity- Gaining some weight during pregnancy is normal but if you are already obese or if you are experiencing extreme weight gain, it can lead to complications in your pregnancy. Try to remain fit and maintain your weight by taking some exercises or yoga.

• Headache- it is a common symptom in pregnancy. But if the pain gets uncontrollable or if you see symptoms of migraine, you should consult a doctor immediately as it can lead to complications in pregnancy.

As you are in the second trimester, the risk of complications is lower. but the risk of having a miscarraige doesn't go away till 20 weeks. these an be the symptoms of a miscarriage:

• Cramping pain in your stomach, just like period pain
• Heavy vaginal bleeding

Some of the reasons of a miscarriage can be:

• Genetic abnormalities in foetus
• Hormonal abnormalities
• Immune system and blood clotting problems
• Medical conditions such as thyroid, diabetes or polycystic syndrome.
• Infections causing high fevers
• Physical problems with your womb or cervix

There are certain factors which may increase the risk of miscarriage such as:

• Older age
• Smoking habits
• Drinking alcohol in the first trimester
• History of previous miscarriages

By the 12th week your baby is about 5.4 cm long from head to bottom which is about the size of a plum and weighs about 18g. The foetus is fully formed. The skeleton of your baby is made of cartialage which is hardening into bones now. all the organs, limbs, bones and sex organs are now in place and are still developing. His eyes have started to close and his earlobes are also taking shape. Although, the baby has started its movements, you may not feel the same. From now on, the baby has to grow and mature.

• It is important to go for an ultrasound time-to-time during pregnancy. Atleast, one ultrasound is important is the first trimester. If you haven't been through one yet, you may have it done now. 
• The doctors also recommend for a dating scan in the 8-14 weeks of pregnancy. This scan checks your baby's development and also checks if the baby is at the risk of any abnormalities such as Down's syndrome or Trisomy 18. 
• The women are also suggested to go for screening tests and double marker test (around 9-13 weeks of pregnancy) - which include an ultrasound and a series of blood tests. This done to ensure the baby's health and if he is at risk of any disorders such as the Edward's and Patau's syndrome. 
• This may also be the week where you go for your first 'Booking appointment'. It is the first official antenatal care appointment with your midwife or doctor. 
• Also remember, to get your blood pressure and HCG levels checked. 
• As the heart of your baby is already developed, you can even get his heartbeat checked.

If you haven’t taken any blood or urine test, you can take these now:

Blood tests-

• Hb test- it is a test done to check hemoglobin levels in your blood and also if you are at a risk of getting anemia.
• Blood group ABO Rh- This test assess the risk of getting hemolytic disease for the mother and the foetus. It also checks the presence of Rh factor in yiur baby’s blood.
• Thyroid F Test- This test checks your TSH levels so that if you have less of TSH hormone,it can be adjusted or if you have insufficient thyroid hormone as thyroid disorders can have adverse reproductive and pregnancy implications.
• HIV (husband and wife)- This test is an essential in the first trimester of your pregnancy. If one of you are tested positive for HIV, your baby maybe at a risk of getting the same. If you get to know baout it in the earlier stages of pregnancy, you can start the treatment which can be quite effective for your baby.
• Hbs As(husband and wife)- It is done to check if any of you two is Hepatitis B positive, if it is so, it can be passed on to your baby as well. If you get to know about it in the first trimester of pregnancy, it can be treated which may reduce the risk of complications.
• VDRL test- It is a test which is done to check the risk of sexually transmitted diseases like syphillis.
• Blood sugar random - This test checks your blood sugar levels, and also if you are at a risk of getting gestational diabetes.

Urine test-

• The test is done to assess bladder or kidney infections
• To check dehydration
• And also, to check if you have high levels of sugar, ketones or bacteria in your body

Vaccines help to protect you and your baby against diseases. As you are pregnant and haven't taken any vaccines against flu or whooping cough, you should do the same now. Just so in case you get infected by any of these during pregnancy, it won't effect your baby's health. You can get these vaccines at any time of your 3 trimesters of pregnancy. 

However, these vaccines may also have some side-effects like:

• Pain, redness or swelling at the spot where shot has been given
• Muscle ache
• Tiredness
• Fever

Usually, there are no such serious consequence of a vaccine shot but if you experience any unusual discomfort or any serious allergic reaction, you should consult a doctor immediately. 

Now as your baby is almost developed and you are entering the second trimester of pregnancy, it is important that you are more diligent towards yourself. 

• Remember to add Folic acid in your diet ( folic acid is present in fruits like oranges, melons, avocados, etc )
• Do not forget intake of VItamin C which will help your baby grow such as oranges, broccoli, melons, grapes, etc.
• Add Vitamin D in your diet. This will help to make your bones strong and healthy.
• If you are short of iron, you may become tired easily and you are also at risk to become anaemic. Remember to take leafy vegetables, dried fruits and nuts and lean meat.
• Take whole-grain foods such as oatmeals, chicken, eggs, lean meats, etc
• Also, remember to have proper in take of calcium so as to keep your bones strong
• Stay hydrated. Take lots of water and other liquid intakes such as juices, milkshakes, coconut water, lemon water, etc.
• Avoid taking extra sugars or junk foods.
• Do not take high multivitamin supplements. 
• Do not take any food rich in Vitamin A.
• Always drink pasteurized milk. 
• Do not eat half-cooked or raw meat.

However, remember not to take any one thing in access. It is a myth that you should start eating for two, all you need to do is maintain yourself and stay healthy. You can also go to your doctor and prepare a diet chart for yourself according to your body.

As your baby is growing, you may notice various changes in your body as well as your body is trying to accomodate the baby. Mostly women are worried about the increasing weight and changing body shape. Though, it is just a part and parcel of your pregnancy, you can try maintaining your weight through some exercises and light workout. Obesity or extreme weight gain can lead to complications in pregnancy, so it is important for you to remain fit and healthy. However, avoid any stress or lifting weights. 

• Try normal physical exercises such as light work out, walking or dancing.
• Do not over -exhaust yourself
• If you didn't use to workout before pregnancy, you should not do any heavy workouts.
• Slow down the exercises, once the pregnancy grows
• Avoid exercises which require lying flat on your back.
• Avoid contact sports such as kickboxing, judo, etc
• Avoid activities like horse riding, scuba diving, gymnastics etc.
• Drink plenty of water and do not try any strenuous exercises.
• You can try stomach-strengthening exercises and foot exercises.
• You can also practice meditation which will help to calm your mind and help you cope with the discomforts and irritation during pregnancy.
• You can try pelvic tilt and pelvic floor exercises
• However, remember to protect your back and do not put too much pressure on your body or lower abdomen.

Also, stop exercising if you feel sharp back pain or get heavy vaginal bleeding. practice the exercises under the guidance of a well-trainned personnel only. 

You may have to take some extra care and follow certain pattern of do’s and don’ts which can be as follows:

• Plan your doctor checkups on a regular basis
• Avoid heavy workouts
• Avoid consumption of caffeine, alcohol or tobacco.
• Quit smoking and avoid junk food
• Keep yourself calm and light-hearted as your mental health effects the baby’s health as well. Take up any hobby or try talking to your friends and relatives, this may make you feel better and happier.
• You can start reading some pregnancy books or magazines and also watch videos to maintain yourself.
• Start the use of environic gadgets, if you can.
• You can use chemical-free cosmetics and deodorants.
• Consult your doctor before taking any medicines during pregnancy.
• Wear comfortable maternity bras and avoid any type of clothes or innerwear which may cause discomfort.
• If you do not have any health insurance, you can apply for one now. this will help you with the expenses during pregnancy and at the time of delivery of the baby.