My Pregnancy – Week 12

Fetal development in pregnancy week 12:

Even though your little Einstein’s body is still growing quite rapidly and is about 2 inches long right now, the overall super-speedy growth of their amazing brain continues to leave the head proportionately larger than the body— and is actually slightly more than one third of their total body mass! The head and neck are still straightening at this point as can be seen by their little chin lifting off of the chest. Your baby is also actively rehearsing “breathing” by using amniotic fluid to prepare the lungs for future air respiration.
The big news: your little pooper is now officially going to need diapers! Although a majority of the waste produced is transferred to the mother’s system for discharge (to avoid lingering in the amniotic sac), some urine is released to the amniotic fluid and your baby will actually breathe it in before it passing it on to your for discharge. Not to worry, urine–in this particular form is actually harmless to your child.

And how’s mom doing?

Logically, as your baby is growing bigger, so must your uterus. By now, your once-flat and relatively small uterus is stretched to the size of a softball (12-14 cm), but that’s nothing: by the time you deliver it will have grown to 15 – 17 inches (37 – 42 cm). Your uterus is slowly increasing at a rate of approximately one centimeter per week. If you’ve got a burning sensation that extends from your breastbone to your throat, you’ve got heart burn or acid indigestion. To lessen this unpleasant experience: eat smaller meals and avoid fried, spicy, and fatty foods. Otherwise, there’s always TUMS, but check with your healthcare provider first
As your pregnancy becomes more physically visible you’ll have to adjust to people asking you when you’re due and lots of unsolicited advice from women who’ve “been there.” Ideally, this is the right time to share the news with close family and friends and anyone who would want to get involved with things (if they haven’t already) by spreading the news at work and to others. Allowing them this role encourages participation and support in the future—when you’ll really need it!

From: http://pregnancy.baby-gaga.com/calendar/week12

A note from me: Finally the morning sickness is gone, I’m so glad that part is over. I have a little more energy these days although not a lot more. But I don’t need to have my midday naps anymore!.

I missed out on having the nuchal translucency test as the hospital were fully booked during the weeks I should have had it. I wasn’t upset about missing out on the blood test part of it but I am a bit upset that I couldn’t have the ultrasound part. I can’t wait to see my little peanut. I’m going to have to wait until 18 weeks now….. only another 6 weeks to go….. boo hoo

I’m off to have my first blood test this saturday. Rob is going to have to drive me as I have a habit of fainting when I have needles, although I haven’t once fainted during any of my pregnancies. But I don’t want to take the chance, just incase it happens this time.

I’ve got to go back and see my GP in 2 weeks and I also have to ring and book into the clinic at the hospital.

Filed under: Family

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