Pregnancy Week 12

Written by Lone Parenting Advisor

Pregnancy week 12 is now 70 days after conception and is the last week of the first trimester of pregnancy and the beginning of the second trimester of pregnancy. The first trimester of pregnancy is the first three months of being pregnant and the second trimester of pregnancy is the second three months of being pregnant.

The uterus will continue to grow in an upward motion out of the bones of the pelvis which will relieve the pressure from the bladder.

Expect your waistline to begin to thicken more this week with the growth of the foetus.

The possibility of feeling the foetus moving around is greater in week 12 of pregnancy.

Foetal Development

The foetus will now weigh approximately 30 grams and will measure approximately 7 cm as a growth spurt has been evident.

The placenta which is a supply of oxygen, fats, proteins vitamins and minerals of the foetus is now fully functional and working properly. The placenta also carries out the diffusion process which means that all waste material and carbon dioxide are filtered through the placental tissues that are part of the uterus. The diffusion process is carried out easily because the blood vessels of both the foetus and the expectant mother are literally side by side yet still separate.

Although the placenta filters out carbon dioxide and waste materials from the foetus it is not possible to remove alcohol, nicotine, caffeine, medications, drugs and viruses that can still be passed through the bloodstream from the expectant mother to the foetus. These substances can have an affect on the growth and development of the foetus.

The bowels are now more advanced being able to contract and expand (which is known as peristalsis). Also the bowels will start the slow process of producing a bowel movement, this will be a greeny black thick sticky substance expected to be passed shortly after the birth and then called meconium.

Ossification of the bones of the foetus will increase this week, meaning that the soft cartilage bones will begin to harden in the centre.

Very fine whiskers will begin to line the upper lips and eyebrows of the foetus in week 12 of pregnancy.

Ultrasound

The crown to rump length of the foetus is about 7cm in length at week 12 of pregnancy.

the doppler can be used to measure the heartbeat of the baby with clearer results.