12 Weeks Pregnant - what to expect
Now you're 12 weeks pregnant, this week is all about weird dreams, dealing with cramps and seeing if you can predict your baby's sex from your 12-week scan pic (but only if you want to, of course!)
Watch our video to see what your baby looks like this week
Nails are starting to grow on those teeny toes and fingers. And as those fetal reflexes shape up, your baby’s new ‘party tricks’ are flexing fingers, clenching eye muscles and curling toes.
And here's a 3D scan of a 12 week baby...
So what's happening to your body this week?
Let's talk cramps – because they can be scary as hell if you get them (and you haven't the least clue why). At this stage in your pregnancy, it's fairly normal to feel some mild tummy cramps, as your womb shapes up to accommodate your baby's growth.
And it's also normal to feel some sharper pains when you stand up or twist: that's probably just the ligaments that support your womb stretching, as your womb grows.
You can also feel crampy after sex or if you're a bit constipated. Mostly they fade away pretty quickly (if not, or if they come with bleeding, dizziness or intense back pain, do seek medical help). A change of position and a warm shower or bath should ease matters no end.
Our MFMer's 12-week bump of the week
Is yours starting to show? Check out other MFMers' bumps in our 12 week bump gallery.
Did you know? Your baby's now the length of... a Jaffa Cake
This week, your baby measures 5.4cm from top to bottom. A perfect excuse to reach for the Jaffa Cakes (for comparison, of course...)
And is around the weight of... a mushroom
Your baby now weighs around 0.5oz (14g)!
4 things you might need to know this week
- Can you really predict your baby's sex with the nub theory?
- Are shrimps on or off the menu?
- Our mums share their experiences of amniocentesis
- Is CVS right for you?
MFMer's tip of the week from our forum
“Be warned that dogs know. I went to a meeting last night and one of the girls there just texted me to ask if I'm pregnant as she's 5 weeks and the dog at the meeting was treating us two differently to everyone else in the room. Busted by a super sleuth dog!” - emmarose
Want to share your pregnancy with others going through the same as you? There's a birth club for your due date - take a look...
Is it normal... to be having weird dreams?
Boy, is there some weird stuff going on in your head at night. Of course, everyone has strange dreams every now and again, but there's something about being pregnant that takes dreaming to a whole new level of woah. What you're seeing in your sleep is probably way more bizarre and intense than usual – and way easier to recall when you wake up.
Why? No one's really sure. It could be your unconscious trying to process all this pregnancy stuff or it could be that you're simply waking up more in the middle of your dreams (can't get comfortable; need a wee) and that makes them seem more vivid and real.
Our preg recipe for week 12 - Quinoa, squash and broccoli salad
Why quinoa's great for your growing baby
Yes, it’s a trendy-Wendy ‘super’ grain but, foodie fashion aside, quinoa is actually a properly mega source of protein (beating the socks off any other grain). So, if you’re a veggie (or just not a great meat-eater), cooking with quinoa’s a great way to help you meet your daily pregnant protein needs (about 70g a day). It’s rich in fibre and iron, too.
See the full recipe and get cooking...
Baby namer - what do you think of these music-themed monikers?
We've got more musical hero names for you this week, but these ones are perhaps a little more chilled and mellow. What do you think?
Marley
Marley is an old English surname that means forest of joy – but is now used as a unisex first name, often by fans of reggae singer Bob Marley.
Celeb baby name check: Marley is Angelina Jolie's daughter Zahara's middle name.
Lennon
Lennon is a surname that means dearest in old English. It's now been adopted as a given name for boys, often used as a tribute to John Lennon.
Celeb baby name check: Liam Gallagher's 1st son is named Lennon.
We've got lots more inspiring suggestions in our dedicated Baby Names section.
So that's plenty for this week, want to take a peek at what lies ahead - or look back at last week?
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