PREGNANCY
Written by
Dr. Harvey Karp
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Your baby’s umbilical cord is now fully formed—working hard to carry oxygen-rich blood and nutrients from the placenta while whisking away waste products.
At this stage, your baby may look a bit like a bobblehead, with a head that’s proportionally large compared to their body. Their arms, legs, and trunk will soon catch up. A fine layer of hair, called lanugo, is starting to cover their delicate skin, protecting it from the amniotic fluid. Most babies shed it in the third trimester, though some are born with a coating of it!
If you could peek inside, you’d see your baby’s little face taking shape. Their eyes are moving closer together, their ears are forming lobes, and their mouth can open and close. They can even make a tiny fist—and will reflexively move if you press on your belly (though you won’t feel it just yet).
Twelve weeks pregnant is almost three months along.
At 12 weeks, your baby is about the size of a lime.
Your bump may be starting to show—time to think about comfortable clothing that will stretch with you over the months ahead.
You may also notice an increase in vaginal discharge, which is very common. However, if it becomes clumpy, yellow, or greenish, it could signal an infection. Yeast and bacterial infections are both more likely in pregnancy, but they require different treatment—so don’t self-diagnose. Your midwife or GP can do a simple swab and prescribe the right treatment.
You shouldn’t sleep on your back past the first trimester.
Fact. Sleeping on your back is fine through the first trimester. After 12 weeks, it’s safer to sleep on your side—either side is fine. Don’t panic if you wake up on your back; just roll over and get comfy on your side again.
Disclaimer: The information on our site is NOT medical advice for any specific person or condition. It is only meant as general information. If you have any medical questions and concerns about your child or yourself, please contact your health provider. Breastmilk is the best source of nutrition for babies. It is important that, in preparation for and during breastfeeding, mothers eat a healthy, balanced diet. Combined breast- and bottle-feeding in the first weeks of life may reduce the supply of a mother's breastmilk and reversing the decision not to breastfeed is difficult. If you do decide to use infant formula, you should follow instructions carefully.
