12 weeks pregnant
At 12 weeks pregnant, your baby is about the size of a lime: around 5.4 cm crown to rump and 14 g. Reflexes appear. Baby can open and close their fingers.
Your baby at 12 weeks
Reflexes appear. Baby can open and close their fingers.
| Size | About the size of a lime |
|---|---|
| Length | 5.4 cm crown to rump |
| Weight | 14 g |
Your baby's reflexes are developing: fingers can open and close, toes can curl, and your baby may jump if your tummy is prodded during a scan. The intestines, which grew partly into the umbilical cord, move back into the tummy. The kidneys are making urine, which passes into the amniotic fluid. Your baby is about 5.4 cm long.
How far along are you at 12 weeks?
At 12 weeks pregnant you are in the third month of your pregnancy and the first trimester. You have about 28 weeks to go until your due date. Doctors count pregnancy from the first day of your last period, not from conception, so at 12 weeks your baby has been growing for about 10 weeks. Not sure of your dates? Use our due date calculator.
Your body at 12 weeks
Energy often starts to return by the end of this stretch. Your dating scan and first screening tests usually happen now.
Common symptoms at 12 weeks
Every pregnancy is different, and you may have some, all or none of these.
- Fewer trips to the toilet. Your womb is rising out of your pelvis, so there's less pressure on your bladder for now.
- Easing sickness. For many women, nausea starts to fade by the end of this week.
- Headaches. Common in the first trimester; drink enough and rest.
- Skin changes. A dark line down your tummy or darker patches on your face may appear.
- Dizziness. Keep eating regularly and stand up slowly.
- A small bump. Your doctor may be able to feel the top of your womb just above your pubic bone.
Your checklist for week 12
- Have your dating scan and screening if you haven't yet.
- You can stop taking folic acid after 12 weeks, though carrying on is fine. Keep taking vitamin D.
- Decide when you'd like to tell family, friends and work.
- Keep your pregnancy notes and scan reports together, and bring them to every appointment.
- Start a simple baby budget for the months ahead.
Tip of the week: Sharing your news
Many couples wait until after the dating scan to share their news, because the chance of miscarriage falls after 12 weeks. There is no right time; some people tell close family early so they have support if things go wrong. At work, tell your manager in time to arrange time off for appointments.
For your partner
The first scan is a big moment. Be there.
- Book leave for the scan
- Write down questions for the doctor
- Start a simple baby budget together
When to call your doctor at 12 weeks
Contact your doctor, midwife or maternity unit the same day if you have:
- Bleeding or cramping.
- A sudden high temperature or feeling very unwell.
Call your doctor or hospital straight away for bleeding, severe pain, fluid leaking, severe headache or vision changes.
Questions about 12 weeks pregnant
Is it safe to announce my pregnancy at 12 weeks?
Many people do, because most miscarriages happen before 12 weeks and the dating scan has confirmed things are progressing. It is entirely your choice; there is no medical rule.
Is it normal not to be showing at 12 weeks?
Yes. In a first pregnancy, most women don't show until somewhere between 16 and 20 weeks. In later pregnancies you may show earlier because your muscles have stretched before.
Can I stop folic acid at 12 weeks?
Yes. Folic acid is most important while the neural tube forms in the first 12 weeks. You can stop then, or carry on with a pregnancy multivitamin if you prefer. Keep taking 10 micrograms of vitamin D a day throughout pregnancy and breastfeeding.