Week 12 of Your Pregnancy

Your Baby This Week

The growth spurt continues! Baby's weight is between .01 and .015 kg (0.33 and 0.5 ounces) and he or she is at least 2.5 inches (6 cm) long. At this point, length is a better indication of growth development than weight, so that's the measurement you need to pay attention to.

Most basic body structures are already formed, so from this point forward it's a matter of growth. By now, your baby's heart is beating and you can hear it via an ultra-sensitive Doppler ultrasound. Bones are starting to form, fingers and toes are separating, and nails are continuing to grow. Tufts of hair may even be starting to form! Your baby's brain is also at work, with the pituitary gland churning out hormones as the nervous system continues to develop. The amount of amniotic fluid is also on the rise, increasing to about 1.5 ounces. Your baby continues to move, but you still can't feel it.

Your Body This Week

Morning sickness should decrease or disappear this week. If it's getting worse or if you are not gaining weight, talk to your doctor. You could have an extended form of morning sickness (known as hyperemesis gravidarum) that may require medication. Meanwhile, your breasts are getting bigger (and likely more sensitive and sore), while weight gain continues in hips and thighs. You may develop melasma or "pregnancy mask"--a splotchy facial discoloration that is hormone-related and usually disappears after birth. You may also notice the linea nigra ("line of pregnancy"), a darkened furrow that runs down the center of your belly. Some women also develop "spider veins" known as telangiectasias or angiomas.

Eating For Energy!

Feeling rundown and sluggish? Replenish your energy stores in 3 easy steps:

Fuel up in the morning. A breakfast as simple as a bowl of fortified cereal with skim milk starts your day with folate, B vitamins, iron, calcium and more.
Put some punch in your lunch. Fiber-filled whole grain breads, protein-packed beans and chicken, and delicious fruit will boost your energy all afternoon.
Snack away! Eating several times a day, even between meals, keeps your blood sugar stable and avoids energy crashes.

Find more ways to boost energy!

Be Abs-solutely Fabulous

It should come as no surprise that pregnancy and labor will take quite a bit of strength and endurance. All of that pushing and lifting and twisting and scrunching (not to mention simply standing up straight as your due date nears) - it's tiring to just read about! Adding an abdominal routine will help you build the muscle stability you need for labor and your all-important recovery. Your abs stretch as your belly gets bigger. Like a rubber band, as they stretch, they become weaker or thinner.

A little ab work will ease the strain.

Some health advisers warn of possible risks when performing abdominal exercises during pregnancy. Check with your doctor before adding this type of routine. Do not perform any exercises on your back after Week 12; there are many ab exercises that do not require lying down.

Check out BabyFit's collection of core exercises.

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