12 weeks pregnant: Is this the end of pregnancy sickness?

“Please say ‘Yes’.”

For many parents-to-be, 12 weeks is a magical milestone when they feel more confident about telling the world something that they’ve wanted to shout from the roof tops for weeks!

It’s probably not quite time to start wearing maternity clothes (but we’re all different) but you might be feeling kind of bloated and like you want to look more pregnant so people know it’s not a ‘pasta baby’.

Your body at 12 weeks pregnant

So, 12 weeks is the end of your first trimester! Can you believe it? From now on, there is far less worry about the possibility of miscarrying your baby as the risk decreases massively. And although there are no guarantees, you can be more confident about carrying your baby to full term.

Goodbye morning sickness!

Most women who have been suffering from morning (or all day) sickness will find it starts to taper off now. The huge surge of hormones that occurred at the beginning of your pregnancy is now levelling off as your placenta has taken over nourishing your baby.

For a few unlucky women, morning sickness may continue for the next few weeks. But don’t be disheartened, it will end eventually.

A small percentage (think Kate Middleton, and Martha Kalifatidis) suffer from a medical condition called hyperemesis gravidarum, which can be extremely draining. Always seek medical attention if you are vomiting, losing weight and unable to keep food and water down. (Contact www.helpher.org for more information.)

Energy boost

You will find that you are gradually feeling less tired and as you enter your second trimester your metabolism will be working more efficiently, and you will have more energy and hopefully enjoy that ‘pregnancy bloom’. But try not to overdo it – you still need to have plenty of rest.

Here are some exercises to consider for your pregnancy.

Your unborn baby at 12 weeks

Your baby at 12 weeks’ gestation now weighs about 14g and is about 6cm long. (You’re measuring that with your fingers, aren’t you!)

Baby’s heartbeat

Your baby’s heart now beats at between 110 and 160 times a minute and their chest will now noticeably rise and fall as they practise their future breathing technique. Hearing your baby’s heartbeat when you go the your appointments is so precious and can be very reassuring to new parents.

It’s playtime

Your baby will have a favourite playtime and will spend a couple of minutes rolling around or flipping over. They may hold onto the umbilical cord and also explore their surroundings, although they’ll tend to return to the lower part of the amniotic sac when it’s time to rest. These movements, as well as possibly keeping Baby amused, are fine-tuning their coordination in preparation for life outside the uterus (womb).

Knowledge is power

The Positive Birth Company’s Pregnancy Pack is a digital companion offering expert, on-demand guidance for your pregnancy journey, from two blue lines to baby in arms.

Covering everything from haemorrhoids and pelvic pain to mental health and maternity pay, it’s the first fully comprehensive, expert-led online course for the entire nine months.

Whether you’re newly pregnant or further along, you’ll find evidence-based advice and practical tips in bespoke video workshops led by top pregnancy experts.

Pregnancy: Did you know?

Your body produces endorphins – hormones that give you a natural ‘high’ when you exercise – and these cross the placenta and make your baby feel good, too!