Belly at 12 weeks pregnant: dimensions, norms, feelings of a pregnant woman and recommendations from gynecologists

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

Today, probably, there is no such girl who does not want to experience the feeling of motherhood. What could be more beautiful than holding your he althy baby in your arms? Expectant mothers are usually always looking forward to changes in their appearance. For most women, the belly becomes visible as early as the 12th week of pregnancy. It is at this time that the baby begins to actively grow. Therefore, from the end of the first trimester, the circumference of the abdomen will gradually increase. In this review, we will look at how the stomach looks at the 12th week of pregnancy, what changes occur in the body of the mother and child.

What determines the size of the belly?

So what do you need to know about this? The size of the tummy at the end of the first trimester of pregnancy depends on the individual characteristics of the body of the expectant mother, as well as on some other factors. These include:

• height and weight of the parents of the unborn baby;
• features of the figure of a pregnant woman;
• second or first pregnancy;
• localization of the placenta;
• multiple or normal pregnancy.

You can't tell if your belly will be visible at 12 weeks ahead of time. It may appear a little earlier or later, it depends on many reasons, which are simply impossible to predict.

Appearance

Many moms-to-be are wondering what their bodies will look like when they are 12 weeks pregnant. Photos of the abdomen will help clarify this issue. Usually by this time the uterus has already reached such a size that it does not fit in the pelvic area. It gradually rises higher and higher. By the end of the first trimester, it is easily palpable over the pubic joint. The tummy at this time usually looks like a small tubercle above the pubic bone. If a pregnant woman has an excess of body weight, the stomach simply gradually rounds, without sticking out.

What will be the stomach at 12 weeks of pregnancy, largely depends on the location of the placenta in the uterus. If it is attached to the back wall, then the belly will not be visible soon. If there is a place for the child at the front wall, then the tummy will begin to round faster. Moms with this placement of the placenta have to change their wardrobe at the end of the first trimester.

He alth changes

The 12th week of pregnancy is characterized by improvements in well-being. Nausea and vomiting gradually recede, however, the stomach is not yet so big. Therefore, the expectant mother can safely enjoy her position and bloomingview.

What happens in the body?

Let's take a closer look at this aspect. By the 12th week, the uterus increases in size. It is already 12 cm wide and 10 cm long. For now, it has enough space in the small pelvis, but soon it will begin to rise into the abdominal cavity. At this time, the height of the fundus of the uterus can be from 2 to 6 cm. So, if the stomach is visible at the 12th week, this is absolutely normal.

Body weight may change by 1.8-6kg. If a pregnant woman experienced severe toxicosis in the early stages of pregnancy, it may decrease at 12 weeks. Weight gain should not exceed 300-350 grams per week. At the same time, many internal organs and systems of the expectant mother are subject to serious stress. It is especially important at this time not to experience overwork or disruption of work and rest regimes. It is also advisable to have more rest and be in the fresh air.

By the end of the third trimester, the increased production of progesterone stops. In this regard, most women feel good. The placenta by this time is already almost completely formed and will provide the fetus with full protection. An enlarged uterus can begin to put pressure on the system of blood vessels that carry blood from the lower body to the upper. As a result, many women experience swelling and varicose veins. To help prevent complications associated with these symptoms, your doctor may prescribe compression stockings.

Other changes

So what else to look out for? How is 12 weeks different?pregnancy? Photos of the abdomen usually confirm the presence of such a pronounced feature as the appearance of a dark strip from the navel to the pubis. At these times, pigmentation of the skin may also appear. It most often forms on the skin of the chest, neck and face. Due to the violation of metabolic processes in the body, acne can be disturbing. In addition, stretch marks begin to appear in the abdomen, thighs and chest. To prevent the formation of these unpleasant manifestations, it is necessary to carefully monitor the condition of the skin, to prevent excessive weight gain. Doctors recommend treating it with special creams and oils 2-3 times a day.

The face during pregnancy may be slightly rounded. In case of acne and pigmentation, use the products prescribed by the doctor. It is not recommended to hide defects with a thick layer of foundation. Skin condition should improve over time.

What problems might arise?

This aspect should be given special attention. 12 weeks is a relatively quiet period for pregnancy. The threat of miscarriage is already low. However, negative factors can still affect the development of the fetus. In addition to ultrasound, at this stage, it is required to pass tests for syphilis and hepatitis, blood biochemistry, and also check sugar levels.

Of the possible problems for the 12-week period are typical:

• hydatidiform mole - this is the name for violations in the development of the placenta;
• varicose veins;
• threatened miscarriage.

One ofdelicate problems at this time are frequent constipation. They are caused by the action of the hormone progesterone, which relaxes the muscles of the intestine and makes it difficult for food to pass. It is better not to allow such a condition, since a crowded intestine can put pressure on the uterus and disrupt the blood supply. To prevent negative consequences, it is recommended to include vegetables and fruits, as well as beet and cabbage dishes in the diet. Your doctor will help you choose the right diet. If at 12 weeks the lower abdomen hurts, you should definitely consult a specialist with this problem.

You can also stimulate the work of the intestines with folk remedies. For example, drink in the morning on an empty stomach a spoonful of vegetable oil, water with honey or kefir, fennel tea. It is not recommended to use laxatives and do enemas. If the bowels are not emptied for more than three days, you should consult a doctor. The specialist will be able to choose a laxative taking into account the characteristics of the body of a pregnant woman.

The 12th week of pregnancy is a very important time when a woman must take care of herself. It is necessary to protect the expectant mother from stressful situations, nervous strain at work. It is also necessary to limit contact with sick people, to minimize visits to public places. Any illness at this time can cause the development of pathology in the baby.

Feelings

Sometimes at 12 weeks of pregnancy pulls the lower abdomen. This is an absolutely normal phenomenon, due to an increase in the size of the uterus and its pressure on other organs located in the pelvic area. But here everything is strictly individual. In the second and subsequent pregnancies, the ligaments are well stretched, mobile and elastic.

How does the fetus develop?

So what do you need to know about this? What size is the baby at 12 weeks pregnant? What is the belly of the expectant mother? Since the fetus at this time begins to actively grow and increase, the growth of the baby at this time is about 60 mm, and the weight is from 9 to 13 grams. The size of the future baby resembles a lemon. His heart is already beating at a frequency of 110-160 beats per minute. It is well heard on ultrasound. Also, the baby gradually learns to raise and lower the chest, imitating breathing, he can open his mouth and close his eyes, and is also able to move his fingers and toes. The baby at this time already urinates in the womb, begins to swallow liquid, suck his thumb and hiccup. Plus, at this time he is actively moving, but the expectant mother cannot always feel this movement. Amniotic fluid and placenta soften the sensations.

At the 12-week period, the thymus gland also forms in the fetus. This organ is responsible for the production of lymphocytes. After the birth, it is she who will play a huge role in the formation of the immune system. Bile begins to be secreted in the liver, peristalsis appears in the intestines. A strong bone substance is formed in the child's skeleton.

Activity and nutrition

Expectant mothers should familiarize themselves with this aspect as early as possible. How does week 12 usually go? Feelings in the abdomen may bedifferent and depend on the lifestyle of the pregnant woman. Experts do not recommend completely abandoning sports. However, physical activity should be reduced to 60-80%. It is also worth giving up sports such as skating, rollerblading, cycling, scuba diving and other dangerous sports. Swimming, gymnastics and yoga are best during pregnancy.

Often, with improper nutrition for a period of 12 weeks, the stomach hurts. To avoid this unpleasant manifestation, doctors recommend adhering to a special diet. You can not eat s alty, fatty, fried foods, carbonated drinks. With a sharp weight gain, you should review your diet.

The following are the basic principles of nutrition during pregnancy.

So:

1. The diet should be free of fast food, carbonated drinks, and foods high in dyes and stabilizers.
2. Only weak coffee and tea can be consumed.
3. Morning sickness is not a reason to skip breakfast. Advice from doctors and pregnant women will help you eliminate pain in the lower abdomen at week 12.
4. A pregnant woman's diet should consist of 30% fruits and vegetables, dairy products, cereals, lean meats and fish.
5. Food is best steamed or baked. Fried and fatty foods should be eaten as little as possible.
6. Be sure to take your prescribed vitamins.
7. Protect yourself from infections and viruses. If there is an epidemic of a contagious disease in the city, it is better to refuse to visit crowded placesof people. Please wear a mask when visiting a public place.
8. Even a simple cold can be very difficult during pregnancy. Medicines can only be taken as prescribed by a doctor. In some cases, topical agents may be effective. For gargling, it is recommended to use an infusion of calendula and Furacilin. You can get rid of a runny nose by washing with sea water.
9. Watch your weight gain. In case of deviations in one direction or another, be sure to consult your doctor. He will help you adjust your diet and prescribe medications if necessary.

What should be the belly at 12 weeks? Photos of the abdomen, which are on the stands in the clinic, will help the expectant mother to make sure that the pregnancy is proceeding normally.

Other recommendations

It is clear that smoking and bad habits during pregnancy should be excluded. Ideally, they should be abandoned before conception.

With a strong increase in the mammary glands, you need to buy a special bra made from natural materials with soft cups and wide straps. This will help avoid stretch marks and sagging.

Since the stomach is already quite large at 12 weeks, sleeping on it is not recommended. This can lead to compression of the pelvic organs.

Many expectant mothers go to extremes and stop using cosmetics and perfumes during pregnancy. If the smells of the products do not cause nausea and other unpleasant sensations, they are quite possibleapply throughout pregnancy. It is very important for a woman to be confident in her own attractiveness, even during gestation. But it is better to refuse bath and shower products with strong flavors. Since they can cause thrush and burning in intimate places.

Doctor's follow-up

In the case of good he alth, many expectant mothers are in no hurry to visit the antenatal clinic. However, one should take into account an interesting feature of our country: if a woman is registered for pregnancy before 12 weeks, something like a social payment is assigned. This is a one-time increase to maternity. Therefore, if you have not registered yet, it is better to do it as soon as possible.

At a period of 11-13 weeks, screening or a comprehensive examination is carried out. On ultrasound, the doctor will be able to check the specific parameters of the development of the fetus. For example, by the size of the occipital region, the doctor can identify the threat of Down syndrome. Blood tests for various hormones also help determine early fetal malformations.

It should be remembered that at a period of 12 weeks it is still possible to terminate a pregnancy. Later, this is only allowed for medical reasons. These include:

• fatal malformations of the fetus;
• maternal severe toxicosis;
• Abused Pregnancy

Women who have already registered will only have to do screening. In other cases, the doctor may also order blood, urine, and pap smear tests. In addition, the specialist will ask you about yourwell-being, marital status, household he alth. Your doctor will also measure your pelvic size, weight, and blood pressure. If it is not possible to determine the gestational age according to the menstruation calendar, then before the 12th week this can be done by alternative methods.

Intimate Life

Many women with the onset of pregnancy cease to feel their sexuality and attractiveness. If you feel well, there are no contraindications to leading an intimate life. Let everything take its course. If something still bothers you, be sure to discuss it with your partner. At this stage, it is extremely important to strengthen family communication and understanding skills.

Contraindications to intimate life during pregnancy are:

• multiple pregnancy;
• low placenta;
• threatened miscarriage;
• multiple pregnancy;
• sexual infections.

Some people find it uncomfortable to have sex during pregnancy. In this case, you should just find a comfortable position so that there is no pain in the abdomen. The 12th week of pregnancy in intimate terms, as a rule, the majority proceeds without any problems. But if you suddenly feel discomfort, then be sure to discuss this with a specialist.

Conclusion

In this review, we examined in detail what changes occur in a woman's body at the 12th week of pregnancy, a photo of the abdomen can be seen on stands in gynecological clinics. It is extremely important that the expectant mother is underthe supervision of doctors. At this time, you need to take care of yourself, avoid infections, viruses and injuries. You should also watch your diet and physical activity. If you experience pain or other problems that cause concern, it is best to contact a specialist right away.