The development of the fetus in the womb is an engineering work of nature. It is wonderful to know how from the union of some cells, a new life is created that, if everything runs its course correctly, will become a new person that will populate this huge world. The first weeks of pregnancy are really curious, because that is when life begins and the first major changes occur.
If you are looking to get pregnant or are already immersed in this incredible stage of anyone's life, you will love it know what are the characteristics of the fetus of 12 weeks. Because pregnant women are extremely curious and need to know how their baby is growing. But it is also something amazing to know for other people, whether they are no longer mothers and fathers.
The 12-week fetus
Upon completing the first 12 weeks of gestation, the first trimester of pregnancy is completed. A few weeks that are generally quite complicated and annoying for most pregnant women. During this first period, nausea is very frequent and the body's adaptation to hormonal change can be quite difficult.
At this stage, a 12-week fetus is about 5 to 6 centimeters and weighs between 10 and 15 grams approximately. Its growth is very fast during this first period, its organs grow rapidly and many of the basic structures of the body acquire the shape that will be final. At week 12, vocal cords begin to form, body hair slowly begins to appear, and fingernails and toenails begin to develop.
It is still early for you to notice your baby's movements, though it won't take long to start feeling small movements inside you. However, your little one is growing and his limbs are fully formed and elongated. His head becomes more and more rounded and he can even open and close his mouth.
Changes in the mother
One of the best news when you reach the 12th week of pregnancy is that those first annoying symptoms usually begin to disappear, such as nausea and constant fatigue. Also, upon completion of the first trimester the chances of miscarriage are reduced. I mean, you can somehow relax a bit and enjoy your pregnancy a lot more.
With the arrival of week 12 of pregnancy, also comes the control of pregnancy, with a first ultrasound (if you carry your pregnancy through Social Security, if not, you can do more ultrasound tests). In that first test, you will be able to see your baby, you will hear his heartbeat in overdrive and the doctor will be able to verify that development is proceeding normally.
It is also time to analyze some factors that determine malformations or the so-called nuchal translucency. It consists of measuring the amount of pseudolymphatic fluid, specifically in the area of the neck between the soft tissues and the skin. With this measurement, various chromosomal abnormalities can be detected, such as Síndrome de Down.
However, this first measurement is not categorical and if the results are not entirely clear, more specific tests are carried out to assess whether or not there is any abnormality in the chromosomes. In any case, the specialist will be the one who determines whether or not it is necessary to carry out more specific tests.
How you should take care of yourself when your fetus is 12 weeks
From the beginning of pregnancy you must take care of your health to the maximum, eat very well and healthily, avoid gaining weight and make very sudden movements. But at this point, the nausea will be over, it is also very important that you begin to control the weight you are gaining very well. At first it is normal not to gain too much weight at once, because nausea and stomach upset prevent it.
However, once you start to feel better, you will also begin to notice more appetite than normal. In this point, It is essential that you do not neglect yourself, that you exercise on a regular basis, walking for at least 30 minutes each day and avoiding eating unhealthy products. Remember, rest as much as you can and don't forget to pamper your skin.