This week marks a turning point for your baby. At 12 weeks pregnant, the Herculean task of developing new bodily structures is nearing an end, as most of your baby’s systems are fully formed — though there’s still plenty of maturing to do.
Now comes the maintenance phase, during which your fetus’ systems continue to evolve for the next 28 weeks and the organs get to work. For one thing, the fetal digestive system is beginning to flex its muscles — literally — as it starts practicing contraction movements, a skill your little peanut will need after birth to push food through the digestive tract.
The bone marrow is busy making white blood cells — weapons that will one day help your baby fight infections once she’s out of your safe haven and in a regular play group. And the pituitary gland at the base of the brain has started producing the hormones that’ll enable her to make babies of her own in a few decades or so.
At 12 weeks, your baby bump may be more pronounced and show to the outside world. But it’s just as likely that while your clothes may be getting a little tight, you won’t yet have a noticeably pregnant belly at this point.
Whatever the case may be, know that your 12 weeks pregnant belly is completely normal, whether it’s on the bigger, smaller or invisible side. Baby bumps can vary widely depending on the woman’s size and shape and whether this is a first or subsequent pregnancy.
So don’t fret if your bump at 12 weeks doesn’t look like your pregnant friend’s at the same stage. All bumps are beautiful! If you’re not showing yet, you will be in time, and if you are showing quite a bit, that’s fine too. You can always talk to your practitioner if you have any concerns.
Once you hit your second trimester, there’s a new pregnancy symptom that may be added to the mix: dizziness. And guess who’s to blame? Yup — it’s your old friend progesterone again, which causes your blood vessels to relax and widen around 12 weeks pregnant, increasing the flow of blood to your baby (again, good for baby), but slowing the return of blood to you (as always, not so good for mom).
What that means for you is lower blood pressure and reduced blood flow throughout your body, including to your brain. These factors can contribute to that light-headed, dizzy feeling — especially when you get up too quickly — which is why slow and steady wins the race here.
Another cause of dizziness during pregnancy is low blood sugar levels, which can occur if you’re not eating regularly. So don’t try to run…or even walk…on empty.
Here’s a quick tip: If you feel dizzy or faint, lie down or sit with your head lowered between your knees, take deep breaths and loosen any tight clothing — like that button on your jeans you struggled to close in the first place. As soon as you feel a little better, get something to eat and drink.
Your best friend says being pregnant has seriously boosted that good old libido — but you aren’t feeling any friskier. What’s the deal with your decreased sex drive?
Hormones hit every woman differently, meaning a spike in sex drive for some and a damper on it for others. Pregnancy symptoms can also stand between you and a good time — after all, it’s hard to get in the mood when you’re queasy, tired or constipated (or all of the above and then some!).
Rest assured, whatever you’re feeling is normal. Just stay emotionally connected with your partner and remember that many women have ups and downs in sex drive throughout pregnancy. So you may be in for a warmer spell soon.
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