Pregnancy Guide for Couples: Week 12
Here it is… the last week of the first trimester. If you’ve been dealing with morning sickness and fatigue, fingers crossed that you'll enter the second trimester with relief.
What’s Going on with Baby
Week 12, your baby is the size of a billiard ball!
Your baby’s fingernails are forming on each tiny finger and your little one’s face profile is becoming more defined. Will they look more like Mom or Dad? Baby’s intestines are also developing inside their abdomen and starting to practice contractions. These movements will help baby push food through their digestive tract once they begin eating. More growth milestones include:
White blood cells are produced by baby’s bone marrow. White blood cells help fight infection, which is integral to development.
The pituitary gland is at the base of the brain, which has begun producing hormones.
Most of baby’s systems are fully formed by 12 weeks!
What’s Going on with Mom
Now that your early pregnancy symptoms like breast tenderness, fatigue, and morning sickness are hopefully beginning to alleviate, a new symptom may pop up in Week 12. This symptom is dizziness and is caused by progesterone. So why does progesterone cause dizziness in pregnancy?
Progesterone causes Mom’s blood vessels to widen and relax.
This widening and relaxing moves more blood to your baby but slows the blood that flows back to you.
A slower flow of blood results in lower blood pressure, so less blood is getting to the brain.
Low blood flow to the brain can cause symptoms like dizziness and the feeling of being lightheaded.
Sit or lie down and put your head between your knees if you feel dizzy. If you have tight clothing on, take it off and put on something more relaxing and comforting. Don’t forget to breathe! Finally, ensure you’re hydrated and have eaten, as low blood sugar levels can also be the culprit of dizziness.
What’s going on with Partner
If you’re already noticing Mom’s relief from nausea or exhaustion, you’ve got to be thrilled for her. This may be a cause for celebration! But, on the other hand, if Mom is still in the depths of these early pregnancy symptoms, remain optimistic and encouraging. Some pregnant women experience these symptoms into the second trimester and sometimes throughout the entire length of the pregnancy. Wherever Mom is, she will feel comforted knowing you’re there with her no matter what.
RESOURCE OF THE WEEK
Planning an unmedicated birth and want to make sure your OB is really supportive? Read this blog for 10 questions to ask your OB to see if they're your best option for your unmedicated birth.
