COURSE OF PREGNANCY AT WEEK 12

completes, and now she is responsible for maintaining the pregnancy; it is she who begins to produce progesterone. Previously, this function was performed by the corpus luteum, which is now gradually fading. The risk of miscarriage is significantly reduced, and the woman’s well-being, as a rule, improves.

Vitamins are the main catalyst metabolism, which is very important in the 12th week of pregnancy, so don’t forget to include it in your menu more vegetables and fruits. Pay special attention to products containing vitamins C and E - these substances make the placenta stronger and more elastic.

Highly Concentrated Products vitamin C: rose hips, black currants, sweet red peppers, Brussels sprouts and cauliflower, strawberries. enters our body with nuts and vegetable oils, dairy products and cereals. Therefore, do not forget to eat porridge, drink yoghurt, and treat yourself to nuts and dried fruits every day. The latter, by the way, are an excellent substitute for heavy and fatty confectionery products, which are best limited during pregnancy.

For the normal functioning of a pregnant woman iodine needed, the largest amount of which is found in seafood: fish, seaweed, oysters, squid, etc. Iodine is also found in eggs, beef, spinach, eggplant, sorrel, beets, tomatoes, radishes, asparagus, potatoes, bananas, oranges.

The development of the baby in the mother's tummy in the first 12 weeks of its development undergoes a number of important specific changes.

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What does it look like?

By the end of the 12th week, the baby’s tail has already fallen off, and the body takes on a somewhat elongated shape. The baby's skeleton continues to form. Babies of this age begin to develop the rudiments of teeth and small nails.

The contours of the face also change. It takes on a more “human” appearance. It is important to note that the baby’s facial features will finally be formed somewhat later.

The upper layers of the skin, on which the child will develop eyelashes and eyebrows in the future, also change somewhat. While in their place the child has a special fluff. Soft vellus hairs are also present in the lower half of the face - in the chin area, as well as above the upper lip area.

The ability to open and close the mouth helps the baby to swallow the amniotic fluid in which it is located. There is no need to panic about this. This reaction is absolutely physiological and is necessary for the full development of the child’s urinary system. The baby, swallowing a little amniotic fluid, may even urinate.

At this stage of his intrauterine life, the child begins to actively explore his world. He touches his face. Experts note that twins can “study” each other and even play with their brother or sister’s umbilical cord. The child often bends and straightens his arms and legs. Unconscious grimaces or a smile may appear on his face.

Digestive organs

So his liver is gradually beginning to function. This is manifested by the fact that bile begins to appear. It is necessary for the digestion of various nutrients that will enter the baby’s gastrointestinal tract.

Specific changes also appear in the intestines. He begins to make his first contractions. Doctors call this contractile activity of the intestines peristalsis. At the 12th obstetric week of pregnancy, the child begins to experience only the first attempts at contractions of the intestinal wall. Subsequently, intestinal motility will develop and improve, but this requires several more weeks of the baby’s intrauterine life.

Nervous system

Interesting changes also occur in the nervous system. So, the baby’s brain begins to actively develop. In its anatomical structure, it already resembles an adult brain, but only in miniature size. The number of interneuronal connections is still insignificant. The child’s neurons (nerve cells) continue to actively improve.

Musculoskeletal system

At this stage of intrauterine development, the baby’s torso grows disproportionately. At the same time, his limbs grow and develop somewhat faster than his head. In the future, the proportions of the body will change.

Active growth of the limbs leads to the fact that by the 12th week of intrauterine life the child already has elbow joints, as well as small fingers and toes. The ears are also formed. The thumbs are somewhat different in size from the others.

The active development of the musculoskeletal system contributes to the child’s first motor movements. The baby begins to move his arms and legs a little. His mother, as a rule, does not feel such movements at this stage of pregnancy, and there are no special sensations in her stomach. This happens because the baby is still relatively small.

At the 12th week of intrauterine development, the baby can already open or close his mouth. He still does this completely unconsciously. Such motor activity in a child is only a kind of “rehearsal” for future chewing movements.

Circulatory and immune systems

The child develops red blood cells - erythrocytes. They deliver all the nutrients necessary for growth, as well as oxygen, to the cells of a small growing organism. By the end of the 12th week of intrauterine life, the baby’s first leukocyte cells appear. They are necessary to protect the child’s body from various dangerous infections.

By this stage of pregnancy, the baby’s heart is already formed. It already has 4 chambers: the right and left ventricle, as well as the right and left atria. The baby's heart is already really beating. The normal heart rate (HR) for a child at this stage of his intrauterine life is presented in the table below.

Increased heart rate leads to the development of tachycardia. In this condition, the doctor must establish the cause that contributed to its development.

During an ultrasound, the condition of all chambers of the child’s heart can be assessed. In this case, not only the anatomical structure of the heart valves is assessed, but also various clinical conditions are identified. One of them is tricuspid regurgitation (backflow of blood).

Endocrine system

The baby's endocrine glands are already beginning to gradually function. The pituitary gland starts working. The thyroid gland also “awakens” to work. It begins to release specific hormones into the blood. For their formation, a sufficient supply of iodine to the child’s body is necessary.

His mother should monitor this, not forgetting to take the multivitamin preparations recommended by her doctor.

About membranes and placenta

The placenta is very important for the full development of the child. In the first weeks of pregnancy, its functions are “taken over” by the corpus luteum. By 11-12 weeks, the placenta appears along with the membranes. Doctors call this specific complex of organs the placenta.

In appearance, the placenta resembles a flattened cake. Numerous blood vessels pass through it. They come in two types: maternal and fetal. The first belong to the mother, and the other to the baby.

Between these blood vessels there is a specific membrane. It performs a very important function, as it serves as a specific barrier against the penetration of dangerous microbes into the child’s body. This uteroplacental barrier protects the baby from infection by pathogenic viruses and bacteria, and also reduces the likelihood of various toxic substances entering the baby’s bloodstream.

It is thanks to such an abundant blood network that the baby receives all the nutritional components necessary for its development. Also, through them, the child’s body receives oxygen, which is necessary for the gas exchange process in the child’s body.

Also, thanks to the placenta, important metabolic processes occur in the baby. Waste and unnecessary substances from the child’s body pass through the mother’s blood vessels to her kidneys, from where they are subsequently removed along with urine.

In addition to its protective function, the placenta also has an endocrine function. The cells that form it secrete certain hormones. They are necessary for the normal course of pregnancy and optimal intrauterine development of the baby.

External genitalia

Changes also occur in the baby's reproductive system. Active previous development of the genital organs leads to the appearance of the first gender differences. Thus, in boys the first specific signs of male external genitalia appear, and in girls - female ones.

Determining the sex of the child

Often mothers are in a hurry to determine the gender of their baby. It is important to remember that in the early stages it is possible to find out whether a boy or a girl will be born, but with a high degree of probability of inaccuracy or even an error. It all depends on the experience of the ultrasound doctor who conducts this study.

The sex of the unborn child should be determined through ultrasound, and not by heartbeat or some other less informative methods.

Main Dimensions

To assess the baby’s parameters at this stage of intrauterine development, specialists use special clinical indicators. One of them is the coccygeal-parietal size or CTP. Essentially, this parameter estimates the length of the child’s torso. It is measured from the coccyx to the crown of the baby.

An equally important clinical parameter is weight. During each study, doctors determine the baby’s body weight. This simple clinical parameter shows how well the baby is developing in the womb. Weight standards and CTE are indicated in the table below.

Estimated parameter	Norm
Coccyx-parietal size
	14-15 grams

To assess the intensity of intrauterine development, some experts recommend assessing the intracranial space in the posterior cranial fossa. In their opinion, this study provides information about whether the fetus has any defects in the formation of the neural tube.

It is better to carry out this study at 11-13 weeks of pregnancy.

Possible pathologies

Abnormalities in the intrauterine development of the baby can be detected using an ultrasound. At 12 weeks of pregnancy, as a rule, the first such study is performed. During the procedure, the doctor determines the basic parameters of the child, assesses the condition of the mother’s internal genital organs, and can also tell you about the expected date of the upcoming birth. Also, when performing an ultrasound, the doctor evaluates where and how the baby is located in the uterus. Compression of nearby organs by the growing uterus leads to the venous blood flow in them being disrupted. This condition is dangerous due to the development of a number of pathologies.

This means that exactly a third of the difficult path has been successfully completed by the woman. The 12th week of pregnancy is unusual and very interesting. On it, the expectant mother may be awaiting her first “meeting” with her baby at an ultrasound. This time is good for summing up the first results. We will tell you in this article what happens to the baby and mother at week 12.

How many months is this?

The third obstetric month of pregnancy ends. In each obstetric month, unlike a calendar month, there are exactly 4 weeks and not a day more. Often women are confused about their own due dates, because according to their calculations, the due date is one, but in the antenatal clinic the doctor sets a longer term.

The fact is that obstetricians-gynecologists count from the first day of the last menstruation, and expectant mothers themselves, for the most part, count it from conception (or from ovulation, since it is during this period that the likelihood of conception is highest). 11-12 obstetric weeks of pregnancy are the last in the first trimester. It means that It's 10 weeks from conception, 8 weeks from miscarriage. Exactly in a week, the woman will enter the second trimester, which is considered the most pleasant and easy, filled with positive emotions and the expectation of a miracle.

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Baby development

Over the past week, the baby has made a real breakthrough in his development - in just a few days he has changed dramatically externally and internally. Now the baby no longer looks like a creature from another planet or a tadpole, he is an almost formed, only very small, person.

Almost half a month ago, the baby changed his status - he is no longer an embryo, but a fetus. That's what doctors call it. This means that the most dangerous period of development has passed, and now the baby will grow and get stronger, all organs and systems are formed. Some of them are already functioning.

The baby's height now ranges from 50 to 95 mm, and his weight is approaching 15-20 grams. To imagine what size a child has reached, you need to remember what a medium-sized lemon looks like. The growth rate is impressive: in just the last 2 weeks the baby has doubled its size.

Changes in development during 7 embryonic weeks

Appearance

The fetal head still remains large, which is why there is some disproportion in the child’s appearance. The limbs look short, the arms and legs have yet to grow into normal proportions. The baby's arms are longer than his legs. The formation of the fingers has completed: they already have small, still translucent nails.

The baby's eyes moved to their proper place on either side of the bridge of the nose. This week, the formation of the eyelids, which still tightly cover the organs of vision, is completed. It won't be long before the baby learns to open his eyes. In the meantime, the formation of the retina, cornea and lens continues. The small ears, the formation of which has continued over the past weeks, are almost fully formed. At the 12th obstetric week, the baby’s ears “get” lobes.

The nose is growing. The face ceases to be flattened, a relief and profile emerges. Hair grows on the head. Many women associate this process with the occurrence of heartburn during this period. Whether this is true or not, medicine does not know for certain. But now, babies who are destined to be born with luxurious and funny hair take on a slightly different appearance than babies who are born almost bald.

The internal organs no longer “look out” beyond the abdominal cavity, the stomach takes on a neat appearance. The neck is becoming more and more visible: it is already formed, and the baby can theoretically make head movements. The skin looks red not because the baby's skin is a different color. It’s just so thin that blood vessels and capillaries can be seen through it.

Nervous system

It continues to develop and take shape. For now, the main impulses enter the spinal cord, since the brain cannot yet receive and process them. It is actively developing. Already now the baby’s brain has two hemispheres, the cerebellum and medulla oblongata are formed. Every day the number of brain cells increases by about a quarter of a million.

Neural connections, the formation of which began earlier, continue to appear every day. Neuromuscular connections begin to be added to them this week, as the child begins to actively grow muscle tissue. Reflex connections are gradually formed - grasping, swallowing and sucking reflexes are already available to the baby.

Nerve endings also penetrate the thin skin of the fetus, its tactile sensations are constantly expanding, and the baby begins to learn about the world around him.

What is outside the mother's womb does not interest him yet, but now the baby is well versed in changing circumstances - he has learned to respond to external stimuli (shaking, sudden changes in the position of the mother's body, etc.).

The reaction is currently manifested by increased motor activity and heart rate. Taste buds have formed on the tongue and the inner surface of the cheeks, the child distinguishes tastes and is already beginning to prefer sweets and dislike bitter and sour.

Internal organs

The formation and formation of all organs are completely completed. Now they have to grow and improve. The formation of the rectum is completed. The intestines fit completely into the abdominal cavity, separated from the thoracic cavity by the formed diaphragm. At the 12th obstetric week, the intestines begin to “rehearse” their work after the birth of the baby. It shrinks barely noticeably. Then these contractions will become full-fledged peristalsis.

The fetal heart is divided into 4 chambers, it is exactly the same as in adults, it’s just still very small. The heart works properly, supplying blood to all the internal organs and tissues of its “owner”. The average heart rate (heart rate) this week is 162 beats per minute. Indicators in the range from 150 to 174 beats per minute are also considered normal.

Not only the baby's blood vessels undergo changes, but also the vessels that provide a strong connection between mother and baby - the uteroplacental vessels. They grow, increase in diameter, and become stronger.

At the 12th week, the baby is fed with the help of the placenta, and through the bloodstream it also receives oxygen from the mother’s blood. It releases metabolic products back through this system.

The baby's liver looks large. This is completely normal. The stomach begins to accept what comes through the esophagus, and for now this is only water that the baby swallows. The urinary system - kidneys, bladder - is actively working. The baby pees directly into the waters that surround him. The unique ability of amniotic fluid lies in its ability to self-clean and renew itself. This happens once every 3-4 hours.

Determination of gender

The genital tubercles, which are small protrusions between the legs, which a week earlier were almost identical in both boys and girls, begin to change. This is the process of formation of the external genitalia. At week 12, in boys, the genital tubercle becomes the penis, and in girls, it shortens and begins to turn into the labia.

It is theoretically already possible to find out the gender. But so far the gender differences are so small that it is very easy to confuse them.

That is why, during an ultrasound at 12 weeks, even if the doctor tries to examine who lives in the mother’s belly, he will not give any guarantees of accuracy and will advise you to contact him with this question in the second trimester at a scheduled ultrasound no earlier than 16-18 weeks.

Now the body of little boys begins to produce the sex hormone testosterone. In tiny girls, development continues according to the female type - under the influence of maternal and a small amount of their own estrogens.

What did the baby learn to do?

The baby acquires new skills at an unprecedented speed. If the expectant mother could now watch her baby in real time, she would see that he is not bored. At the 12th obstetric week, the fetus can do a lot, it:

• sleeps and wakes;
• actively moves as muscles grow;
• opens and closes mouth;
• yawns;
• swallows amniotic fluid;
• tries to suck a finger or fist;
• clenches his hands into fists;
• makes faces and grimaces, because the facial muscles are already quite developed this week;
• wrinkles his lips and folds them into a “tube”;
• grabs his face, touches the umbilical cord, began to reach his legs with his hands;
• swims in the amniotic fluid, actively “raking” with its legs;
• pushes off the wall of the uterus with its feet when accidentally touched.

It cannot hear or see yet, but it already perfectly senses the vibration that arises from the mother’s voice, coughing, and loud music from outside. This week, the baby begins to empathize with his mother's emotions. If the mother is sad, then the baby has no time for fun; if she is in pain, the baby also experiences something like fear. Medicine cannot explain exactly how this invisible connection occurs.

The only intelligible version of what is happening is based on subtle changes in hormonal levels that accompany any bright emotions of a woman. It is this difference at the chemical level that the baby feels, receiving blood of a slightly different composition through the uteroplacental blood flow.

Your baby on ultrasound

Many pregnant women are going for an ultrasound this week, as it is part of the first prenatal screening - studies that are of great importance in assessing the condition and development of the fetus, and in predicting possible pathologies. Of course, the volume of what is seen when visiting an ultrasound diagnostic room directly depends on what class of device the doctors have at their disposal. If the scanner is a modern expert device, then you will be able to see much more. If the device is equipped with 3D or 4D functions, unforgettable shots await your mother.

The examination procedure itself at this time is carried out either externally - with a sensor through the abdomen, transabdominally, or internally - with a vaginal sensor through the vaginal wall.

Both methods are quite informative, and which one to choose will be decided by the doctor, having assessed the physique of the expectant mother and the amount of fat on her belly, because the task is to choose the method that will allow you to see the baby better.

At week 12, it is clearly visible how many fetuses are in the uterine cavity, and their vital activity (heartbeat and movements) is also recorded. The fertilized egg has become large, there is no point in measuring it anymore, now the CTR will tell a lot about the growth rate of the baby. This is a segment that runs from the bottom point of the coccyx to the top point of the crown, so the size is called coccyx-parietal. Its norms at the 12th obstetric week are as follows.

CTE at the 12th obstetric week of pregnancy:

Among other sizes, which can also indicate the proportionality and growth of the baby, the following fetometric data are typical for this week of pregnancy:

BPR - (bipariental or transverse head size) – 15-24 mm, on average – 19 mm;

DBC – (femur length) – 7-9 mm each;

chest diameter – from 22 to 24 mm;

head circumference – 63-71 mm;

abdominal circumference – 51-61 mm.

The doctor can clearly examine all the internal organs of the fetus, which he will definitely do in order to assess how correctly the formation and formation took place. The placenta is also subject to examination. Its normal thickness this obstetric week is 14.5 - 15.5 mm. Particular attention to this ultrasound is the so-called visual ultrasound signs of possible chromosomal pathologies (Down syndrome and others).

There are two of these signs, which are simply called markers - the thickness of the collar zone and the length of the nasal bones. An increase in the thickness of the neck fold, as well as a decrease in the length of the nose or its absence, may be indirect signs of the presence of gross developmental anomalies in the baby. Here are the standards for these markers.

The thickness of the nuchal space and the length of the nasal bones at 12 weeks of pregnancy:

The doctor will definitely examine the ovaries, cervix, and the condition of the cervical canal to make sure that there is no threat of termination of pregnancy due to pathologies of the woman’s reproductive system or other reasons.

Well-being of the expectant mother

Most women experience relief this week - toxicosis begins to recede, appetite and normal mood return. The belly becomes a little noticeable, especially in women carrying twins or triplets. This fact makes women feel proud. She changes her wardrobe to more spacious clothes and smiles meaningfully in response to the curious glances of colleagues and acquaintances. It is at this time that women who were previously afraid to tell friends or colleagues about their “interesting situation” because of bad omens, can begin to open the veil of secrecy, because the risks of a possible miscarriage at 12 weeks are significantly reduced.

A rounded belly and hips are not only reasons for pride, but also a reason for changing habits. It is already becoming difficult to sleep on the stomach; the growing uterus significantly interferes with this.

But the woman has new worries that can be called pleasant - she begins to buy the first things for her “pregnant” wardrobe - she already needs new trousers, because the old ones do not meet at the waist and do not fasten, she needs new bras, preferably sewn specifically for pregnant women and nursing women.

In the body of the expectant mother, the hormone progesterone continues to “rule the show”. He is the main protector of the growing fetus from the first hours of its existence. Due to the increased concentration of this substance, a woman at 12 weeks continues to go to the toilet as often - increased urination is one of the “side” effects of progesterone. Because of it, the appetite increases, the expectant mother wants to eat almost constantly and she needs to have a certain willpower so as not to start eating everything and prevent excess weight gain.

Hormones continue to affect your mood. Women still experience some psychological and emotional instability, but the situation is starting to improve. Many people note that they sleep better and are less likely to have nightmares. Almost all pregnant women at this stage become forgetful and absent-minded. This is also a “trick” of progesterone, which tries to protect the child, who has already begun to react to the mother’s moods, from overly emotional young ladies who can harm the fetus with their emotions.

This week, women may feel more anxious than before, because prenatal screening, about which there are many rumors and “horror stories” among pregnant women, is closer than ever.

If you don’t have the strength to cope with your anxiety on your own and have no one to discuss the “terrible and terrible screening” with, then you can go to the antenatal clinic right now. In such cases, there is a full-time psychologist who will help you understand the peculiarities of this diagnosis and will definitely calm you down and set you up for a positive wave.

Many women continue to complain that they often have headaches. This is a consequence of hormonal changes and increased blood volume. It is imperative to make sure that there are no changes in blood pressure. Physiological rhinitis, in which progesterone causes the mucous membranes to swell, resulting in impaired nasal breathing, usually subsides by week 12. But even if the runny nose persists, there is no need to worry - it will go away very soon. There's not long to wait.

Among the common complaints this week, minor pain in the lower abdomen and back is most often mentioned. Expectant mothers complain that their lower back hurts. If the pain is not severe, passes quickly, and is not accompanied by bloody discharge, then you should not be afraid of it. These are signs of uterine growth. The main female reproductive organ grows, and the ligaments that hold it stretch.

If there is cramping in the lower back, unusual discharge appears, the woman cannot wait - she needs to see a doctor as soon as possible. Such pain may indicate that there is a threat of miscarriage.

Changes in the body

The main change this week is the growth of the belly. The thinner and slimmer a woman was before pregnancy, the higher the likelihood that her belly will become noticeable now. In plump and curvy ladies, this undoubted sign of pregnancy becomes obvious a little later.

The size of the uterus has increased in length to 10 centimeters. The standing height of its bottom (upper part) is now 10-11 cm. The weight of the organ has exceeded 300 grams; during the second pregnancy, the uterus is approximately twice as heavy. Such a large organ is no longer able to fit in the small pelvis, so the uterus begins to extend into the abdominal cavity. This week it is at the level of the pubic symphysis and tends upward. This creates those very touching roundness that women themselves and most of their spouses now admire so much.

Hormones that regulate all processes in the pregnant woman’s body are now produced by the placenta. Since she has already fully taken upon herself all the responsibilities for protecting and feeding the child, taking over the “relay race” from the yolk sac, the amount of blood that circulates in the body of the expectant mother has increased significantly. This creates increased stress on the kidneys, liver, lungs and heart of the pregnant woman. At this time, a woman may notice that her pulse has become more frequent.

Under the influence of hormones, the peristalsis of the maternal intestine is disrupted. The task of hormonal support is to prevent the uterus from becoming toned; accordingly, its muscles relax.

Unfortunately, progesterone does not have a selective effect, so the intestines also relax. At week 12, for this reason, women often experience bowel problems - diarrhea, constipation, gas accumulation.

At the 12th obstetric week, to the great relief of most pregnant women, pain in the chest decreases. For almost three months, the breasts grew due to the proliferation of glandular tissue. Now many expectant mothers can say with a fair amount of pride that their bust has grown by 2 sizes, and for some - even more. The nipples are no longer so sensitive, the area around the nipples has darkened. For some, the darkening occurs in spots, for others - completely. Almost all women at this stage have protruding Montgomery nodes and colostrum is released.

If this is not the first birth, it is very possible that colostrum is not just released when you press on the nipple, but does it spontaneously, staining underwear and clothes. In this case, it is worth purchasing a bra with “pockets” for special pads that will protect you from such “troubles.”

Weight gain at week 12 is felt even by those who were plagued by attacks of toxicosis from the first days after the stripe test. If a woman ate well and did not suffer from nausea, then a normal increase for this week is considered to be in the range from + 2 to + 4 kilograms to the woman’s initial body weight.

Hormonal processes this week often cause an increase in the amount of discharge from the genital tract. There is no need to worry about this - this process is purely physiological in nature. Only bloody, bloody, orange or green discharge, brown “smear”, discharge streaked with blood, with a foul odor, foamy and excessively thick discharge, combined with unpleasant itching in the perineum and external genitalia, should be of concern.

The so-called “pregnancy hormones,” which include human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and progesterone, have a number of positive aspects. Under their influence, a woman becomes more attractive - her skin condition improves, her nails grow strong, her hair acquires a natural shine, and an unusual “sparkle” appears in the eyes of a pregnant woman. Many people note that they were never as unusually beautiful as at the end of the first trimester either before pregnancy or after childbirth. This moment can and should be enjoyed.

Possible dangers and risks

Although it is believed that the end of the first trimester, which is the 12th obstetric week of pregnancy, is a practically safe time for mother and baby, one should not forget about caution and vigilance. We will tell you in more detail what dangers a woman and baby may face during this period.

Risk of miscarriage

Despite the fact that this pathology is very common among pregnant women in the first trimester, at 12 weeks it is much less common. There is no need to be afraid of anything, the main thing is to regularly monitor your discharge and pay attention to changes in your well-being. If you experience pain or unusual discharge from the genitals, you should definitely consult a doctor. If a threat arises, a woman definitely needs qualified medical care.

The possibility of spontaneous termination of pregnancy may be indicated by pain that is nagging in nature, aggravated by movement and walking. The uterus becomes hypertonic, it is difficult not to feel it - the stomach becomes “stony”, the pain begins to “shoot” in the rectal area, and there is a feeling that you really want to empty your bowels. The discharge may vary in quantity and color. But they will differ from normal ones - light, odorless and not abundant. Most often, the discharge contains blood.

If pure scarlet blood comes out, this may be a symptom of an incipient miscarriage.

The reasons that can now lead to the threat of miscarriage may lie in severe prolonged stress, heavy physical activity of a woman, bad habits, for example, smoking, her night shift work, a sudden “jump” in the level of hormones, especially progesterone. If in earlier stages the causes of miscarriage are quite often chromosomal abnormalities of the fetus, now this probability is low.

Gross genetic abnormalities usually manifest themselves as early miscarriages. Healthy babies usually survive until 12 weeks.

Doctors' forecasts regarding the threat that arose at the 12th obstetric week are quite favorable - If the expectant mother consults in a timely manner, the pregnancy can almost always be saved.

The main thing is the woman’s desire to “cooperate” with the doctor, follow all his recommendations, take prescribed medications, and not refuse hospitalization if, in the doctor’s opinion, the situation requires it.

Isthmic-cervical insufficiency

Women usually find out about this pathology, which threatens miscarriage and premature birth, just at the 12th week, when they come for an ultrasound, and the doctor conducting the diagnosis notes a shortening of the cervix. Normally, the cervix itself smooths out and becomes shorter, but this happens before childbirth: this is how the cervix prepares for opening during the birth process. Naturally, her readiness to open up at week 12 is pathological.

The reasons why the cervix is ​​weak are numerous. These are congenital anomalies in the structure of the internal genital organs, and injuries to which the cervix was previously subjected - difficult childbirth, abortion, cleansing and curettage for diagnostic purposes. At risk are women who are overweight, as well as women who have not been treated for inflammatory diseases of the reproductive system for a long time. Quite often, a short cervix is ​​observed after IVF, especially if the woman’s ovaries are depleted.

Hearing such a diagnosis, do not panic. In most cases, the woman manages to help. There are many ways to do this - from suturing the cervix with surgical threads to an obstetric pessary. The attending physician will choose the method that is appropriate for the indications in a particular situation.

Frozen pregnancy

The possibility of pregnancy fading always exists before the 28th week. But week 12 is not considered dangerous if we talk about doctors’ point of view regarding the development of this pathology. The most common non-developing pregnancy occurs at 3-4 weeks, 8-10 weeks, and then at 16-18 weeks. However, this fact is nothing more than the observations of doctors. It cannot be considered the truth, true for everyone. Theoretically and practically, a frozen pregnancy at 12 weeks is possible.

The reasons that cause the death of the fetus inside the mother's womb are still being studied; they are not known for certain. Doctors include the most likely ones as genetic malformations, exposure to radioactive rays, taking teratogenic medications, smoking and systematic use of alcohol and drugs during the first third of gestation. Sometimes pathology occurs as a consequence of a viral infection or other infectious disease suffered in the first trimester and causing abnormalities in the development of the baby, for example, chickenpox, rubella, and mumps.

Problems with the placenta or a sharp change in the balance of hormones in a woman can cause the death of a child. There are no symptoms for this pathology. At least until a certain time.

Attentive women who experienced a similar tragedy claim that at some point the chest pain simply stopped, and the symptoms of toxicosis, which had been present for a long time and caused a lot of discomfort, abruptly disappeared. Of course, these signs can only indirectly indicate that something happened to the child. At week 12, the breasts may stop hurting simply because the time has come, toxicosis disappears for the same reason, and everything is fine with the baby.

Often, a frozen pregnancy as a fact is first announced this week. The fact is that the baby could have stopped in its development a couple of weeks ago, at the very height of the “dangerous” period, from 8 to 10 weeks. But the absence of symptoms did not cause any concern. And only now, when they begin to conduct routine ultrasound, the sad fact will become obvious.

About 3 weeks after freezing, if the pathology is not identified, a brown “smear” may begin, which will intensify, and the stomach will hurt. The process of rejection of the fetus will begin, which now poses a mortal danger to its parent - inflammation and sepsis can begin at any moment.

Intrauterine growth restriction

A variety of reasons can cause delays in the baby's development. This fact can also become known only at 12 weeks, when the woman goes for an ultrasound examination. If the fetus lags far behind the normal parameters characteristic of a given period, it is impossible not to pay attention to this. Doctors talk about developmental delay when the delay is significant - the difference is 2 weeks or more. At the same time, the baby is alive, it has a heartbeat and motor activity is recorded.

If the delay is symmetrical, that is, all sizes of the baby are reduced relative to the norm in equal proportions, the prognosis is more favorable. The baby may lack vitamins or have problems with the placenta; the treatment provided will help the baby quickly “catch up” in size with his peers.

If there is asymmetry (the size of the head is only 8 weeks, and all other sizes are 11 weeks), then doctors will assume that the baby has congenital genetic malformations and will prescribe additional diagnostics for the woman.

Chorionic presentation

Like everything obscure, this phrase often frightens pregnant women. In fact, there is nothing pathological in this concept. It all depends on exactly how and where the placenta is located. It is this that doctors often call chorion in the first trimester.

In 5% of expectant mothers, a low location occurs; in 95% of cases, the chorion itself gradually rises higher as the uterus grows. The vast majority of pregnant women experience chorion presentation along the anterior or posterior wall. This is the absolute norm.

If the doctor, based on the results of the ultrasound, wrote down in the pregnant woman’s exchange card that she has marginal chorionic presentation, this means that the placenta overlaps the cervix by about a third. This condition is quite dangerous and requires more careful monitoring during pregnancy, but in most cases everything ends well.

Central presentation is considered the most dangerous. If such a diagnosis is made, this means that the placenta completely covers the cervix and cervical canal. Most likely, the woman will be hospitalized and prescribed medication and strict bed rest. Delivery in such cases is carried out by caesarean section. If you follow all the doctor’s recommendations, then there is approximately more than a 95% chance that the child will be able to carry the baby to term, avoiding the main and most terrible complication of the pathology - massive bleeding and fetal death.

At the 12th week of pregnancy, determining the location of the placenta is a tribute to obstetric tradition; so far this information has no diagnostic value, except in cases of complete central presentation.

Neither the low nor the lateral location of the “baby place” can now be called final - the placenta has the ability to “migrate” following the stretching walls of the uterus. This information becomes relevant mainly in the later stages, when it is necessary to plan the method of delivery.

Analyzes and examinations

By the 12th week, usually all pregnant women are registered at the antenatal clinic at their place of residence. If for some reason this has not been done yet, this week you need to get a passport, medical insurance policy and register for pregnancy. This is important in order to have time to undergo the first prenatal screening.

Also, for early (up to 12 weeks) registration, a special one-time benefit is assigned. The payment is small - in 2018 it is just over 600 rubles. This amount is paid to the accounting department at the place of work or to the social security authorities (for non-workers) upon presentation of a certificate from the consultation about the timing of the expectant mother’s appearance.

First trimester screening

This English word refers to a set of studies that are carried out on all pregnant women on the recommendation of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation. In the first trimester, the most suitable period for this is considered to be the period from 10-11 to 13 weeks inclusive. In most cases, doctors try to schedule a diagnosis at 12 weeks or a little later - at 12 weeks and 2 days or 12 weeks and 3 days. These periods are optimal, since right now the concentration in the blood of a specific hormone - hCG (hcgb), which is produced by chorion cells from the first weeks of pregnancy, reaches its maximum, peak concentration.

Screening is a way to identify women who have a higher chance of giving birth to babies with genetic abnormalities than others. Risks are, by default, higher for older mothers aged 35 years or more, women who have already given birth to children with chromosomal pathologies, women who became pregnant as a result of incest, as well as couples in which both or one of the partners have hereditary pathologies or close relatives have such pathologies.

There are many genetic pathologies. Screening is aimed at looking for signs of only a few - Down, Turner, Edwards and Patau syndromes, Cornelia de Lange syndrome, as well as non-molar triploidy. In no case should you think that screening helps to establish a diagnosis. Accurate diagnoses are the prerogative of other diagnostic methods. What awaits a woman only allows her to find out whether there are high risks that her baby suffers from one of the above diagnoses.

A blood test for hCG and a special plasma protein PAPP-A are evaluated in combination. In case of pathologies, hCG levels may be elevated or sharply reduced relative to the norm; the protein level also does not “fit” into normal values. If the conclusion says that both substances are contained in amounts from 0.5 to 2.0 MoM, then everything is fine.

Additional examinations

Some of their future parents at this stage are not content with a regular ultrasound consultation and sign up for a three-dimensional or four-dimensional ultrasound scan so that the first “meeting” with the baby will forever remain in the annals of family history - photos and videos of the baby, who is only 9 weeks embryonic, will take there is a special place of honor in this story.

If a woman registered several weeks ago, she will not be prescribed additional tests - the main examination is left behind, and there is still time before the next one. Those who come to the antenatal clinic for the first time this week will be prescribed a whole list of tests in addition to screening. It will include blood and urine tests, determination of blood group and Rh factor, HIV status, hepatitis and syphilis, analysis for antibodies to common and latent infections, and a smear of vaginal secretion for microflora.

An active sex life is allowed, but from this week you should have sex with great caution, choosing positions that will not allow deep penetration. The uterus is already large enough, the woman feels it. It does not interfere with having sex, but it somewhat limits the woman, preventing her from completely relaxing physically and emotionally.

The question of whether it is possible to have an active sex life should be addressed to your doctor. If there are no contraindications, he will give the go-ahead and even report that sex is very beneficial for the pregnant woman and her psychological state.

If there are complications of pregnancy, a threat, weakness of the cervix, pathological placenta previa, then a ban may be imposed on sexual relations.

Nutrition

A woman who does not gain weight until the 12th week is not such a rare occurrence, as are women who already manage to gain extra pounds by this time. Much depends on how the expectant mother organizes her diet. Now it is important to adhere to the principles of a healthy diet, adding a large amount of fresh vegetables, fruits, lean meat, milk and cottage cheese, as well as herbs to the menu. Such a diet will provide the baby with the necessary amount of calcium, right now the baby needs it most.

Proper nutrition will eliminate constipation, which now plagues every second expectant mother, and will reduce heartburn and the unpleasant accumulation of gases in the intestines. You need to eat at least 5-6 times a day in small portions.

By the end of the first trimester, you should completely eliminate the intake of carbonated drinks, large amounts of salt, sugar, fried and fatty foods.

Shopping

Mom should get bras with wide straps this week. Now her breasts need extra support. You should also be careful when choosing panties. They should not be tight and narrow, squeeze the perineum, or put pressure on the growing belly with an elastic band. A woman should buy clothes for herself from natural fabrics, no matter what season of the year. Sweating increases during this period, the skin should be able to fully “breathe.”

If you were able to determine the gender, you can already start shopping or choosing them for your baby. The future baby can already choose a crib, stroller, and a discharge kit. Many people today do not adhere to superstitions and do not believe in bad omens, especially women who are about to give birth to a second or third child. They know exactly how physically difficult and difficult it is to shop for a baby just before giving birth.

Medicines

Despite the fact that the embryonic period is a thing of the past, a woman should be careful with medications. If something hurts, before taking a pill, you should check with your doctor, at least by phone, whether you can or cannot take this or that medicine now. A cold at 12 weeks is no longer as dangerous as before. Even an increase in body temperature will not affect the baby as destructively as a month earlier.

Ideally, you need to take care of yourself, avoid places where you can get infections, and make sure your body has enough vitamins and minerals. But if the disease does happen now, there is no need to panic.

It is better to treat teeth after a couple of weeks, since painkillers used for anesthesia are still contraindicated.

Pregnancy is a wonderful time for a woman; it is a natural physiological process that changes the worldview of the expectant mother. She experiences a lot of new sensations, some of them make her rejoice, like the first weak tremors of a baby, some of them frighten her. A pregnant woman must know all the features of the changes happening to her in order to meet them without panic and nervous breakdowns, but calmly and confidently. This also applies to the twelfth week, during which several pleasant surprises await the woman.

According to obstetric calculations, the twelfth week of pregnancy is the tenth week of fetal life. That is, exactly ten weeks have passed since conception, and two weeks more since the last menstruation. The first trimester ends precisely at this time, and with it toxicosis, the fear of losing the baby, and perhaps even thoughts about terminating the pregnancy go away.

• The end of the first trimester is marked by several large-scale changes in the mother's body:
• The level of sex hormones has stabilized;
• The placenta has reached six times the weight of the fetus and takes on the functions of providing for the child;
• Nutrients remain in the blood longer to reach the baby.

Signs, symptoms, sensations

The changes in a woman’s well-being are so obvious that it is simply impossible not to notice them.

1. One fine morning, the expectant mother notices that the painful nausea has magically disappeared. This means that the hormonal background has stabilized and there will be no more toxicosis.
2. Night trips to the toilet and constant absences to the restroom at work also stopped, and hormones are also to blame for this. From this moment until about seven months, the woman does not feel a frequent urge to urinate.
3. Emotional lability, expressed in tearfulness, sudden mood swings and touchiness, also disappeared without a trace, only to return after childbirth.

External signs of pregnancy appear more clearly, the tummy may become slightly rounded, and the breasts may become even larger. The pigmentation of the midline of the abdomen and nipples becomes increasingly stronger, but after childbirth it will disappear. Some women develop dark spots on their face, which will also disappear later.

Pain and cramps

1. Pain in the abdominal area may appear due to some stretching of the uterine ligaments, while minor pain may be felt only on the sides, without spreading to the lower abdomen.
2. Sometimes the relaxation of the uterine ligaments and the process of preparing the pelvic bones for childbirth can cause stabbing pain in the pubic area. This is a normal symptom of pregnancy.
3. Constipation that accompanies this period is associated with a decrease in muscle tone under the influence of progesterone. Regular bowel movements are stimulated by fiber contained in vegetables, as well as by physical exercise.
4. Itching in the mammary glands, skin of the thighs and abdomen is the influence of hormones, and in order to prevent the formation of stretch marks, it is necessary to use special creams and oils from this point on.

Discharge

Vaginal discharge most often becomes more abundant, but uniform and light in color, with a faint sour odor. Since the immune system weakens, they can be provoked by candidiasis, which lived asymptomatically in the vagina. To determine the infectious nature of the discharge, it is enough to take a smear during a routine examination. Any genital infections are potentially dangerous for a pregnant woman, and therefore must be treated.

Description 12 weeks

What happens to the mother's body

Since the placenta takes a large amount of oxygen and nutrients to nourish the fetus, the maternal body is forced to increase the volume of blood flow by forty percent. This occurs due to an increase in the speed of blood circulation in the vessels, for which the heart increases the number of beats. Rapid heartbeat is a common symptom at the end of the first trimester.

The twelfth week is the ideal time for a woman to fully enjoy her pregnancy. Toxicosis and low blood pressure are no longer a concern, the tummy is just emerging, the weight of the fetus and uterus is still quite small and does not interfere with walking or enjoying trips. Doctors recommend taking a vacation during this period, walking more or going to the sea, doing whatever you want.

Fetal development

• At this stage, the baby already resembles a real person, which is especially noticeable in the photo taken using ultrasound. It grows up to 9 centimeters and already weighs 14 grams. The head is disproportionately large in relation to the body, the eyes are closed, but there is already a reaction to light.

• The external genitalia are still developing, so it is impossible to say with one hundred percent certainty whether it is a boy or a girl.
• The fingers are separated, nails are formed on them, the child can already make voluntary, chaotic movements, the signals for which come from the spinal cord.
• A swallowing reflex appears, the baby drinks amniotic fluid, which is released in the form of drops of urine. The fetus can “breathe”, at a rate of eighty “breaths” per minute, blood pours oxygen into its vessels. Finger sucking is also a reflex reaction that occurs when a finger enters the baby’s mouth.
• All the main organs have already been formed, and from this moment their development begins. The small intestine begins to work, and slight peristalsis is recorded. The kidneys work, secreting urine.

Diet

Cooking rules

Toxicosis no longer torments the expectant mother, so she can eat all types of healthy and natural foods. There is no need to follow a special diet; it is only important to place fresh vegetables and fruits, beef or poultry, cottage cheese and cheese in the refrigerator. You should not think that a pregnant woman should eat abundantly, since to cover the increased needs of the body, only one hundred additional calories are needed per day.

Particular attention is paid to the process of preparing dishes, since preserving all nutrients is a priority in the kitchen of a pregnant woman. Meat can be boiled, baked or stewed, or steamed cutlets or zrazy can be made from minced meat. Use only fresh cottage cheese, or prepare it yourself, as this product is an excellent environment for the proliferation of microbes.

Fried foods and pastries, as well as cakes, chocolate and other harmful excesses are not recommended, but during this period you can treat yourself to delicious treats, barbecue or salted fish. The load on the kidneys is not yet as strong as in the third trimester.

Eligible Products

1. Boiled eggs or scrambled eggs, sea fish and nuts are necessary products for the expectant mother. Carbohydrates that help maintain energy should be taken from oatmeal and buckwheat porridge, boiled vegetables and grain bread.
2. Sunflower seeds are necessary for all pregnant women, as they contain selenium, which is an important element for the normal functioning of the nervous system. Doctors know that those mothers who ate a lot of seeds during pregnancy have babies with clear skin and better developed reflexes at birth.
3. It is advisable to use vegetables baked or boiled, so the body spends less energy on their absorption. Fruits and berries can be consumed in unlimited quantities, fresh or after heat treatment.

Foods harmful during pregnancy

The twelfth week is only the first third of the long journey that the expectant mother and baby will make in her belly. The impact of pregnancy on a woman’s body is not yet particularly great; she can lead her previous lifestyle, slightly adjusting it:

• Establish a stricter daily routine, go to bed earlier, get enough sleep;
• Accustom yourself to regular and healthy snacks between meals;
• Start taking special vitamins for pregnant women;
• Walk more;
• Monitor regular bowel movements;
• Don't be nervous, concentrate on your position, enjoy it.

Sexual relations at the end of the first trimester can bring many pleasant moments, as the woman feels great, her libido increases, and the fear of a possible miscarriage goes away. But caution and tenderness during sexual intercourse are still required from the partner. Sex is not recommended only if there is a threat of miscarriage, uterine hypertonicity or other pathologies.

Venous stagnation or exacerbation of thrombophlebitis can begin already in this period, so you need to regularly wear special compression stockings, as well as use creams that tone blood vessels.

Cramps in the calf muscles, especially annoying at night, can be easily relieved by a light massage with any massage oil and increasing the calcium and magnesium content in the diet.

Danger signs

If you have any incomprehensible or disturbing symptoms or sensations, be sure to consult a doctor. Most of them are quite normal and can be explained by the changes occurring in the woman, but there are a number of signs for which you should immediately go to the emergency room:

• Bloody vaginal discharge;
• Brown discharge accompanied by pain and tension in the uterus;
• Watery, copious (more than one tablespoon) discharge;
• Temperature and pain in the lower abdomen.

These warning signs may be a warning sign of spontaneous abortion or a serious infection and require immediate medical attention.

Ultrasound of fetal development

At the twelfth week, the woman will have a pleasant first ultrasound procedure, which will show how correctly the baby is developing, and may also undergo perinatal screening if the doctor considers it necessary. Using an ultrasound, the doctor determines:

• Level of placental development;
• Condition of the walls of the uterus, hypertonicity and the presence of tumors or other neoplasms;
• The presence of malformations and chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus;
• Determination of Down syndrome by the thickness of the collar zone; if it exceeds 3 millimeters, the doctor recommends additional studies;
• Quality and quantity of amniotic fluid;
• Fetal heart rate;
• Gender of the baby.

Ultrasound is considered absolutely safe for the baby, so it can be performed at the earliest stages, but it is not advisable to undergo this study on your own and too often.

Screening is carried out in special centers and allows early detection of the following pathologies and diseases:

• Down syndrome;
• Diabetes;
• High risk of miscarriage;
• Intrauterine infection;
• De Lange syndrome;
• Multiple pregnancy;
• Gender of the baby (the study is carried out if there is a threat of hemophilia and other similar diseases).

Screening data is carefully interpreted by the doctor, since small deviations from the norm can be completely normal, so the expectant mother should not worry before the test.

Even if any pathology is identified that needs to be treated or corrected, the pregnancy can be maintained. Genetic and chromosomal abnormalities cannot be treated, so the doctor may recommend termination of pregnancy, but the final decision is made by the woman.

With all the new signs of pregnancy that await a woman in the twelfth week, this time is the best of all trimesters. A woman should not think too much about the benefits or harms of a particular dish, or an evening walk under the stars. Pregnancy is an absolutely normal condition that a healthy body takes for granted. You just need to live, enjoying new sensations, the care of loved ones and the anticipation of the birth of the baby.

Video - sensations in the abdomen, what is happening, ultrasound, symptoms, screening, doctor’s advice

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It is no coincidence that 12 weeks of pregnancy is called the golden period of bearing a baby. At this time, signs of toxicosis usually disappear or become significantly weaker. The expectant mother feels much better and no longer feels sick in the morning.

The body temperature returns to normal, the appetite improves, and the stomach is still almost invisible under clothes, so the woman can easily lead her usual lifestyle, with the exception of some points.

The risk of miscarriage during this period is significantly reduced, so the expectant mother can breathe a sigh of relief, because the very first anxious weeks are over. Now you can draw up an action plan for the second trimester, planning for this time all the things that you want to do before the baby is born, because there are still a few long months left.

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Fetal growth and development

The length of the fetus at the 12th week of pregnancy reaches 61 mm in the coccygeal-parietal size (from the crown to the lower part of the buttocks), and the body weight can range from 9 to 13 grams.

Baby size now

Like a tangerine

Height5.4 cm

Weight14 g

If a woman is expecting twins, the size of each fetus may be slightly smaller. The following changes occur in the body of a tiny baby at this stage of intrauterine development:

• The fetal chest makes rhythmic movements, as when breathing. In this way, the respiratory system is prepared for functioning after birth.
• Fetal heart rate (HR) at 12 weeks. ranges from 110 to 160 beats/min. The value of this indicator can be accurately determined during an ultrasound scan. Such a frequent heartbeat is due to the fact that the fetal cardiovascular system is just being formed, and the small heart needs to do a lot of work compared to the heart of an adult.
• The baby periodically opens his mouth, closes his eyes, moves his small fingers and even tries to suck his thumb. It may even be visible to the specialist performing the fetal ultrasound.
• The fetus swallows amniotic fluid and then excretes it as urine. In this way, the baby’s body is cleansed of unnecessary substances. The process of urination became possible due to the completion of the formation of the organs of the urinary system.
• The baby can often move in the amniotic sac, but his movements at this stage are not yet fully coordinated. The baby’s movements are not yet felt by the mother, so she cannot determine whether they are missing or not, as at a later date.
• Leukocytes appear in the fetal blood.
• The pituitary gland, which is located in the lower part of the brain, begins to produce hormones.
• The liver, which is almost fully formed, can produce bile.
• The digestive system is actively developing and secretes enzymes that can digest glucose.
• The baby's skeletal structures become stronger, and bone substance is formed in the cartilage. Therefore, during this period, mother needs food products containing vitamins and minerals.
• The fetal body still looks disproportionate, because the head seems too large in relation to the body.
• Thin nails begin to grow on the fingers.
• The genital organs are forming, so when undergoing an ultrasound at 12 weeks, in some cases you can find out the sex of the child, although the doctor cannot yet say with a 100% guarantee who will be born, a boy or a girl.
• The volume of amniotic fluid at week 12 is about 50 ml.
• Thin vellus hairs begin to grow on the fetal body.

At 12 weeks of pregnancy, the placenta is almost completely formed, so it is fully functioning, providing the body of the developing fetus with oxygen, as well as necessary nutrients.

You can find out what is happening with the baby and mother, what the child looks like at this stage, by watching thematic videos and manuals. Using a video guide, you can track changes in the fetal body throughout all weeks of pregnancy. And on the forum for expectant mothers there are photos and videos of the fetus at different stages, where you can look at pictures of bellies, find out in which DPO (days after ovulation) you can reliably confirm the fact of successful conception, evaluate the results of pregnancy tests and much more. It also contains reviews of maternity hospitals and clinics where the expectant mother can be seen.

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Changes in a woman's body

At 12 weeks of pregnancy, the female body is characterized by the following changes:

• The uterus takes up more and more space in the abdominal cavity, during this period it begins to rise above the pelvic area.
• The activity of intestinal peristaltic movements decreases. Therefore, the expectant mother may experience constipation; this is one of the negative aspects of almost the entire period of pregnancy.
• By 12 weeks, nausea usually disappears or is felt much less frequently than before.
• A woman's body weight increases more rapidly. Significant weight gain is possible in those women who previously experienced symptoms of toxicosis and therefore did not recover. Weight gain also increases more rapidly in pregnant women with twins. You can find out how much an expectant mother should weigh at a given time from special tables. Low weight gain should alert you, as should too much weight gain.
• The mammary glands become even larger and heavier, so you need to think about buying a new bra.
• Yellow discharge during this period is not uncommon, but it is better to consult a doctor, as it may be a sign of a bacterial infection.
• Pigment spots may appear on the skin of the face and body, but they will disappear soon after childbirth, so there is no point in fighting them.

Despite a significant improvement in physical well-being, the emotional state of the expectant mother may remain unstable. This is due to hormones, the content of which in the body during this period sometimes goes off scale, which directly affects women’s emotions and sensations.

Analyzes and examinations

The 12th obstetric week of pregnancy is the most appropriate time to undergo the first prenatal screening. This examination is prescribed at 11-12 weeks; it can also be taken at 13 weeks. At a later date, screening results may not be as informative, and precious time may be lost to begin treatment if pathologies are detected. It is no coincidence that the first ultrasound is performed at the 12th week of pregnancy, because by this time all the fetal organs are already practically formed. The second ultrasound procedure will be performed in the second trimester, at a later date.

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The first prenatal screening includes:

• A blood test to detect the level of hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), as well as the level of PAPP-A or plasma pregnancy-associated protein-A. The presented types of analyzes are collectively called a double test. Based on studying the results of the hormone content in a woman’s blood, the doctor determines the level of risk of possible abnormalities in the fetus, and also identifies possible threats to pregnancy, for example, the risk of miscarriage.
• Ultrasound examination (ultrasound), with which you can assess the condition of the fetus, determine some dimensional indicators, for example, CTE (coccygeal-parietal size of the fetus), measure the length of the nasal bone and other parameters that may indicate the presence of deviations in the development of the baby. Thus, a too short nasal bone indicates an increased risk of Down syndrome in the fetus. The sum of all the results together gives an idea of ​​the baby’s condition.

Based on a comprehensive study of the screening results, the doctor determines the likelihood of chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus and, if necessary, refers the pregnant woman to a geneticist for a more detailed examination. With the help of special procedures, for example, chorionic villus biopsy, it is ultimately possible to more accurately confirm or refute some diagnoses, such as Down syndrome, Edwards syndrome, etc. Geneticists look at the indicators of several studies and can assess the condition and features of fetal development more accurately than doctors in a regular medical institution, because they have the most modern equipment and the latest technologies at their disposal to determine any pathologies.

The expectant mother has the opportunity to take the screening results from the doctor, so she can independently compare the norms of ultrasound and other types of studies at a given time with the data obtained. But it should be remembered that interpretation of ultrasound is the prerogative of the doctor, and an untrained person can misinterpret the examination results. It is also better to find out from a specialist what tests need to be taken if certain inconsistencies are detected.

Possible dangers at 12 weeks of pregnancy

Despite the fact that at 12 weeks the likelihood of serious complications during pregnancy decreases somewhat, you should still not lose your vigilance, because the risk of miscarriage exists even at this stage. Increased uterine tone may be indicated by symptoms such as bloody, brown or pink discharge, pain in the lower abdomen or lower back.

Also, under the influence of unfavorable factors, partial or complete placental abruption is possible, which can cause bleeding.

Retrochorial hematoma at 12 weeks may also be accompanied by the appearance of brown discharge. Often, patients experience tightness and pain in the lower abdomen, aching in the lower back, and general well-being worsens. With this pathology, blood accumulates between the fertilized egg and the placenta. Hematoma can be detected using ultrasound, in which case treatment is prescribed.

In order to establish the cause of the appearance of bloody discharge and determine the properties of the blood, a woman may be prescribed additional examinations, for example, an analysis for XII-dependent fibrinolysis. If this indicator is increased, the risk of bleeding increases significantly. Therefore, if traces of blood or abdominal pain appear, you should immediately consult a doctor, because both external and internal bleeding are possible.

The likelihood of various complications, including miscarriage, increases if a woman is diagnosed with uterine fibroids, since this formation can cause low placentation and other pathologies in the development of the embryo (fetus). Pathologies of the cervix can also negatively affect the process of pregnancy.