Week 12 of Pregnancy
This week is the final week of the first trimester, and your baby's muscles are beginning to grow. They are now stretching and kicking. When you place your hand on your belly, the baby might respond by moving, although it's still too early for you to feel these movements. The baby is also starting to open and close their fingers, curl their toes, and move and kick with their arms and legs. From the start of pregnancy until the end of the twelfth week, your weight gain should not exceed 2 kilograms.
Tests and Monitoring for Week 12 of Pregnancy
If some tests were not performed last week, they might be done and reviewed this week. As this week marks the end of the first trimester, several important tests and screenings are typically conducted:
A blood test during the initial prenatal visit checks for hemoglobin levels, blood type, Rh factor, and screens for infections like HIV, hepatitis B, and syphilis. These tests help assess overall maternal health. A urine test is conducted to detect urinary tract infections, protein, and glucose and is usually repeated at every prenatal visit.
The first trimester combined screening, usually performed between weeks 11 and 14 of pregnancy, includes two parts: a maternal blood test measuring two protein markers, PAPP-A and hCG, to help detect chromosomal abnormalities like Down syndrome, and an ultrasound (Nuchal Translucency) to measure the thickness of the fluid at the back of the baby's neck, aiding in detecting chromosomal issues such as Down syndrome.
At 12 weeks, an ultrasound is typically performed to confirm the gestational age, check the baby's heartbeat, and assess growth and development. Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT), available from the 10th week of pregnancy, can detect chromosomal conditions such as Down syndrome, trisomy 18, and trisomy 13 by analyzing fetal DNA from a blood sample of the mother.
During weekly or bi-weekly visits, the doctor will monitor your weight, blood pressure, and the baby's heartbeat, and discuss any symptoms or concerns. The doctor will also provide guidance on nutrition, vitamin supplements, and necessary medications.
