Week 12: 28 weeks to go!

What is happening to your baby:

• Your baby weighs about 14 grams.
• Your baby now has reflexes.
• Heartbeat can be heard. The heart rate is about 160 beats per minute.
• The placenta has taken over hormone production.
• The kidneys have started to produce and secrete urine.
• The taste buds have formed.
• The ribs and vertebrae have begun to ossify.

What is happening to you:

• Your stomach may begin to round a bit and you may start “showing”.
• Fatigue and nausea should be decreasing.
• The linea nigra (black line running down the centre of your abdomen) may appear.
• Your uterus has risen above your pelvis. You therefore don’t have to run to the toilet so often!

What to do:

• Don’t try to diet if you are worried about gaining weight. Make sure that you follow a healthy, balanced diet. You will need to increase your calorie intake by 300-500 calories. See our "Suggested diet during pregnancy" in the "Nutrition" section.
• Listen to your baby’s heartbeat!
• Remember to go for your 11-13 week check-up (see Week 11).