Gestational Weeks 9-12

The Third Month

Baby's Growth

By the end of this month your baby will be recognizable as a human. The face is formed, complete with 32 permanent teeth buds. There are even nails at the end of the fingers and toes. The genital organs are still forming, so you are not likely to be able to distinguish the sex yet.

Cartilage bones are forming rapidly, and the muscles have already begun to be laid down. Your baby will even move as the brain, nerves and muscles begin to function. However, baby's small size makes his movements undetectable.

Your baby has a sucking reflex already in place, and may suck on his thumb or fist. He is also practicing swallowing the amniotic fluid, and at this point is able to excrete it as urine.

At the end of the twelfth week your baby will be around 3.5 inches long and weigh 1.7 oz.

Mom's Changes

You have probably started to see some weight gain as your body grows to accommodate the baby. Weight gain is normal in pregnancy and should not be discouraged.

By the end of this month your hormone levels will have decreased their fluctuations, which may mean that you feel more yourself for the next few months. Also, at the end of this month your baby will be fully formed, needing only to gain weight and continue developing certain organs and structures. This means your risk for miscarriage decreases significantly.

Your increased blood volume would cause you to have high blood pressure if it weren't for the effect of the progesterone on your arteries, causing them to relax and expand enough to accommodate the blood. Progesterone has the same effect on your digestive system, making it relaxed and sluggish, which may be the culprit behind some digestive discomfort.

By the end of this month you should feel less fatigue , however you will probably still tire more easily. It's important to take frequent breaks and get adequate rest throughout the day.

Common Symptoms

The following symptoms are commonly experienced during this month. Please click on a symptom to learn why it happens and what you can do about it.

You May Also Be Interested In: Check out 40 Weeks the weekly Christian guide to pregnancy published by Birthing Naturally. The Natural Childbirth Directory can help you find more information about pregnancy and locate childbirth professionals. Choosing your midwife is one of the most important decisions you will make. Nutrition at Birthing Naturally gives you information to ensure you are eating healthy for two. Learn to tell the difference between a pregnancy truth and Pregnancy Myths. Shop Motherwear's Weekly Web Specials! Visit often for special web-only savings on Motherwear's garments!

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