Your fetus, about the size of a large lime, measures about 1.75 to 2.4 inches from crown to rump and weighs about three-tenths of an ounce. About now the rapid "swooshing" noises of the heartbeat can be heard through a Doppler sound-wave stethoscope. Fingernails and external genitalia are showing distinguishing characteristics, and the baby is swallowing and kicking, although you still won't feel it.
Mother:
Your uterus is almost big enough to fill your pelvis and may be felt in your lower abdomen. You may also experience changes in hair, skin, fingernails or toenails.
Dad:
We know you're trying hard to be supportive. Although you're not carrying the baby, these 9 months are still trying for you. Continue supporting your baby-carrying counterpart and she'll definitely be grateful.
Do's and Don'ts:
Do sleep on your side as often as possible, as experts say this position increases blood flow to the baby. A body pillow, which you can order at maternity stores, can help make side-sleeping more comfortable. It also provides such snug support that some who've tried it can't live without it.
Exercise:
Kegel exercises strengthen your pelvic muscles and help ward off incontinence, both during pregnancy and after delivery. Supplement quick squeezes of the muscles around the vagina and anus with longer squeezes of 10 seconds, 10 to 20 times in a row, three times each day.
Tips for this week:
Don't ignore your dental hygiene during pregnancy. Floss and brush regularly, and make sure you see your dentist at least once in these nine months. Your gums may bleed more because of hormones during pregnancy and because of increased blood volume.
Week 12
Baby:
The fetus now measures about 2.5 inches from crown to rump and weighs between three-tenths of an ounce and half an ounce. It is fully formed, from tooth buds to toenails, and your baby's job now is to continue getting larger and stronger for the rest of your pregnancy. With the most critical development behind the fetus, the chance of miscarriage drops considerably after this week.
Mother:
Nausea and energy start to improve. You may be experiencing occasional headaches, dizziness and fatigue from hormonal changes. If it's your first baby, you still could be wearing loose-fitting clothes, but if you've had other pregnancies, you'll probably start to show earlier and may be in maternity clothes. The typical weight gain by now is about three to five pounds. Fathers-to-be might also experience pregnancy symptoms, called couvade or "hatching," during the third month and at delivery, including nausea, abdominal pain, appetite changes and weight gain.
Dad:
Have you thought about joining a support group for fathers-to-be? Before you toss the idea aside, consider that there are many guys going through exactly what you're going through right now. You're all entering new territory, and it certainly wouldn't hurt to learn a little bit about what to expect. Hey, you might even meet a new cricketing buddy!
Do's and Don'ts:
Do fight fiery heartburn! Try skipping fatty, acidic, or spicy foods; eating small, frequent meals; and waiting a few hours after eating before lying down. You can also take antacids with calcium carbonate.
Exercise:
If you lift weights, decrease the number of pounds you're using, and watch your pulse when doing cardio exercises (a heart-rate monitor, which most gyms supply for their members, can do this for you). You don't want your heartbeats to clock in at more than 140 beats per minute, at which point your body may get overheated and blood flow may be diverted away from the uterus.
Tips for this week:
Most women develop stretch marks on their abdomen, breasts, hips or buttocks sometime during their pregnancy. They won't go away, but they'll usually fade after pregnancy. Despite claims from manufacturers, creams and oils don't minimize them. It depends on your skin's natural elasticity. Gradual rather than rapid weight gain may help, as well as avoiding excessive weight gain during pregnancy.
