Congratulations, you have reached the end of the first trimester. This is a significant milestone. The risk of miscarriage drops to about 2% after a healthy 12-week scan. Many people choose this moment to share their pregnancy news with family and friends.
Your Baby This Week
Size: Plum (about 5.5 cm, or 2.1 inches)
Weight: About 14 grams
- Reflexes: The fetus can now respond to touch. If you poke your belly, the fetus will move away, though you cannot feel it yet.
- Face: Fully formed with a profile visible on ultrasound. Eyelids are fused shut and will remain closed until around week 26.
- Digestive system: The intestines, which temporarily grew outside the body into the umbilical cord, have now moved back inside the abdomen.
- Bone marrow: Starting to produce white blood cells
- Vocal cords: Forming in the larynx
- Placenta: Fully functional and taking over hormone production from the ovary
Your Body
- Morning sickness typically begins to fade after this week
- Energy returning as the placenta takes over hormone production
- Small baby bump may start to appear, especially if this is not your first pregnancy
- Reduced breast tenderness for some
- Linea nigra: A dark line may appear down the center of your abdomen
Your uterus has risen above the pelvic bone, and your provider can now feel it by pressing on your lower abdomen.
What to Do This Week
- Decide when and how to share the news. Many people feel ready now that the highest-risk period has passed.
- Review your 12-week scan results with your provider. This ultrasound confirms the due date, checks for twins, and assesses fetal anatomy.
- Start thinking about prenatal classes. Popular ones fill up quickly. Options include hospital-based classes, Lamaze, hypnobirthing, and online courses.
Common Questions
How much should I have gained by now?
Weight gain in the first trimester is typically modest: 0.5 to 2 kg (1 to 4.5 pounds). Some people lose weight due to morning sickness, which is fine as long as you are staying hydrated and keeping some food down. Your provider will track your weight at each visit.
When will I start showing?
First-time parents often start showing between weeks 12 and 16. If you have been pregnant before, the abdominal muscles are more relaxed, so you may show earlier. Body type, uterus position, and whether you are carrying multiples all play a role.