Pregnancy week 12 - baby's development and your body

Week 12 is the tenth week after fertilization. The fetus now looks more and more like a small baby with distinct facial features. It can move its arms and legs, and the placenta is now fully formed, providing nourishment and oxygen to the fetus.

Size:

The fetus is about 5–6 cm or 1.97–2.36 inches in size, from head to rump.

Weight:

Approximately 14 grams or 0.494 ounces.

Fetal development:

The fetus now has thin, transparent skin and developing fingernails. The nose is more prominent, and the eyes have thin eyelids. Both the eyes and ears are almost in their final positions, and the Cupid’s bow is forming on the upper lip.

This week, the fetus begins moving its arms and legs. All organs have formed and continue to grow and develop, though they are still far from fully mature. The kidneys are producing urine, and blood production has started in the liver and spleen.

Your body:

In some women, the pregnancy may now start to show, although for many, this doesn’t happen until week 16 or later.

The classic early pregnancy symptoms, such as heightened sensitivity to tastes and smells, nausea, and fatigue, may persist. However, for many, these symptoms begin to ease after this week.