Pregnancy - week by week: Week 12 – 13

Week 12
Around the 12 week almost all organs and the body structure are completely “built.” From here they will continue to grow and develop until the baby is due to fully function. The genitals will now develop the male or female specifics. Fingernails and toenails are starting to grow and eventually some hair on the head will grow.  The baby’s kidneys are starting to work. Fingers and toes have separated and hair and nails begin to grow. The genitals begin to take on their gender characteristics. As a result from the kidneys to work (they already produce urine) the amniotic fluid begins to accumulate.

The uterus will start shifting upwards and forward as it grows. This will reduce the pressure on your bladder a little bit – making trips to the bathroom less frequent for a while. By the 3^rd trimester the bladder will be under pressure by the uterus again as the baby needs room. If you are still fighting morning sickness chances are it will get better soon. You will also feel more energy and you will be less tired. However due to the increased blood volume in your body you might experience headaches. Be sure to mention these symptoms to your doctor during routine visits.

Week 13
Welcome to the second trimester. The 13^th week is a very busy week for your baby’s development. The face is growing and looks more and more human day by day. The eyes move closer together. Baby’s ears find their final position on the head. The genitals have developed and it is now possible to determine the sex of the baby if you could see the baby with your own eyes. However – it takes until week 16 on average before the ultrasound picks up the gender. The intestines move farther into the baby's body; the liver starts to secrete bile. The pancreas begins to produce insulin around this week. Did we mention already that this would be a very busy week for the baby?

Overall this is the most enjoyable stage of pregnancy. Usually the morning sickness is gone and so are the other symptoms that made you feel uncomfortable. If you are still feeling a little tired, listen to your body and give it the rest it needs. Your body is in for some overtime. Your uterus stretches and you may feel some abdominal ache. The ligaments that hold up your uterus stretch to accommodate the growth. The result is called "round ligament pain".

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