Pregnancy Week By Week (Week 12)

Week 12 Fetus

Must-ask Questions this Week (Week 12)

I tend to be susceptible to urinary tract infections (UTI). Can these infections be harmful to my baby?

You will definitely want to get your infections treated; if left untreated, it could lead to premature labor.

Are colds and flues during pregnancy harmful to the developing baby?

Garden variety colds don't harm your baby but they do make you feel miserable. If you develop high fever, there is potential risk to your baby i.e. your baby can suffer from birth defects, including heart defects. If you do get hit by cold or flu, you will want to drink lots of fluids (hydration during pregnancy gets worse), take medications recommended by your doctor and get plenty of rest. If your cold is severe, you may want to consult your doctor on a suitable decongestant.


I had a really nasty stomach flu recently. Could this have brought harm to my baby?

The main risk caused by stomach flu is dehydration. If you become seriously dehydrated as a result of vomiting or diarrhea, you may start to experience premature contractions. If you get hit with stomach flu again and have a tough time keeping things down, try sipping on chicken soup, ginger ale, tea or water. It doesn't matter what kind of healthy beverage you consume as long as you are getting something into your system. Don't stress over the pounds you lose in the process; babies don't suffer unduly just because their mums missed a few meals.

Is it true that gum disease can cause premature labor?

If your gum disease is severe enough then yes, you could face an increased risk of preterm labor. According to research, women who suffer from periodontal disease are 7 times more likely to deliver prematurely. Do not confuse gum disease with pregnancy gingivitis (swelling, bleeding, redness or tenderness in the gums that is triggered by hormones) which tends to show up around the second or third month of pregnancy and tends to increase in intensity until around the eight month. Note: you may want to switch to a softer toothbrush to minimize the bleeding.

What types of diagnostic imaging procedures can be safely carried out during pregnancy?

No known amount of radiation is safe during pregnancy. Dangers to your baby include an increased risk of mutations and an increased risk of cancer later in life. Some doctors feel the only safe amount of X-rays during pregnancy is none. Presently it is believed the fetus is at greatest risk between 8 and 15 weeks gestation(fetal age between 6 and 13 weeks) X-rays, CAT scans and MRIs are some examples of these procedures. Some points on them in brief:
Diagnostic X-rays to areas other than the abdomen pose little threat to the developing baby, provided that appropriate radiation shields are used.

Abdominal CAT scans (CT scans) are to be avoided during pregnancy, due to increased risk that the baby will end up with developmental malformations and / or childhood cancers.
MRIs are a relatively new technology, so doctors tend to limit their use during pregnancy to situations where critical medical information needs to be obtained and cannot be obtained in any other manner or the only other alternative is for e.g. surgery, poses major risk to mother and baby. Radioactive dyes containing iodine should not be used at all during diagnostic imaging procedures because of the risk of damage to the fetal thyroid.

Some Basic Pointers (Week 12)

Skin changes

Your skin may change in various ways during pregnancy. In many women, skin down the middle of the abdomen becomes markedly darker or pigmented with a black-brown color. A vertical line forms called the linea nigra. Some women develop irregular brown patches of varying size on their faces and necks called chloasma or mask of pregnancy. These disappear or get lighter after delivery. Vascular spiders are small red elevations on the skin with branches extending outwards. These too are temporary and disappear shortly after giving birth. The occurrence is probably caused by high levels of estrogen.

Entering pregnancy with High Blood Pressure

If you have high BP before you begin your pregnancy, you have an increased risk of preeclampsia. If left untreated, hypertension reduces blood flow to the uterus and increases the risk of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). High BP can cause seizures, kidney disease, liver disease, heart damage and brain damage to the mum-to-be. Most BP medications are safe to use during pregnancy. Still check with your doctor. If your BP was high when you began your pregnancy, you may have more ultrasounds to monitor baby's growth. You may want to keep track of your BP yourself at home with a blood pressure device periodically.

Your Nutrition (Week 12)

Some women think they can eat all they want just to increase their calories. Don't fall into this trap. It is unhealthy for you and your baby if you gain too much weight during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester. Carrying and delivering your baby becomes tough and shedding those excess pounds post pregnancy becomes an ordeal. Once the baby is out, most of you will want to return to 'normal' clothes at the earliest so don't let those extra kilos interfere with your goal.

Junk food :

Now that you are pregnant, break the habit of junking if you love junk food and skipping your first meal of the day, breakfast. Your dietary habits affect your unborn child as well. Proper nutrition takes some planning on your part but it can be done. It is easy to reach for something from the vending machine or visiting a fast food joint but think about the harm you are doing to your baby. Avoid foods that contain a lot of fat and sugar. If you work, take healthy foods with you for your lunches and snacks. Stay away from fast food and junk food, no matter how tempting.

Late night snacking:

Late night nutritious snacks are beneficial for some women. However snacking at night is unnecessary. If you are used to ice creams and other goodies, you may pay for it during pregnancy with those extra kilos. Food in your stomach late at night is no good if you suffer from heartburn, indigestion or nausea.

Fats and sweets:

Unless you are underweight, you may want to be cautious with fats and sweets. Many of these foods are high in calories and low in value. Eat them sparingly. Instead of munching on potato chips, reach for an apple, cheese slice or peanut butter and bread. You will satisfy your hunger without compromising on nutritional value. Some fats and sweets you may choose and their serving sizes are outlined below.

Sugar or honey - 1 tablespoon

Oil - 1 tablespoon

Jam or jelly - 1 tablespoon

Salad dressing - 1 tablespoon

Butter or margarine - ½ teaspoon or less