Week 12

My Baby's Development

Your baby's brain continues to develop. Its tiny fingernails and toenails start to form. Its vocal cords are formed by this week. This is the last of your first trimester.

Your baby's kidneys are functioning! After swallowing amniotic fluid, your baby will now be able to pass it out of its body as urine. The intestines will make their way into the abdomen, since there is room for them now.

My Body

Has anyone told you that you have a "pregnant glow"? It's not just the joy you may feel because you're having a baby. There's a physiological reason for smoother, more radiant skin during pregnancy. Increased blood volume and pregnancy hormones work together to give you that pregnant glow. The greater is the blood volume, it brings more blood to the blood vessels and hormones increase oil gland secretion, resulting in a flushed, plumper, smoother skin appearance. Sometimes, the increased oil gland secretion can cause temporary acne.