12 Weeks Pregnant: Scan Results, Symptoms & What's Next

12 Weeks Pregnant: Scan Results, Symptoms & What's Next

At 12 weeks pregnant, your baby is about the size of a plum, with all their organs, limbs and bones in place and reflexes starting to develop. Many people have their 12-week scan around now, and with the risk of miscarriage falling, it's when lots of people choose to share their news.

Baby's size
About the size of a plum (5 to 6cm)
Big development
Reflexes, and the intestines moving into the belly
Common symptoms
Easing nausea, dizziness and a snug waistband
This week
Your 12-week scan and screening results

What's happening this week

All your baby's major parts are now in place. From here, the focus is on growing and maturing.

Reflexes

Curling and wriggling

Your baby's fingers can curl, their toes can flex, and they may start making sucking movements. Taste buds are also starting to develop.

Digestion

Moving into place

The intestines, which have been growing partly inside the umbilical cord, move into your baby's belly. The gut is starting to make tiny squeezing movements.

Brain and body

Taking control

The pituitary gland at the base of the brain has started making hormones that will help control growth. The bones continue to harden.

Your uterus is now about the size of a grapefruit and is rising out of your pelvis. Your doctor or midwife may be able to feel the top of it just above your pubic bone, and they may be able to hear your baby's heartbeat with a handheld doppler.

Understanding your 12-week scan and results

If you're having your 12-week scan, it's a chance to see your baby moving and check how they're growing. Here's what happens at the scan. If you've had combined first trimester screening or NIPT, your results will usually come back as either a low chance or a higher chance.

Low-chance result

  • Your baby is unlikely to have the conditions screened for
  • No further testing is usually needed
  • Your routine care continues as planned

Higher-chance result

  • It doesn't mean your baby has a condition
  • You'll be offered further testing, such as NIPT or a diagnostic test
  • A genetic counsellor can help you understand your options

NIPT results can also reveal your baby's sex. If you'd rather keep it a surprise, let your doctor and the clinic know before your results come back.

Symptoms at 12 weeks pregnant

With the end of the first trimester in sight, many people start to feel better. Nausea, tiredness, sore breasts and food aversions often begin to ease, and as your uterus rises, you may need to wee a little less. Some symptoms can linger, and new ones may appear:

  • Changes in sex drive. Some people feel more interested in sex, others less. Both are normal, and for most people, sex is safe in pregnancy.
  • Dizziness. Lower blood pressure can make you light-headed. Stand up slowly, drink water and eat regular meals.
  • Shortness of breath. Pregnancy hormones make you breathe more deeply, which can feel like breathlessness. If you have asthma, keep taking your usual medicine and talk to your doctor if symptoms change.
  • A snug waistband. You might notice a small bump, or just that your clothes feel tighter.

Call 000 if you have chest pain, sudden or severe breathlessness, or you cough up blood. See your GP or go to your nearest emergency department if you have heavy bleeding or strong pain.

Looking ahead: your second trimester

Next week is the last week of the first trimester. Here's what's coming up over the next few months.

  1. Energy returnsWeeks 13 to 16

    For many people, nausea and tiredness ease, and appetite comes back.

  2. First movementsWeeks 16 to 22

    You may feel your baby's first flutters, often earlier if you've been pregnant before.

  3. Morphology scanWeeks 18 to 20

    A detailed ultrasound that checks your baby's growth, organs and the placenta.

  4. Whooping cough vaccineWeeks 20 to 32

    Recommended in every pregnancy and free in Australia. The flu vaccine can be given at any stage of pregnancy.

  5. Glucose tolerance testWeeks 24 to 28

    A blood test that checks for gestational diabetes.

Sharing your news

After the 12-week mark, the risk of miscarriage drops, and many people feel ready to tell family, friends and work. Enjoy it, and share in whatever way feels right for you. Once your news is out, friends and family may start asking what you need, so our pregnancy checklist is handy to share or use as a starting point. Pregnancy brings big changes for relationships too, so make time to talk with your partner, if you have one, about how you're both feeling about becoming parents.

Your to-do list for week 12

Helpful for this stage

Pregnancy and birth booksReading for the months aheadShop books MaternityComfort essentials for pregnancyShop maternity Mum to be hampersGifts for newly shared newsShop hampers

Week 12 FAQs

Can you hear the baby's heartbeat at 12 weeks?

Often, yes. From around 10 to 12 weeks, your doctor or midwife may be able to hear it with a handheld doppler. It can be hard to find this early, depending on your baby's position, so don't worry if they can't pick it up yet.

What does a low-chance or higher-chance screening result mean?

A low-chance result means your baby is unlikely to have the conditions screened for. A higher-chance result doesn't mean your baby has a condition. It means you'll be offered further testing, such as NIPT or a diagnostic test, to find out more.

Is it safe to have sex during pregnancy?

For most people, yes. Your baby is well protected inside the uterus. Your doctor or midwife may advise against it if you've had bleeding, a low-lying placenta or other complications.

When does the second trimester start?

In Australia, the second trimester is usually counted from week 14 to the end of week 27. Many people find it the most comfortable stage of pregnancy, as early symptoms ease and energy returns.

Is shortness of breath normal at 12 weeks pregnant?

Mild breathlessness is common, as pregnancy hormones make you breathe more deeply. Call 000 if you have chest pain, sudden or severe breathlessness, or you cough up blood.

This article is general information and isn't a substitute for advice from your doctor or midwife.

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