3rd Month of Pregnancy: Baby Growth, Tests and Tips
The third month is the last month of the 1st trimester. By the end of the third month, you will have finished one third of your journey. The 1st trimester is special, because this is when all of your baby's main organs begin to form. The nervous system has started to form and the heart is already beating. If you missed the last post, read about the second month of pregnancy.
A time of fast growth and organ forming has its own special needs.
What happens during the third month?
This is the time when your baby's face starts to take shape. The MedlinePlus guide says that by week 10, the eyelids begin to close, the outer ears take shape and the face looks more clear. By weeks 11 to 14, the face is well formed, nails appear on the fingers and toes, tooth buds appear and the liver is making red blood cells. The head is very large, about half of your baby's size. At the end of week 10, your baby is no longer called an embryo. It is now called a fetus.
Cleveland Clinic says that toward the end of the first trimester, your baby starts to move by opening and closing its hands and mouth. You will not feel these movements yet. MedlinePlus says many moms first feel a fluttering around weeks 19 to 21. By the end of week 12, your baby is about 3 to 4 inches long, about the size of a plum, and weighs about 1 ounce. Around 12 weeks, your doctor may be able to hear the baby's heartbeat with a Doppler.
Measures to take
Many women have an ultrasound in the first trimester. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) says an early ultrasound can help estimate how far along you are, check the baby's heart rate, count how many babies there are and help screen for certain genetic problems. It can also help your doctor predict your due date more accurately. It is still too early to see many of the baby's organs in detail. The standard ultrasound that checks the baby's body is usually done at 18 to 22 weeks.
This is also the time for first trimester screening tests. ACOG says the nuchal translucency ultrasound and a blood test are usually done together between 10 and 13 weeks. A blood test called cell free DNA can be done starting at 10 weeks. These tests can screen for Down syndrome and some other conditions. Ask your doctor which tests are right for you.
As your baby grows, so will the demands on your body. Some women feel dizzy or like they might faint, especially when standing up quickly. The American Pregnancy Association says this is more common in the first trimester, because pregnancy hormones cause your blood vessels to relax and widen. If this happens to you, stand up slowly, eat regularly and drink plenty of water. Tell your doctor if you faint, or if dizziness comes with bleeding or belly pain.
It is also a time to plan for the future. Some moms to be feel very worried about their pregnancy. Talk with your partner, parents and close friends. Hormone changes in pregnancy may cause mood swings. Taking time to relax while playing calming lullabies for babies can bring peace and comfort during these emotional moments. All My Love Goes To You is a sweet lullaby about a mommy penguin rocking her baby to sleep, with the words "Sweetie you mean the world to me." You can find more soft lullabies and songs on our music page.
At this point, many thoughts come to your mind about your baby's health. You may be worried about conditions your baby could be born with. Some women may even have mixed feelings about the pregnancy. These feelings are normal, and you should not feel guilty about them. If worry or sadness is hard to handle, talk to your doctor.
At this stage, most people cannot see that you are pregnant, but you will feel the difference inside. Because of hormone changes, your breasts may also feel tender.
It is also a good time to learn exercises that make your pelvic floor stronger, called Kegel exercises. The American Pregnancy Association says women who do Kegel exercises often find they have an easier birth, and these exercises can help with bladder leaks and hemorrhoids.
It is a good idea to join classes for pregnant women to learn more about pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding and baby care.
Your baby needs calcium to build strong bones and teeth. ACOG says most pregnant women ages 19 to 50 need 1,000 milligrams of calcium a day (1,300 milligrams for ages 14 to 18). Good sources are milk, cheese, yogurt, sardines and dark green leafy vegetables. ACOG also says you need 600 IU of vitamin D a day. Ask your doctor if your prenatal vitamin gives you enough.
When you are ready, read what comes next in the fourth month of pregnancy.
Questions About the Third Month of Pregnancy
How big is the baby at 3 months pregnant?
By the end of week 12, the baby is about 3 to 4 inches long, about the size of a plum, and weighs about 1 ounce.
Can I feel my baby move at 3 months?
Not yet. Your baby starts to open and close its hands and mouth, but many moms first feel movement around weeks 19 to 21.
What tests are done in the third month?
ACOG says first trimester screening is usually done between 10 and 13 weeks. Cell free DNA testing can start at 10 weeks.
How much calcium do I need while pregnant?
ACOG says 1,000 milligrams a day for ages 19 to 50, and 1,300 milligrams for ages 14 to 18.
Why do I feel dizzy in early pregnancy?
Pregnancy hormones relax your blood vessels, which can make you dizzy. Stand up slowly, eat regularly and drink water. Tell your doctor if you faint.
This post is for general information only. It is not medical advice. If you have questions about your health or your pregnancy, please talk to your doctor.