Introduction

At 12 weeks pregnant, you’ll have your first scan. Seeing your baby for the first time can be wonderful, nerve-wracking and everything in between. Grow baby, grow. Your tiny human has all their parts, now all baby has to do is grow. Time for protein. It’s great for transporting nutrients round the body, straight to baby.

Read more on what to expect at 12 weeks pregnant.

What happens to your body at 12 weeks pregnant?

Congratulations. At 12 weeks pregnant you’re a third of the way through your pregnancy. Only one week to go until the second trimester, often known as the ‘golden trimester’. During the second trimester, your hormones have done a lot of the hard work and will start to ease off, so most women enjoy less nausea, less lethargy and more energy. Hence why it is known as the ‘golden trimester’. Soon your uterus will move up into your belly so there’ll be fewer visits to the loo too.

On average, a mother-to-be weighs 1 to 2 kg more towards the end of the first trimester. Interestingly, at just 18g, your little one takes up the smallest proportion of the weight increase. Most of it is thanks to your expanded uterus, placenta and the amniotic fluid.

On the down side you may have a whole new set of symptoms, like back pain, abdominal pain, and bleeding gums. If you want to keep smiling through the pain better give those pearly whites some extra love because pregnancy hormones can be unkind to teeth and gums. Book in a trip to an NHS dentist, it’s free while you’re pregnant and for up to a year after birth.

What to eat at 12 weeks pregnant?

From here on in baby’s most important job is to grow and yours is to give them the right nutrients to do it. So, time for protein. It helps transport nutrients around the body, build healthy bones, and maintain body tissues. Luckily protein comes in many delicious forms and should be easy to fit into your pregnancy diet – beans, pulses, tofu, fish, eggs, meat, poultry and nuts. To become a lean, mean, baby-growing machine, choose lean cuts of meat (avoiding liver), remove skin from poultry, and try cooking without oil. Meat really needs to be cooked all the way through with no pink bits left – if you enjoy a juicy rare steak, apologies. Try to eat two portions of fish a week, one of which can be oily fish like salmon, sardines or mackerel.

You might go off certain foods and crave others. It’s very common in pregnancy. If you go off meat or fish try eating them cold in a salad, it’s often the smell that puts you off. Marinating food in vinegar, lemon or lime juice, can help too as sharper, cleaner tastes are often easier on your new palate.

Also, now you’re pregnant your iron needs are increased. Iron helps get the extra blood flowing around the body and to baby. Here’s a clever trick – if you have vitamin C with iron it absorbs so much better. So, a glass of orange juice with your iron fortified cereal (most cereals are) is a great way to start your day.

Introduction

Repeating after eating? That’ll be the progesterone hormone. Eat little and often. Steer clear of broccoli, beans and alcohol as they could make gas and bloating during pregnancy worse. To help with constipation during pregnancy go for wholegrain cereals, bread and pastas. Read more on what to expect at 11 weeks pregnant.

What happens to your body at 11 weeks pregnant?

At 11 weeks pregnant, your tummy might be at that in-between stage where the lovely smooth baby bump hasn’t appeared yet, instead you look like you’ve had second (and third) helpings. That’ll be the bloating. Yet another side effect of those wonderful baby-friendly pregnancy hormones.

The good news? By week 14-16 you’re likely to have a beautiful little baby bump to show off. You might also be feeling more peckish these days— and that's good news too. It probably means your morning sickness is easing and your appetite is increasing to nourish that growing little human inside you.

The Relaxin hormone is also hard at work this trimester, softening your ligaments and muscles, which is great preparation for baby but not so great for you. You’ll be more achy, less stable on your feet and prone to injury during exercise – so take it easy.

What are the symptoms of 11 weeks pregnant?

Week 11 pregnancy symptoms sadly consists of headaches, feeling tired and moody and with maybe the occasional heartburn. These pregnancy symptoms are perfectly normal and not everyone gets them at the same time, and some women may not get the at all. Headaches can be quite common in the first trimester and should subside in the second trimester. Feeling tired and moody is down to pregnancy hormones again, try some gentle exercise; the endorphins can help lift your mood. You should get a lot more energy in your second trimester which is only a couple of weeks away.

Cramping at 11 weeks pregnancy is also quite normal. It will feel like mild period pain. It’s due to your uterus expanding and therefore your abdominal muscles and ligaments are stretching. So as your belly and foetus grows some cramping can be expected. If you notice any bleeding at 11 week pregnant contact your doctor or midwife immediately.

Introduction

Growing a baby is thirsty work. Ideally, you need to drink about 1.5 litres of water a day. Although you may not feel like it, keeping active is important during pregnancy. It tones, energises, lifts your mood, helps you sleep and can also help you to cope with labour. If you have any doubts about appropriate exercise or if you are just starting out on an exercise plan speak to your healthcare professional first. Read more on what to expect at 10 weeks pregnant.

What happens to your body at 10 weeks pregnant?

Pregnancy body care is important this week as you may begin struggling with those skin-tight jeans. Blame baby for the pregnancy weight gain. At 10 weeks pregnant your uterus is now about the size of a grapefruit, while baby is apricot-sized.

As baby grows, your ligaments and muscles start to stretch which is why many women experience something called round ligament pain or simply put, tummy pain. Sometimes it’s sharp when the extra weight pulls on your ligaments. Sometimes it’s dull when your ligaments are actually stretching. Both are totally normal and a walk or stretch can usually ease the pain, however, if it is really painful, see your midwife or doctor as soon as possible.

What to eat at 10 weeks pregnant?

As well as curvier, you might be feeling a little queasier. However, this queasiness should eventually disappear in the second trimester. In the meantime, stock up on ginger tea as part of your pregnancy diet. It can help with nausea.

What else is on the menu this week? Water, lots of it. For many reasons: to form amniotic fluid, produce extra blood volume, build new tissue, carry nutrients, help indigestion and flush out wastes and toxins. Drink around 1.5 litres a day, roughly 6-8 glasses. Little and often is usually best, especially if you’re the victim of dreaded morning sickness. Juices, herb teas and milk also count, even tea and coffee, but nothing beats the clear stuff. It is worth noting though that the NHS advises to drink no more than 4 cups of herbal tea a day, and sadly caffeine should also be limited, see our article to find out more.

What are the symptoms of 10 weeks pregnant?

Week 10 pregnancy symptoms can include varying different digestive problems. Pregnancy heartburn is quite common as is bloating, burping and generally being quite gassy. Lovely. This is down to the pregnancy hormone progesterone, which helps relax the uterus and muscles surrounding it to allow your foetus to grow. However the muscles surrounding it are the muscles of the intestine, which means your digestion will slow down and gas unfortunately will start to build up. If you have any of these pregnancy symptoms at 10 weeks then try to eat a bit earlier in the evenings so your have time to digest food before lying down for bed. Try avoiding spicy or rich foods, and eating slowly might help. If you have any concerns speak to your midwife.

What exercise can you do when pregnant?

Exercising when pregnant is recommended, especially if you’re used to working out anyway. If you are just starting out on an exercise plan speak to your healthcare professional first. The fitter you are, the readier you’ll be for the strenuous job of labour. It’ll also be easier to get back in shape after pregnancy.

Stomach strengthening and pelvic floor exercises are really important. They’ll help strengthen the muscles you’ll be using to carry the extra pregnancy weight. They'll also make your joints stronger, improve circulation, alleviate any backaches, and just help you feel generally fit and healthy. Exercise is known to help you feel energised and improve your mood too, so next time those hormones get you down, you know what to do. Just avoid anything that’s too high-impact. Our Baby2Body Wellness Studio provides tailored workouts for your stage of pregnancy, why not give it a try.

Introduction

Eating for two? Sorry, those 200 extra calories a day aren’t needed until the third trimester. Eating healthy though is the key. Potato sandwiches. Pineapple and pickles. Or just oranges. Not all cravings during pregnancy are weird. Snacking is good though as long as they are healthy snacks such as houmous and pitta, nuts and raisins – Chocolate, not so much. Read more on what to expect at 9 weeks pregnant.

What to expect in 9 weeks of pregnancy?

Are you turning your nose up at your favourite perfume or giving your local butchers the cold shoulder? And that pregnancy cliché about craving pickles? Perhaps it’s not a cliché. Your topsy-turvy senses are all down to pregnancy hormones.

You could be feeling the burn around now too, heartburn that is. It often goes hand in hand with bloating in pregnancy. Changes to your diet can help in the long run and speak to your GP, pharmacist or midwife for advice.

What to eat at 9 weeks pregnant?

Feeling more peckish these days? Well, you are eating for two – except you’re not, yet. Those extra 200 calories a day aren’t needed until the third trimester. Of course, if you’re having twins or triplets that’s a different story – ask your midwife about your daily intake.

Many women find eating little and often is the best way to maintain a healthy pregnancy diet. The temptation to grab a cheeky pack of crisps or a chocolate bar (or three) could rocket your calorie intake, so it’s good to stock up on healthy snacks like low-fat, lower-sugar fruit yoghurt, plain yoghurt or fromage frais with fruit. You could also add ready-to-eat apricots, figs or prunes to the yogurt.

What are the symptoms of 9 weeks pregnant?

You might find your week 9 pregnancy symptoms are quite intense. This is due to the pregnancy hormone hCG (Human chorionic gonadotropin) which reaches its peak about now. Sadly this means pregnancy symptoms such as nausea, mood swings and fatigue could be a bit more intense this week so make sure you take care of yourself. On the plus side it is a very positive sign that your pregnancy is on track, and pregnancy hormones play a crucial role in keeping the foetus happy and snug.

Introduction

Heartburn? Nausea? Fatigue? You might not feel very normal. But that’s completely normal at 8 weeks pregnant. If you’re starting to feel more tired these days, snacking on starchy (complex) carbs keeps energy levels up. However, don’t bin those trainers! Exercise is more important now than ever. Just try a gentler version. Read more on what to expect at 8 weeks pregnant.

What happens to your body at 8 weeks pregnant?

You’re 8 weeks pregnant although you’re probably not showing much, so it’s hard to believe that in about 32 weeks there’ll be a cuddly little bundle in your arms. Crazy isn’t it? It’s around now that tiredness and the other downsides of pregnancy start to kick in for some women. Think how you can make life less hectic for yourself, as pregnancy puts additional strain on your body. Also, put your feet up whenever you can.

There could be sleeping problems, mood changes, heartburn and cravings on the horizon. One consolation is that these are all really good signs of a healthy pregnancy. They mean important hormonal changes in pregnancy are happening in your body, which are vital for the growth of your little sleep thief.

What to eat at 8 weeks pregnant?

If you find yourself nodding off into your soup or falling asleep before the opening credits of your favourite series, it’s likely that pregnancy fatigue has begun already. Try adjusting your diet to keep energy levels up. Complex carbohydrates (starchy foods such as wholegrain bread, pasta, potatoes, rice, cereals and pulses) are an important source of energy and should be included in your pregnancy diet. Many women find eating more ‘baby sized’ meals throughout the day, rather than three big meals, can help keep tiredness at bay.

Eat lots of fruit and veg too, as these provide important vitamins and minerals. Constipation in pregnancy is normal (another thing to thank those hormones for), so try munching on celery, berries and watermelon as they contain loads of fibre and moisture, which can help with digestion. Remember to wash your fruits and vegetables carefully though.

What are the symptoms of 8 weeks pregnant?

Week 8 pregnancy symptoms - enhanced sense of smell and taste, which sounds like a pregnancy superpower but it could also be your Kryptonite.

All those hormones mixed with nausea mean you might not react too well to certain smells or foods. The cause is unconfirmed, but one theory is that it’s mum’s way of protecting baby from potential threats. Everyone goes on about cravings, but food aversions are very common early signs of pregnancy too – you may even find your favourites are off the menu for a while.

What exercise is safe during pregnancy?

Some women worry that they’ll have to give up their favourite gym class once they’re pregnant. But don’t pack those trendy trainers away just yet. If you've been doing regular exercise already, chances are you can continue for as long as it feels good. It’s always worth checking with your doctor first, as each pregnancy is different.

If you get the go-ahead, low-impact, pregnancy safe exercises include yoga, Pilates and swimming. As long as you stay tuned to your body you’ll probably know best when it’s time to take things easy. And if you’re going to the gym or taking a class it is recommended that you let the instructor know that you are 8 weeks pregnant, they may be able to make the workout more bump-friendly.

Why not try the Baby2Body Wellness studio for stage-based pregnancy exercise and wellness videos? Just answer two simple questions to find your tailored plan.

Introduction

This week there are a few things to be aware of. You might need the little girl’s room more often, so don’t stray too far. It’s worth being prepared! Even though you may need the loo more often you still need to keep well hydrated. This helps to avoid urinary tract infections in pregnancy. Breasts feel heavy? They might be a bit more tender as well. Read more on what to expect at 7 weeks pregnant.

What happens to your body at 7 weeks pregnant?

Your tummy isn’t giving anything away just yet but your increasing cup size is starting to show. You’ll be feeding a hungry little milk guzzler in 33 weeks’ time, so no wonder your breasts are fuller and even a little tender. Maybe they deserve some TLC. A fancy moisturiser and a comfy new bra? At 7 weeks pregnant some women start to feel little twinges in the pelvis too – that’ll be the intensified blood flow and is a normal part of growing a baby.

Talking of blood flow, there’ll be plenty more heading to your kidneys now, so you might need to skip to the loo more often.

Hormonal changes could mean you’re feeling more irritable and tense these days which can sometimes get you down. Try not to worry too much, this happens to many mums to be and is a normal part of the pregnancy journey. Find out more about how to deal with first trimester anxiety with our handy checklist.

What to eat in week 7 of pregnancy

Now you’re 7 weeks pregnant there are loads of healthy foods you might want to increase in your pregnancy diet. However, some favourites might have to be cut down, or even cut out - annoyingly. Here’s a few things to avoid for a healthy pregnancy:

• Ciao espresso. Caffeine should be limited to a maximum of 200mg a day, or two cups of instant coffee, because caffeine is linked to low birth weight and even miscarriage. It’s also a diuretic so it makes you wee more often. This includes fizzy drinks like cola.

• Pâté is off the menu. Liver pâté. Vegetable pâté. Mushroom pâté. They all carry a risk of listeria.

• Don’t be so cheesy. Unpasteurised milk as well as mould-ripened and blue-veined cheeses could contain listeria.

• This one’s easy. Avoid shark, marlin and swordfish and raw shellfish as they contain high levels of mercury, which could affect your baby’s nervous system.

• Don’t go rare. Undercooked meat or eggs may contain bacteria which could harm your baby.

• Just a cheeky one? Excessive alcohol is associated with many foetal problems so the safest bet is to avoid it altogether. Same goes for cigarettes

What are the symptoms of 7 weeks pregnant?

Week 7 pregnancy symptoms – many trips to the loo. We’ve said it already but you may need to go to the loo more often. Hormonal changes and an increase in the volume of your blood means more blood flowing to your kidneys. All the extra fluid then fills up your bladder. This can begin in the early days and then when the baby grows your bladder becomes a cushion - which can have you dashing to the bathroom more often.

Introduction

You’re actually pregnant. Has it even sunk in yet? Well, baby certainly has. Folic acid and vitamin D are big supplements for pregnancy to take early on. Food safety in pregnancy is a big deal. Take extra care with the food you prepare so you avoid food poisoning during pregnancy. Learn more about baby’s development at 6 weeks and what food to eat when you are pregnant in this article.

What happens to your body at 6 weeks pregnant?

At 6 weeks pregnant you will have no more periods! Sadly, that rarely means no more period-like symptoms. Once the fertilised egg implants in your uterus, those pregnancy hormones come crashing in and play havoc with your emotions. Tears one minute, laughter the next and that queasy feeling can come and go too.

Let’s not forget their main job though – those hormones are essential to help baby grow. Plus, they help form the placenta, which supplies baby with oxygen and nutrients while providing protection from germs and pollutants. Last but not least, if you haven’t given up smoking yet, now’s the time to do it (Dads too!).

What food to eat at 6 weeks pregnant?

Folic acid, and vitamin D are the two supplements recommended for pregnancy. Vitamin supplements are a good way of making sure you get the whole lot every day. In fact, the Department of Health recommends that women should take a daily supplement of 400 micrograms of folic acid for the first 12 weeks of pregnancy to help prevent spina bifida. They also recommend a daily supplement of vitamin D throughout your pregnancy. Do be sure to choose vitamin supplements specifically tailored for pregnancy.

Protein is also an essential part of a healthy pregnancy diet because it transports nutrients around the body, to get them to baby. Animal protein in particular is rich in amino acids that the body can’t produce.

Here’s a few tips about what to eat when pregnant:

• Eat your greens. Almost anything green contains folate. Kale. Spinach. Avocado. Asparagus.

• Up your iron. A nice juicy steak or a lamb roast, a very tasty way to boost your iron levels.

• Be pro-protein. Eggs, meat and dairy contain the protein you need and plenty of essential amino acids.

• Veggie? Lentils, tofu, beans and pulses all have plenty of protein and iron too. Just eat an extra portion a day.

Read the full list of what to eat when pregnant.

Remember to take special care when preparing meals to avoid the risk of food poisoning. Thoroughly cook your meat and wash your hands before cooking. Always give your fruit and veg a good scrub too, and clean the fridge regularly. Plus, avoid eating leftovers as bacteria might have had a chance to grow. Just remember, a little caution will keep you and your baby healthy and happy.

If you’re getting morning sickness, check out our morning sickness survival guide.

What are the symptoms of 6 weeks pregnant?

Week 6 pregnancy symptoms often is sore breasts and could be a clue in the first couple of weeks, even before a pregnancy test can detect it.

Rising oestrogen and progesterone levels can make your boobs feel tender - like when you first get your period. Just a few weeks after conception your breasts might feel larger, swollen and more sensitive than usual.

Introduction

So, you've taken a pregnancy test and it was positive. Congratulations! Time to get ready for the adventure of a lifetime. A little person is coming your way soon! It’s good to contact your GP surgery to find out when and who you need to see to start your ante-natal care. Now is also the time to start taking folic acid if you haven’t already. It helps prevent spina bifida and you will need to take it up to week 12. Read more on what to expect at 5 weeks pregnant.

When do pregnancy cravings start?

At 5 weeks pregnant your body is already doing amazing things to grow this little person inside you. It’s become super-efficient and is able to absorb much more of the nutrients in the food you eat. That’s why eating for two is not about eating more, it’s about eating the right things for both of you.

Countless mums have all sorts of common and weird pregnancy cravings, from mustard sandwiches to chalk dipped in cheese. Pregnancy cravings can start at any time but are most common in the first trimester. If you have any unusual cravings, like wanting to eat dirt, talk to your midwife or doctor, as you may have a condition called pica which is caused by a lack of iron.

There is no hard evidence to suggest pregnancy cravings are linked to nutritional need but try telling that to a ravenous, pregnant mum. Feel free to give in to the occasional pickled onion ice cream, but in general it’s a great idea to have a variety of different foods every day in your pregnancy diet so your body and pregnancy cravings get all the nutrients they need for baby growing.

And there’s no need to give up your gym membership just yet – moderate physical exercise throughout your pregnancy helps keep you and baby fit and healthy. Just check with your GP if you’re unsure. Why not try our Baby2Body Wellness studio for stage based tailored plans to help you stay active before, during and post pregnancy.

What are the symptoms of 5 weeks pregnant?

Nausea is one of the very first symptoms of pregnancy and a massive 80% of women feel a bit delicate in the early stages of pregnancy. It’s called morning sickness but it can occur anytime during the day and night. Read tips on how to manage morning sickness.

Another week 5 pregnancy symptom is fatigue. It usually hits a few weeks in, but for some it’s earlier and could be the first sign of pregnancy. It’s down to a combination of low blood sugar levels and low blood pressure with high progesterone levels. Oh, plus the fact your body’s busy making another human.