Week 9: Early Facial Development

Your baby’s head is more rounded now, and their body is starting to lengthen. The external genitalia is forming, and though it’s still too early to tell the sex, it’s starting to show early signs of development. Their face is looking more human, with lips forming and the eyes developing pigment.

Week 10: Budding Nails and Bones

Your baby is moving more freely in the womb, and the first signs of teeth buds are starting to appear. Their skin is becoming thicker, and tiny nails begin to form on their fingers and toes. The intestines are moving into place, and the baby’s bones and cartilage are beginning to develop. Their arms, complete with elbows, can already bend - how amazing is that?

Week 11: Functional Kidneys and Coordination

Your baby's features are becoming more defined. By now, the kidneys are fully functional, and the baby has started producing urine. The small bumps on the legs are turning into knees and ankles. The baby’s movements are becoming more coordinated as they grow stronger.

Week 12: Genitals and Fine Hair Development

By the end of this week, your baby’s genitals are fully formed, and they may start moving their hands to their face. They’ll also be developing fine hair (lanugo) that will cover their body. Their face looks more human, and they’re continuing to grow rapidly as their digestive and other systems develop further.

Organ Development

At this stage, your baby’s organs are developing rapidly. In the third month of your pregnancy, your baby’s genitals are growing, and the swallowing and sucking reflexes start to work. The liver starts functioning, producing bile, while the kidneys also begin to work. The intestines, which were once outside the body, are now moving into place inside the abdomen. The heart is fully formed with all four chambers working, and the circulatory system functions smoothly. Your baby’s heart rate is around 120–160 beats per minute.

Physical Features

Your baby’s face is becoming more recognisable, with a distinct chin, nose, and mouth. Their eyes are fully formed. Sensory development is also progressing - your little one can hear muffled sounds from outside the womb, and their eyes are beginning to move. The hands and feet now have defined fingers and toes, and they may even be able to curl their fingers. The baby’s skin is still translucent, but it’s starting to develop a more defined texture. They are also growing a bit of peach-fuzz-like hair!

Weight of the Foetus

By the end of the third month, your baby is around 5-6 cm long, about the size of a lime, and weighs about 14 grams.

Baby Movement

Your baby is moving at this point, but you won’t be able to feel those movements yet. Their muscles and nerves connect, allowing for tiny kicks and twitches, but it’ll still be a few more weeks before you feel anything.

Morning Sickness

Nausea may begin to fade for some, though it might persist for others during this stage.

Breast Changes

Your breasts may still be sore, but tenderness could start to decrease.

Energy Levels

You might feel more energetic as the second-trimester approaches, though occasional fatigue is still common.

Waistline Expansion

As your uterus grows, your waistline may expand, and a baby bump might appear.

Bloating and Indigestion

You may still experience bloating or mild indigestion as hormonal changes continue.

Foods to Eat:

• Leafy Greens and Broccoli: Rich in folic acid and fibre, helping to prevent constipation and support brain development.
• Salmon and Walnuts: Packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for your baby’s brain and eye development.
• Lean Meat and Lentils: Provide protein and iron to support your baby’s growing muscles and blood supply.
• Yoghurt and Cheese: Great sources of calcium, which are vital for your baby’s bone development.
• Sweet Potatoes and Carrots: High in beta-carotene, which is important for your baby’s skin and eye health.

Foods to Avoid:

• Unpasteurised Dairy: As mentioned before, avoid soft and creamy cheeses and unpasteurised milk to reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses.
• Processed Meats: Stay clear of packaged meats, hot dogs, and any meat that might contain nitrates or nitrites. To reduce the risk of listeria or salmonella contamination, avoid eating processed foods that have been stored in the refrigerator for extended periods.
• Spices and seeds: Spices and seeds like sesame, fennel, and fenugreek should either be avoided or consumed in limited quantities. These spices are considered "hot" and may have properties that could potentially trigger uterine contractions.
• Too Much Caffeine: Stick to a limited amount of caffeine from coffee, tea, or sodas.
• Alcohol: It's safest to avoid alcohol entirely during pregnancy.
• Street Food: Be cautious of street food like dumplings or gol gappe that can have uncooked cabbage, unhygienic water and plenty of bacteria. Street foods usually have MSG which has a lot of side effects and is dangerous for pregnant women.

Safe Exercises to Do:

• Walking: A great way to stay active without overexerting yourself.
• Prenatal Yoga: Helps with flexibility and relaxation, reducing stress.
• Swimming: A fantastic low-impact exercise that strengthens muscles and eases back pain.
• Pelvic Floor Exercises: Strengthen muscles that will support your bladder and uterus during pregnancy.

Exercises to Avoid:

• High-Impact Sports: Avoid anything that could put stress on your joints or pose a risk to your pregnancy.
• Contact Sports: Stay away from sports like football or basketball to avoid injury.
• Heavy Lifting: Lifting heavy weights can strain your body and increase the risk of injury.

• Ultrasound

  A dating ultrasound may be done to confirm your due date and check your baby’s development. This is typically done between 8 and 12 weeks.

• Blood Tests

  A blood test may be done to screen for genetic conditions, such as Down syndrome.

• Nuchal Translucency Screening (NT Scan)

  In the third month of pregnancy, your doctor may recommend a nuchal translucency (NT) scan, also called an NT-NB scan, to check for chromosomal conditions and preeclampsia. This scan is typically done between 11 and 13 weeks, plus 6 days of pregnancy. It screens for chromosomal conditions like Down's syndrome, Edwards' syndrome, and Patau's syndrome. An ultrasound is used to measure the thickness of the fluid at the back of your baby’s neck (nuchal translucency).

• Mental Health

  In month 3 of pregnancy, hormonal changes may continue to affect your mood, leading to fatigue, anxiety, and occasional stress. It’s important to be kind to yourself during this time. Connect with trusted friends or family members to talk about your feelings. 
  Staying active with gentle exercises, eating nourishing foods and vitamins, and prioritising good sleep can help boost your mood. Opt for prenatal classes or engage in hobbies. Remember to rest when needed and consult your doctor for guidance and care if you feel anxious or bogged down.