Your baby

In this final week of your first trimester your baby’s heart will be beating at a pace of about 160 beats per minute, which is twice as fast as your own. This is because it can’t increase the amount of blood it pumps round, like we can, so it has to increase the number of times it beats.

Your baby’s arms and legs will have fully formed and lengthened and no doubt it will be trying out loads of different positions.

Your little one is now measures around 6cm, with wrists and elbows that bend. The baby’s sex is decided at the moment of conception but the genitals will be just starting to develop. You won’t be able to see whether your baby is a boy or girl at this stage though.

You

If you’re permanently tired but finding it hard to sleep, don’t despair, most women start perking up in the second trimester – not long to go!

You may notice that your skin is changing from the 12 weeks pregnant symptoms. Some women may find they have acne, or develop spots; others have said they find they have dry skin. This is likely to happen because of the levels of the progesterone hormone. The dry skin may be worse over your belly as your skin is stretched, so keep well moisturised.

What to think about

Most women have their first ultrasound scan around now.  After this initial ultrasound you may want to begin telling your family and friends, but you may feel anxious about telling your boss that you’re pregnant. Find out more about when to tell your employer.

Dating scans are only an estimate, only around 5 per cent of women give birth on their due date. Keep the date in mind but be prepared for an early or late arrival.

Screening tests are available in your first trimester to assess the risk of abnormalities such as Down’s syndrome. Speak to your doctor or midwife for further advice.

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