Pregnancy Week 12: Dizziness, Chorionic Villus Test, and Baby's Organs Are Functioning

Highlights for your twelfth week of pregnancy include being able to determine your baby's gender via ultrasound. You will probably have to wait until your twentieth week of pregnancy before you get an official ultrasound, but your baby's sex organs are now noticeable. Your symptoms may include a condition called pregnant woman dizziness and your doctor may order a test called chorionic villus sampling during your twelfth week of pregnancy.

Pregnancy Week 12: Baby's Development

By week 12 your baby is about 2 ½ inches long and weighs half an ounce. He is growing at a rapid rate now. Your baby's digestive tract is open from his mouth to his anus. The kidneys have moved to their proper place in the abdomen and they are working. Your baby is now peeing into the amniotic fluid.

By the end of the twelfth week of pregnancy your baby's gender can be determined by the appearance of the external genitalia. Your baby's blood components are also being produced. His spleen is making red blood cells and his bone marrow is making white blood cells. White blood cells will help your baby build up his immunity.

Pregnancy Week 12: Chorionic Villus Sampling

Chorionic villus sampling is a test used to determine genetic abnormalities. Women in high risk categories, such as over age 35 or a familial history of genetic problems, may be offered this test as opposed to an amniocentesis.

The chorionic villi, or tiny growths, on the placenta can be tested in two ways. The first way is by inserting a flexible tube into the vagina and through the cervix. The second approach is by inserting a needle through the abdomen and then the uterine wall. An ultrasound will be done in conjunction with both approaches to guide the needle to the placenta.

There is no special preparation on your part for the chorionic villus sampling test. You may be asked to drink water in order to fill your bladder for better visualization during the ultrasound.

There are some risks involved with chorionic villus sampling. Be sure to discuss the risks, benefits, and possible test results with your doctor prior to the test.

Pregnancy Week 12: Dizziness

Even though some of your early pregnancy symptoms are starting to fade, a few new symptoms might crop up. You may experience the typical pregnant woman dizziness.

Your blood vessels are relaxing and more blood is being shunted to your growing baby. This can cause a decrease in blood pressure, make you dizzy, and possibly pass out.

To counteract any dizziness you may be experiencing you need to make sure that you stand up slowly. Standing too fast can further decrease your blood pressure. Continue to drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration.

Also to help control dizziness, make sure that you continue to eat regular, healthy, small meals throughout the day. This will help keep your blood sugar stabilized. If your blood sugar drops then you may feel light-headed and shaky.

The good news is your nausea should start tapering off around the twelfth week of pregnancy. This is due to the placenta taking over the production of hormones. You can also feel the top of your uterus since it is now sitting just above your pelvic bone.

For more pregnancy weeks and fetal development you can read:
Pregnancy Week 8

Pregnancy Week 9

Pregnancy Week 10

Pregnancy Week 11

Click here to find more information on your pregnancy and baby's development.

Sources:

Personal Experience

Fit Pregnancy (2009). Pregnancy Calendar. Retrieved: April 8, 9, 2009. Web Site: fitpregnancy.com/calendar/40251887.html

Myers-Gorrie, Trula, Slone-McKinney, Emily, & Smith-Murray, Sharon (1998). Foundations of Maternal-Newborn Nursing (2^nd ed.). Philadelphia, PA: W. B. Saunders Company.

What to Expect (2009). Weekly Pregnancy Calendar. Retrieved:April 8, 9, 2009. Web Site: whattoexpect.com/pregnancy/week-by-week/landing.aspx