Pregnancy is an exciting and nerve-wracking experience at the same time. You've likely got lots of questions about what's happening with you and your baby. Let's talk about your pregnancy in month three.
Key Points
- Your baby is now called a fetus.
- They have functional kidneys at this stage, and their bone marrow is producing white blood cells.
- It's still possible to have a miscarriage at this stage.
Your Baby at Three Months
After eight weeks as an embryo, your baby is now called a fetus. The fingers and toes have soft nails. The mouth has 20 buds that will become baby teeth. You can hear your baby's heartbeat using a special instrument called a “doppler.” Their genitals are developing, meaning that soon you'll be able to tell what the gender of your baby is. Their kidneys are starting to function, their digestive, muscular, and skeletal systems are forming, and their bone marrow has begun to produce white blood cells.
It's still possible to miscarry at this stage. Miscarriages are the most common during the first trimester. About 15% of pregnancies end in miscarriage.
Over the rest of your pregnancy, all body organs will mature and your baby will gain weight. By the end of this month, the fetus is about four inches long and weighs just a bit over an ounce. The first trimester is completed at the end of third month.
Your Body at Three Months Pregnant
You may still feel tired and be plagued by morning sickness. You may have headaches, or you may feel lightheaded or dizzy. Your clothes may begin to feel tight as your waist expands and your breasts become larger. Most women don't gain a lot of weight during the first trimester; typically, during this stage you'll only gain a couple of pounds.
If you're prone to acne, you may notice outbreaks at this time. The area around your nipples, called the areola, may become darker and larger. Constipation and heartburn can become problems at this stage; make sure you talk to your doctor if either of these symptoms become severe. You may experience mood swings and changes in appetite.
Remember: every woman experiences pregnancy differently. Other women's stories are not necessarily guarantees that you'll experience the same thing.
Prenatal Care at Three Months Pregnant
Visit your doctor or health care provider for your month three checkup. You need more of almost all vitamins and minerals to nourish your baby. A healthy diet is especially important. You may have gained three or four pounds or more. Talk to your doctor about whether supplements are necessary. Never start taking supplements without talking to a doctor first. It's easier than you think to overdose on a nutrient. Overdosing on any nutrient can cause side effects, and may have a negative impact on your baby.
The average weight gain for a woman who starts her pregnancy at a normal weight is a total of 25 to 35 pounds. Your health care provider will monitor your weight. Low-impact exercise is good for both you and your baby; walking is a good choice. Don't overdo it.
Make sure you're getting as much rest as you can at this stage, and take it easy when you can. Avoid unnecessary stress. If you feel overwhelmed by any aspect of your life that you can't control, it may be wise to speak to a mental health professional.
If your health care provider recommends prenatal testing using chorionic villus sampling (CVS), it will be done now.