Your Pregnancy Journey in 3D Ultrasound: What’s Happening at 12 Weeks?

At 12 weeks pregnant, your baby is about the size of a plum 🍑—small, sweet, and rapidly growing!

✨ 3D Ultrasound at 12 Weeks

• A 3D ultrasound shows clear images of your baby’s facial details, tiny hands, and feet.

• You might see your baby actively moving, stretching, or even sucking their thumb.

• Ultrasounds at this stage offer wonderful glimpses into your baby's growing personality!

Your amazing baby at 12 weeks! 🌟 Now about the size of a plum 🍑, your little one's facial features and movements become clearer in 2D and 3D ultrasounds. #12WeeksPregnant #3DUltrasound #PregnancyJourney

✨ The Baby’s Development

• Your little one measures about 2.1 inches and weighs around 0.5 ounces.

• All essential organs and body parts have formed and continue to mature.

• Tiny facial features—like the nose, eyes, and mouth—are becoming clearly recognizable.

• Your baby’s tiny fingers and toes now have nails, and movements are becoming more coordinated.

✨ Your Body’s Changes

• You're nearing the end of your first trimester, and pregnancy symptoms like nausea may be easing up.

• Your baby bump is becoming more noticeable as your uterus continues to expand.

• Energy levels often improve, making it easier to enjoy this exciting stage of your pregnancy.

Your plum-sized baby is thriving and beginning to show off its unique features! 🍑💕 Enjoy every exciting milestone ahead!

Amniotic Fluid - Preparing for your 3D Ultrasound

You must drink plenty of WATER (5 to 7 bottles a day), preferably starting 2 weeks prior to your appointment, but at least 4 days before your scheduled appointment, to ensure your amniotic fluid is clear and at an optimal level for your elective ultrasound session. The outcome of your images will be poor and a waste of your money if you do not have enough amniotic fluid around your baby. 

Why water? Water hydrates your body. An increase in water intake normally will then increase the amount of amniotic fluid that the baby produces through its urination. This is the fluid needed and used to render your images. The more amniotic fluid in the sac, the clearer the images tend to be. Increased amniotic fluid helps to push the placenta, cord and the extremities off of the baby's face.

You may be asked to have a full bladder immediately prior to starting the ultrasound, in the first trimester or if your pregnancy is very advanced or the fetal head is very low or if your uterus has a tilt or a variant shape. You are encouraged to follow the diet your doctor recommends, and do please eat a normal meal or snack close to your appointment time. Please be aware that we can not control the positions of the baby, but your water intake solely determines the CLARITY of your keepsake images.

Amniotic fluid (black area) covering fetal face. Note the fetal face is not covered by placenta, extremities or the cord. This fluid coverage is optimal and would result is an exceptional image as seen in the image to the right.

HD Fetus at 27w 3d

Amniotic Fluid: A Simple Guide for Expecting Moms

What is Amniotic Fluid?

What Is Amniotic Fluid?

• Amniotic fluid is a clear liquid surrounding your baby inside your womb, providing a protective, cozy environment for your developing little one.

When Does It First Appear?

• Amniotic fluid begins forming as early as the 4th to 5th week of pregnancy.

Where Does It Come From During Pregnancy?

• Initially, it’s made from fluids from your own body.

• After about 11 weeks of pregnancy, amniotic fluid primarily consists of fetal urine, along with a small amount of fluid produced by the baby's lungs.

  
  

Why Is Amniotic Fluid Important?

Protects Your Baby:

• Cushions your baby from external pressures, sudden movements, or impacts on your abdomen.

Maintains Ideal Temperature:

• Acts as insulation, keeping your baby comfortably warm inside your womb.

Supports Lung Development:

• Between 16 and 24 weeks, your baby "breathes" in amniotic fluid, pushing air sacs open and promoting healthy lung growth.

Helps Digestive Development:

• By week 5, your baby’s digestive tube begins forming.

• By week 13, your baby starts swallowing amniotic fluid, which stimulates the gut and leads to the formation of meconium, your baby’s first bowel movement.

Encourages Muscle and Bone Development:

• Movement and swimming in the fluid support healthy growth and strength of muscles and bones.

Protects the Umbilical Cord:

• Provides a cushioning barrier, preventing the umbilical cord from being squeezed, ensuring your baby receives consistent nutrients and oxygen.

Amniotic Fluid Index (AFI): What Is Normal?

• Normal amniotic fluid levels range from 5cm to 25cm.

• Less than 5cm indicates low fluid (oligohydramnios).

• More than 25cm indicates high fluid (polyhydramnios).

How to Maintain Healthy Amniotic Fluid Levels

Drink Plenty of Water:

• Staying hydrated, especially between the 37th and 41st weeks, helps maintain and increase amniotic fluid levels.

Eat Hydrating Fruits and Veggies:

• Include high-water-content foods:

  • Veggies: Cucumbers (96.7% water), cauliflower (92.1%), spinach (91.4%)

  • Fruits: Watermelon (91.5%), grapefruit (90.5%), tomatoes (94.5%)

Taking these simple steps helps ensure your baby stays healthy, comfortable, and well-nourished throughout your pregnancy journey! 💧💕