Your baby

Your baby’s brain and nervous system have almost finished developing and their muscles and nerves are starting to work together. This means they are probably making little movements that you’ll be able to see on an ultrasound scan, although at this stage it’s unlikely that you can feel these movements just yet.

Your baby’s head is now about the same length as their body. Their bones are starting to harden, and they have individual fingers and toes with nail beds. The passage of their nose is now open and the tongue has formed too.

Your body

Many women find morning sickness starts to settle down by week 11, although for some it can continue. To relieve morning sickness you might want to try eating smaller meals more often and eating a plain cracker shortly after waking up. If nausea or vomiting is causing you significant discomfort, or if you suspect that you have hyperemesis gravidarum, you should see your doctor.

You might also notice more vaginal discharge than usual when you’re pregnant. This is called leucorrhoea. It usually looks clear or white and doesn’t have a strong smell. It’s caused by higher levels of the hormones oestrogen and progesterone in pregnancy. If your concerned that your discharge has a funny smell or colour or is accompanied by itching or pain, see your doctor or midwife as this could be a sign of an infection.

Things to remember

You may have already had an ultrasound scan to confirm your due date, but another scan is often recommended at around 12 weeks.

This may be especially important if you are thinking about prenatal screening. One screening test you can have is called a non-invasive prenatal test, or NIPT. Another is the combined first trimester screening. These screening tests are offered to assess your baby’s risk of being affected by a chromosomal difference, like Down syndrome. These tests are optional although you may find it useful to talk to a genetic counsellor, your midwife or doctor or use a decision aid tool to decide if this is right for you.

Resources and support

Speak to your doctor, midwife or obstetrician if you have questions about your pregnancy.

Pregnancy, Birth and Baby also has more information on:

• maternity care in Australia
• having a healthy pregnancy
• exploring the anatomy of pregnancy and birth
• checkups, screenings, scans and tests you can have during your pregnancy
• common conditions you might experience during your pregnancy
• looking after your mental health and wellbeing

Speak to a maternal child health nurse

Call Pregnancy, Birth and Baby to speak to a maternal child health nurse on 1800 882 436 or video call. Available 7am to midnight (AET), 7 days a week.