The Third Month of Your Pregnancy

Strengthening Bonds With Your Growing Baby

"By the end of the first trimester, around 90% of babies have formed their major organs and your body is getting ready for the next chapter”.

At the end of this trimester or your 13th week, you have crossed a major milestone: your baby’s most critical development is complete. By the end of this month, your baby has arms, hands, fingers, feet, and toes. They can open and close their fists and mouth, and tiny fingernails and toenails are starting to grow. Between Week 9 and Week 13, your baby’s development accelerates as muscles and bones form and early organs mature. While many parents breathe a sigh of relief now, especially because the risk of miscarriage significantly declines, it’s also the time to prepare emotionally, physically, and practically for the journey ahead.

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Week 9: Building Strength - Your Baby’s Muscles & Bones

By Week 9, your baby is now the size of an olive, with muscles forming and bones starting to become stronger - a process critical for future growth. Finger separation is underway, and although you won’t feel it just yet, tiny movements are taking place. This is your baby preparing to stretch and wiggle as the journey continues. 

Week 10: A Countdown to the First Scan

The 12-week scan, which often provides reassurance about your baby’s growth and health, is near. This is when fingerprints, facial features, and internal organs become visible, and thanks to refined ultrasounds, you may even have an updated Estimated Due Date. Keep in mind: only about 4 % of babies are born on their actual due date - most arrive between 37 and 42 weeks. 

Weeks 11-12: Milestones in Movement and Nourishment

By the eleventh week, your baby is waving tiny fingers and developing reflexes. The placenta is now fully functional and taking over as the main source of nutrition. By week 12, your baby is about 5.4–10 cm long (the size of a plum) and weighs around 28 grams (1 ounce). You might also sense renewed energy and easing morning sickness as the pregnancy ‘honeymoon phase’ begins. With more stamina, now’s the time to plan ahead - whether thinking about nursery design, birth preferences, or scheduling antenatal sessions.

Week 13: Settling Into the Second Trimester of Your Pregnancy

Week 13 welcomes the official start of trimester two which is often called the pregnancy “honeymoon phase” because most pregnant people have more energy and less pregnancy symptoms. Also, the pregnant bump is starting to grow and they start feeling their little bubba! Baby’s vocal cords are forming, and the energy you regain now is perfect for preparing both physically and mentally. Consider taking safe exercise classes, starting to integrate small meditation or breathing routines, and enjoying special moments while they last before the busier months ahead. Also, a good time for you to think about how and when you will start announcing your pregnancy more widely. Many parents wait for the 12-week scan before they announce their pregnancy - how will share the big news with your friends and family?

When to Contact Your Healthcare Provider

There are some signs that you should never ignore. Make sure that you reach out to your healthcare provider in case you experience any of the above:

• Severe abdominal pain or heavy bleeding

• Persistent vomiting or inability to keep fluids down

• Signs of dehydration (dizziness, dark urine)

• Any concerns about your symptoms or baby’s development

Conclusion

As you close the first trimester, celebrate how far you’ve come! Baby’s bones, muscles, and vital systems are developing into shape - and so is your pregnancy journey. This is your moment to prepare, ask questions, and seek support before moving confidently into trimester two.

Ready to feel confident already?

Subscribe to Parent Path's weekly pregnancy emails to get information about your baby's development, changes in the pregnant body and tips as well as resources, straight to your inbox!

Also, make sure that you register to the FREE Pregnancy Path workshop for those in their first trimester.