Key Milestone Weeks in Pregnancy: First Trimester (3-13 Weeks)

At 12 weeks pregnant, the risk of miscarriage drops significantly. While up to 1 in 5 pregnancies may end in miscarriage before 20 weeks, the likelihood decreases as the pregnancy progresses. By the time you reach 12 weeks the risk of miscarriage is estimated to be around 1–2% for most people. This is because the baby’s major organs are formed, and many of the early developmental risks have passed. However, individual risk can vary based on factors like age, medical history, and previous pregnancy outcomes. If you have concerns, it is always best to speak with your GP or midwife for reassurance and guidance. 

Continue focusing on iron, calcium, and folate-rich foods. Omega-3s (from fish or flaxseed) support your baby's brain development. Stay hydrated and eat small, frequent meals if nausea persists.

Most people can continue working and enjoy safe exercise. Walking, swimming, and prenatal yoga are beneficial. Always listen to your body and consult your healthcare provider if unsure.

Most first-time pregnancies show a noticeable bump between weeks 12–16, but this varies. People with previous pregnancies may show earlier due to already stretched abdominal muscles.

You can potentially find out your baby’s sex at 12 weeks, but it depends on the method:

Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT)

• This is a blood test available from 10 weeks of pregnancy.
• It can detect the baby’s sex with high accuracy by analysing foetal DNA in your blood.
• It also screens for certain chromosomal conditions like Down Syndrome.

Ultrasound

• A 12-week ultrasound may give a clue about the baby’s sex, but it’s not always reliable at this stage.
• Most people wait until the 18–20 week anatomy scan for a more accurate result.

If you're considering NIPT, it’s best to speak with your doctor or midwife about whether it’s right for you and what it can tell you.

A 12-week ultrasound, often called the first trimester or dating scan, provides a detailed look at your baby’s early development and helps confirm key aspects of your pregnancy. Here's what it typically shows: 

• Gestational age and due date: The scan measures your baby (crown-rump length) to estimate how far along you are and confirm your due date.
• Heartbeat: The baby’s heartbeat is usually visible and can be measured to ensure it is within a healthy range.
• Number of babies: It confirms whether you’re having a single baby or multiples.
• Basic anatomy: The scan checks early development of the baby’s head, limbs, and organs.
• Placenta location: It identifies where the placenta is forming in your uterus.
• Nuchal translucency (NT) measurement: This is a fluid measurement at the back of the baby’s neck, used in combination with a blood test to assess the risk of chromosomal conditions like Down Syndrome.

This scan is a key part of prenatal screening and is usually offered between 11 and 13 weeks. It is safe, non-invasive, and often the first time you will see your baby moving on screen.

The latest guidelines and care principles for early pregnancy include: 

• Early antenatal visits: Are encouraged to confirm the pregnancy, estimate gestational age, and begin discussions about lifestyle, nutrition, and mental health.
• Folic acid supplementation: Strongly recommended to reduce the risk of neural tube defects, which are forming around week 5 of pregnancy.
• Screening for risk factors: This includes assessing for miscarriage risk, preeclampsia, and mental health concerns like anxiety or depression.
• Lifestyle guidance: Advice on avoiding alcohol, tobacco, and certain medications is emphasised early on, along with support for healthy eating and physical activity.
• Cultural and individualised care: The guidelines stress the importance of woman-centred care, especially for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, migrants, and those with complex needs.