Week 12 of pregnancy

Your baby doubles in size: about 5-6cm long and weighing 14g, about the size of a lime. Most of your baby's organs are fully formed and keep developing to mature.

The digestive system starts to work. The intestines also start to contract. The bone marrow is busy making white blood cells - a weapon against infections later on. The pituitary gland is also starting to produce the first hormones needed.

Your baby's heart is now beating very fast, about 110 - 160 beats/minute. Twice as fast as an adult's.

Entering week 12, some of your morning sickness symptoms will gradually ease. However, constipation may still linger. Some mums may have cramps or tightness in the lower tummy as the growing uterus stretches the ligaments.

A new symptom may appear: dizziness! This is due to progesterone, which widens the blood vessels to increase blood flow to the baby but slows the return of blood to you, causing low blood pressure. Another cause of dizziness is low blood sugar, which can be caused by a habit of skipping meals.

Lower sex drive: this happens to the vast majority of mums-to-be. However, a small number find their sex drive increases instead. So share with your partner when you need to.

If you feel dizzy or close to fainting, lie down or sit with your head lowered between your knees, breathe deeply and loosen tight clothing. As soon as you feel a little better, get something to eat and drink.

Common symptoms at 12 weeks pregnant: a heightened sense of smell (you can keep a lemon, orange or tangerine with you).

Fewer trips to the toilet: do Kegel exercises regularly. Kegel exercises are very easy to do and can be done anywhere without anyone knowing. Your job is to feel the muscles you usually squeeze when holding in pee. Squeeze them for 3 seconds, then rest for 3 seconds. Don't tighten your tummy or thighs while doing this.