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Pregnancy Guide/First Trimester/Week 12

Week 12: Dad's Guide

First Trimester • Baby is the size of a a golf ball

Week 12 of 4030% there

👶 Baby Update

Size: A golf ball

Baby's reflexes are kicking in — fingers curl, toes flex, eye muscles clench. The digestive system is practicing contractions. Bone marrow is starting to make white blood cells.

💕 What She's Going Through

Nausea should be improving for most. Energy is slowly returning. The bump might be starting to show. Skin changes (darkening of nipples, linea nigra) may appear.

💪 What You Should Do This Week

  • NT scan (nuchal translucency) is usually done this week — be there
  • If NIPT results are in, discuss them together. If you're finding out gender, decide if you want to know
  • Start telling close family if you haven't already — it's getting harder to hide

🚫 Don't Say This

Let's just post it on Instagram.

Tell important people in person or by phone FIRST. Don't let grandma find out through social media.

🛒 Gear Tip

Now's a good time to start a baby registry — not to buy yet, just to research. It takes longer than you think.

🧠 Dad Hack

Keep the ultrasound photos safe — scan them digitally. Those thermal prints fade within a year.

Ready to gear up?

Our interactive checklist tracks everything you need.

Baby Gear Checklist →