What's growing
Bones begin to harden
Around 4 cm. Tooth buds form. Diaphragm is in place — baby may begin to 'hiccup' silently.
Source: Moore, Persaud & Torchia, The Developing Human, 11th ed. (2020)
What's changing in you
Nausea may peak — then ease
For many, this is the worst week before relief. Hold on, gently.
Source: ACOG Practice Bulletin 189 — Nausea and Vomiting of Pregnancy (2018)
General info — not personalized medical advice.
Maternal brain
Anticipating the scan
The 12-week scan often holds quiet weight. Anxiety in the days before is common, not pathological.
Source: Nilsson et al., Women and Birth 31(1), 2018 — Fear of childbirth review
You & baby
Naming the wait
Telling someone you trust about the days before the scan can cut through isolation.
Source: Condon, British Journal of Medical Psychology 66(2), 1993 — Antenatal emotional attachment
For your partner
Take the day off if you can
Co-presence at the 11–13 week scan is one of the highest-leverage things partners do.
Source: Feldman, Hormones and Behavior 77, 2016 — The neurobiology of human attachments
Move with care
Pelvic tilts before bed
Five slow pelvic tilts can ease the low-back tightness that starts as posture shifts (Bø 2016).
Source: Bø et al., British Journal of Sports Medicine 50(10), 2016 — Pelvic floor & exercise in pregnancy
General info — not personalized medical advice.
Eat for two brains
Iodine for brain development
Dairy, seaweed, iodized salt. Iodine deficiency is one of the most preventable causes of cognitive impairment.
Source: WHO Guideline: Daily iron and folic acid supplementation in pregnant women (2012)
General info — not personalized medical advice.
60-second prompt
What scan story do you want to tell yourself?
Whatever the result — the meaning is partly yours to write.
Source: Lieberman et al., Psychological Science 18(5), 2007 — Affect labeling
Developed and curated by perinatal psychologists, family & couples counsellors, doulas, perinatal health & fitness specialists, and IBCLCs / lactation consultants. Educational — not a substitute for medical care.