12 Weeks Pregnant: What to Do This Week

Twelve weeks is a significant milestone. For many people, this is the week of their dating scan — the first time you see your baby clearly on screen. The risk of miscarriage drops considerably after this point, and many people feel ready to share their news. Here's your practical guide to what to do this week.

Your Week 12 Pregnancy Checklist

Your NHS dating scan is usually offered between 11 and 14 weeks, so if it hasn't happened yet, it may fall this week or next. This scan has two main purposes: it dates your pregnancy more accurately by measuring your baby from crown to rump, and it offers the option of a nuchal translucency (NT) measurement as part of combined screening for chromosomal conditions such as Down's syndrome (trisomy 21), Edwards' syndrome (trisomy 18), and Patau's syndrome (trisomy 13).

You'll need a full bladder for the scan — drink about a pint of water an hour before and don't empty your bladder. The sonographer will apply gel to your tummy and use an ultrasound probe. In some cases they may need to do an internal (transvaginal) scan if the baby isn't in a good position.

The scan usually takes around 20–30 minutes. You'll typically be given photos to take home.

Consider combined screening for chromosomal conditions

At the dating scan, you'll be offered combined screening (the NT measurement plus blood tests) to assess the likelihood of certain chromosomal conditions. This is a screening test, not a diagnostic test — it gives a risk level rather than a definitive answer. You are not obliged to have it, and there is no right or wrong decision. Think about what the result would mean for you and discuss it with your partner if applicable before the scan.

If you want more certainty, private non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) such as the Harmony or Panorama test is available, or you can ask about NHS NIPT if your combined screening result comes back as higher risk.

Continue taking folic acid and vitamin D

The NHS recommends folic acid (400mcg daily) until 12 weeks pregnant, so this week may be your final week of needing it for neural tube protection. You should continue taking vitamin D (10mcg daily) throughout pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Many people switch to a comprehensive pregnancy multivitamin that covers both, but check the label — avoid any that contain vitamin A (retinol) as high doses can harm the baby.

Tell your employer if you're ready

You are legally required to tell your employer you are pregnant at least 15 weeks before your due date, but many people tell their employer around 12 weeks. Telling them triggers your maternity rights, including the right to paid time off for antenatal appointments. You do not have to tell them yet if you're not ready.

Start thinking about your MATB1 form

Your midwife will issue your MATB1 certificate (maternity certificate) from around 20 weeks. You'll need this to claim Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) or Maternity Allowance. You don't need it yet, but it's worth knowing it exists and keeping your midwife informed of where you work.

Register with NHS antenatal care if you haven't already

If for any reason you haven't yet had a booking appointment with a midwife, contact your GP surgery or local maternity unit this week. At 12 weeks you should already have had your booking appointment — if not, don't panic, but do get in touch promptly.

Check your entitlement to free prescriptions and dental care

Once you're 12 weeks pregnant and have your MATB1 form, you can apply for a Maternity Exemption Certificate (MatEx), which entitles you to free NHS prescriptions and free NHS dental treatment for the duration of your pregnancy and for 12 months after your baby is born. Ask your midwife or GP surgery how to apply — it takes a few weeks to arrive, so apply as soon as your booking appointment is complete.

Practical Tips for Week 12

Try nub theory. If you're curious about your baby's sex and you can't wait until the 20-week scan, nub theory uses the angle of the genital tubercle (the "nub") visible on your 12-week scan image to make an early prediction. It's not medically accurate, but it's a fun community activity — you can share your scan photo on forums like the Nub Hub community for a read.

Rest and be kind to yourself. For many people, nausea and fatigue start to ease around weeks 12–14. If you're still feeling rough, that's normal too — symptoms don't have a strict off switch. Continue eating little and often if that's been helping.

Keep up your fluid intake. Aim for six to eight glasses of water daily. Headaches at this stage are common and are often related to dehydration or changing blood pressure.

Start thinking about maternity wear. You may not need maternity clothes yet, but some people find their waistbands uncomfortable from around 10–14 weeks. Maternity jeans, belly bands, and loose-fit clothing can help.

Look into financial support. Twelve weeks is a good point to start understanding what financial support you may be entitled to. This includes Statutory Maternity Pay (from your employer), Maternity Allowance (if you're self-employed or don't qualify for SMP), Child Benefit, and the Healthy Start voucher scheme if you're on qualifying benefits.

When to Seek Help

Contact your midwife, GP, or call 111 if you experience:

• Any bleeding (even light spotting) before or after your scan
• Severe abdominal or pelvic pain
• Sudden severe headache or visual disturbances
• Symptoms of a urine infection (burning when you wee, frequency, cloudy urine)

Call 999 or go to A&E immediately if you experience heavy bleeding, collapse, or severe sudden pain — especially one-sided pain which could indicate an ectopic pregnancy, though this is rare at 12 weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Attending your dating scan is the top priority. Beyond that, if you haven't already, continue folic acid and vitamin D, and think about when and how you'd like to tell your employer — particularly so your maternity rights are in place. The scan is also the point at which many people feel comfortable announcing their pregnancy. Applying for your Maternity Exemption Certificate soon after your booking appointment will save you money on prescriptions and dental care.

When should I tell people I'm pregnant?

Many people wait until after the 12-week scan because the risk of miscarriage reduces significantly at this point. But there are no rules — some people tell close family much earlier for support, and others wait longer. Do what feels right for you and your circumstances.

Is it normal to still feel sick at 12 weeks?

Yes, absolutely. While nausea often begins to ease from around 12–14 weeks for many people, some experience it well into the second trimester. If vomiting is severe and you can't keep fluids down, speak to your GP — this may be hyperemesis gravidarum, which can be treated with safe anti-sickness medication prescribed by your doctor.

Always speak to your midwife or GP for advice tailored to your personal circumstances.