3 Months Pregnant: Symptoms and Fetal Development. (empty)
Key Takeaways
At 3 months pregnant (weeks 9 to 12/13), you’re nearing the second trimester—some symptoms like nausea may ease, but fatigue and body changes continue.
Common changes include increased discharge, skin darkening, breast growth, and constipation. Support your body with hydration, fiber-rich foods, and gentle exercise.
Your baby is rapidly developing: fingers, toes, early nails, intestines, and muscles are forming. Bones are hardening, and the genitals are beginning to develop.
Your baby is about 2 inches long and 0.5 ounce by month’s end—but fetal movements likely won’t be felt until around month 5.
Now’s the time to discuss genetic screening options with your provider, make nutrition adjustments, and consider when to share your news or plan maternity leave.
Avoid high-risk foods and limit caffeine, and ask your provider about safety for things like hair dye and herbal teas.
At three months pregnant, you’ve almost made it to the second trimester, and some of the early pregnancy symptoms you may have been experiencing may slowly start to subside. Read on to find out what may be in store for you at three months pregnant, including common symptoms. Plus, find out all the exciting ways your baby is developing this month.
Common Pregnancy Symptoms at 3 Months Pregnant
At three months pregnant, you might still be experiencing some of the familiar symptoms of early pregnancy, but some new ones might crop up, too. Some of these symptoms might be quite challenging; keep in mind you may not experience them all.
Increase in vaginal discharge. A combination of pregnancy hormones and the increased blood supply in your body can lead to a bit more vaginal discharge than you might be used to. As long as it’s clear or whitish and doesn’t have a bad smell, it’s probably nothing to worry about. Try to wear cotton underwear and loose, breathable clothes to help prevent vaginal infections. Chat with your healthcare provider if you’re concerned about what’s happening.
Nausea. You might still be feeling queasy, but perhaps for not much longer. Many moms-to-be say their morning sickness begins to subside during this month, which is great news! If you’re not so lucky, try eating bland foods like toast, rice, or bananas, and sip on ginger ale or ginger tea to soothe your stomach.
Fatigue. The sleepiness may continue this month as your body continues to nourish your little one. Rest when you can, stay hydrated, and do some moderate exercise, as this is shown to improve sleep. Prenatal yoga, walking, and swimming can be good choices, but talk to your healthcare provider before trying any new exercises.
Skin changes. If you’ve noticed that the color of your nipples has started to darken, this is because your body is producing more melanin, a type of pigment. This extra melanin can also cause brown patches on your face, which is called chloasma. You might also notice a dark, vertical line that runs from your belly button to the pubic area. This line might start to appear at three months pregnant as your belly size starts to increase. Most of these discolorations will disappear or fade after your little one is born.
Breast changes. Your breasts may be growing and changing this month, too. Your areolas may grow larger and darker, and your nipples may start to protrude a little more. Under the surface, milk glands are preparing to produce milk, and fat is being added to your breasts. If your bras feel too tight, it’s probably time to go up a size. Go for a professional bra fitting at your local department or specialty lingerie store to get a new bra that is more comfortable.
Constipation. Some pregnancy hormones can cause your digestive system to slow down, leading to constipation. The extra iron in your prenatal vitamins may also be to blame. Make sure to stay hydrated and eat more fiber. Fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are great sources of fiber.
How Is Your Baby Developing This Month?
On the inside, your little one’s intestines and musculature system are taking shape. Some bones may start to harden, but the backbone is soft.
On the outside, your baby’s hands and feet are growing tiny fingers and toes, which may even have the beginnings of fingernails and toenails at three months pregnant.
At some point this month, your little one’s external genitals will start to form, and it won't be long before you'll be able to find out if you're having a girl or a boy!
How Big Is Your Baby When You’re 3 Months Pregnant?
At the start of this month your baby will be about ½ an inch long, and by the end of this month she’ll be almost 2 inches long and weigh about ½ an ounce.
Related pregnancy tool
Pregnancy Weight Gain Calculator
Follow the expected weight gain* during your pregnancy week by week.
Check out these illustrations for a glimpse at what your baby might look like when you’re three months pregnant:
3 Months Pregnant: Your Body’s Changes
It's possible that you might start to project a small baby bump sometime soon, although every mom-to-be starts to show at different times, and you might have to wait another few weeks. By this month, your uterus has grown to about the size of a large orange. Read more on when you might start to show here.
If your nausea subsides, you may find your appetite is returning. You’ll want to continue eating healthily. Even though there are two of you, you don’t actually need to “eat for two.”
Experts recommend adding only about 300 extra calories to your diet each day. This is the equivalent of a light meal or snack. Unless you’ve lost a little weight due to morning sickness, you may end up gaining anywhere from one and a half to four and a half pounds this month. Consult your healthcare provider for advice on how much weight gain is right for you.
Our Weight Gain Calculator can tell you how much weight you may be advised to gain over the course of your pregnancy, based on your pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI), but your provider is your best resource.
How Far Along Are You at 3 Months Pregnant?
Wondering which weeks are in the third month of pregnancy? Good question! There's no standard answer, but three months pregnant is often defined as covering week nine through week 12 or week 9 through week 13. At the end of this month, you’ll be ready to begin the second trimester.
FAQs at a Glance
Your baby can move in your belly when you are three months pregnant, but you won’t be able to feel this yet. Many moms-to-be feel their baby move for the first time in month five. Read more about fetal movement here.
There’s no exact answer to this question, because every pregnancy and every woman's body is different. Plus, your baby’s size is still quite small. You might be able to see that you’re looking a little rounder in the middle, but your new shape might not be noticeable to others just yet. If you’ve had nausea and it is starting to subside, you may find your appetite increases and you’ll start to gain more weight. That bump will start to show in no time.
Many experts believe this is probably OK. Check with your healthcare provider if you have any concerns.
As always, throughout your pregnancy, avoid
unpasteurized milk and cheeses
deli meats and pâté
raw or partially cooked eggs
unwashed fruit and veg
uncooked fish or shellfish
fish that may contain high levels of mercury, like swordfish and shark
drinking more than 200 milligrams of caffeine a day
Start thinking about your maternity leave plans, and ask your healthcare provider when is the right time to tell your employer you are pregnant.
Speak to your healthcare provider about safe and gentle exercise options that are suitable for you.
Start to bond with your little one by talking to and singing to your “bump,” or listen to your favorite music together. Your little one will soon be able to hear you!
Communicate with your partner about any fears you have or feelings you might want to share. This can help your partner feel more involved, and will take some of the load off of you.
