11 & 12 Weeks Pregnant: My 12-Week Scan Experience

Here’s my 11 weeks pregnant and 12 weeks pregnant update. I’ve decided to write two weeks at a time rather than weekly pregnancy diaries as nothing much was changing in how I feel on a weekly basis.

Updated April 2026 – This pregnancy diary was originally written in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. I attended my 12-week scan alone, which was the reality for many expectant parents at that time. I’m sharing my experience to help others know what to expect during these important weeks.

11 & 12 weeks pregnant

How I Was Feeling at 11-12 Weeks
My 12-Week Dating Scan Experience
Screening Results and What They Mean
Returning to Exercise in Early Pregnancy
12-Week Scan FAQs
Previous pregnancy blog diaries:

12-week ultrasound scan image showing baby at 12 weeks pregnant

How I Was Feeling at 11-12 Weeks

My belly is definitely bigger now so I decided to buy some maternity clothes. I also really want to start getting dressed every day to help me feel better rather than slobbing in pyjamas.

I’ve been feeling a bit better. I’m no longer losing every day all day in bed. Just having slumps here and there.

My 12-Week Dating Scan Experience

The most important milestone this fortnight was my 12-week scan! This is also called the dating scan, where they measure the baby to confirm your due date and check for any obvious abnormalities.

I had to attend alone due to COVID-19 restrictions – partners weren’t allowed in the hospital at this time. I got there a bit early and was called right in. My demon child was playing up as usual. It was facing away from us, so I had a good view of its spine. I had to spend a good 20 minutes turning on to my side and back over, trying to get it to move. She was really digging it into my hip and stomach to the point it hurt. Afterwards, she remarked how much her shoulder hurt. What about my belly, lady?

It was such a relief to see the heartbeat and that my baby was growing on track. There’s always that ‘what if something is wrong’ fear in the back of my head. I didn’t cry when I saw it, which surprised me. I cried at the 8-week scan so maybe I was over the overwhelm of it all haha. I felt more matter-of-fact about it. Like, ‘let’s get this done so we know it’s all healthy.

Anyway, everything looks okay from what I can tell. It had its legs crossed, and I saw the arms and hands. So strange that it looks like an actual human.

Screening Results and What They Mean

I had the screening done for Down’s, Edwards’ and Patau’s syndrome. I got the letter back a week and a half later, saying it was low risk. 1 in 17000 for Down’s and 1 in 43000 for Edwards’ and Patau’s. It’s always a relief to know that some of those can have a terrible risk to the baby’s life and/or quality of life.

Returning to Exercise in Early Pregnancy

My PT sent me a new workout plan also as I’ve been feeling a bit better. It’s good to be back on a program. Obviously, my program is pregnancy safe and also is tailored to my ability. I’ll continue to exercise as long as I can as it’s really beneficial, it can help reduce bloating, constipation and swelling. It increases mood and energy levels, can help prevent gestational diabetes, helps you sleep better, can reduce labour time as well as keeping you fit to improve your stamina during labour. It also lowers the risk of complications in pregnancy and labour as well as speeds up recovery time after birth.

There are also benefits for the baby – regular exercise during pregnancy can lower their risk of certain diseases and childhood obesity later in life. There are lots more benefits, too!

12-Week Scan FAQs

What happens at a 12-week scan?

The sonographer measures your baby from head to bottom (crown-rump length) to confirm your due date. They check the baby’s development, heartbeat, and look for any obvious abnormalities. You’ll also be offered screening tests for Down’s syndrome, Edwards’ syndrome, and Patau’s syndrome.

Can you find out the gender at 12 weeks?

Most NHS scans won’t tell you the gender at 12 weeks – the anatomy scan at 20 weeks is when you can find out. Some private scans claim to determine gender from 12 weeks, though accuracy varies.

What are normal screening results?

You’ll receive a risk ratio, such as 1 in 17,000. A ‘lower risk’ result (usually 1 in 150 or lower) means the chance of the baby having certain conditions is small. A ‘higher risk’ result means further testing would be offered, but doesn’t confirm a diagnosis.

Is it safe to exercise at 12 weeks pregnant?

Yes, for most women. If you were active before pregnancy, you can usually continue with modifications. Always speak to your midwife or GP first, especially if you have any complications. Working with a pregnancy-qualified PT, as I did, can help ensure your routine is safe.