3 Months Pregnant

At 3 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 3 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 3 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, but 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 usual. If 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. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have any concerns.

• Nausea. You might still be feeling queasy at 3 months pregnant, but perhaps for not much longer. Many moms-to-be say their morning sickness begins to subside 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 and give you energy. 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 3 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. 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 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!

What Is the Size of Your Baby at 3 Months Pregnant?

At the start of this month your baby will be about 1/2-inch long, and by the end of this month she’ll be almost 2 inches long and weigh about 1/2 an ounce.

What Does a Fetus Look Like at 3 Months?

Check out these illustrations for a glimpse at what your baby might look like when you’re 3 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. 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 pregnancy 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 for personalized advice.

How Far Along Are You at 3 Months Pregnant?

Wondering how many weeks is 3 months pregnant? Good question! There's no standard answer, but 3 months pregnant is often defined as covering 9 weeks through to 12 or 13 weeks. At the end of this month, you’ll be entering the second trimester.

Checklist for When You’re 3 Months Pregnant

• Ask your healthcare provider whether any genetic screening tests are recommended for you this month. The choice about what tests to have is yours, and your provider can talk you through the risks and benefits of screening tests such as a nuchal translucency test, a cell-free DNA test, or chorionic villus sampling (CVS).

• Read up on toxoplasmosis (a parasitic infection linked to things like cat feces and undercooked meat) and how you can avoid it during pregnancy.

• Read up on all the foods and drinks to avoid during pregnancy.

• Start thinking about your maternity leave plans, and ask your healthcare provider when the right time is to tell your employer you are pregnant. Speak to your healthcare provider about safe and gentle exercise options that are suitable for you.

• Consider sharing your pregnancy news with close friends and family soon. Download our Pregnancy Announcement Cards so you can share your special news in style on social media.

• 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 you.

• Play around with our Baby Name Generator—you can set loads of different filters to make finding the right name easier.

• If this is not your first pregnancy, read up on how a second pregnancy can be different to a first.

• Sign up for even more weekly pregnancy tips here: