3 Months Pregnant - What to Expect

Discover the exciting ways your body and baby are developing during your third month of pregnancy.

Congratulations! You’re 3 months pregnant and in the last weeks of your first trimester. You may still be experiencing some morning sickness, as well as a few new issues like constipation and vaginal discharge. Your breasts may be growing and your baby’s internal systems are developing. Let’s dive and explore what’s going on with you and your little one.

What Could Be Happening to Your Body when You're 3 Months Pregnant?

Constipation

Constipation, characterized by hard, infrequent, or difficult-to-pass stools, may be an issue as hormones and the iron in your prenatal vitamin may contribute to a digestive system slowdown. To help manage constipation, try drinking lots of water, upping your fiber intake, and fitting in some regular exercise. Contact your healthcare provider right away if the constipation is accompanied by abdominal pain or blood or mucus in the stool.

Increased Vaginal Discharge

At 3 months pregnant, you may notice an increase in a mild-smelling vaginal discharge. This white, milky, and thin discharge typically starts in early pregnancy and can last throughout the nine months.

If you find the discharge irritating and uncomfortable, use a panty liner to help absorb moisture. To help support the balance of good bacteria that may help avoid infections, keep the area dry by wearing breathable cotton underwear. Avoid douching or wearing a tampon. Tell your doctor if you have indications of a vaginal infection, such as discharge that smells foul and is green or yellow, or if you’re experiencing itching and redness.

Frequent Urination

Find yourself having to pee a lot more? Frequent urination is a common early pregnancy experience due to hormonal changes and increased water consumption to help deal with constipation. Urinary frequency will also increase in later months as your baby grows and puts pressure on the bladder.

Since it’s so important to keep hydrated, cutting back on fluids is not recommended. If the need to urinate is waking you up at night, try to increase your fluid intake in the morning and afternoon and cut back in the evening. If you’re feverish and experiencing pain or a burning sensation when peeing, see your doctor, as these could indicate a urinary tract infection.

Breast Changes

Your breasts will continue to change throughout your pregnancy. By your third month, your breasts will most likely be larger and more sensitive as your body prepares for lactation. You may also notice darkened and enlarged areolas and nipples.

Around this time, your breasts may begin leaking colostrum, a thick, sticky yellow, clear, or white fluid known as the “first milk.” It may leak throughout your pregnancy and will also be produced the first few days after giving birth. Colostrum is filled with proteins and antibodies that can benefit your baby; it will make up your little one’s first meals before the mature breast milk supply comes in.

For extra support and comfort, consider wearing a full-coverage bra during the day and a sleep bra at night—you may have to go up a size or two. Taking a warm shower, using a cold compress, and opting for looser tops may also provide some relief.

Other Common Experiences at 3 Months Pregnant

You may still be dealing with morning sickness during your third month of pregnancy. Hang in there; for many women, that notorious nausea and vomiting often improves significantly after the third month. Fatigue, mood swings, food cravings, and food aversions may also continue to be issues. Contact your doctor with any questions or concerns about anything you’re experiencing.

And good news! At 3 months pregnant, you’re finishing up your first trimester. At the end of the month, you’ll have just 27 weeks to go until you meet your little one!

Will Your 3-Month Pregnant Belly Be Showing?

Every mama is different and some women start showing at 3 months pregnant, while others may take a little longer to sport a bump, especially if it’s a first pregnancy. And while you may not need maternity clothes quite yet, things are expanding internally—your pre-pregnancy orange-sized uterus has grown to the size of a grapefruit.

Your Baby at 3 Months Pregnant

At 3 months pregnant, the fetus has just about all their internal systems formed, including the circulatory and urinary systems, heart, and liver. Those cute fingers that will be wrapped around yours soon enough are also formed, and tiny vocal cords that will let out those adorable giggles and gurgles are developing. Your little love is approximately the size of a lime.

Pregnancy Checklist for Month 3

• Think about performing Kegel exercises to help strengthen your vaginal muscles for labor and delivery.
• Keep your skin moisturized, including your belly, which may become dry and itchy.
• Decide whether you want to find out your baby’s gender before or after they make their grand entrance.
• Get your financial ducks in order. Start building or keep contributing to your savings. If you have credit card debt, try to pay off as much as you can.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Third Month of Pregnancy

How many week is 3 months pregnant?

3 months pregnant is 12 weeks. The third month of pregnancy spans approximately weeks nine through 12.

Is there a 3-month pregnant ultrasound?

Your doctor may perform your first ultrasound around the third month of pregnancy to check your baby’s development and heart rate, look for multiple fetuses, screen for some genetic disorders, and estimate gestational age. However, since it’s a bit early to get a clear view of the baby’s organs and limbs, doctors may wait until the second trimester, around weeks 18–22.

Can you tell the gender at 3 months pregnant?

Maybe. If you have noninvasive testing, it may be possible to find out if there’s a little boy or girl on the way as early as 10 weeks. To find out your baby’s gender by ultrasound, you may have to wait a bit longer, as the mid-pregnancy ultrasound is typically performed in the second trimester around weeks 18–22.