Third Month of Pregnancy: Symptoms, Baby Growth, NT Scan and Diet Chart

Month Three: Your Baby Becomes a Fetus and the First Trimester Ends

Welcome to the third month of pregnancy, covering weeks 9 to 13. This is a big milestone month. Your baby officially graduates from embryo to fetus, all major organs are now in place, and the risk of miscarriage drops sharply as the first trimester comes to an end.

For many women, month three also brings relief. Morning sickness often starts to ease, energy slowly returns, and a tiny bump may begin to show. It's also the month of one of the most important scans of your pregnancy: the NT scan.

In this guide you will learn:

• How your baby grows from a grape to a plum, week by week

• What your 3 months pregnant belly looks like

• Common symptoms and when they start to ease

• Everything about the NT scan and double marker test

• An Indian diet chart for month three, foods to avoid and quick "can I eat this?" answers

How Many Weeks Is 3 Months Pregnant?

Three months pregnant covers weeks 9 to 13. The first trimester ends at the close of week 13, and the second trimester begins at week 14.

Your Baby's Growth in Month Three: From a Grape to a Plum

By the end of this month, your baby is about 6 to 7.5 cm (2.5 to 3 inches) long, roughly the size of a plum. All organs, limbs, bones and muscles are present. From here on, your baby's main job is to grow and mature.

Milestones to celebrate this month

• Embryo to fetus: From week 9, your baby is officially called a fetus.

• Tiny movements: Your baby kicks, stretches and opens and closes its fists, though you won't feel these movements until around months 4 to 5.

• Fingers and toes: The webbing is gone, and tiny nails start growing.

• Working organs: The kidneys produce urine, the liver makes bile, and the heart pumps blood through the body.

• The placenta takes over: It now feeds your baby, taking over from the yolk sac.

Sources: Cleveland Clinic, Fetal Development and NHS, 12 weeks pregnant.

3 Months Pregnant Belly: When Does the Bump Show?

By the end of month three, your uterus is about the size of a grapefruit. It starts to rise above your pelvic bone, so your doctor may be able to feel it just above the pubic area.

Every belly is different. Your height, weight, muscle tone and whether this is your first baby all affect when you start to show. A bigger or smaller bump says nothing about your baby's health or sex.

3 Months Pregnant Symptoms: Relief Is on the Way

Symptoms often peak around weeks 9 to 10, then slowly ease by weeks 12 to 14 as hCG levels level off and the placenta takes over hormone production.

Feeling hungrier? As nausea fades, your appetite often returns. This is a good time to focus on nutritious meals.

Also read: Is pregnancy glow a real thing? · Bitter taste in mouth during pregnancy

Changes in Your Body and Mind This Month

Physical changes

• Weight: Most women gain 0.5 to 2 kg in the first trimester. Some lose a little because of nausea. Most weight gain happens after week 20.

• Breasts keep growing and may feel less tender by the end of the month.

• Blood volume keeps rising, which can cause visible veins and occasional nosebleeds or bleeding gums.

• The skin may darken around the nipples, on the face, or along a line down the belly (linea nigra), which usually appears later.

• Hair may look thicker because less of it falls out during pregnancy.

Emotional changes

As the first trimester ends, many women feel calmer and more confident. Seeing your baby move on the NT scan screen can also make everything feel real.

• Month three is when many couples choose to share their news with family and friends.

• If you feel anxious about scan results, talk to your doctor about what each test means before you go.

• Keep reaching out for support if you feel low for more than two weeks.

The NT Scan and Double Marker Test: Everything You Need to Know

The NT (nuchal translucency) scan is the most important test of month three. It is usually done between weeks 11 and 14, together with a blood test called the double marker test. Together they are known as the combined first trimester screening.

What is the NT scan?

An ultrasound that measures the thin layer of fluid at the back of your baby's neck. A higher-than-normal measurement can show a higher chance of chromosomal conditions. The scan also checks your baby's heartbeat, size (crown-rump length), and early development.

NT scan vs double marker test

Understanding your results

• The combined screening identifies about 85% of pregnancies affected by Down's syndrome. About 2 to 3% of healthy pregnancies may get a "high chance" result that turns out to be a false alarm.

• A screening test is not a diagnosis. It only tells you whether your chance is low or high.

• Low-chance result: No further tests are usually needed.

• High-chance result: Your doctor may suggest further tests such as NIPT (a blood test), CVS or amniocentesis to give a definite answer.

Source: Lab Tests Online UK, First Trimester Combined Screen.

NT scan tips: Drink water before the scan if your doctor asks for a full bladder, wear loose two-piece clothing, and carry your previous scan reports.

Also read: Crown-rump length (CRL) on ultrasounds · Questions to ask your doctor after an NT scan

Other check-ups this month

Your doctor may also check your blood pressure, weight, haemoglobin and thyroid levels. If you haven't done your first trimester blood tests yet, they will be done now, as per the ICMR antenatal care workflow.

Third Month Pregnancy Diet: Fuel for Rapid Growth

As nausea eases and your appetite returns, focus on balanced, home-cooked meals. You still don't need many extra calories in the first trimester; the extra needs begin in the second trimester.

Supplements this month

• Folic acid (400 mcg daily): Keep taking it through the first trimester, or longer if your doctor advises. Source: CDC, About Folic Acid.

• Iron and calcium: In India, doctors usually start iron and calcium tablets from the second trimester (after week 12 or 14). Take them only as prescribed.

Key nutrients for month three

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Sample 3rd month pregnancy diet chart (Indian)

Drink 8 to 10 glasses of water a day, plus fluids like buttermilk, coconut water and fresh lime water.

Foods to avoid in the third month

Source: NHS, Foods to avoid in pregnancy.

3 month pregnancy me kya kha sakte hai? Quick answers

Also read: 1 to 3 month pregnancy diet chart · Curd during pregnancy · Plum in pregnancy · Anjeer in pregnancy · Mylo protein biscuits for pregnancy

Third Month Pregnancy Care: Do's and Don'ts

Is sex safe during the first 3 months of pregnancy?

Yes, for most healthy pregnancies. Sex does not cause miscarriage, and your baby is well protected by the amniotic fluid and the uterus. As nausea and tiredness ease, many women find their desire returns this month. Your doctor may advise avoiding sex if you have bleeding, a history of miscarriage, a low-lying placenta, or a short cervix.

Also read: Sex during the first 3 months of pregnancy

Can I sleep on my stomach at 3 months pregnant?

Yes, as long as it feels comfortable. As your bump grows in the second trimester, start getting used to sleeping on your left side with a pillow between your knees.

Is it safe to travel?

Yes. Many doctors consider the second trimester, which begins after this month, the best time to travel. Carry your medical records, stay hydrated, and walk around every 1 to 2 hours on long journeys.

Also read: Can jumping cause miscarriage in early pregnancy? · When to stop bending during pregnancy

Warning Signs in the Third Month: When to Call Your Doctor

The risk of miscarriage falls a lot after week 12. Still, call your doctor or go to the hospital right away if you notice any of these signs.

Sources: NHS, Miscarriage and NHS, Vomiting and morning sickness.

Your Third Month Pregnancy Checklist

• Book and complete your NT scan and double marker test (weeks 11 to 14)

• Complete any pending first trimester blood tests

• Keep taking folic acid and ask your doctor when to start iron and calcium

• Plan when to share your news with family, friends and your workplace

• Buy comfortable, stretchy clothes and a supportive bra

• Start a gentle skincare routine with moisturiser and sunscreen

• Plan a dental check-up

• Start pregnancy-safe exercise like walking or prenatal yoga

• Read up on maternity leave rules at your workplace

• Track your baby's growth week by week in a pregnancy app

Frequently Asked Questions About the Third Month of Pregnancy

1. How many weeks is 3 months pregnant?

Three months pregnant covers weeks 9 to 13. The first trimester ends at week 13, and the second trimester begins at week 14.

2. How big is the baby at 3 months?

By the end of month three, your baby is about 6 to 7.5 cm (2.5 to 3 inches) long, roughly the size of a plum or lemon.

3. Does the belly show at 3 months pregnant?

Some women start to see a small bump, especially in a second pregnancy. Many first-time moms don't show until month 4. Both are normal.

4. When does morning sickness stop?

For most women, nausea starts easing between weeks 12 and 14 and goes away by weeks 16 to 20.

5. When is the NT scan done?

Between weeks 11 and 14 of pregnancy, usually together with the double marker blood test.

6. Can the NT scan tell the baby's gender?

No. The NT scan checks your baby's development and the chance of chromosomal conditions. Sex determination is illegal in India under the PCPNDT Act.

7. Is brown discharge normal in the third month?

Light brown discharge without pain can happen, for example after sex or an internal exam. Always tell your doctor, and seek urgent care if it comes with cramps or turns red and heavy.

8. Is the risk of miscarriage lower after 3 months?

Yes. The risk falls considerably after week 12, which is why many couples wait until the end of the first trimester to share their news.

9. Can I feel my baby move at 3 months?

Not yet. Your baby is moving, but is too small for you to feel it. Most first-time moms feel the first flutters between weeks 18 and 22.

10. Can I eat dates (khajoor) in the third month?

Yes. Two to three dates a day are a healthy source of iron and fibre. Limit them if you have diabetes or high blood sugar.

The Bottom Line

Congratulations, you have reached the end of the first trimester! Month three brings a fully formed baby the size of a plum, a lower risk of miscarriage and, for many women, relief from nausea. Don't miss your NT scan, keep eating well, and enjoy the energy that often returns as you head into the second trimester. Stay tuned for our guide to the fourth month of pregnancy.

Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and does not replace medical advice. Always consult your gynaecologist about your own pregnancy.

References

1. Cleveland Clinic: Fetal Development, Stages of Growth

2. NHS: 12 weeks pregnant

3. Lab Tests Online UK: First Trimester Combined Screen

4. NHS: Vomiting and morning sickness

5. NHS: Foods to avoid in pregnancy

6. CDC: About Folic Acid

7. ICMR: Standard Treatment Workflow, Antenatal Management of Normal Pregnancy

8. NHS: Miscarriage