Week 13 of Pregnancy

Key Takeaways at Week 13

• You should start feeling more like yourself as you reach the second trimester. The nausea and tiredness of early pregnancy may subside! The honeymoon period of pregnancy is nearing, so you may have a boost of energy for a few weeks

• You may get a 13-week ultrasound or non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT), which searches for chromosomal abnormalities. The baby's gender may also be detected at this stage, although there are no certainties

• Although your baby's genitals are developing, they are still difficult to see on an ultrasound.

• As your baby moves up and out, so does your stomach.

• If you are in Week 13 of your pregnancy you are at the end of the first trimester and in the third month

• 27 more weeks remaining in your pregnancy

Baby's Movement and Development at Week 13

The baby is developing quickly as you are ready to enter the second trimester. During week 13, the baby produces urine, which is discharged into the amniotic fluid. And, don't worry, this new development does not prevent the baby from ingesting amniotic fluid, it's a completely healthy and natural phase of growth. Speaking of swallowing, your child could already be sucking their thumb!

Their vocal chords are starting to grow at this stage. Of course, these vocal chords will not be put to the test until the infant is born and lets out their first loud scream. Now that you can hear your baby's heartbeat at prenatal checkups and your tummy is expanding, you'll begin to feel a strong connection to your little one.

Your baby's corpus callosum started to develop last week and will continue to expand until they reach adolescence. This c-shaped structure transmits information between the left and right sides of the brain. Your baby's mouth muscles are gradually growing and, may create a grin or frown by now. Your infant may also begin to suck on their thumb as a means of self-soothing. Bone tissue is growing in your child's limbs, legs, and around their head, as well as nerves, muscles, and organs. Your baby's voice chords are growing and will soon be able to make sounds. Speaking of noise, week 13 is often when expectant parents begin to share their joyful news with close friends and family members.

• Baby Weight- Around 28 grammes
• Baby Length- 3 inches long
• Baby Size- Comparable to a Lemon

Pregnancy Symptoms and Body Changes This Week

You may find that at 13 weeks pregnant, your symptoms shift slightly. You may be able to go through the day without feeling sick or needing to sleep. However, you may also be experiencing any of these symptoms:

• Visible veins: You can see all those blue streaks and spider veins beneath your skin because your blood flow has risen.

• Increase in energy: The second trimester is considered the least symptomatic and most active. As you begin to feel more like yourself and experience an energy boost, you'll want to cross a lot of tasks off your to-do list. Also, if you've been too unwell and exhausted to exercise recently, now is the time to resume your fitness program. Exercise will help both you and the baby and may even make labour easier. Worth it!

• Increased sexual desire: You might sense an increase in your libido or sexual desire at this stage. Although, you may notice some post-coital spotting. A little spotting is normal since your cervix is more sensitive. However, severe bleeding (like a period) is not, so see your doctor if it is more like a flow.

• Vaginal Discharge: You may notice some vaginal discharge known as leukorrhea. It is part of the body's attempts to keep the delivery canal clean and clear of infections. The creamy discharge is a result of oestrogen production.

• Other symptoms: There's still a risk you'll have indigestion, constipation, or heartburn, so avoid meals and beverages that aggravate these symptoms.

If you are pregnant with twins, you may still be suffering morning sickness and exhaustion. Twin mothers might have higher levels of the pregnancy hormone hCG in their bodies. If your nausea and vomiting are extreme, see your OB. If you can keep food and beverages down but are still feeling nauseous, just be patient.

Your Baby Bump at Week 13

Your uterus has grown large enough to protrude from your pelvic cavity. That suggests you are beginning to appear pregnant. Expect to seem more pregnant from now on, since having a foetus necessitates increased weight gain. OBs urge that you gain weight in the healthiest manner possible; slowly and gradually throughout your pregnancy.

You're probably doing well in terms of nausea and morning sickness! However, in order to create space for your rapidly developing foetus, your uterus is expanding upward and outward. This growth might lead to stretch marks and itching abdominal skin. Remember to moisturise and eat well to keep your skin nice and supple!

13-Week Ultrasound

If you have selected prenatal cell-free DNA testing, also known as non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT), to check for chromosomal abnormalities, you will be able to determine the sex when you get your findings. However, this practice is not common in India.

Tips for Week 13

Being 13 weeks pregnant is a significant milestone for both you and your baby. Here's some additional professional advice on how to transition to this new stage while keeping you and your baby safe.

• A urinary tract infection, if left untreated, may spread to the kidneys and endanger the health of both mother and infant. If you need to use the toilet more often than usual, have a burning sensation when urinating, or if anything looks or smells strange, see your doctor, who may test for bacteria and prescribe medication
• When you're 13 weeks pregnant, your body needs all the assistance it can receive. Pregnancy and labour may damage your pelvic floor, but kegel exercises can help strengthen it. They don't require much time or effort, and maintaining a consistent pattern throughout pregnancy might result in reduced urine leaks after delivery and improved sexual experiences
• Is there no more morning sickness? Breakfast is served! It's the ideal time to consume calcium, protein, and the potent minerals found in veggies and whole grains. A healthy breakfast may also help you establish a good eating pattern for the remainder of the day

Checklist for Week 13

• Begin examining daycare alternatives
• Inform your boss you are pregnant
• If you have a toddler, start preparing them for the baby's arrival
• Begin thinking about childcare possibilities for infants
• Purchase a fantastic maternity bra (it is time!)

Medically approved by Dr Pratibha Singhal, Director- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Cloudnine Group of Hospitals, Noida

Frequently Asked Questions on Week 13 of Pregnancy

1. How long is the second trimester?
   At week 13, you are still in the first trimester, but you are just a few days away from reaching the next milestone. The second trimester lasts from week 14 to week 27 (or 26 weeks and 6 days), totalling 13 weeks. The second trimester is the middle of your pregnancy and is often when pregnant women feel their best in terms of symptoms.
2. How can I ensure a healthy second trimester?
   Healthy eating and regular exercise are essential throughout the second trimester and throughout your pregnancy. Maintain your usual workout schedule, but don't overdo it. In general, you should be able to have a conversation while working out.