The 13th week marks the beginning of the 2nd trimester. So, congratulations on this milestone, mom-to-be! We’re sure you’re excited!
Your baby is now growing at an incredible rate, with their organs and muscles developing daily. During this week you may start to experience more symptoms that are common. So, what are these symptoms? How developed is your baby by now? What body changes can you expect to happen during this week?
No need to wait long because we’ll tell you everything you need to know!
Your Baby’s Development On Week 13 Pregnancy
Congratulations, your baby is now about the size of a small lime! Their body is developing rapidly, as tiny bones and muscles are forming. This week marks the beginning of their inner ear development and they will start to gain their own unique fingerprints.
At week 13, your baby is now forming eyelashes and eyebrows. Their legs and arms are also growing longer, but they’re still shorter than their torso. Their little heart is now fully formed and beating at a rate of around twice that of an adult.
Your baby’s lungs are also starting to develop and their entire digestive system has formed. Additionally, their head is now in proportion with the rest of their body. Your baby is also now able to move their arms and legs in the womb.
Note that each baby’s development is never the same or exactly scheduled. That means some babies may start development earlier or later than others.
Symptoms You May Experience During Week 13
At this point, you may start to experience some common or new symptoms.
The Common Symptoms
To start off, you may still experience nausea, cravings and fatigue. These can be strong during the 13th week, especially if they weren’t present during the first trimester.
Back Pain
Many women also experience back pain and sciatica at this stage, which can be quite uncomfortable. This is due to the increased pressure on your spine as your baby grows. Lower back pain can be especially common during week 13. After all, your baby’s weight adds pressure to the lower back of your spine.
Acne & Other Skin Concerns
You may also notice an increase in acne or other facial skin problems. This is due to the increased hormone production while you’re pregnant.
Enlarged Breasts & Baby Bump
Other physical changes you may notice are your breasts growing larger and the start of a baby bump. By now, the uterus is usually large enough that it’s visible from the outside.
Mood Swings
In addition, you may find yourself dealing with increased mood swings. You may also experience heightened levels of anxiety. It is important to take time to rest and relax during this stage. That way, you can look after both yourself and your baby.
Although there are a lot of changes happening during this week, remember that they are normal. Just take your time and enjoy the experience!
Preparing Yourself For Being 13 Weeks Pregnany
Now that you know the basics, it’s time to get prepared! Here are our tips to make sure you’re ready for this part of your journey:
Eat Healthy
Stay away from junk food and focus on eating healthy meals. This will help keep you and your baby strong and healthy.
Get Enough Rest
During this time, rest is especially important. Make sure to get plenty of sleep and take naps if you need them.
Stay Active
It’s also a good idea to stay active during this period. Low impact exercise such as yoga, walking, and swimming can help keep your strength up. They will also help you stay in shape.
Stay Positive
Be sure to remain positive during this time. After all, pregnancy can be a stressful experience. Try to stay positive and enjoy the experience.
Take Care Of Your Body
You may experience some skin changes during this time. So, try to take special care of your body. Use a gentle cleanser for your face and drink lots of water. You can also use a body butter that’s safe for pregnant women.
Welcome Support From Family and Friends
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Talk to your partner, family, and friends if you need support. That way, you won’t have to go through it alone.
Document Your Pregnancy
It’s a good idea to document your pregnancy experience. Take a photo or video of your baby bump now and then to keep track of the changes. That way, you can always look back and remember all the special moments.
You can view and download the photos and videos in the future. You can even upload these on Instagram or other sites to share the news with your loved ones. In addition, you can keep a “my baby & my pregnancy” journal!
Attend Your Doctor’s Appointments
Finally, always attend your doctor’s appointments. This will ensure that you and your baby remain healthy all throughout. Your doctor will also be able to answer your questions or concerns.
They may conduct blood tests or scans to check on your baby. For example, they may do an ultrasound to check on their growth and development. This ultrasound can tell the sex of your baby, revealing whether you have baby girl or boy if you want to know.
An ultrasound will also show other important details. That includes the baby’s heartbeat, size, structure, and movements.
What To Watch Out For
On this week, be aware of the possible potential complications during pregnancy. These include:
- Severe headaches
- Vaginal bleeding
- Severe abdominal pain
- Vision problems
- Excessive swelling in the hands and feet
- A decrease in fetal movement
- Contractions or cramps
- Fever or chills
If you feel like you have any of these symptoms, speak to your doctor right away. They can help you learn the cause and provide treatment as needed.
These symptoms might indicate a complication and could need urgent medical care. Remember, the best way to deal with these issues is by talking to your doctor.
To Wrap Up
This milestone is a vital part of your pregnancy journey. Focus on staying healthy and positive so you and your baby can be healthy and happy. Take care of yourself, eat healthy meals, stay active, and get plenty of rest. Also, don’t forget to attend all your doctor’s appointments!
If you experience unusual signs or symptoms, contact your doctor right away. They can guide you and provide the necessary care to ensure you are healthy. Remember, the best time to be prepared is today. Trust us, this is your sign to start!
Take some time to enjoy this special moment in your life. After all, it won’t be here forever! Best of luck and congratulations on your pregnancy!
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