You're now into your second trimester, and likely getting even more eager about the arrival of your new baby! If you're wondering about all the changes your body and your baby are experiencing right now, then you're in the right place. We've got all the info you'll need, right here. Read on to find out more about what you're experiencing at 13 weeks pregnant.
Key Points
- Your risk of miscarriage is significantly lower than it was in previous weeks.
- At this stage, it's very important that you do what you can to avoid infection with chickenpox, rubella, Zika virus, or COVID-19.
- Your baby's eyes will begin to move into position, and they will be able to move their head more freely.
Body Changes at 13 Weeks Pregnant
During week 13 of pregnancy, many of your early pregnancy symptoms may have subsided or will soon. Anxiety may also decrease because the risk of miscarriage is significantly less after the twelfth week of pregnancy. The second trimester is most often the easiest trimester. This is because women often regain energy at this stage; their baby's vital organs have formed, giving their own bodies a rest from production.
As you enter your second trimester, your nausea most likely is gone. You aren't very large or uncomfortable, which is the perfect time to keep up with moderate exercise. You may feel absolutely wonderful.
You may feel some abdominal pain during week 13 of pregnancy as the ligaments that hold up your uterus stretch to accommodate it as it grows. This is called “round ligament pain.” This is very normal and typically associated with stretching necessary for your uterus to grow.
Round ligament pain should not persist. You can differentiate round ligament pain from other problems if vomiting, cramping or bleeding accompanies your symptoms. If you do experience pain with any of these symptoms, be sure to contact your health care provider immediately.
Remember to rest if you are feeling tired; your body is still adjusting to the pregnancy. This is usually the time when mothers feel their best. They are “over” the joys of early pregnancy and have more energy. They are also beginning to “feel” pregnant.
Your prenatal appointments will now consist of:
- Blood Pressure
- Weight
- Fundal Height (Growth of the Uterus)
- Baby's Heart Tones
- Urine
Your Baby's Growth and Development at Week 13
Your baby is actually quite large by now, a whopping three inches long in some cases and weighs in at roughly .7 ounces. By 13 weeks pregnant your baby's intestines are working on maturing and your baby's tiny pancreas is working hard to produce insulin. This will help your baby regulate its blood sugar levels in the months and years following delivery.
Your baby's eyes also start to move closer to the center of your baby's head. The head can move easily from side to side and up and down, and the facial features are starting to form. Your baby's arms have almost reached final proportion and length, though the legs are still quite short relative to the baby's body. At 13 weeks pregnant, your baby can now probably flex its arms and kick its legs. He or she may also be able to put a thumb in his or her mouth, although the sucking muscles have not yet completely developed.
The sockets for all twenty teeth are formed in the gums, and vocal cords are beginning to form. Other things happening at this time are the appearance of fingernails, the beginnings of fingerprints and footprints, the start of vocal cord formation, and the appearance of visible ribs. The trachea, lungs, stomach, liver, pancreas, and intestines are developing into their final functioning form.
What Complications Can Occur at 13 Weeks Pregnant?
While the risk of miscarriage has gone down significantly, there are still some possibilities for issues at thirteen weeks. The risk for these issues can be mitigated if you take the right steps to protect yourself. Some of the concerns you could run into are:
Infection. It's important that you protect yourself from illness and infection as much as possible right now, since your baby is very vulnerable to disease. Diseases you especially want to watch out for are chickenpox, rubella, and Zika virus. These diseases can harm your baby. If you think you've come in contact with someone who has chickenpox or rubella, contact your doctor right away. Avoid traveling to areas that are known to have Zika virus.
COVID-19. While the height of the coronavirus pandemic seems to be over, COVID-19 can still pose a risk to you and your baby, especially if you are unvaccinated. It's important that you get the COVID-19 vaccinations if you haven't already. They're completely safe. However, you still want to try to avoid coming in contact with anyone who may have the virus, even if you are vaccinated. Vaccinations for COVID-19 do not prevent you contracting the virus; they just stop the virus from making you extremely sick or killing you.
Tooth troubles. Many women notice that they have issues with their teeth in the second trimester. Your gums may become swollen and painful, and may bleed. Make sure you stick to a healthy brushing and flossing regimen, and always brush your teeth after vomiting.
You can help avoid these troubles by being careful. Always practice good hygiene. Make sure you're showering or bathing regularly, and always wash your hands. It's important to practice proper handwashing techniques. Use warm water, and wash your hands for at least thirty seconds to ensure they're properly cleaned. Use hand sanitizer as needed, and consider wearing an N95 mask if you need to go to a place where there's high risk of infection. Try to avoid hospitals and doctors' offices, aside from your prenatal appointments.
If you experience any complications or have any concerns, call your doctor or seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Conclusion
There you have it! All of the things you need to know about being 13 weeks pregnant. We hope this article provided you with all the information you need to know. If you have any curiosity about what's coming next, feel free to check out the other articles we have on our site! We've got dozens of articles covering pregnancy, childbirth, and the experiences you'll have with a newborn.
The information in this article should not be taken as professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of a doctor for any medical questions or concerns. Moms Who Think is not responsible for any outcomes that may arise as a result of actions taken based on information we provide. It is your responsibility to do your own research and to take the appropriate measures to protect your health.