13 Weeks Pregnant & Beyond: What’s Next For You & Baby

Congratulations, mama, you’re now 13 weeks pregnant! And your 1st trimester is officially successfully over, here’s to the next exciting phase of your journey! 

While the past few weeks would have been a rollercoaster, things may start to ease off now. By the 13th week, your baby starts growing rapidly, and you may develop a tiny bump. Though it’s still early to switch to maternity wear, now may be a good time to start dressing in baggy clothes for comfort.

So what should you expect at this stage of pregnancy? Let’s walk through what’s happening and what’s coming next for you and your baby!

Week 13: Your Baby's Growth, Movements, and Milestones

At week 13, your baby grows to the size of a peach. Their ovaries and testes have fully developed on the inside, while their reproductive parts are still taking proper shape on the outside.

They have started moving around in random and jerky movements, which gradually become more organised & deliberate. But you won’t be able to feel this movement until week 17. Moreover, your baby starts sucking their thumb inside womb, a crucial reflex which will help them breastfeed after birth.

When you’re 13 weeks pregnant, a 3D ultrasound scan will clearly show your baby’s elbows, wrists and hands with fingers. They now have a unique fingerprint, and their entire body is covered with lanugo or soft baby hair.

Your baby can excrete the amniotic fluid they swallow via a functional excretory system. This comprises well-developed kidneys and a urinary tract.

13 Weeks Pregnant Baby Size

At 13 weeks, your baby is about 7.4cm long (the size of a peach). And they weigh around 25 grams.

13 Weeks Pregnant Ultrasound: Why It’s Important

An 11-13 week scan is recommended as a routine part of your antenatal screening. Also known as a nuchal translucency scan, it assesses your baby’s risk of developing chromosomal abnormalities (trisomies) and also checks their heart.

13 Weeks Pregnant: Symptoms

Here’s a list of symptoms you might experience when you’re 13 weeks pregnant:

1) Cravings

Most of the food cravings (and aversions) are associated with hormonal fluctuations, mainly changes in estrogen and progesterone levels. These hormones increase your sense of taste and smell and make you crave certain foods. 

2) Painful Urination

The hormonal changes and the growing uterus slow down your bladder emptying process. This increases your risk of Urinary Tract Infections or UTIs which are quite common in pregnancy.

3) Increased Sex Drive

By the 13th week of pregnancy, the blood flow to your pelvic region increases. This heightens your libido and makes you want to have sex more often.

4) Constipation Or Bloating

Pregnancy-related constipation and bloating can be mainly attributed to the hormone progesterone. It relaxes the muscles in your digestive system, which slows down digestion. While this gives your body more time to absorb nutrients, the delayed passage of food may lead to indigestion & bloating.

5) Tender Gums

The increased levels of pregnancy hormones and blood flow make your gums swollen and inflamed. Also known as pregnancy gingivitis, it makes your gums more prone to bleeding.

6) Round Ligament Pains

A dull pain on the sides of your belly may be caused due to the stretching of ligaments in order to accommodate the growing uterus.

Your Pregnant Belly At 13 Weeks

At 13 weeks of pregnancy, your uterus grows upwards and outwards. So you may notice a tiny baby bump.

Essential Tips for a Healthy & Comfortable 13th Week of Pregnancy

Here are a few tips which can help you navigate your 13th week of pregnancy with ease:

1) Take Antenatal Classes

It may be a good time to start taking your antenatal classes. They will not only help you prepare for the birth of your baby but also give you a chance to bond with other pregnant ladies in your neighbourhood.

2) Eat Healthy

A nutritionally balanced diet is important for supporting your health and that of your baby. Also, contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to eat for two until your 3rd trimester.

3) Stay Active

You must try to stay active during pregnancy unless advised otherwise by your doctor. Physical activity and exercise help boost your energy levels and also prevent pregnancy-related complications.

4) Tone Your Pelvic Floor Muscles

Pregnancy and labour put a lot of strain on your pelvic floor muscles. So you must tone and strengthen these muscles now through pelvic floor exercises.

5) Take Your Vitamins & Supplements

Your doctor would have already given you the necessary prescription for multivitamins, supplements and medicines, if any. So make sure you take these religiously.

6)Address Teeth Troubles

As the gums often become inflamed around this time of pregnancy, you must take special care to keep them healthy. Brush gently using a soft brush. Remember to clean your mouth if you throw up and stick to alcohol–free mouthwashes. If problems persist or worsen, visit your doctor promptly.

7) Protect Yourself (And The Baby) From Infections

It’s also important to keep yourself away from infection causing bacteria and viruses. Avoid contact with infected persons and places where any such outbreak is reported. Also avoid undercooked meat and unpasteurised dairy. 

If you have a pet like a cat, stay away from its faeces, which may contain toxins that can harm your baby.

FAQs

Q1) How Long Is The Second Trimester?

The second trimester lasts from 13th to 28 weeks.

Q2) Can I Have A Baby Bump At 13 Weeks Pregnant?

Yes, as the uterus moves upwards and outwards by the 13th week of pregnancy, you’ll likely develop a baby bump around this time.

Q3) Can You Feel Your Baby Move At 13 Weeks?

No, even though your baby starts moving at this time, you won’t be able to feel them doing so yet.

Q4) How Can I Prevent Varicose Veins During Pregnancy?

You can prevent varicose veins during pregnancy by improving blood circulation through measures like frequently changing positions and wearing compression stockings.

Q5) When Can I Start Prenatal Yoga?

According to studies, pregnant women can start prenatal yoga from their 12th week of pregnancy. But don’t forget to consult your doctor first.