13 Weeks of Pregnancy
Highlights this week
Fading first-trimester symptoms
As you cruise into the second trimester, you may get some relief from early pregnancy symptoms such as tender breasts, fatigue, food aversions, morning sickness, and the constant need to pee.
Breastfeeding prep
You can't feel it, but your breasts may have already started making colostrum, the nutrient-rich fluid that feeds your baby for the first few days after birth, before your milk starts to flow. Later in pregnancy, your breasts may leak a little colostrum.
Baby development at 13 weeks
Your baby can pee!
Your baby has started swallowing amniotic fluid and excreting urine, recycling the full volume of fluid every few hours.
Teeth and bones
Bones are beginning to harden in your baby's skeleton, especially longer bones and the skull. Your baby's teeth and bones are becoming denser.
Your baby is about the size of a plum
Making meconium
As your baby swallows amniotic fluid, they also produce meconium. This black, sticky substance accumulates in the bowels, and becomes your newborn's first poop.
Pregnancy symptoms during week 13
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Occasional cramping during pregnancy is common. It could be caused by anything from gas and bloating to round ligament pain. Sometimes a little movement, a hot bath or shower, drinking more fluids, or lying down can do the trick to ease abdominal pain. But in some cases cramping can signal a problem. Call your doctor or midwife if your cramping doesn't go away after several minutes of rest, the cramping or pain is severe, you have pain or unusual sensitivity in your upper abdomen, or you have other symptoms such as fever or dizziness.
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If you've suffered from morning sickness and food aversions until now, you may get some welcome relief in the next few weeks as you enter the second trimester. As your appetite returns, food cravings may pop up. Some experts think that cravings for certain foods are linked to a woman's nutritional needs, but many think that pregnancy cravings can't be explained that easily.
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Are you congested lately? Nearly one-third of pregnant women get a stuffy nose due to hormones and increased blood volume. However, if you have a fever, coughing, sore throat, or swollen glands, it's probably a cold or another infection. Find out which cold medicines are safe when you're expecting, and eat foods high in vitamin C to keep your immune system strong.
Pregnancy checklist at 13 weeks pregnant
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Because your body produces 30 to 50 percent more blood during pregnancy, your veins enlarge and are more visible. You may start seeing blue, prominent veins across your chest, breasts, and belly. You may also develop varicose veins in your legs and lower body as your uterus grows. Happily, these usually disappear or improve after you have your baby.
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It's totally normal to have more vaginal discharge during pregnancy: It's because of higher levels of estrogen. If your discharge is odorless or mild-smelling and milky white, there's no need for concern. But call your healthcare provider if you have discharge that's gray, yellow, or green; causes pain or itching; or seems unusual in any other way. This could be a sign of infection or another problem.
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Hormonal and physical changes during pregnancy can lead to heartburn (also called acid indigestion or acid reflux). It's an unpleasant burning sensation between your lower throat and the bottom of your breast bone. If you're having heartburn, avoid spicy and acidic foods. Try eating smaller meals, eating slowly, and chewing gum after eating to neutralize your stomach acids. If that doesn't help, ask your provider about pregnancy-safe heartburn medicines.
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During the second trimester, you'll typically see your doctor or midwife once every four weeks.
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During pregnancy, good nutrition is more important than ever. But it can be hard to eat well when you're dealing with nausea, food aversions, heartburn, or indigestion. During pregnancy you need lots of protein and healthy fats, and more of certain vitamins and minerals (such as folic acid, iron, and calcium).
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Experts say the best pregnancy sleeping position is on your side, especially as you get closer to mid-pregnancy. Side-sleeping puts the least pressure on your veins and internal organs. This ensures the best blood flow to the uterus, which means your baby will get maximum nutrients and oxygen. Good circulation also helps you avoid swelling, varicose veins in your legs, and hemorrhoids. If side-sleeping isn't your thing, don't give up until you've tried a pregnancy pillow – the right one can make a major difference in your sleep comfort.
