Your baby at week thirteen of pregnancy
Now the size of an egg, your baby is becoming more and more human-like, although his or her head is significantly larger in proportion to the rest of their body, giving a slightly odd appearance to your little one.
The facial features are becoming more and more in sync with those of a fully developed baby; the ears have moved upwards and now sit either side of the head, and the eyes have moved from the sides of the head to a more permanent, central position. Eyelids are currently sealed shut over your baby’s eyes and will begin to open at around week 27.
The tiny bones in the arms have started growing longer, and soon your baby will even be able to suck his or her thumb should this provide them with comfort.
All the vital organs have developed and now the stomach, bowl and vocal chords are growing (although you won’t be able to hear your baby for twenty seven weeks yet!). Your baby’s body is going to be growing rapidly now, to grow in proportion to their head!
Your body at week thirteen of pregnancy
You are now one third of the way through your pregnancy and your womb has now grown big enough to rise above your pelvis meaning you are starting to look pregnant at last!
Now is the time that you will expect to start gaining weight and must pay attention to what you eat. It is usual for your appetite to increase, and with the lessening of morning sickness in many women and an increase in energy it is a time when it is easy to overeat, especially if you are experiencing ongoing food cravings. Doctors recommend a slow and steady weight gain and that food choices are made with nutrition at the foremost.
What you may be feeling at week thirteen of pregnancy
As you enter the second trimester of your pregnancy, you may be feeling relieved as the most high risk time period of development is over, and your baby is now relying more heavily on the placenta for nutrients than you.
The amount of hormones rampaging throughout your body should ease; the second trimester is known as the easiest; you might even find yourself feeling energetic and motivated already!
You may also find yourself being clumsier than usual, dropping things and tripping, this is because the hormone relaxin causes ligaments and joints to relax, (crucial to help your pelvis give way for your baby’s birth). This affects your whole body, including hands and feet!
Common symptoms at week thirteen of pregnancy
- Nausea or vomiting may still be troublesome
- Frequent urination although this should be easing
- Tender or tingly breasts
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Irritability or unexpected emotions which should be easing
- Heartburn or constipation
- Food aversions or cravings
- Increased hunger
- Clumsiness
Tips for week thirteen of pregnancy
- Take advantage of a new feeling of energy now and plan ahead, gearing up with baby equipment and maternity wear as you’ll feel far less inclined to go on a weighty shopping spree during the more tiring third trimester!
- Take care as you go about your daily life as you are more prone to falls and accidents with an unaccustomed clumsiness.
- Don’t overdo it; it is easy when you have been feeling low on energy to do too much as your energy returns; pace yourself there is a long road ahead – make sure you rest and take time to yourself.
If you have any symptoms that concern you it is important to consult your doctor as soon as you can.