At 13 weeks pregnancy, the expectant mother can begin to appreciate the joy of carrying a baby. Fortunately, the fragile first trimester, where the baby’s life was most at risk, is over and the morning sickness has subsided. Although the birth is still some way off, the mother has now come to terms with her new state, meaning it is the perfect time to relish in the experience.
What happens to the baby in 13 weeks pregnancy?
A distinctive feature of the second trimester is the active growth of the fetus in length. At the 13 weeks pregnancy, the size of the fetus is 6.5–8 cm and its weight is 20–40 g. At the same time, the growth rate of the head decreases slightly, and the body grows more intensively. As a result, the fetus becomes more and more proportional.
Of course, the “correct” proportions are still very far away: the head now makes up half of the fetus’s body. The front part of the head also changes. The eyes are shifted closer to each other, the eyelids are tightly closed. It is still impossible to determine who your baby looks like, but individuality is becoming more and more evident in his appearance.
The continuous development of the brain and ossification of the skeleton continues, and ribs are also formed. The formation of the rudiments of all milk teeth characterizes pregnancy for a period of 13 weeks. And this means that in your diet there must be foods rich in calcium.
The little heart works tirelessly. Now it is reduced with a frequency of 150-170 beats per minute.
The skin of the fetus is thin and red – this is a consequence of the presence of a large number of blood vessels.
The muscular system develops. Due to the development of facial muscles, facial expressions become more complicated and sucking movements appear. Strengthening the neck muscles changes the head’s angle – now it is not so tightly pressed to the chest.
Improves the digestive system. The intestinal wall is no longer completely smooth. Thin outgrowths are formed on it – villi, thanks to which nutrients will enter the baby’s body in the future. The development of the thyroid gland is completed. The vocal cords develop.
The external genitalia is differentiated by gender. In girls, the ovaries are formed; in boys, the prostate gland is developed.
Advice:
Surprisingly, already at 13-14 weeks of gestation, the baby is sensitive to the composition of amniotic fluid. Therefore, mothers are not advised to change their diet drastically after childbirth. After all, the taste of milk, like amniotic fluid, depends on what you eat, and during intrauterine existence, the baby gets used to certain flavors. Therefore, your diet should be varied.
What happens to body at 13 weeks pregnancy?
For a woman, a wonderful period of well-being begins. In most cases, the toxicosis that tormented me in previous months has receded. However, some women are still in his power. What to do if the 13 weeks pregnancy is already underway, and toxicosis does not go away? Be patient, there is a week or two left, and your health will definitely improve.
The growth of the uterus results in a bigger tummy, which can be seen in the shape of your body. If you are 13 weeks pregnant, you will observe a slight growth in your stomach area. Usually, these changes can’t be seen by others, unless you are carrying two babies. Twins can cause a noticeable belly enlargement by 13 weeks pregnancy.
As the uterus grows, it no longer fits in the pelvic region. It rises into the abdominal cavity. The pressure of the uterus on the intestines can lead to a feeling of bloating and constipation. There may be a heaviness in the legs and increased fatigue.
At the 13 weeks pregnancy, sensations in the abdomen are usually absent. What many mothers take for the baby’s first movements is the work of the intestines. There should be no severe pain or bloody discharge from the vagina. There may be only minor aching pain in the abdomen or the lumbar region. Discharge from the genital tract should be clear and not abundant. In case of any doubt, it is necessary to report the symptoms that have appeared to a specialist.
A gestational age of 13 weeks means the first planned ultrasound has already been completed. If for some reason you missed this examination, be sure to take it now. This is an informative method that will allow you to determine the size of the fetus, exclude defects in the development of organs and clarify the gestational age and the expected date of birth.
In general, the 13 weeks pregnancy gives the expectant mother a feeling of calmness, inspiration and joyful expectation of the baby.
Medical examinations for 13 weeks pregnancy
The expectant mother can be sent for an ultrasound examination (if the screening has not yet been completed). In addition, she needs to undergo a routine examination by an obstetrician-gynecologist and a series of tests is prescribed.
Scheduled screening ultrasound evaluates the fetus’s development, revealing developmental anomalies, including genetic ones. Sometimes the doctor may already name the sex of the child, but there is still a possibility of error.
Expert advice at 13 weeks pregnancy
- The first trimester ends. It is necessary to follow several recommendations to maintain good health and maintain health.
- If the family has certain health problems, the doctor may recommend a consultation with a geneticist and a series of additional tests.
- Talk to your healthcare provider about preventing various illnesses, including exacerbating existing chronic health problems. If necessary, make an appointment with the dentist and clean the oral cavity.
- Take all the drugs that your obstetrician-gynecologist prescribes for you. You need to pay attention to your activity. If there are no contraindications, you can sign up for fitness for pregnant women, visit the swimming pool under the supervision of qualified instructors, walk a lot – at least two hours a day, and breathe fresh air.
- You can gradually pick up a set of cosmetics for pregnant women – this is a cream for body care and products for the face, hands and nails.
- It is important to eat right so that the body receives enough nutrients – protein, fat and carbohydrate components, minerals, vitamins and fiber. Fiber is especially important for improving digestion.
- Make it a habit to air your rooms regularly before going to bed. It is possible to use a humidifier to avoid dryness of the nasal mucosa and difficulty in nasal breathing.
