Table of Contents
A baby, in their 13th week after implantation, begins to grow and develop fingerprints, while the mother, on the other hand, needs to grow extra calories
So what else is happening to the baby in the 13th week of pregnancy? 13 weeks pregnant
Baby's Development and Milestones
Babies develop the following when the mother is 13 weeks pregnant.
1. Their vocal cords
The baby develops vocal cords in the 13th week.
2. The form of the fingerprints
With the developments of the fingerprints, the baby starts to develop their individuality with their tiny little unique fingerprints.
3. Working kidneys
With the development of the kidneys, they start to pee into the amniotic fluid. The baby’s bladder can also be seen in a 13-weeks pregnant ultrasound scan (For the rest of the pregnancy the baby will perhaps swallow their amniotic fluid and urine too! Isn’t it fascinating)?
4. Baby Hair
Hair follicles begin to grow when a baby is in a 13 weeks pregnant belly of the mother, and soft, fine hair known as lanugo begins to emerge.
5. Size
A baby is roughly 3 inches in length when the mother has a 13 weeks pregnant belly.
6. Swallowing
When a mother is 13 weeks pregnant, her baby can swallow and is sucking up the amniotic fluid in the place.
7. Growing Placenta
A 13 weeks pregnant ultrasound scan will show a growing and fully functional placenta.
You may also Know: 34 weeks Pregnancy
Here’s what is happening to a mother’s body in the 13th week of pregnancy: 13 weeks pregnant symptoms
The following are the 13 weeks pregnant symptoms that mothers experience:
1. Increased sex drive
Do you feel amorous? It is completely normal to experience a boost in the sex drive during pregnancy. You should know, it is completely safe to have sex during this time as long as your doctor advises you to do so. This is because the baby is cocooned with amniotic fluid with the mucus plug keeping everything out. So if you feel like it, have fun!
2. Nausea
Experiencing morning sickness is one of the early pregnancy symptoms that can stick around in the second trimester. However, if you still feel ill, you’re likely heading down the home stretch, if you do not feel better in the next few weeks, contact your healthcare provider.
3. Heartburn
Most pregnant women develop heartburn in their second trimester. Try consuming six small meals rather than three meals a day. And, eat slow and avoid rich or even spicy food as they can aggravate you.
4. Stretch marks
Do you have the reddish streaks sprouting up your hips and breasts? This is as the skin stretches crazily into tiny tears. Apply lotions to prevent stretch marks, and stay hydrated. The good news is, stretch marks fade away post-labor.
5. The movement of the Baby
You will soon feel your baby move which may appear at different times for people while some experience them as early as 13–16 weeks. On the other hand, some don’t make out the difference between gas and the kicks until 17–22 weeks of pregnancy.
6. Vaginal Discharge
The frequency of vaginal discharge or leukorrhea increases during pregnancy. A 13 weeks pregnant mother may observe a thin, white fluid that she hasn’t observed previously. It’s a regular occurrence that isn’t a reason for alarm.
Are you pregnant with Twins?
If it’s a yes, you need to get those prenatal vitamins as the babies need plenty of folic acids. Do not skip on them just because your first trimester is over.
What would your belly look like in the 13th week of pregnancy? 13 weeks pregnant belly
You might have gained around 1.1 to 4.4 pounds of weight in your first trimester. If not? Or not even lost? It is probably because of the morning sickness and the lack of appetite, which is OK. However, it is recommended for you to try to gain about a pound per week depending on your Body mass index.
For some brownie points, here is a quick checklist to get your sailing through the 13th week of pregnancy:
-Chow down
To grow a baby it does take extra calories and counting on them is certainly not needed. As your appetite kicks back, aim for smaller but frequent nutritious meals like fruits, vegetables, lean protein, olive oil, nuts, and avocado.
-Recipes to try
A second healthy breakfast is no harm! Check and prepare easy and new nutritious recipes that also add flavors and toppings that suit your fancy. How about some nuts butter, chia seeds, and berries?
-Belly treat
Being pregnant automatically indicates stretch marks, but the good news here is that they can be avoided! Regularly applying moisturizer balm that bay longer helps them fade more quickly. Some good moisturizers are Burt’s Bees Mama Bee Belly Butter, Glow Organics Belly Butter, and Bio-Oil.
-Plan
You’re pretty close to your due date which means you must plan. Babymoons? Make travel plans, brainstorm about the destinations you’d like to visit. Only remember, if you plan to go in your third trimester the doctor may recommend you not to fly or even close to your due date. So plan accordingly.
To Conclude
In the enchanting realm of pregnancy, the 13th week marks a significant turning point, often referred to as the end of the first trimester. It’s a time of both relief and excitement as the initial challenges, like morning sickness and fatigue, begin to subside, making way for renewed energy and enthusiasm. The tiny miracle growing inside the expectant mother has transformed into a fully formed fetus, with all the vital organs in place and a rapidly developing nervous system.
During this period, expectant mothers often experience a surge in energy and a newfound sense of well-being. The early anxieties are replaced by a growing sense of confidence and anticipation. The 13-week mark is also significant because it typically marks the time when many parents-to-be choose to share the delightful news of their impending arrival with family and friends, spreading joy and celebration.
As the blog delves into the intricacies of being 13 weeks pregnant, it emphasizes the importance of self-care and prenatal health. The expectant mother should continue to focus on a balanced diet, regular exercise, and sufficient rest to ensure the well-being of both herself and her growing baby. It’s a period of dreams and plans, as the reality of becoming parents begins to sink in, making the bond between the couple even stronger.
In conclusion, the 13th week of pregnancy is a time of blossoming hope and happiness, as the journey toward parenthood becomes more tangible. It’s a reminder of the miraculous nature of life and the incredible strength of the human body. With each passing day, the expectant parents inch closer to holding their precious bundle of joy, making every moment of this remarkable journey worthwhile.
The 13-week might be a lot of things to keep up with, so always take time out to relax and get some ‘me-time’. Also, to help you keep track, here is a list for you to go through:
- As you have your 12-week ultrasound behind you, it’s time for you to book your anatomy scan which will take place around week 20.
- Plan for how you will announce your pregnancy to your boss, coworkers, and your loved ones.
- Give the babymoon a thought. What locations are you planning? Have you started booking with your partner in crime already?
- How about starting a pregnancy journal to record this beautiful and unique journey?