Pregnancy Week 13

What does my baby look like?

Your baby is now roughly the size of a pea pod and keeps growing quickly as the first trimester wraps up.

The head still looks large compared to the body, but the proportions are gradually becoming more balanced. The arms have grown noticeably longer, and the elbows, wrists, and tiny fingered hands are now easier to make out.

Your baby is moving. Those first movements can be sudden and jerky, but over time they start to look smoother. It's completely normal not to feel any movement this week—many people don't notice the first flutters until later on.

Some babies suck their thumb in the womb. This helps the sucking reflex develop.

What's developing in your baby this week?

Your baby has started swallowing amniotic fluid and passing urine. The amniotic fluid is refreshed and recirculated every few hours.

The reproductive organs are largely formed inside the body. The external genitals are still developing too, though the sex can usually be assessed more clearly at the 20-week ultrasound.

The vocal cords and lungs continue to develop. Your baby doesn't breathe air in the womb—oxygen comes through the umbilical cord. The skin is starting to thicken but is still thin. Melanin production also begins, and skin color gradually becomes more defined over time after birth.

The skeletal system keeps developing. The collarbone and thighbone are among the first bones to become well defined.

What's happening in my body?

As your uterus grows upward and outward, a small baby bump may start to show. Because the uterus moves a bit away from the bladder, the need to pee so often may ease up for some people.

Blood flow to the pelvic area increases. For some women this can boost sexual desire, while others may notice no change at all. You may also feel thirstier, so getting enough fluids is important.

Unless your doctor advises otherwise, sex during pregnancy is generally safe.

Protecting against infections

To protect yourself and your baby from certain infections:

• Try to avoid contact with anyone who has chickenpox or rubella. If you think you've been exposed, let your doctor know.
• Avoid undercooked meat, cured meats like salami, and unpasteurized goat's milk or cheese. These foods can carry a risk of certain infections.
• If you're planning to travel to areas affected by the Zika virus, get medical advice beforehand.

Dental and oral health

Gum sensitivity can increase during pregnancy. To protect your oral health:

• Brush your teeth twice a day.
• Limit sugary snacks and drinks.
• Don't smoke.
• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush for sensitive gums.
• Brush your teeth with gentle, circular motions.
• Choose an alcohol-free mouthwash.

How much weight should I gain in pregnancy?

Healthy weight gain in pregnancy varies from person to person. Your starting weight, height, and overall health all play a part. Your doctor is the best person to assess your weight and how it should track.

Your pregnancy symptoms may include:

• swollen, bleeding gums
• side aches caused by your expanding uterus, known as round ligament pain
• nosebleeds
• bloating
• constipation
• indigestion and heartburn
• tender breasts
• leg cramps
• dizziness
• swollen hands and feet
• urinary tract infection
• vaginal infection
• darkened skin or brown patches on the face—this is called chloasma, or the mask of pregnancy
• oilier, more acne-prone skin
• thicker, shinier hair

Symptoms carried over from earlier weeks may continue too:

• morning sickness
• pregnancy cravings
• a heightened sense of smell
• mood swings
• milky white vaginal discharge
• light spotting

Morning sickness and food aversions may start to ease during these weeks, but they don't improve at the same pace for everyone. For some people they can linger a few more weeks.

Occasional cramping can happen during pregnancy. Gas, bloating, and round ligament pain can all cause it. Gentle movement, a warm shower, drinking fluids, or lying down may bring relief. But call your doctor if the cramping doesn't ease after a few minutes of rest, the pain is severe, you have upper abdominal pain, or it comes with other symptoms like fever or dizziness.

A stuffy nose is common in pregnancy. Hormones and increased blood volume can cause it. However, if you have a fever, cough, sore throat, or swollen glands, it could be a cold or another infection.

Because of the increased blood volume in pregnancy, veins on your chest, breasts, and belly may become more visible. Varicose veins can also appear in the legs. These usually fade after birth.

An increase in vaginal discharge can be normal during pregnancy. If the discharge is milky white, thin, and not foul-smelling, it's usually nothing to worry about. But discharge that's gray, yellow, or green, or that comes with pain, itching, or a bad odor, should be checked out.

Heartburn can be linked to the hormonal and physical changes of pregnancy. Avoiding spicy and acidic foods, eating smaller meals, eating slowly, and chewing gum after meals may help some people. If the discomfort persists, talk with your doctor.

Cravings

Not everyone gets pregnancy cravings. When they do happen, they're thought to be linked to hormonal changes and shifts in your sense of taste and smell. The key is to keep eating a balanced diet.

Eating out

When eating out, it's important to choose safe options like well-cooked meat, poultry, and fish. Steer clear of raw or undercooked foods.

Getting enough iron

Your iron needs go up during pregnancy. Red meat, duck, soy products, spinach, dried fruit, and potatoes with the skin on are all good sources of iron. Your doctor should decide whether you need a supplement.

Staying active

If you're feeling better, staying active can help support your energy levels. Exercise doesn't have to be a structured class—taking the stairs or going for a walk can help too. Try not to sit still for long stretches.

Pelvic floor muscles

Strengthening your pelvic floor muscles can be helpful during pregnancy and birth. These exercises can help reduce leaking urine when you cough or sneeze.

Vaginal discharge

The increased vaginal discharge of pregnancy is called leukorrhea. It can be thin, milky in color, and mild-smelling. Rising estrogen and increased blood flow to the pelvic area both play a role in this increase. You can use a panty liner to help keep the area dry, but tampons and douching are not recommended.

Could it be twins?

A belly that looks bigger than you expected doesn't on its own mean you're carrying twins. Your due-date math, bloating, the baby's size, and other factors can all play a part. An ultrasound and follow-up with your doctor are needed for a definite answer.

Urine test

The urine tests done routinely at prenatal checkups can help screen for conditions like gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and urinary tract infections.

Choosing underwear

Because of the increased vaginal discharge, cotton and breathable underwear can feel more comfortable.

A supportive bra

As your breasts grow and become more tender, it can help to choose a comfortable, supportive bra with adjustable straps.