13 Weeks Pregnant- Symptoms and Baby/Fetal Development

The progress of your baby and pregnancy is determined from the size and growth of your baby. You baby is now the size of a lemon and this means, you have successfully completed your first trimester. All the symptoms and sickness you probably would have experienced until 12th week, will not be around anymore. At 13 weeks pregnant your baby will also now begin to develop his/her vocal cords, teeth and his/her fingerprints too!

What happens to your body and the belly? Here is a look into all that will happen to you this week.

Table of Content:

• Months and trimester || What to Think || Signs and Symptoms ||
• Fetal Development || Activities || Diet || Exercises ||
• How To Overcome Stress || Medical Treatments || Tips and Precautions ||
• Tests and Scan || Risks || Checklists || Pregnant with Twins ||

13 Week Pregnant is How Many Months and What Trimester is It?

13 weeks pregnant means you are in the last month of the first trimester. A 13-week pregnant baby’s size is usually that of a lemon. The baby is now about 2.9 inches long and 0.81 ounces in weight. Symptoms such as fatigue, mood swings and sickness would have vanished, if not completely. Your chance of miscarriage is also relatively lower within the 13th week of pregnancy. This week, you will feel a lot more relaxed and better with all that new that is happening to you.

In this week, you are very likely to feel more energetic. Remember that your fatigue is not entirely gone and will return thus enjoy the high energy as long as you can.

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What to Think About This Week:

You will now need to plan about your check-ups. Also, you will have to focus on getting ample rest. You might finally feel a little good, with all the frequent fatigue, vomiting, 13 weeks pregnant symptoms gone. Start taking meditation or light yoga after consulting your doctor.

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13 Week Pregnant: Signs and Symptoms

Some of the symptoms at 13 weeks of pregnancy are as follows. Our list includes both physical and psychological changes.

1. Breast Changes:

Your breast will continually undergo a lot of changes. Your breasts will have little bumps around the areola. These bumps are known as “Montgomery’s tubercles” and are a normal change during pregnancy. Continue to wear a loose bra until you feel comfortable and the soreness is gone. If the lumps hurt, an ice compress will help heal the pain.

See More: 12th Weeks Pregnant Symptoms

2. Ligament Pain:

Round ligament pain may feel like sharp pain or cramps or sometimes even a dull ache. You will experience on the right side of the abdomen. One way to avoid round ligament pain is by not moving your positions too quickly. Medication is not advised as it can interfere with drug interaction.

3. Pregnancy Gingivitis:

Since your body has doubled the blood circulation now, swollen and tender gums may be a common experience during pregnancy. It can also soften the gums and cause minor irritation while you are flossing or brushing your teeth. To overcome the situation you are put in right now, the best thing to do is limit the speed at which you brush. This will avoid careless cuts. Since otherwise, not only will these cuts lead to infection, but the bacteria forming might also go down with your food to your stomach.

4. Weight Gain:

Weight gain is very normal during pregnancy. By the 13th week, you should be aiming to gain 25 to 30 pounds and this is the recommended weight gain. Switch over to healthy foods to overcome the excess weight gain, however, exercising will add more benefits on your list.

5. Shortness of Breath

Shortness of breath happens throughout your pregnancy. In the first trimester, the high level of progesterone can make your breathing really difficult as the body is adjusting to the new hormones. This is usual. One way to avoid this is to actually give your lungs a lot of space for breathing. Sit up straight and sleep on high levels so that it can expand the space in your abdominal area.

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Fetal Development of the Baby:

• Your baby is now 3 inches long and weight is about 0.8 ounces and looks like a miniature human baby. The head at this point will be big and the rest of the body will catch up with time.
• By the 13 weeks of pregnancy, your little baby’s legs and arms are growing. The muscle control of your baby is also improving. Even though your baby has very little control over his or her muscles now, he or she is probably flipping, kicking and flopping by now.
• His/her toes are now separate and are about the same length. The baby’s ankles would have also taken shape and are mature.
• You will notice that the amniotic fluid level would have risen by now and this means the baby now has a lot of space to move inside. The level rises up to 25ml. This amniotic fluid will increase in these weeks of pregnancy but then in your last few weeks of pregnancy, the fluid will gradually decrease.
• At this point, you will also be able to see the bones of the baby, even though the skin has developed. The skin will be transparent, thus giving you a view. This is also the week, where the baby will gain some pounds and make his/her bones stronger.
• This period will have the left and the right cerebral hemispheres of the baby connecting. Since each hemisphere controls the opposite side of the body, with the development of the brain, your baby will begin to have more control over his or her body. The motor fibres present in its brain will develop first, followed by the sensory nerves. The brain takes about ten weeks to develop completely.

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13th Week Activities:

You don’t have to worry about a miscarriage at this point. You have crossed this stage and therefore you can relax and not be tensed. Schedule your next visit to the hospital. You can also think about exercises.

See More: Pregnancy Symptoms 14th Week

13 Weeks Pregnant Belly:

At this time, your uterus is big and is developing to grow out of your pelvis. That means you will officially start looking pregnant! You are also supposed to put on some weight in this week and therefore it is a must you check that up and follow it.

Baby Position:

You can now feel your baby and your baby will cutely be cuddled inside the uterus, with his feet touching his face.

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Diet and Exercise for the 13th Week:

Diet and exercise always go hand in hand, whether you are pregnant or not. It is important to exercise caution on what you eat. Remember to eat guilt-free, as you need a lot of nutrition right now. Exercise will keep you fit and will also help relax the muscles.

Diet:

1. Fresh Fruits and vegetables:

Include fresh fruits and vegetables like bananas, oranges, apples, broccoli, spinach and beans in your diet along with some rice and cornflakes more in your diet.

2. Raw Products:

More nutrients are found in raw products that are lost when boiled. Your specialist may likewise recommend you vitamins to check your nourishment. So try to fulfil your desires by eating raw fruits and vegetables.

3. Intake of Water:

Remember to stay hydrated throughout. Your body now needs water for increased and enhanced metabolism. Besides, it will also make sure you eat less of junk at odd times, as it can keep you full for a long time.

4. Vitamin C:

Citrus fruits like lemon and oranges contain more vitamin C. Remember to include them in your diet. It will make it easier for your body to absorb the nutrients. Grapefruit is an excellent source of vitamin C.

5. Meats:

You should prefer lean meat as it contains proteins that you may need at this point. It also helps to increase metabolism and energy rate. Avoid seafood and pork since they can harm the baby.

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Exercises:

To keep your body healthy and fit during this period, you should practice some exercise that mainly focuses on your abs and allows for better posture. Here is a list of a few exercises that you can try:

1. Belly Expansion:

Rest your back against the wall and fold your legs. Keep your hands on your knee folds. While bringing your belly closer to your body inhale in and hold your breath for 5 seconds than inhale out. Repeat this procedure for 5 rounds.

2. Squat:

Squat helps to better your posture and gives space for expansion to the pelvic region. Doing high squat will be right in your situation as there are various methods of squats.

3. Sleeping:

Consult your doctor for an ideal sleeping position. It is a must because it not only is a form of exercise, but also a way to ensure the safety of the baby.

4. Walking:

Walking is considered as the most dependable exercise during pregnancy months. It allows the body to be active the whole time and also you get time for yourself.

5. Adjust The Stomach:

Breathe in through your nose and hold your breath. Try to adjust the centre gravity so it becomes easier for you to work for the following couple of months to come and the increasing baby bump.

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Sex During Pregnancy in 13h Week:

Sex d this week is safe. Your baby is being well kept in his amniotic sac. In fact, orgasms can trigger your hormones and keep the things in your uterus going well. However, hefty positions need to be avoided as there is a lot of trouble that might keep you up otherwise.

See More: 15Th Week Pregnancy Developments

How To Overcome Stress During Pregnancy:

• The second trimester is here and so are the financial issues that need a lookout. To attend to them right away, to be free from the next few months of stress.
• You have to start practising the best forms of calming techniques; this might be a favourite movie or a concert. Anything that relaxes you. Go out one day of the week to de-stress.
• You must have made a support group by now. Stick to their advice but don’t let that stress you out and take over your clear judgment.
• Yoga and exercising is your friend at this stage. These will help you cut out on stress well.
• Talk to your midwife or check and book for one if you plan for a home birth.

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Thirteen Weeks Pregnant Medical Treatments and Checkup:

Your medical tests will now be done to determine if your baby is fit and has deformities. Usually, blood tests are preferred for the same. Often, there can be slight discomfort through pregnancy and a few medicines are recommended by most through these 9 months.

Some of These Drugs Are:

1. Fever- paracetamol or Acyclovir. Consulting your doctor would be a smart move.

2. Heartburn– Antacids.

3. Constipation- Do avoid laxatives and mineral oil. You can take drugs like Metamucil.

4. Cough- Dextromethorphan.

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Tips and Precautions in 13 Weeks Pregnant Baby Development:

1. Keep a lot of options stacked up in your fridge and try to reduce the intake of everything you lay your hands on. This way, you can save yourselves from gaining some pounds.
2. Do not lose track of your body needs. Indulge in a proper diet that includes veggies and proteins in its natural sources. Steer clear of supplements as much as possible.
3. Sunscreen is good now. When you head out anywhere, apply sunscreen. This will protect your baby from the harmful UV rays and will also protect your skin.
4. Exercise caution on your medicines. Now that the baby is developing, anything not prescribed by the doctor can be harmful.
5. Drink more water and sleep more than usual, to give your body the rest it needs, because soon enough, you will not get much of the latter.

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Medical Tests and Scan While 13 Weeks Pregnancy:

A 13 week pregnant ultrasound will mean the doctor can make out the gender of the baby. However, it can be challenging to make out because of the baby’s tiny parts and thus the doctors wait until 18 to 22 weeks.

Bones start developing in the arms and legs. The baby’s intestine will also start to show some changes. The placenta grows. The vocal cords start to develop. A 13-week pregnant scan is an essential one to see if the baby is healthy and how the mother is doing.

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What Risks Can You Expect in 13 Weeks Pregnant Mother and Child?

Fatigue is a common thing to experience in your 13th month. Miscarriage in the 13th week or even before is fairly common.

While there are no major risks, constipation and morning sickness is a commonly considered risk. Heartburn and indigestion are also observed among expectant mothers. Food cravings and aversions become even stronger than ever.

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Checklists During 13th Week Pregnancy:

Here is a quick list to keep handy.

1.  If you have another child, it is time you start preparing him/her for the child.
2.  Make changes to your pregnancy work out.
3. It will be good to inform your boss about it so that taking maternity will be easy.
4. Start thinking about child care
5.  Watch your diet. Make sure you eat all the essential nutrients and remain charged throughout the day.

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13 Weeks Pregnant with Twins:

A 13-week pregnant scan can reveal if you have twins. It is also known before.

•  Make sure to drink one gallon of water every day.
•  Prepare yourselves for the fatigue you may experience.
•  Make changes to your diet and include a lot of energy-giving foods.
• You may also start to develop back pain.

Talk to a good doctor to get your remedies sorted. They will sure be handy.

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Pregnancy is sure a good time. With all the love and attention, there is also an added joy of the arrival of your babies in another 7 months. Prepare yourself for this. Keep yourself positively spirited and try to stay stress-free. Some music sure helps. Take a warm bath and wear loose clothes. Enjoy your journey until the next one comes.