13 Weeks of Pregnancy – Symptoms and Baby/Fetal Development

You have successfully made it to the 13th week of you pregnancy and if you have probably noticed that most of your symptoms which appeared in the 12th week have almost disappeared. Symptoms such as fatigue, mood swings and sickness have probably eased up by now. It is so because your pregnancy related hormones tend to level off by now. And your chance of miscarriage is also relatively lower within the 13th week of pregnancy. Since your nausea and fatigue has reduced by the 13th week, it is likely for you to feel better by now.

In the 13th week, you are very likely to feel more energetic. Most of the women in their 13th week actually loses their fatigue with each passing week but remember that your fatigue will return thus enjoy the high energy as long as you can.

What To Think About This Week:

Well, Well! This is the start of your second trimester. Finally, right? Your symptoms from the past 3 months will now seemingly reduce and you will now feel ahead of all those regular checkups. Now it will all be more sophisticated and not all over the place. You will think mostly about how to take care of yourself in the week to come. Also in your mind will be the thoughts of how people will perceive your extra need for rest, but don’t worry everyone will come around.

See More: Pregnancy Symptoms First Week

Fetal Development of The Baby:

• The growth of your little angel is very fast by the 13th week. If you think about baby size, he is almost close to 3 inches long & weight about 0.8 ounces and looks like a miniature human baby. Although the baby’s head is huge, the body is trying to catch up.
• By the 13 weeks of pregnancy, your little baby’s legs and arms are going longer. 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.
• Your little baby’s toes are now separate and are about the same length. His or her ankle joints have matured but then it is still not that happy time when you actually get to feel your baby’s acrobats.
• Increase in the amniotic fluid – by the 13th week, the amount of amniotic fluid may rise up to 25 ml thus your baby has enough room to move around. This amniotic fluid will increase unless your 32 weeks of pregnancy but then in your last few weeks of pregnancy, the fluid will gradually decrease.
• Since your baby is still developing, your baby’s skin is still transparent that is to say that you can actually see the bones through his or her skin. Even though your baby does not underlying body fat, it will soon change. This is the time when your little angel will start gaining pounds and also his bones will harden.
• This is the time when the left and the right cerebral hemispheres of your baby are beginning to connect. Since each hemisphere controls the opposite side of the body, with the development of the brain, your baby will begin to have to have more control over his or her body. The motor fibres present in his brain will develop first which will be followed by the sensory nerves. The brain takes about ten weeks to develop completely.

Symptoms of 13th Week Pregnancy and How To Overcome:

Some of the symptoms at the 13 weeks of pregnancy are as follows:

Breast Changes:

It’s very common symptoms of pregnancy which last throughout the pregnancy. You must have noticed that your breasts may have developed little bumps which are surrounding the areola. These bumps are known as “Montgomery’s tubercles” and are a very normal change during pregnancy. Keep wearing the loose bra until you feel comfortable and the soreness is gone. The lumps may also go, but you can reduce the discomfort by using ice compress over you cloth.

Round Ligament Pain:

It is the abdominal pain or discomfort caused when you change positions too quickly. Even though it is a common pregnancy symptom experienced in the second trimester by most women, some women feel it earlier. Round ligament pain may feel like sharp pain or cramps or sometimes even a dull ache. It is often experienced on the right side of the abdomen. There are times when some women experience this pain earlier as well. In order to avoid round ligament pain, you should try not to move your positions too quickly. Another thing you need to make sure is that you don’t take oral medications for the pain, since that might risk drug interaction.

See More: 12th Weeks Pregnant Symptoms

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.

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. That would be all, however exercising will add more benefits on your list.

Shortness of Breath:

By now, you might be facing shortness of breath. While it is a little worrisome, it is a very common symptom during pregnancy. And almost 60 to 70 women who are pregnant experience this symptom during their pregnancy.

Although shortness of breath is a common symptom for later stages of pregnancy, some women experience it as early as when they are in their 13th week. And just to keep you not worrying anymore, this shortness of breath will disappear once your little angel is born.

Shortness of breath may become more severe when you are sitting down hence it would be advisable for you to stand up in order to provide more space to your lungs. Also you could raise your hands over your head to put the pressure off your rib cage.

Things can get difficult, but these symptoms are quite common among pregnant women all around the world. This may not be so serious issue but informed this to your doctor. The main reason behind this is because of increased supply of blood in mucous layers. There is no ending solution to this situation. To fix this issue is to carry tissues everywhere with you, so that rub your nose isn’t a problem. Do ensure not to carry a handkerchief as those might contain bacteria and can make things worse. You may also find that you are sneezing constantly. No need to get embarrass; just make sure that you keep tissues to rescue.

See More: 19 Weeks Pregnant

13th Week Activities:

The risk of miscarriage at this stage is mostly done with, and so you can finally relax and deal with your own scenario of activities that you have left pending so far. This may include a quick trip to the hospital without tripping on the way, going out and about and exercising. Most of your activities now will be limited, and you need to do your best to get all the rest you can.

Diet and Exercise For The 13th Week:

Every week of pregnancy will bring in new changes in the development of your baby and it will also bring different symptoms in your health. Since your baby is developing every day, it is wise to follow a healthy lifestyle now. The foods that you eat will have a direct impact on the health of your baby thus if you consume alcohol, it will only deteriorate the condition of your baby and probably slow his or her growth.

Diet:

1. Fresh Fruits and vegetables:

Till now your child will grow to a considerable amount so you need to include fresh fruits and vegetables like bananas, oranges, apples, broccoli, spinach and beans in your diet along with some rice and cornflakes.

2. Raw Products:

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

3. More Consumption of  Water:

Keeping your body hydrated at this stage is equally important and you can’t neglect this as now you have to support another life inside you. Water is an important liquid to fight with the harm that comes your way. It additionally helps you remain more full for long, thus preventing you from putting on abundance weight.

4. Consumption of  Vitamin C:

Citrus fruits like lemon and oranges contain more vitamin C so including these products in your diet can make it easier for your body to absorb the nutrients. You can also go for grapefruit according to availability of this item.

5. Meats:

You should prefer lean meats as it contain proteins which is required by you. It also helps to increase metabolism and energy rate. You should avoid eating seafoods and pork since they can harm the baby.

Exercises:

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

1. Belly Expansion:

By resting your back against the wall 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 pelvic region. Doing high squat will be right in your situation as there are various methods of squats.

3. Sleeping:

It might appear to be unusual, however at this phase with the baby bump coming straight up, sleeping in your typical position will be troublesome and more like a practice you need to master. Stretching during this period provides flexibility and strength.

4. Walking:

Walking is considered as the most dependable exercise during pregnancy months. It allows 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 become easier for you to work for the following couple of months to come and the increasing baby bump.

Sex During Pregnancy In 13h Week:

Yes, this week is perfectly safe for you to indulge in sexual activities. 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. A little closeness is constantly welcome as long as know and understand the dangers of compression and delivery. Try not to worry about your child however; his sac will guard him.

Tips To Overcome Stress During Pregnancy:

• Second trimester is here and so are the financial issues that need a lookout. Do attend to them right away, to be free from the next few months of stress.
• You have to start practicing the best forms of calming techniques; this might be a favorite 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 advices but don’t let that stress you out and take over your clear judgement.
• 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 homebirth.

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.

Tips and Precautions:

1. Right now, everyone must be forcing you to eat all you can since you have to support two. That might make you gain weight. Do try to keep your options open in your diet department, but don’t gulp down all you get in your fridge.
2. Do not lose track of your body needs. Indulge in a proper diet that includes the veggies and proteins in its natural sources. Steer clear of supplements as much as possible.
3. You might need a lot of sunscreen from this week on to keep yourself and your baby safe every time you step out for checkups in the sun.
4. Medicines need to be taken with care, as it can otherwise lead to harmful interactions, now that your baby is developing so quick and steady.
5. Drink more water and sleep more than usual, to give your body the rest it needs, because soon enough, you won’t get much of the latter.

Though pregnancy is a beautiful time, it comes with its perks. The changes in your body which you do not understand, the incomprehensible mood swings and cravings and so many more but at the end of it, all of these are worth it. Also bear in mind, if you have any doubts or are facing any unexplained discomfort, please consult your doctor as soon as possible in order to avoid any sort of disaster later.