13 Weeks Pregnant: Symptoms, Belly Size & Ultrasound

13 weeks pregnant is a milestone to celebrate and savor. Find out what to expect when you’re 13 weeks pregnant, find out whether you can feel baby yet and what your uterus looks like. What size is a 12-week-pregnant uterus? What are the 8th week symptoms? When does baby start to move?

Your baby at week 13 of pregnancy

This week is an important one for your baby-to-be. In terms of her development, she is no longer an embryo but a fetus. Every day, she looks and acts more and more like a baby. She looks like she is resting because her eyelids have formed and joined together, but her arms and legs move and twitch (though you probably can’t feel it yet). She can also sucking her thumb.

Your child is about as big as an egg. She’s getting bigger and heavier. She now weighs about.5 to.8 ounces and is about 3 inches long (crown to rump).

13 weeks pregnant is how many months?

When you are 13 weeks pregnant, you are officially in 3 months of your pregnancy. Just another 6 months to go! Congratulations, you’ve already made great progress!

How big is your baby at 13 weeks pregnant?

At 13 weeks your baby, or foetus, is about 7.4 cm long, which is about the size of a peach or a lemon. About 25g, which is about the same weight as a toothbrush with toothpaste on it.

Your baby’s head is now about half the size of his crown-to-rump length. That’s one reason why your baby looks more and more like an alien at this point. By the time you give birth, his body will have caught up and will be three-quarters of the size it will be at birth.

But don’t compare your baby to the baby next door. In the next week or so, babies will start to grow at different rates. Some will grow faster than others, and some will grow more slowly, but they will all follow the same path.

13 weeks pregnant: baby’s development

Evidence suggests that a fetus can feel pain as early as 13 weeks after conception. In contrast to the widespread distribution of touch receptors, pain receptors evolve at a later stage than their non-specialist counterparts.

Between 8 and 15 weeks post conception, pain receptors begin to form in the hands and oral cavity. The appearance of substance P and enkephalins, two pain-processing-specific neurotransmitters, has been observed as early as 8-10 weeks after conception and 10-12 weeks after conception, respectively.

Further, the spinal cord and thalamus, which are linked to the basic pain receptors, can be seen as early as 13 weeks after conception. Although the cortex is not yet fully formed, the thalamus, insula, and brainstem are all mature enough to process pain by the time a fetus is 13 weeks old. The available data imply that a fetus can now experience pain.

In weeks 13 and 14, many sensory systems begin to interpret basic information. At 12 weeks after conception, the olfactory bulb, which is responsible for processing odors, begins to acquire its layered structure.

12–13 weeks after conception, tastebuds begin to cluster in functional taste pores and connect to cranial nerves, increasing the likelihood that the fetus may taste the amniotic fluid at this point.

The fetus, at 13 to 14 weeks after conception, will drink more sweet amniotic fluid and less bitter fluid. By 13 weeks following conception, each sense has evolved to a certain extent.

Your body at 13 weeks pregnant

Hooray! You should be experiencing less morning sickness now, and the chance of miscarriage is less likely. As you enter your second trimester, you will feel both relief and reality. There’s no doubt about it – you’re having a baby! Now that the high-risk period has passed, it’s probably time to make some pregnancy announcements. That is, if you’ve been able to keep the big news a secret. And if there’s a big brother or sister in the house, now is the time to let siblings know that a baby is on the way.

It’s time to celebrate! You’re almost through your first trimester. Some of your aches and pains may finally be disappearing. As nausea fades, hunger takes its place – pregnancy cravings are often felt now. As your uterus expands, you may also experience heartburn, indigestion, and flatulence.

A Reason to Celebrate

The second trimester of a pregnancy is often the most joyful for women since discomforts like nausea give way to charming baby bumps and an alluring pregnant glow.

Here are a few reasons why you’re feeling so good:

Disappearing nausea: Although it’s not uncommon for morning sickness to linger into the second trimester, your sick days are probably coming to an end. The reason why? Your body has become accustomed to the increased hormones propelling you into baby-mode.

Increased appetite: Now that your nausea is on the way out, it’s time to enjoy food again. You may notice that your appetite grows along with your baby-to-be. Bring on the ice cream and pickles!

Growing baby bump: Your body’s changing inside and out to accommodate your developing baby. Your internal organs shift positions to make room for an expanding uterus, and your skin stretches to allow your bump to grow outward. You’re finally not just feeling pregnant—you’re looking pregnant, too! “Showing” is probably a relief. People are more likely to hold the door open for you, pass on a sympathetic smile, and even let you cut in line at the grocery store.

Lessening breast tenderness: Your breasts went through a big growth spurt during your first trimester that may have left them sore and uncomfortable. They most likely will not increase in size during the second trimester (but they may fill out more); you may notice some “starter” milk or colostrum leaking out of your nipples later in the second trimester as your body readies for baby.

While some pregnancy symptoms fade with time, others don’t. You’ll still need to take plenty of trips to the bathroom as your growing baby-to-be puts pressure on your bladder. You’re also going to continue to feel tired—unfortunately that’s a constant during pregnancy—but your baby bump is still small enough that you should be able to rest comfortably. So give yourself a break and relax!

13 Weeks Pregnant: Wellness and Nutrition

What should you avoid during pregnancy? Doctors agree that you should avoid the following:

Activities that may cause you to fall, or that place pressure or force on your belly
Intense, overly vigorous exercise – if you’re too out of breath to talk, you’re probably exercising too hard.
Drinking alcohol, smoking, and caffeine (ask your doctor how much caffeine you should consume each day)
Sweeteners such as saccharine and herbal sweeteners (ask your doctor if artificial sweeteners are appropriate)

Prescription and over-the-counter medications (check with your doctor about what’s safe during pregnancy)
Paint, cleaning products, and solvents can expose you to chemicals and fumes. Acrylic and latex paints are generally considered safe. However, you should consult your doctor before helping around the house or in the nursery.
Saunas and hot tubs
Chemical treatments for your hair, such as dye and perms

Early pregnancy symptoms at 13 weeks

At the end of the first trimester, or week 13, you will enter a new phase of your pregnancy. The second trimester of pregnancy consists of months four through six. This week, you should begin to feel less anxious.. Some women feel nauseous and tired right away, while others don’t begin to experience symptoms until later in the first trimester. At this stage of your pregnancy, you may continue to experience physical symptoms,

Breast changes and tenderness

Tenderness and slight alterations in the shape of your breasts are common pregnancy symptoms around the 13th week. The hormones estrogen and progesterone are responsible for these alterations, which help your body get ready for breastfeeding after giving birth. You might find that your breasts are more sensitive to touch and feel fuller than usual.

Fatigue (constant tiredness or weakness)

One of the most typical symptoms of early pregnancy is fatigue, which frequently starts at this point. Although there are many causes of exhaustion during pregnancy (including changes in hormone levels), some research indicates that inadequate sleep brought on by nighttime awakenings from unpleasant sleeping positions may also be a role.

Heartburn or gas

There may be a rise in heartburn and flatulence during the 13th week of pregnancy. This is because progesterone produces a decrease in the tone of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) muscle, which typically prevents stomach acid from entering the esophagus. This can cause heartburn and discomfort by allowing stomach acid to flow back up into the esophagus. Try spreading your meals out more, staying away from items that are known to cause heartburn (such spicy foods), and drinking lots of water.

Mood swings and crying spells

The 13th week of pregnancy is a vulnerable time for women, when they are more likely to experience mood swings and crying spells. Until your hormone levels settle, this will have an impact on your mental and emotional well-being. This is a common occurrence for pregnant women; one study indicated that 75% of women felt emotional shifts like irritability or depression in the first trimester.

Food cravings, aversions, or both

During your 13th week of pregnancy, It’s common to crave foods that are high in protein, such as meat and cheese, which are essential for your baby’s development. You may also have strong aversions to certain foods, like vegetables or fruits that you normally enjoy eating but now find repulsive. This is normal—just make sure you don’t completely eliminate any food groups from your diet.

Pregnant stretch marks

In the 13th week of pregnancy, stretch marks, sometimes called striae gravidarum, may occur on the belly. Stretch marks form when the skin is forced apart and then stretched beyond its natural elasticity, as happens during rapid growth or weight gain (like pregnancy)

Indigestion, or constipation

During the 13th week of pregnancy, you may suffer gastrointestinal issues like indigestion or constipation. Pregnancy hormones like progesterone and estrogen might increase the likelihood of gastrointestinal issues including indigestion. These hormones slow down digestion by relaxing the digestive tract, preventing food from being swallowed whole. You can reduce the frequency and severity of indigestion during pregnancy by cutting out on high-fat and sugary foods and eating more often, smaller meals (like sweets or fried foods).

Increase in visible veins

In most cases, varicose veins in pregnant women are quite safe. They occur because of stress on the big vein (the inferior vena cava) that transports blood from the lower body to the heart. Itching, discomfort, and even pain are possible side effects of having varicose veins. Thankfully, once you’ve given birth, they typically disappear. Varicose veins can be treated if they cause you discomfort or pain. If you have any questions regarding how to treat your particular symptoms, you should talk to a doctor.

No symptoms at 13 weeks pregnant

Yes, it is possible to be 13 weeks pregnant with no obvious signs of pregnancy at all! It’s important to remember that every pregnant lady is unique. If you’re one of the happy few who never gets morning sickness, for instance, you may relax and enjoy your pregnancy. But if you do have symptoms, you should definitely pay heed to them. If you are pregnant and have any health concerns, you should always consult your doctor.

13 weeks pregnant belly size (baby bumb)

Your baby, or foetus, is around 7.4cm long, or the size of a peach. The weight is around 25g, which is comparable to the weight of a toothbrush with toothpaste on it. Your uterus has risen into your abdominal cavity as it has increased in size and begun to occupy your pelvis (resulting in the typical smooth oval that you may be able to feel).

And this has another consequence: if you’ve been urinating more than usual in the last few months, it’s because your uterus has been placing pressure on your bladder, which should start to relax as the uterus climbs farther up your body.

13 weeks pregnant ultrasound

This scan will also look for any abnormalities in the fetus. Head, spine, body, stomach, bladder, legs, arms, hands, and feet will all be examined. It is vital to remember that at this point, abnormalities of the heart, kidneys, and face will not be visible.

Between weeks 10 and 14, a procedure known as a nuchal translucency screening, or NT scan, can be carried out. Your doctor will utilize ultrasonography to assess the likelihood of Down syndrome in your unborn child during this diagnostic procedure.

Blood testing can be performed to evaluate the risk for further hereditary diseases. Gender determination during the first trimester might be done in addition to other testing.

Preparing for Pregnancy

Start your pregnancy out on the right foot by taking prenatal vitamins, consuming enough of orange juice (which is a good source of folic acid), and engaging in regular physical activity.

Do not drink alcohol, use drugs, or smoke cigarettes if you are trying to conceive; you may not know when you became pregnant. Talk to your doctor about whether or not any medications, including those you use regularly, pose any risk to your unborn child.

The importance of prenatal vitamins during pregnancy

During pregnancy, you need a greater amount of folic acid and iron. Why? Here are some reasons:

Folic acid prevents neural tube defects

These defects affect the fetal brain and spinal cord in a significant way. Preferably, you should begin taking extra folic acid three months before you become pregnant.

The placenta and baby require iron to develop

The body uses iron to make blood to supply oxygen to the baby. Additionally, iron helps prevent anemia, a condition in which the blood lacks healthy red blood cells

It’s important to consult your doctor or healthcare provider to find out which are the best prenatal vitamins to take before pregnancy, and how to calculate your expected delivery date.