Week thirteen is an exciting one in your pregnancy. Your baby’s development is progressing quickly, with your baby’s vocal cords and your baby’s intestines developing. Your second trimester sees the start of a baby bump as your womb and baby grow!
You might experience headaches, constipation, and food cravings. You might also get some food cravings and painful urination; make sure you see your doctor to avoid any urinary tract infections setting in. But what else happens during your thirteenth week of pregnancy?
We are here to tell you! Keep reading to see what happens during pregnancy week thirteen, including your common symptoms and what your body is doing!
What’s Coming Up In The Article?
- What Does It Mean To Be 13 Weeks Pregnant?
- Can You Detect Pregnancy At 13 Weeks?
- Should You Get An Ultrasound At 13 Weeks Pregnant?
- Can You Detect A Heartbeat At 13 Weeks Pregnant?
- What Are The Common Symptoms When You Are 13 Weeks Pregnant?
- How Big Is A Baby At 13 Weeks Pregnant?
- What Are The Common Miscarriage Symptoms At 13 Weeks Pregnant?
- What Precautions Should I Take To Maintain My Health At 13 Weeks Pregnant?
- How Do You Calculate Your Due Date From 13 Weeks Pregnant?
- What Body Changes Should You Expect At 13 Weeks Pregnant?
- How Can You Prepare For Pregnancy?
Key Points
- The baby is about the size of a lemon at thirteen weeks
- The baby now has vocal cords, facial expressions, and maybe sucking its thumb
- The common early pregnancy symptoms include constipation, bloating, food cravings, and painful urination
- The increased blood flow can raise your body temperature, leaving you feeling hotter
- There is no need to eat more than usual; following a healthy diet will provide your baby with the nutrients it needs
- The first ultrasound should be booked if you haven’t already had one
- The blood test to screen for Down’s Syndrome should also be booked if you haven’t already had one
What Does It Mean To Be 13 Weeks Pregnant?
At thirteen weeks pregnant, you are entering your second trimester! You have now missed three periods and are over a third of the way into your pregnancy. A small baby bump now appears as your womb and baby continue to grow! Pressure or heaviness could be felt around your vagina as your pelvic floor muscles adapt to your growing womb.
Your baby has now grown to the size of a peach, with its head and baby’s body almost the same size as one another. Many women experience bloating and constipation this week, with food cravings starting to happen.
Swollen and bleeding gums can also happen; you must take care and use a soft brush when brushing your teeth. You can speak to your dentist about this if you have any concerns.
The symptoms from your first trimester, like tiredness and morning sickness, will subside, and many women tend to have more energy and even the pregnancy glow we always hear about!
Can You Detect Pregnancy At 13 Weeks?
Yes, you can detect pregnancy at thirteen weeks pregnant. At thirteen weeks, pregnancy can be detected in two ways. You can take a home pregnancy test if you have not already done so. Home pregnancy tests measure the levels of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels in your urine. hCG is one of the pregnancy hormones that your body produces in the first three to four months of pregnancy.
When the levels are high enough, it triggers a positive pregnancy test result. You can also have pregnancy confirmed by a blood test. Your doctor will use the test to measure the hCG levels in your blood to confirm a pregnancy. Your doctor might also perform an ultrasound to confirm your pregnancy at this stage.
The ultrasound wouldn’t only show you your baby but hear their heartbeat for the first time! It will also date your pregnancy, providing an estimated due date if you aren’t sure when your last period was.
Should You Get An Ultrasound At 13 Weeks Pregnant?
You should get an ultrasound at thirteen weeks pregnant if you have not already had one. An ultrasound is usually performed towards the end of your first trimester, but it can be as late as thirteen to fourteen weeks.
You can see your baby’s development on an ultrasound at thirteen weeks; their arms will have developed, with hands with fingers, elbows, and wrists visible. Your ultrasound will measure the length of your baby and can help to date your pregnancy if you are unsure how far along you are.
The ultrasound can also provide more information if it is your first ultrasound. It will check for abnormalities, how many babies there are, the baby’s position, and hear the heartbeat. At thirteen weeks, you can see your baby’s anatomy in great detail; it can be quite surprising if you have never had one before!
Are There Any Scans Or Tests I Should Consider At 13 Weeks Pregnant?
Some tests should be considered at thirteen weeks pregnant if you have not already had your first ultrasound or tests performed by your doctor. A blood test should be performed to determine your blood type rH factor, test for anemia and sexually transmitted diseases.
You will also be offered a nuchal translucency (NT) ultrasound alongside a blood test, which screens for Down’s Syndrome. You can also be tested for sickle cell disease and other genetic conditions if you have not already. Genetic screening is optional, but if you have a history of genetic conditions in your family, it is worth having these tests.
Your doctor can provide more guidance about the tests you should consider at thirteen weeks pregnant.
Can You Detect A Heartbeat At 13 Weeks?
Yes, you can detect a heartbeat at thirteen weeks pregnant! At thirteen weeks, an ultrasound will detect your baby’s heartbeat. Most parents will have heard their baby’s heartbeat at their first ultrasound if they have had the scan already.
The heart rate is slowing and will reach an average of 150 beats per minute (bpm) at thirteen weeks. The heartbeat will sound slightly slower than if you heard it earlier in pregnancy and is normal.
What Are The Common Pregnancy Symptoms At 13 Weeks Pregnant?
At 13 weeks pregnant, the common pregnancy symptoms include food cravings, feeling bloated or constipated, and painful urination. You might crave foods you don’t eat often or weird combinations; it varies from person to person!
Eating foods high in fibre and staying hydrated can help with your feeling of constipation and help with bloating. Painful urination or a burning sensation can indicate a urinary tract infection (UTI).
These are common in pregnancy and should be treated immediately to prevent the infection from reaching your bladder. Antibiotics are typically given as a treatment, and you should stay hydrated to help you pass urine more comfortably.
Is There Any Change To HCG Levels At 13 Weeks Pregnant?
Your hCG levels will start to drop around 13 weeks pregnant. The average hCG levels are between 9,000 and 210,000 u/L.
Should I Expect Any Cramping At 13 Weeks Pregnant?
You might experience cramping at 13 weeks pregnant. This could be around your belly, known as round ligament pains as your womb expands. You might also notice leg cramps.
Will I Experience Morning Sickness At 13 Weeks Pregnant?
Morning sickness tends to happen during the first trimester, but you can still experience some morning sickness at 13 weeks pregnant.
Will My Breasts Feel Tender At 13 Weeks Pregnant?
Your breasts might feel tender or sore at 13 weeks pregnant. They might also ache or feel full.
Will I Have Food Cravings At 13 Weeks Pregnant?
Food cravings can happen at thirteen weeks pregnant. These can happen at any point in your pregnancy, so don’t panic if you haven’t experienced food cravings yet.
Will I Pass Urine More Frequently At 13 Weeks Pregnant?
You might pass urine more frequently at thirteen weeks pregnant. This can worsen as your pregnancy progresses and your expanding womb presses on your bladder.
Will I Feel Tiredness Or Fatigue At 13 Weeks Pregnant?
Tiredness or fatigue can still happen at thirteen weeks pregnant, but you should have more energy than in the first trimester of pregnancy.
Will I Feel Bloated At 13 Weeks Pregnant?
You will likely feel bloated at thirteen weeks pregnant. You might also feel constipated alongside your bloating.
Will I Get A Headache At 13 Weeks Pregnant?
Headaches are common at thirteen weeks pregnant and could happen to you. Women who suffer from headaches before pregnancy are likely to notice headaches more.
Will I Experience A Metallic Taste In My Mouth At 13 Weeks Pregnant?
You might experience a metallic taste in your mouth at thirteen weeks pregnant. While it tends to happen at the early stages of pregnancy, it can occur throughout your pregnancy.
Will I Have A Heightened Sense Of Smell At 13 Weeks Pregnant?
A heightened sense of smell can occur at thirteen weeks pregnant, although it is more common during the first trimester of pregnancy.
Can You Experience Shortness Of Breath At 13 Weeks Pregnant?
Shortness of breath typically happens later in your pregnancy. Speak to your doctor if you experience shortness of breath at thirteen weeks pregnant.
Is It Normal To Get Diarrhea At 13 Weeks Pregnant?
Diarrhea can happen at thirteen weeks pregnant. It is unlikely to be related to your pregnancy and could be a food allergy, food poisoning, or a stomach bug.
Can You Get Vaginal Discharge At 13 Weeks Pregnant?
Vaginal discharge can happen at thirteen weeks pregnant. This will typically be a white, milky discharge.
Will I Experience Lower Back Pain At 13 Weeks Pregnant?
Lower back pain can happen at thirteen weeks pregnant. You might also notice pains on the side of your stomach.
Will I Experience Mood Swings At 13 Weeks Pregnant?
Mood swings can still happen at thirteen weeks pregnant. You should notice that your mood swings improve as your hormone levels drop.
Is Spotting Normal At 13 Weeks Pregnant?
Spotting can still happen at thirteen weeks pregnant. You should speak to your doctor about light spotting or bleeding at thirteen weeks pregnant.
What Other Symptoms Are Common When 13 Weeks Pregnant?
Other symptoms at thirteen weeks pregnant include:
- Thicker and shinier hair
- Spotty and oily skin
- Darked skin or brown patches on your face
- Vaginal infection
- Urine infections
- Swollen feet and hands
- Dizziness
- Feeling hotter than normal
- Nosebleeds
- Swollen and bleeding gums
How Big Is A Baby At 13 Weeks Pregnant?
At thirteen weeks pregnant, your baby is the size of a peach. They are around 7.4 cm long and look more like a baby daily! They are moving around, too, with the movements looking random and jerky if you spot them on an ultrasound.
Your baby’s head balances out in size with the rest of its body. Its ovaries or testes fully develop inside, and some tweaks are happening outside. Your baby might be sucking their thumb in the womb. It helps to develop their sucking reflex, which they need to feed.
Can You Feel The Baby At 13 Weeks Pregnant?
While your baby is moving more and growing, it will likely be another few weeks before you can feel your baby. You might experience cramping or some pain, but this is more likely to be your expanding womb than your baby.
What Are The Common Symptoms Of Miscarriage At 13 Weeks Pregnant?
The common symptoms of miscarriage at thirteen weeks include vaginal bleeding and cramping or pain in your lower abdomen. There might also be tissue in the blood coming from your vagina.
The bleeding is likely to start light and then become heavy very quickly. Any pregnancy symptoms you had, like morning sickness or sore breasts, will also pass.
Speak to your doctor immediately if you experience bleeding and cramping at thirteen weeks pregnant.
What Are The Chances Of Miscarriage At 13 Weeks Pregnant?
The chances of miscarriage at thirteen weeks pregnant is around 1.3%. According to Datayze’s Miscarriage Probability Chart, your likelihood of miscarriage falls as you move into your second trimester.
This average does not consider factors like age, weight, and previous miscarriages or complications, which can impact your chances of a miscarriage. Speak to your doctor about this if you have any concerns.
What Precautions Should I Take To Maintain My Health At 13 Weeks Pregnant?
You can take several precautions to maintain your health at thirteen weeks pregnant; let’s look at them now.
Take Prenatal Vitamins
You should continue taking your prenatal vitamins at thirteen weeks pregnant. You can continue taking folic acid if it is part of your multivitamin, but you don’t need the high dose you did in the first trimester.
You can also take a vitamin D supplement if you are pregnant throughout the winter, as your chances of obtaining vitamin D naturally through the sun are lower in winter.
Enjoy A Healthy And Balanced Diet
As your body and baby grow, fuel them with the right foods. Eating a healthy and balanced diet will ensure your baby gets the nutrients it needs and you are fueled for your pregnancy.
Enjoy a diet of lean protein, healthy fats, fruits and vegetables, and carbohydrates. At this stage, you don’t need to eat any extra calories; aim for 2,000 a day unless told otherwise by your doctor.
Stop Smoking
You should stop smoking as soon as you find out you are pregnant. Not only is smoking bad for you but your unborn baby, too. Smoking can cause tissue damage in your baby’s lungs and brain, with a link between you smoking and your baby having a cleft lip.
Research by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that smoking can also stop your unborn baby from developing correctly and getting oxygen. Smoking during pregnancy and after birth can also increase the chances of your baby dying from Sudden Infant death Syndrome (SIDS).
Speak to your doctor if you need help to stop smoking.
Are There Any Foods I Should Avoid At 13 Weeks Pregnant?
At thirteen weeks pregnant, the following foods should be avoided.
- Raw juices and smoothies
- Highly processed foods
- Soft cheeses
- Unpasteurised dairy and dairy products
- Unwashed fruits and vegetables
- Raw sprouts
- Organ meat
- Raw or undercooked eggs
- Deli or processed meat
- Raw or undercooked meat
- Raw or undercooked fish
- Seafood with high mercury content
Are There Any Drinks I Should Avoid At 13 Weeks Pregnant?
You should avoid all alcoholic drinks during pregnancy. You should also avoid unpasteurised milk or drinks with unpasteurised milk and limit your caffeine intake. Caffeine is found in coffee, tea, energy drinks, and chocolate, so keep an eye on how much you consume.
Are There Any Supplements I Should Avoid At 13 Weeks Pregnant?
You should avoid any supplements that your doctor does not recommend. Vitamins A, C, and E supplements are usually not recommended as their high doses can harm your baby.
You should avoid any supplement where the label states it is unsuitable for pregnant women. Speak to your doctor about this if you have any concerns.
Can I Exercise While 13 Weeks Pregnant?
You can exercise while you are thirteen weeks pregnant. Gentle exercise like yoga, swimming, or walking is recommended to keep you fit and active. But there are certain exercises you should avoid. These include contact sports, sports where you could fall, exercises at 2,500m above sea level, and exercises with excessive bouncing, like horseriding.
You might notice that you are more tired than usual and cannot complete your usual exercises. This is normal! It is better to tailor your exercises and work out for less time than to burn yourself out. Speak to your doctor if you have any questions about exercising while pregnant.
Is It Safe To Travel When 13 Weeks Pregnant?
Yes, it is considered safe to travel at thirteen weeks pregnant, but you must take care. Speak to your doctor before flying, especially if you have high blood pressure or deep vein thrombosis. Check before leaving the country if there are any vaccinations you need or any advisories for pregnant women.
Are There Any Acitivites I Should Avoid At 13 Weeks Pregnant?
The following activities should be avoided at thirteen weeks pregnant.
- Roller coasters, bumper cars, and water slides
- Motorcycles and four-wheelers
- Contact sports
- Diving
- Downhill skiing
- Gymnastics
- Hot Yoga
- Hot pilates
- Horseriding
- Hot tubs
- Sauna
- Scuba diving
- Skydiving
- Snowboarding
- Waterskiing
- Cleaning cat litter
- Horseriding
- Hot tubs
- Sauna
- Scuba diving
- Skydiving
- Snowboarding
- Waterskiing
- Cleaning cat litter
Is It Safe To Have Sex When 13 Weeks Pregnant?
Yes, it is considered safe to have sex at thirteen weeks pregnant unless your doctor tells you otherwise. You might notice a change in your sex drive at thirteen weeks pregnant.
How Should I Sleep At 13 Weeks Pregnant?
You should sleep as normal at thirteen weeks pregnant. You might sleep for longer if you are feeling tired or fatigued.
What Position Is It Safe To Sleep In When 13 Weeks Pregnant?
You can sleep in any comfortable position at thirteen weeks pregnant. It is worth using this time to get used to side sleeping, which is considered the safe sleeping position when pregnant.
How Do You Calculate Your Due Date From 13 Weeks Pregnant?
The best way to calculate your due date is to use the date of your last menstrual period. This is known as the LMP method and is how most pregnancy due dates are calculated. The first day of your last period counts as day one of your pregnancy.
Take the first day of your last period and count forward forty weeks or 280 days. These dates are based on average pregnancies and will provide an estimated due date.
Your doctor can also offer a due date at this point in your pregnancy. They can do this with your last period date or the ultrasound. The ultrasound will be used to measure the size and weight of your baby. Providing your baby is developing at a normal rate, they can use the size to calculate how far along you are and offer you an estimated due date.
Your doctor can help with a due date if you are unsure of your last period date. Your doctor will often date your pregnancy at their first ultrasound to ensure you both know where you are in your pregnancy.
What Body Changes Should You Expect At 13 Weeks Pregnant?
There are lots of changes in your body at thirteen weeks pregnant! You might start to see a small baby bump as your womb grows upwards and outwards. The amount of amniotic fluid starts to increase, too, with the surrounding amniotic fluid increasing by 100ml.
The urge to urinate more often might subside as your womb moves away from your bladder. Women also notice an increased sex drive and increased thirst as more blood pumps to their pelvic area. A common change in your body is swollen or bleeding gums or soft teeth. Swap to a soft toothbrush and use gentle circles when brushing
Wating a healthy and balanced diet and avoiding sugary drinks and snacks can help here.
You can expect the earlier symptoms of your first trimester to subside, too. The morning sickness and tiredness should improve, allowing you to feel more energised and able to eat without feeling nauseous.
What Is Your Body Doing During This Process?
Your body is working hard during this process! Your womb is moving upwards and outwards, creating a baby bump. Not all women will have a visible baby bump yet, so don’t worry if you can’t see yours.
Your body also pumps more blood around your pelvic area as your womb starts moving. This can increase your sex drive or make you thirstier than normal, but this is nothing to worry about.
Your body is still developing the baby, which is now fed from the placenta. The placenta is growing, too, at this point. Your baby will be moving around, but these movements won’t be felt for another few weeks. Your baby’s intestines are developing, too, moving from the umbilical cord to your baby’s body. This takes work, so if you feel a little tired, you know why!
How Can You Prepare For Pregnancy?
Below are some tips that will help you prepare for the rest of your upcoming pregnancy.
Book A Docotors Appointment
Contact your healthcare provider to book a doctor’s appointment if you have not already. You should see your doctor to arrange any prenatal tests and your first ultrasound and to establish how many weeks into your pregnancy you are.
Most women have their first ultrasound before week fourteen, so pick up the phone and get yourself booked in!
You should also speak to your doctor if you are trying to conceive. They can provide guidance, support, or tests you might need. They can also offer guidance on any dietary or lifestyle changes you could make to increase your chances of pregnancy.
Make Lifestyle Changes
There might be some lifestyle changes that you need to make. These include stopping smoking, drinking alcohol, and taking illegal drugs. All of these are harmful to your unborn baby but can also impact your chances of conception.
These changes can be tricky, but you can speak to your doctor for support and guidance.
Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated can help ensure a healthy pregnancy. Research by the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) found that drinking water while pregnant can aid digestion, help form the amniotic fluid around your baby, and circulate nutrients in the body.
As your body is producing more amniotic fluid this week, it is vital to stay hydrated! The ACOG recommends drinking eight to twelve cups of water daily throughout pregnancy.
Enjoy A Balanced Diet
Throughout your pregnancy and before conception, you should eat a balanced and healthy diet. This will give you and your unborn baby the nutrients you need to remain healthy.
Opt for a diet of lean protein, carbohydrates, healthy fats, and fruit and vegetables. There isn’t any need to restrict your diet; just enjoy your food in moderation.
During pregnancy, you must not eat some foods, like raw meat or eggs. You can speak to your doctor about creating a diet that works for you throughout your pregnancy
Let Your Body Rest
While most women feel fatigued during the first trimester, it can happen throughout pregnancy and conception. You must leave your body to rest to promote a healthy pregnancy. Your body needs rest to function properly, so listen to it and rest when needed!
Surround Yourself With The Right People
You should surround yourself with supportive people throughout your pregnancy. You want people who will reassure you, offer support, guidance, and a shoulder to lean on when needed. Your partner, friends, and family can do this for you, or you can look further afield.
Social media groups and apps can be used to find other new or expecting mothers in your area who can offer support, a place to vent, and anything you need during pregnancy.
Final Thoughts On 13 Weeks Pregnant
Week thirteen of your pregnancy is an exciting one! You have the beginnings of a pregnant belly forming, the symptoms of your first trimester are subsiding, and your baby continues to develop and grow! As your second trimester progresses, prioritise your health and well-being, eating the right foods and incorporating gentler exercise into your routine. Doing so will keep you fit and healthy as your baby grows – who doesn’t want to be fit and healthy, ready for their new arrival?