What are 13 weeks in months? In the 13th week of your pregnancy, you may wonder how far along you are in months, this marks the start of your second trimester at 3 months pregnant, Congratulations!

This time is marked by incredible developments.  Many parents-to-be begin to announce their pregnancy to others at this time. It shouldn’t take long for you to start feeling like yourself again.

13 Weeks Baby Size

During this time, your baby is the size of a clementine. There has been a lot of development happening with your baby.  It won’t be long before your baby’s kidneys and urinary tract are functioning. In comparison to the size of your baby’s body, his arms and legs appear more proportionate. Fingertips and tooth pods are beginning to develop.

Baby’s Development at 13 weeks

Your baby’s organs, muscles, and nerves have developed and are now working together. Several bone tissues are developing on the skull, in the upper and lower extremities, and in the tiny ribs.

As a result, your baby’s tiny fingers now bear unique fingerprints and his face is easier to identify. During this stage of development, the eyelids remain closed to protect the developing eyes. Baby’s intestines, which were once part of their umbilical cord, are now inside their abdomen.

Your baby is now visible through fetal-like thin skin, so if you peek inside your womb, you can see your baby’s veins, organs, and rib cage.

Your baby’s lungs are developing to the point that they are taking their first breath within your womb. However, they are currently receiving their oxygen from the umbilical cord.

If you’re having a girl, her ovaries contain over 2 million follicles, and if you’re having a boy, he has already begun producing testosterone. The length of your baby is about 3 inches and the weight is about 1 ounce. The head is now proportionate to the body, making him or her look more human.

13 Weeks Pregnancy Symptoms

As your baby continues to grow in your womb, things are changing for you as well. You may or may not be experiencing pregnancy symptoms. It is possible at 13 weeks of pregnancy for some women to still feel morning sickness or nausea, while for others there may be no symptoms at all. 

It is common for women to feel less nauseated and more energetic once they have passed the first trimester. It is also important to note that some women experience nausea and other pregnancy-related symptoms up to the third trimester of their pregnancy.

By week 13, most women are at a lower risk of miscarriage than they were before.

You may also experience the following;

• Craving for food
• The changing nature of sexual desire
• Having a burning sensation in the chest
• Fatigue decreases
• In addition to making, you feel extra horny, certain hormones can increase blood flow and enhance your orgasms. If you’re expecting a low-risk pregnancy, it’s perfectly safe for you to have sex until you go into labor or your water breaks.

Belly at 13 Weeks of Pregnancy

You have a large belly due to an expanded uterus. You’ll now begin to be suspected of being pregnant by people who have not heard the good news.

Typical Changes in the Body

In addition to a visible bump, you may suffer from;

• Severe constipation
• Bloating
• Tender breasts
• Headaches
• Excessive vaginal discharge

It’s normal for you to gain a pound every week until you’re ready to deliver. Most women gain up to 5 pounds in the first trimester. It is common for women to gain about 15 pounds during the second trimester. Technically, you don’t have to eat for two when you’re pregnant; you just need 300 extra calories per day.

Rhinitis during pregnancy occurs in about 40% of pregnant women, and it is characterized by nasal congestion or a stuffy nose. Typically, this does not come along with other allergy symptoms, cold symptoms, or flu symptoms. It is most common for nasal congestion to occur during pregnancy when estrogen levels are higher, causing mucous membranes to swell and produce more mucus.

Consult your doctor for advice on how to treat congestion safely.

Below are a few things you can try;

• Warm showers
• Nose drops with saline are available over-the-counter
• Vaporizers
• Keep yourself popped up at night with an extra pillow

When and Why to Get Ultrasounds During Pregnancy

You may be offered an ultrasound if you haven’t already had one. You will benefit greatly from ultrasound during the first or second trimester. This is because these measurements may vary very slightly from early in pregnancy to later in pregnancy. Therefore, early measurements are key to determining the baby’s menstrual age and estimated due date. Once established, they cannot be changed.

When You Start Showing Pregnancy

Some women wonder why they start showing at just 13 weeks pregnant. This can be attributed to hormones. It is common for hormones to cause problems with the intestines, causing you to feel bloated, which may make you think you are showing more than you are. However, the top of the uterus has just emerged from the pelvis and feels just above the pubic bone. The uterus does not reach the navel or belly button until 20 weeks after conception.

RELATED: When Do You Start Showing Pregnancy?

Sleeping Positions During Pregnancy

In the second and third trimesters, doctors usually recommend avoiding sleeping on your back because the weight of your uterus puts pressure on your inferior vena cava. In addition to affecting digestion and circulation, this can also cause backaches and reduce blood flow to the baby.

The most comfortable position for sleeping during pregnancy is on your left side, which you can remember by sleeping on your side with a thick pillow propped between your knees and snuggled up against a bolster or full-body pregnancy pillow.

Your body will tell you to change positions if you wake up on your back.

The Best Foods to Eat

• Make sure you drink at least 10 glasses of water a day
• Consume healthy foods
• Consume foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids
• Vitamin and mineral intake can be increased by consuming fruits, vegetables, and protein-rich foods  
• Eat foods rich in fiber, folate, calcium, iron, and zinc

Things to Avoid Doing While Pregnant

• Exercising vigorously
• Consume junk food
• Food safety should not be ignored
• Soft cheeses may contain listeria, so avoid them
• Don’t expose yourself to pesticides
• It is not recommended to eat some types of fish as they contain high levels of mercury
• You shouldn’t have sex if you have had miscarriages in the past
• Don’t eat more than you need

You also want to make sure that you are getting enough sleep and dressing in comfortable, stretchy clothing.

Final Thought

Find out about your maternity leave rights, including how many weeks you may have and what you might be eligible to receive. Ask if your employer offers any additional benefits. You should start researching childcare options as soon as possible.

For recommendations on in-home or childcare centers, you can ask friends, neighbors, or coworkers. Start preparing to share your big news with your extended family and friends.