Week 13
You cannot feel their movement yet, but your baby can now move their hands!
You cannot feel their movement yet, but your baby can now move their hands!
Medically reviewed by Jobelle Ann Dela Cruz Bigalbal, MD · General Practitioner
Week 13 of pregnancy baby development marks the end of the first trimester. The baby should be around three inches long and weighs about 25 grams. Their head will also be significantly bigger, becoming more balanced with the rest of the body. Although you will not feel movement just yet, your baby can now move their hands and thumbsuck. This is because the tissue around their arms and legs are fortifying into bones. The baby’s intestines will return to the abdomen after forming in the umbilical cord. Moreover, they eyes are now formed but will remain closed until week 28. The baby’s ears will start to protrude, while vocal cords and teeth are developing.
Apart from these, week 13 of pregnancy baby development is characterized by the formation of sex organs. If you are pregnant with a baby boy, his penis will likely form where a bump used to be. However, an ultrasound might not be able to detect this just yet.
During week 13 of pregnancy baby development, your bump will start to show. This is because your placenta is growing rapidly, providing oxygen to your baby. Veins under the bump are more visible as your blood flow increases. Moreover, your breasts will also start to produce colostrum, a precursor to breast milk. As a result, you might leak sticky fluid from time to time. Expect an increase in energy level and mobility, too. Symptoms like headaches and morning sickness are likely to be not as prevalent.
Most pregnant women are found to be most comfortable during this stage. Some even refer to it as pregnancy “glow.” However, you need to watch out for the following at week 13 of pregnancy baby development:
Contact your doctor if you experience symptoms of miscarriage or an ectopic pregnancy at week 13 of pregnancy baby development. These include:
Moreover, consult with your doctor first if you can have sexual intercourse. There may be complications especially if you have been pregnant before, or have had a miscarriage.
From week 13 of pregnancy baby development, you are likely to go to appointments every four or five weeks. Opt for an ultrasound to evaluate nuchal translucency. This scan detects possible chromosomal abnormalities caused by additional fluid under the baby’s neck. Sometimes, the baby’s fetal position can affect the results of a nuchal scan. Blood tests are taken for a more accurate diagnosis.
Sequential or integrated screening are helpful to predetermine defects and abnormalities. It measures placental hormones and proteins that can tell if the baby has Down syndrome or spina bifida. These proteins include Pregnancy-associated plasma protein screening (PAPP-A) and Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG).
There are also blood tests on genetic screening which looks into the baby’s DNA. To further confirm test results, some women undergo amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling (CVS). The former takes a sample of your amniotic fluid while the latter removes part of your placenta tissue for lab evaluation.
Taking all screening tests is not necessary. It is important to check in with your doctor which option is ideal during week 13 of pregnancy baby development.
As you enter week 13 of pregnancy baby development, you may have other concerns including the following:
The end of week 13 of pregnancy baby development means you are well on your way through the second trimester. During this stage, your baby’s bones begin to form, allowing small movements. Teeth, vocal cords, eyes, and sex organs are likely to develop. Physical changes on your part are also observed. Since your uterus is growing up and out of your pelvis, you will start to show a baby bump. As a result, you will experience an increase in weight gain. While normal, be cautious in your food intake. Focus on clean and healthy eating instead of portion size. Trimester two is crucial for the baby’s development. If you experience unusual symptoms like bleeding, pelvic and abdominal pains, high temperature, and frequent nausea, call your doctor. These might be indications of miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy.
Disclaimer
Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
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