13 week of pregnancy: how the fetus develops and what happens in the body

The thirteenth week ends the first trimester of pregnancy. This means that the most dangerous time for the fetus has passed. Now is the beginning of a calm period, suitable for relaxing and putting your thoughts in order. By the way, those who have not yet had time can calmly start updating their wardrobe.

13 week of pregnancy - sensations

Now we can say for sure that toxicosis, tormenting all these three months, finally passed. The state of health gradually improves, and there are no mood swings. You are full of vigor and strength, you want to lead more and more active lifestyle... Right now, the period begins when you can fully enjoy the expectation of motherhood.

Now you can notice how much your belly is changing. It grows all the time, becomes more round. At this time, your secretions increase - this is the body's response to a change in hormonal levels. Now you may be concerned about constipation.

It is already difficult to keep your pregnancy a secret from others. The belly is still not visible to everyone, but all the same, it is already necessary to change the wardrobe. For example, now is the time to change high heel shoes shoes that are more comfortable and safe for pregnant women. Now peace and tranquility reign in your soul, you just want to enjoy your amazing state.

13 weeks pregnant - what happens to mom

The constantly enlarging uterus at the thirteenth week gradually moves into the abdominal cavity. Its dimensions are now 13 centimeters by 10 centimeters. The bottom of the uterus can already be felt through the front wall of the peritoneum, it has risen by 11 centimeters. The walls of the uterus become more elastic, but may contract for a short time. There is a feeling that the stomach seems to "turn to stone". If these conditions are short-lived and not bothersome, then you do not need to worry.

Stretching the ligaments that support the uterus and its walls can cause discomfort in the abdomen. The enlarging uterus presses on the internal organs and causes them to shift. As a result, you may have heartburn or shortness of breath. Long walks most often respond to fatigue and heaviness in the legs. It is best to discuss all exercise-related issues with your doctor overseeing the pregnancy. If you feel that the uterus is very tight, also consult your doctor. Try to lie down and relax when you feel the uterus is toning.

13 weeks pregnant - what happens to the baby

At this time, the future baby is comparable in size to an average peach. It is about nine centimeters long and weighs about 23 grams.

In addition, other important changes are taking place:

• At the thirteenth week, the embryos of all the milk teeth of the unborn child are formed.
• The placenta is finally formed at this time. She constantly produces estrogen and progesterone, which are necessary for the development of the baby.
• Now the crumbs are fed exclusively through the placenta. She delivers all the substances he needs to the child. At the same time, the placenta does not allow a larger number of toxic and harmful substances to the child.

• The fetal brain develops very actively, its reflexes are formed. The kid often makes grimaces, clenches and unclenches his fists, he can flinch. For the most part, the child is calm, but sometimes he may move a little.
• The child's skeleton is being formed at a rapid pace. Calcium accumulates in the bones, they gradually ossify and replace the cartilaginous tissue.

• On the child's face, one can clearly distinguish the superciliary arches, the eyes gradually move to the bridge of the nose, and the ears move to their proper place on the sides of the head. And the head itself is no longer pressed against the body.
• The baby's skin acquires a red tint due to the absence of subcutaneous fat.
• By this time, the child's respiratory system is finally developing. He is already able to breathe on his own. While he simply swallows amniotic fluid. But even these simple movements train his ribcage and the muscles attached to it.

Belly at 13 weeks pregnant

As we noted above, at the thirteenth week, the stomach may ache. If these conditions are short-lived and there is no severe pain during the tone of the uterus, then to relieve the symptoms, you can simply lie down and rest. If the uterus strains too often and these attacks cause severe pain, then it is better not to delay the visit to the doctor. Most likely, he will advise you "Ginipral" or candles containing papaverine.

All changes in the baby's condition can be clearly seen in the photo that you receive after the ultrasound procedure.

At the thirteenth week, the first scheduled ultrasound is usually scheduled. This procedure is very important and responsible. It is especially important for those mothers who have not done such a study before. This is a great opportunity to check the condition of the baby, to make sure that everything is fine with him. You will be able to listen to his heart, and the doctor will assess how the baby is developing. It will be possible to make sure that there are no serious defects, as well as conduct a study to detect chromosomal abnormalities.