Week 13
Yay! It’s the last week of the first trimester and you did it. We’re not just talking about getting through those work meetings without falling asleep (or puking!), we’re talking about how you’ve completed one whole third of your pregnancy — and the reputed toughest one at that. You’ve grown a fetus that has vocal cords, teeth and even fingerprints (wow!) and you probably kept this incredible news (mostly) secret while you constantly wished you could shout it from the rooftops — or, at the very least, use it as an excuse for getting to work late. It’s about this time that many parents-to-be start spreading the word (to more people than just close family and friends) that there’s a baby on the way. But know that there are no hard and fast rules about when you should divulge your secret. It could be after your next prenatal doctor visit, once you start showing or at a big family event where everyone will be gathered. Or maybe everyone already knows! That’s totally your call.
your baby’s the size of a peach!
She’s about 2.9 inches long and weighs about .81 ounces, and — proportion-wise — her head’s now about 1/3 the size of her body (remember? It used to be bigger!).
your baby at 13 weeks
- Can you believe she’s forming vocal cords and teeth?!
- And even though she’s still teeny, she already has fingerprints.
- Her intestines are moving from the umbilical cord to their more permanent place, in her tummy.
pregnancy symptoms at 13 weeks
- Visible veins, thanks to your increased blood flow.
- Less fatigue and nausea, as you enter the second trimester, which is known to be the least symptomatic.
- Maybe an increased sex drive — enjoy!
your must-do’s
- Schedule your second trimester tests.
your nice-to-do’s
- Celebrate — one trimester down, two to go!
- Start planning maternity leave
- Make sure you’re exercising! You’ll probably feel more energized during the second trimester, so take advantage.