Pregnant: What happens in week 13 of pregnancy

The development of the baby in the 13th week of pregnancy

Growing, growing, growing: The 1st trimester was all about embryonic development – now it's time to grow. From the 4th month, fetuses grow at different rates. Notably, the previously disproportionately large head no longer grows significantly faster than the body, which causes the proportions to become increasingly human. Basically, your baby's head now makes up only half of the total size. At birth, the size of the head will be about one quarter of the total length.

Stronger bones and functioning organs: The previously more jelly-like bones of the fetus harden increasingly in the 13th week of pregnancy. Further fully developed organs gradually begin to function. Thus the fetus's liver secretes bile and the pancreas produces insulin.

Changes in the digestive system: A part of your baby's intestinal system that had moved into the 8th week of pregnancy returns to the abdomen in the 13th week of pregnancy. For the first time, urine in the kidneys of the fetus, which it excretes regularly. Through the urine, waste products are transported into the amniotic fluid.

Vocal cords develop: In the 13th week of pregnancy, the foundation for your baby's voice is laid. Thus vocal cords develop in the larynx of the child. The fetus already learns to swallow, breathe, and suck in the womb. However, it only properly uses its vocal cords for the first time after birth.

Light and darkness: The fetus's eyelids are still closed in the 13th week of pregnancy. However, its eyes are developing increasingly, so your baby in the womb can already perceive and distinguish very bright light and darkness can.

The brain hemispheres grow together: The maturation process of the brain continues well beyond childhood – but already now your baby reacts reflexively to stimuli and performs more complex movements . You do not yet feel the activity in the 13th week of pregnancy. Most women only first notice a slight swaying in the belly around the 20th week of pregnancy or so.

Inner ear forms: With the ossification of the skull, your baby's inner ear also forms in the 13th week of pregnancy. Even though it cannot yet perceive differences in tone, it hears first sounds and will soon be able to recognize your voices. Only from the 20th week of pregnancy does the fetus react with movements to music or other sounds.

Clenched fists: Fingers and toes are now fully formed and with the ongoing development of muscles and the nervous system, the fetus can already clench its fists. Also „thumb sucking“ can be observed in the 13th week of pregnancy.

Sensing touch: Already the fetus can feel when you and your partner stroke the belly. It will still take a little while before it reacts with kicks or a tiny hand. Nevertheless, this makes the bond with you even more intense.

Genitals mature: Until recently, both sexes were hardly distinguishable from each other on ultrasound externally. From the 13th week of pregnancy this will become increasingly evident. While the genital tubercle in girls develops into the clitoris and develops, it into the penis in boys. In girls, additionally a still impenetrable cavity forms between the vaginal folds. Here the hymen will form in the future. On the ultrasound, your gynecologist will usually only be able to determine which sex the fetus has at the second major ultrasound examination.

What can be seen on the ultrasound image?

Your baby is thriving in the 13th week of pregnancy. It now weighs between 14 and 20 grams and is a proud 6,6 to 8 cm in sizeplum. This noticeable growth is also visible on the ultrasound image. Thus the ribs, leg and pelvic bones are more clearly visible. In the 13th week of pregnancy, fetuses can already swallow – on closer inspection this can be seen on the ultrasound as well. With some luck, you may also see how your little miracle sucks its finger, frowns or even yawns. Slight movements similar to your baby's breathing are now visible. So you may notice the riseand fall of the chest even though oxygen is actually still supplied via the umbilical cord. The movements you feel, however, are essential for the proper development of the lungs.Physical changes – what happens to the mother in week 13 of pregnancy?

With advancing pregnancy, in the 13th week of pregnancy there are now also

externally visible physical changes. With the stage of the beginning 2nd trimester, common /magazine/expectant-mothers/health-care/pregnancy-complaints from the previous weeks are usually only minor or no longer present. For many women, this marks the start of the more relaxed part of their pregnancy. With the weight gain your belly grows increasingly – you are now practically watching your baby grow from the outside. You can find out which other physical changes accompany the 13th week of pregnancy below:Weight gain:

The pregnancy becomes more and more apparent, even on the scale. How much an expectant mother gains during pregnancy varies greatly and also depends on the woman's predisposition. The additional weight from the growing fetus as well as amniotic fluid, blood and placenta is around 1-1,5 kg per month of pregnancy. In the current 4th month, mothers often weigh about 3 kg more. Increased appetite:

With less nausea, appetite returns for many women. "Eating for two" is not necessary. Your energy needs in the 13th week of pregnancy are only increased by about 300 calories per day. All the more important, however, is that you eat a balanced, vitamin- and mineral-rich diet, because your baby gets from you all the nutrients it needs for healthy development. In addition to the /magazine/expectant-mothers/health-care/pregnancy-nutrition you may of course also snack – everything in moderation is key here.Sense of smell and taste:

In the 13th week of pregnancy, your sense of smell and taste has changed. You may now find some smells you previously liked unpleasant, or vice versa. Due to the more pronounced senses some expectant mothers may experience dizzy spells occurring.Calf cramps:

During pregnancy, calf cramps are not uncommon – especially at night. This is due to the shifts in fluid and mineral balance. Against calf cramps, taking magnesium. However, you should always discuss this first with your gynecologist or midwife to avoid interactions. The belly grows:

In the 13th week of pregnancy, the baby bump becomes slowly visible. Many women have been looking forward to it since they found out they were pregnant. Others need to get used to the external physical changes first. From now on, it increasingly happens that pregnant women absentmindedly stroke their belly. You will probably also consider for the first time maternity clothes to pamper your slightly rounded belly with skin-friendly fabrics.The development of the baby in the 13th week of pregnancy

Tips for the 13th week of pregnancy: Preparing children for their new sibling

If you already have children, it's of course important to inform them about the new addition to the family. When the right time to do so is, depends on the age of your children. Basically, children are good observers and usually notice very quickly that mom has changed. Don't delay the right time for too long. This gives the big sister or big brother enough time to get used to the new family situation. What you should still know to prepare your to prepare children for a sibling, we have compiled them here for you.

When is the right time? For one- to two-year-olds the idea of a baby in mom's belly is usually very abstract. They often can't grasp that it will still take so long until the sibling is born. Therefore wait until the belly is noticeably bigger — this can help very young children understand the situation.
Tell them in good time: From about three years of age, children are intellectually able to pregnancy and their role as a sibling. Telling them early can help them adjust to the new situation and develop excitement about the baby.
Involve the siblings: Probably your child will have many questions during the new pregnancy: Explain to them how the baby grows in your belly, let them feel the kicks or talk to the baby Page 6 of 6. And ask for help: If the "big child" helps clear the table or tidy up, they develop a sense of responsibility and may find it easier to settle into their new role as sibling.

For the 14th week of pregnancy