Pregnant: What happens in week 13

The baby's development 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 head that used to be so large no longer grows significantly faster than the body, which makes the proportions increasingly human. In principle, your baby's head now makes up only half of its total size. At birth, the head's size 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.

Changed digestive system: A part of your baby's digestive system that, in the 8th week of pregnancy migrated into the umbilical cord, returns to the abdomen in the 13th week of pregnancy. For the first time, Urine in the kidneys of the fetus, which it regularly excretes. 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 the vocal cords develop in the larynx of the child. The fetus already learns to swallow, breathe and suck in the womb. However, it will only really use 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. But 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 even now your baby reacts reflexively to stimuli and performs more complex movements . You do not yet feel the increased activity in the 13th week of pregnancy. Most women only notice a slight swaying in the abdomen around the 20th week of pregnancy around then notice a slight rocking in the belly.

Inner ear forms: With the ossification of the skull, your baby's inner ear also develops in week 13. 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 progressing development of the muscles and nervous system the fetus can already clench its fists. Also “thumb-sucking” can also be observed in week 13.

Feeling touches: Even now the fetus can feel when you and your partner stroke the belly. It will still take a little while before it responds with kicks or a little hand. Nevertheless, this makes the bond with you even more intense.

Sexual organs mature: Until recently both sexes were barely distinguishable externally on ultrasound. From the 13th week this becomes increasingly visible. While the genital tubercle develops into the clitoris in girls and into the penis in boys. In girls, additionally an as-yet impenetrable cavity between the vaginal folds.This will later form the hymen. In the ultrasound, however, your gynecologist usually only determines the fetus's sex 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 longplum. The noticeable growth is also evident on the ultrasound image. For example, the ribs, leg and pelvic bones more visible. In the 13th week of pregnancy, fetuses can already swallow – on closer inspection this can also be observed on the ultrasound. 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 lifting and lowering of the chest are noticeable, even though the oxygen supply actually still takes place 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 now also

externally visible physical changes are noticeable. With the start of the 2nd trimester, common pregnancy complaintsare mostly only slightly present or no longer present from the previous weeks. For many women this marks the beginning of the relaxed part of their pregnancy. With the weight gain your belly grows increasingly – you now watch your baby grow from the outside, so to speak. You can read about which other physical changes accompany the 13th week of pregnancy below:Weight gain:

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

As nausea subsides, appetite returns for many women. 'Eating for two' is not necessary. Your energy requirement in the 13th week of pregnancy is increased by only 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 healthy nutrition during pregnancy snacking is of course also allowed – everything in moderation is essential.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. Because of the heightened senses some expectant mothers may experience dizzy spells.Calf cramps:

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

In the 13th week the baby bump slowly becomes visible. Many women look forward to it from the moment they found out about the pregnancy. Others have to get used to the external physical changes first. From now on, however, it increasingly happens that pregnant women absentmindedly stroke their belly. In addition, you will probably for the first time consider maternity wear to pamper your slightly rounded belly with skin-friendly fabrics.61

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

If you already have children, it is of course important to inform them about the new addition to the family. When the right time for that is, depends on the age of your children. In general, children are good observers and usually notice very quickly that mom is changing. Don't delay the right time for too long. This gives the older sister or older brother enough time to get used to the new family situation. What you should also know to to prepare children for siblingswe have put together for you here.

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 be so long until the sibling is born. Therefore wait until the belly has noticeably grown – this can help very small children understand the situation.
Inform them in time: From around the age of three, children are intellectually capable of understanding the pregnancy and their role as a sibling. Telling them early can help them adjust to the new situation and develop excitement for the baby.
Involve 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 \r\nPage 6 of 6speak. And get 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 into.

For the 14th week of pregnancy