Highlights this week
Baby development at 13 weeks
Your baby is about the size of a peapod
Pregnancy symptoms during week 13
Cramping
Occasional cramping during pregnancy is common. It could be caused by anything from gas and bloating to round ligament pain. Sometimes a little movement, a hot bath or shower, drinking more fluids, or lying down can do the trick to ease abdominal pain. But in some cases cramping can signal a problem. Call your doctor or midwife if your cramping doesn't go away after several minutes of rest, the cramping or pain is severe, you have pain or unusual sensitivity in your upper abdomen, or you have other symptoms such as fever or dizziness.
Returning appetite
If you've suffered from morning sickness and food aversions until now, you may get some welcome relief in the next few weeks as you enter the second trimester. As your appetite returns, food cravings may pop up. Some experts think that cravings for certain foods are linked to a woman's nutritional needs, but many think that pregnancy cravings can't be explained that easily.
Stuffy nose
Are you congested lately? Nearly one-third of pregnant women get a stuffy nose due to hormones and increased blood volume. However, if you have a fever, coughing, sore throat, or swollen glands, it's probably a cold or another infection. Find out which cold medicines are safe when you're expecting, and eat foods high in vitamin C to keep your immune system strong.
Visible veins
Because your body produces 30 to 50 percent more blood during pregnancy, your veins enlarge and are more visible. You may start seeing blue, prominent veins across your chest, breasts, and belly. You may also develop varicose veins in your legs and lower body as your uterus grows. Happily, these usually disappear or improve after you have your baby.
Vaginal discharge
It's totally normal to have more vaginal discharge during pregnancy: It's because of higher levels of estrogen. If your discharge is odorless or mild-smelling and milky white, there's no need for concern. But call your healthcare provider if you have discharge that's gray, yellow, or green; causes pain or itching; or seems unusual in any other way. This could be a sign of infection or another problem.
Heartburn
Hormonal and physical changes during pregnancy can lead to heartburn (also called acid indigestion or acid reflux). It's an unpleasant burning sensation between your lower throat and the bottom of your breast bone. If you're having heartburn, avoid spicy and acidic foods. Try eating smaller meals, eating slowly, and chewing gum after eating to neutralize your stomach acids. If that doesn't help, ask your provider about pregnancy-safe heartburn medicines.
Don't see your symptom?
Wondering about a symptom you have? Find it on our pregnancy symptoms page.
Pregnancy checklist at 13 weeks pregnant
Get ready for more prenatal visits
During the second trimester, you'll typically see your doctor or midwife once every four weeks. Find out what will happen at second trimester prenatal appointments.
Stock up on healthy pregnancy foods
During pregnancy, good nutrition is more important than ever. But it can be hard to eat well when you're dealing with nausea, food aversions, heartburn, or indigestion. Do your best to incorporate these healthy pregnancy snacks and pregnancy superfoods into your diet. During pregnancy you need lots of protein and healthy fats, and more of certain vitamins and minerals (such as folic acid, iron, and calcium). See our list of the pregnancy nutrients you need.
Learn about pregnancy complications
It's good to know the signs of common pregnancy complications just in case. Your healthcare provider will monitor you for these conditions (such as gestational diabetes and preeclampsia) throughout your pregnancy. But it's helpful if you're aware of the warning signs of these and other complications.
Try sleeping on your side
Experts say the best pregnancy sleeping position is on your side, especially as you get closer to mid-pregnancy. Side-sleeping puts the least pressure on your veins and internal organs. This ensures the best blood flow to the uterus, which means your baby will get maximum nutrients and oxygen. Good circulation also helps you avoid swelling, varicose veins in your legs, and hemorrhoids. If side-sleeping isn't your thing, don't give up until you've tried a pregnancy pillow – the right one can make a major difference in your sleep comfort.
Have sex if you feel up to it
In most cases, sex during pregnancy is totally safe. Many women find their libido plummets in the first trimester thanks to exhaustion and nausea. But for many, sex drive returns in the second trimester. Some good news: Because of increased blood flow, sex during pregnancy may feel better than ever. And having sex during pregnancy won't hurt your baby. They're protected by your uterus and a layer of muscles, and are safely cushioned by the surrounding amniotic fluid. The mucus plug inside your cervix helps guard against infection.
Save money on maternity clothes
You may be excited about shopping for maternity clothes, or you may be dreading spending money on a new wardrobe you'll only wear for a limited time. Luckily, there are lots of options for finding affordable maternity clothes. You can search for used maternity clothes online or at secondhand and consignment shops. Clothing swap groups on social media (or in person) are another good way to find cute maternity clothes without breaking the bank.
13 weeks pregnant bellies
You're one-third of the way (or more) through your pregnancy at the end of this week! Though pregnancy is different for everyone, you're probably happy to say goodbye to the first trimester and hello to the second. Now's the time when you may start getting more energy, feeling more like yourself, and looking more visibly pregnant. The top of your uterus is moving up and out of your pelvis, making your bump more noticeable to anyone who's looking closely.
This week's video
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