Pregnancy Week 13

What’s your baby up to?

Welcome to the 2nd trimester. Your baby is now growing very rapidly,  weighing about 25 g and measuring about 7.4 cm from crown to rump, about the size of a peach. Your baby’s head is half the size of the whole body, but the body is growing to catch up with the head.

The ovaries or testes are now fully developed inside the body, while the clitoris or penis is now growing externally. Did you know that by now, a female foetus already has more than 2 million eggs in her ovaries? However, by the time she’s born it would have reduced to about a million.

Interestingly, all your baby’s 20 milk teeth are now in place below the gum, but won’t start cutting through until about 6 months after birth. Your baby is also developing vocal cords.

How are you doing?

Congrats Mom! You are now in your 2nd trimester! You will be relieved to know that the risk of a miscarriage is greatly reduced at this stage. Another good news is that you are most likely feeling much better now as is the case in most women. The symptoms of morning sickness and fatigue generally ease off by the 14th week.

If you are one of the women that have very severe morning sickness, be sure to discuss it with your Doctor, as you might have a condition known as Hyperemesis Gravidarum. It is a severe case of morning sickness that may require hospitalization.

Most women feel more energetic these days, coupled with an increased appetite. Some women also feel an increased sex drive around now, due to the increased blood flow in the pelvic area, and of course the pregnancy hormones.

Cravings, constipation, bloating, gas and indigestion are some of the common symptoms around this time.

What should you do this week?

Tone up your pelvic floor muscles. The stronger they are, the better they can withstand the strain of pregnancy and delivery.

Stay active, especially now you feel more energetic, and keep up with your healthy lifestyle.

Finally, stay informed, healthy and inspired, by reading  Maternity Nest. Connect with other moms-to-be for moral support, by joining your Due Date Club in the The Nest.