In the week 13, your baby is
the size of a Pea Pod
In Week 13 of pregnancy, your baby is now the size of a peach, and key organs are maturing. Your body is adapting beautifully as you enter the second trimester of this amazing journey!
Week 13 marks the end of the first trimester and things are starting to really settle down. Let’s dive into what’s happening to your body and your baby during this exciting time.
Some early symptoms ease as you enter the second trimester, but new ones may appear. Here’s what to expect and how to manage them.
Morning Sickness
Morning sickness might still linger at Week 13, but it’s likely starting to ease off for many. The nausea you’ve experienced in earlier weeks may begin to subside, and you might feel more like yourself again.
Fatigue
You might still feel tired at Week 13, but your energy levels should start improving. Your body has been working hard to support your growing baby, and as your hormone levels begin to stabilise, you may feel more rested and energetic.
Frequent Urination
With your growing uterus, you may still find yourself running to the bathroom more often. The pressure on your bladder continues to increase as the baby grows.
Headaches
Headaches can still occur, mainly due to hormonal changes and increased blood flow. Stay hydrated and avoid triggers that could make headaches worse, like lack of sleep or stress.
Your baby is rapidly growing and developing key features. Let’s explore the incredible milestones happening this week.
Organ Development
By Week 13, your baby’s organs are continuing to mature. Your baby's organs, including the liver and pancreas, are starting to function, and their vocal cords are beginning to form. The kidneys work to produce urine, which is excreted into the amniotic fluid. At this stage, your baby’s vocal cords are fully developed, though they won’t start making noise until after birth.
Physical Features
Your baby’s face is becoming more defined. The eyes are moving closer together, and the ears are almost in their final position. eyelids are closed to protect his delicate eyes as they continue to develop. Tiny eyebrows are starting to form, and the lips are more distinct. At this stage, they also have soft hair on their eyebrows and head.
Weight of the Foetus
At 13 weeks, your baby is about the size of a peach, measuring around 2.9 inches (7.4 cm) long and weighing around 28 grams. Your baby is growing quickly, and by the end of the trimester, it’ll be much larger!
Movement of the Baby
Your baby is becoming more active, although you won’t be able to feel the movements just yet. The muscles and bones are developing, and your baby might be stretching, kicking, or even making small swimming movements inside the amniotic sac. They are even sucking their thumbs now!
At 13 weeks, you're closer to the halfway mark! Keep caring for yourself and enjoy the journey ahead.
Your body continues to change as it supports your growing baby. Discover what’s happening and how to stay comfortable.
Breasts
Your breasts are likely still tender and might have grown slightly in size. The increased blood flow and hormonal changes continue to prepare them for breastfeeding. You may also notice more pronounced veins as your body works harder to supply your baby with nutrients.
Hair, skin and nails
During pregnancy, your skin may appear flushed due to increased blood flow, and some women develop melasma and dark spots on the face. Hormonal changes can make hair thicker and shinier, with faster growth, though some may notice hair in unexpected areas. Nails may grow faster but could become brittle.
Respiratory and Cardiovascular System
Your body works harder at Week 13 to support your baby. You may feel mild breathlessness as oxygen needs increase. Rising blood volume causes a faster heartbeat and more visible veins, especially on your breasts and legs.
Uterus
Your uterus is growing and expanding, which may cause you to feel some mild cramping or discomfort. You may notice a slight baby bump forming as it stretches to accommodate your baby.
Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
These are common during pregnancy due to hormonal, physical, and immune system changes. Increased progesterone and estrogen levels relax the urinary tract muscles, making it easier for bacteria to enter. The growing uterus presses on the bladder and ureters, making it difficult to empty the bladder fully. Additionally, changes in urine composition—such as reduced acidity and higher levels of sugar, protein, and hormones—further increase the risk. While these changes can feel overwhelming, timely medical advice and proper care can provide relief and help ensure a healthy pregnancy journey.
Stay active
Moderately intense exercise is great for you, but avoid sports that risk abdominal injury.
Prenatal diet
Make your diet nutritious and include prenatal vitamins containing folic acid and iodine.
Prenatal guide
Attend all your prenatal appointments like vaccinations, tests, ultrasounds
to track vitals
Hospital check-in
If you notice blood in discharge or your water breaks, head to the hospital immediately
Diet check
Always seek your doctor’s advice to make sure your diet intake is safe for you.
Choose together
Make an informed decision along with your family about your pregnancy treatment options.
If you haven’t had a prenatal visit this month, your doctor may perform a routine check-up around week 13 to assess your health and look signs of gestational diabetes.
Blood Tests
Blood tests check your blood type, iron levels, & Rh factor and screen for anaemia. They also test for infections like hepatitis B, syphilis, HIV, and UTIs and assess immunity to rubella and chickenpox.
Ultrasound
An ultrasound monitors fetal growth, heart rate and placental location. It also evaluates the fetus for signs of abnormalities by assessing nuchal translucency and may confirm if you're carrying twins.
Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT)
While an ultrasound may indicate chromosomal abnormalities, these can only be confirmed through blood tests. If nuchal translucency suggests Down syndrome, Trisomy 18, Patau syndrome or spina bifida, the NIPT will provide a clearer picture of your baby’s health.
Yes, some women continue to experience mild morning sickness into Week 13, but for most, it starts to ease during this time.
At Week 13, your baby is about the size of a peach, measuring around 2.9 inches and weighing about 23 grams.
You likely won’t feel your baby’s movements until later in your pregnancy, usually between 16 and 25 weeks.
Yes, it’s completely normal to experience more vaginal discharge during pregnancy. This is your body’s way of protecting you and your baby from infections.
At Week 13, you might begin to notice a slight bump, especially if this is not your first pregnancy. However, many women don’t show much until later in the second trimester.
While you’re at Week 13, it’s important to continue avoiding raw or undercooked seafood, meat, and eggs, as well as unpasteurized dairy. These can pose risks of foodborne illnesses that could harm you and your baby.
Yes, exercise is generally safe during Week 13, as long as you’re feeling good. Low-impact activities like walking, swimming, and yoga are great choices. Always consult your doctor to ensure your exercise routine is appropriate for your pregnancy.
At Week 13, it’s important to focus on nutrient-rich foods that support your baby’s development. Include plenty of protein, like lean meats, eggs, and legumes, to help build your baby’s tissues. Dairy products, tofu, and leafy greens provide calcium for strong bones and teeth. Whole grains, fruits, and vegetables are key for fibre and vitamins. Omega-3-rich foods like salmon, walnuts, and flaxseeds support brain development. Stay hydrated with plenty of water, and avoid processed foods high in sugar and salt.
