How Your Baby Grows the Thirteenth Week of Pregnancy
Your baby is growing by leaps and bounds, and her crown-to-rump length is 2 1/2 or 3 inches long. She weighs around 15 to 18 grams and has doubled in length since the seventh week!
Her intestines are now fully enclosed within the abdominal cavity. Failure to do so is called omphalocele, a very rare condition that usually requires surgery after birth to repair.
Your baby's heartbeat should be audible to your midwife or doctor using a hand-held, ultrasound device called a Doppler.
The amniotic fluid is now filling the uterus, providing a safe cushion for your baby. She will be able to easily move in her watery world as she begins to gain more control over her body, moving head, arms and legs with purpose. The amniotic fluid also helps to equalize the pressure she feels, and keep the temperature at a consistent level during her development.
How the Mother's Body Changes During the Thirteenth Week of Pregnancy
You probably feel less morning sickness now and might be tempted to start back with some bad eating habits. An expectant mother should continue to limit, or avoid, caffeine intake as well as sugary foods.
If you hadn't yet begun to gain weight, you are likely doing so now, especially if your morning sickness has eased. You may also be getting more sleep and have more energy throughout the day.
Stretch marks may appear, called striae distensae, often appearing on the breasts first, as many expectant mothers find their breasts grow in size in the first couple months. Stretch marks may appear anytime on the breasts, stomach, hips and buttocks.
Resources:
The Pregnancy Book: Month-by-Month by Dr. Sears
Your Pregnancy Week by Week by Lesley Regan
The Complete Book of Pregnancy and Childbirth by Sheila Kitzinger
