Week 13 of Your Pregnancy
Baby’s Development
At the start of your second trimester, your fetus is approximately 3 inches long, which is roughly the size of half a small banana. Your little banana is the same weight as your placenta at this time, but in the next few weeks, it will definitely start to put on some weight.
This week, your baby’s intestines will move down from the umbilical cord into his abdomen where tiny ribs are already forming. Vocal cords are developing and ultrasounds taken at this time show that some babies are already smiling. Interestingly enough, if the mother’s uterus is poked in the right position, the fetus will even show a rooting response. This ‘need for the nipple’ is so entrenched in your baby that they’re already practicing searching for it before they’ve even seen a breast!
Now that the tail is gone, your baby’s face starts to look more human this week. The wide spread, ‘alienesque’ eyes are slowly disappearing as the eyes move closer together. The ears are almost at their intended position and they have already developed their own distinct fingerprints. Its mind boggling to think that nestled within you are ten, individual little fingerprints that won’t change throughout your child’s journey to adulthood and beyond.
Your Body and Emotions
Now that you’re ‘out of the first trimester woods’, so to speak, your body is about to begin a period of rapid growth. In the next few weeks you’re going to start to actually look pregnant and before long, your much awaited bump will make its appearance.
As your uterus starts to grow, you may experience what is known as ‘round ligament pain’. This is the aching that accompanies the rapid growth of your uterus throughout this trimester and you’ll probably become accustomed to it before long. Women describe it as either a brief, sharp pain or a dull aching throb. It generally accompanies a change in position or sudden movement. Round ligament pain is normal and nothing to worry about, as it is simply a sign that your pregnancy is progressing normally. If any bleeding or cramping accompanies this pain however, you need to see your doctor immediately.
You may also be noticing some changes in your breasts these days. Some women will notice their breasts changing immediately and it is actually an indicator of pregnancy for them. They may become fuller and heavier and some women describe an itching sensation as the skin stretches. You may notice that your areolas are changing color as well. Depending on your skin tone, your nipples may become a dark peach to a deep brown and may even increase in size. This is nature’s way of creating a nursing ‘bull’s-eye’ for your little baby. Because their vision is so limited when they are born, they need the intense color and size to be able to seek out your nipple and establish breastfeeding. Not to worry however, the color will return to normal once nursing is established.
Dad’s Tips
It’s simply not enough to give your partner emotional support when you’re faced with becoming parents. She’ll want you to learn as much as she is about what’s going on in her body and what to expect from the first few months of parenthood. Take an interest by picking up some reading material from the library or your local bookstore. If she sees that you are actively educating yourself about the changes she’s going through, she’ll be extraordinarily impressed. Her body and mind may feel totally out of control at this point and knowing that her partner has committed to helping her deal with it will bring a lot of love your way. |
