Your baby now has it's 'bag for life'!
your baby this week:
Your little one's body is beginning to catch up with size of their head, which finally only accounts for one-third of their total size instead of half. Their teeth are in place under their gums, waiting to come out during teething, which starts as early as three months or as late as twelve months after birth. (Fun Fact: Some babies have one or two teeth showing when they are born!)
Your baby's skin is still paper thin and transparent, which means that for now, the veins and organs are still visible. Their intestines are forming villi, which aid in peristaltic movement and digestion. Your baby's pancreas is secreting insulin, unique finger prints are forming, and vocal cords are beginning to develop. If you are having a girl, she will have more than two million eggs already in her ovaries at week 13.
your body:
You've made it to your second trimester! Are you feeling any better? If not, you should be soon. The second trimester is known for being more comfortable and easier than any other trimester. It's the "honeymoon period" of pregnancy for many expecting moms, who say they have more energy, and less nausea and fatigue.
Are you feeling some pain along the side of your abdomen? This round ligament pain is due to your expanding uterus. It may feel like mild discomfort and cramping, and it may feel like a short stabbing pain. Consider it a little reminder from your body, telling you to slow down. It usually occurs when you shift positions quickly and it subsides within a few minutes. If any pain you experience concerns you, or is accompanied by bleeding, vomiting, or cramping, contact your physician immediately.
Even though your belly is continuing to grow, you may not need maternity clothing yet. This is normal. It's also normal to discover visible, small bumps on your breasts. These small bumps were always there, they just become more noticeable during pregnancy. They're an oil-producing gland, called Montgomery tubercles, helping your body prepare for nursing.
Did you know there's a chance you could feel your baby this week? Everyone feels those special flutters in their own time, but some women feel them as early as 13 to 16 weeks!
Chances are by week 13 your libido may be lifting a little. So with the first trimester behind you, it's time to celebrate! Find a unique way to do something special for yourself. Thanks to hormonal changes and a decrease in symptoms, like fatigue and morning sickness, you've probably got that lovin' feelin' back. Maybe some new lingerie for your increasing cup size is just what the doctor (or midwife) ordered!
Louise Broadbridge - Our Expert Midwife
Hi, my name is Louise, I am a Registered Midwife, founder of Let's Talk Birth and Baby and the face behind Instagram's The Honest Midwife. I have worked in health settings for the past 30 years, the majority of which have been working in children and family settings.
your tips & to do's:
Write in your pregnancy journal.
If you've put off telling others about your good news, now is a great time. Sharing is caring! Encourage your partner/the father and other family members to get involved, but not beyond what you are comfortable with.
Develop a working budget, one that includes the costs associated with your new little addition. Of course, your budget will be influenced by your individual situation, such as your income and expenses, two incomes versus only one, and all other factors that come into play. Some costs to consider when determining your budget include health care (including hospital charges, doctor visits, prescriptions, and insurance costs), food (including breastfeeding necessities, formula and bottles, and baby food), and diapers. Your insurance will determine how much you pay for your prenatal care and delivery. Special circumstances, like bed rest, multiple births, or a NICU stay, may influence these costs. Talk with your insurance company to learn your individual co-pays and deductibles.
After childbirth, your new, little baby will see his or her pediatricians at least seven times during the first year for well-child visits. If you decide to breastfeed, you may want to rent or buy a breast pump, especially if you are returning to work. If you decide to formula feed, you'll be buying formula regularly. If your new, little baby suffers from acid reflux, allergies, or other special needs, they may require a special formula, which can cost significantly more. To determine estimate costs for diapers, remember the average newborn goes through ten to twelve diaper changes a day. Of course, there are other costs to be considered, but these are the major players. To prepare, save when you can and practice for maternity leave by living on one salary and set any extra earnings aside.
Enjoy your sex drive. The spike in your libido can provide health benefits to you and your little one, such as helping to improve your sleep and mood and speeding up your postpartum recovery with tighter pelvic floor muscles. However, you may need to go without acting on that loving feeling if you have a history of early labor or miscarriage. Talk to your midwife or doctor to determine what’s best for you.
your symptoms
If you're pregnant with twins, there's a chance your morning sickness and exhaustion will stick around for a while longer. For expectant moms carrying only one baby and experiencing a decrease in many of those first trimester symptoms, here's a list of some symptoms you can look forward to this week.
- Increased energy
- Increased mood
- Increased sex drive
- Visible veins
- Round ligament pain
- Nausea
- Heartburn and/or indigestion
Articles For You to Read This Week
How to Support Your Partner During Pregnancy
Finding out that you are expecting a baby is an exciting time. However, for many people, it can also be a scary time. You wonder you'll cope with the pregnancy...
The ABC's of Nursery Décor
Nursery décor can be a tricky business, however, don't worry, the perfect nursery for you and your little one is closer than you think. Creating a nursery is a great...
Pelvic Floor Exercises You Have to Try
Pelvic floor muscle exercises, otherwise called Kegel exercises, strengthen the muscles around your bladder, vagina and back passage. This can help to stop incontinence...
Our Top Rated Products to Buy This Week
Olive & Emma Pregnancy Chalkboard
$28.95
Use our pregnancy chalkboard sign to document weekly pregnancy highlights and updates.
The Honest Company® 32 oz. Me Moment Soaking Salts
$13.99
Perfect for a relaxing soak in the tub, The Honest Company's Me Moment Soaking Salts is ideal for de-stressing during pregnancy.
Expecting You - A Keepsake Pregnancy Journal
$14.95
Expecting You is a place to record all of the wonderful new thoughts, feelings, and experiences just ahead.
Stretchy Short Sleeve Tee Shirt Pregnancy Tops
$19.26 - $48.32
Casual and comfy - kick back and relax or head out in this versatile maternity tee. With our signature side-ruching, this tee grows with your bump all pregnancy beyond.
