The 13th week of pregnancy ends the first trimester and opens the second. This is a time of great changes in the feelings of the expectant mother and a new stage in the development of her baby. This week is considered the most informative for the first prenatal study, which is called "screening".
How many months is it?
By the 13th obstetric week, women are already well versed in how the time of pregnancy is calculated. Doctors always set a period that is approximately two weeks longer than the actual one. This is the obstetric period, and the difference of 14 days is the time elapsed from the first day of the last menstrual period before pregnancy until the expected ovulation.
If the 13th obstetric week has begun, then this means that now it is exactly 12 weeks old according to medical standards for calculating the gestational age, that is, it is 12-13 weeks, and 10-11 weeks have passed from conception. 11 embryonic week corresponds to 13 obstetric. The fourth lunar month has begun (each of them has exactly 4 weeks). In calendar terms, almost three months have passed.
Baby development
The fetal period of development of the baby is in full swing. It has been 3 weeks since the moment when he ceased to be an embryo and became a fetus. With the beginning of this period, the baby every day becomes more and more like a man. He no longer has a tail - he has turned into a tailbone. The formation of internal organs is completed - now they will only grow.
Now the baby looks like a decent onion in size. His height is within 7-10 cm. The baby now weighs more than 20 grams.
Appearance
The baby looks very thin and wrinkled. This is due to the fact that while he does not have subcutaneous fatty tissue. The skin is very thin, capillaries and larger blood vessels shine through them. On the baby's head, vellus hair grows, they are still light in all children, because the pigment that dyes the hair in one color or another has not yet begun to be produced.
The baby's head is still quite large in relation to the body. It is on average half of the entire area of the fruit. This imbalance will disappear over time, and by the time of delivery, the baby's body will be five times larger than the head.
The proportions of the arms and legs begin to align. If earlier the handles were short, now this week they noticeably increase in length, and the legs begin to grow. The lower limbs are still much shorter than the upper ones.
The fingers and toes are fully formed on the hands and feet, each of them crowned with a small nail. The child has completed the formation of ears, and from this week he begins to hear, but so far the hearing is more vibrational in nature, because the formation of the inner ear is still continuing. By about the 20th week of pregnancy, this process will be completed, and sound waves will begin to transform into sounds familiar to each of us.
The eyes, which were previously on the sides of the head, have already moved to their proper place. The eyelids have formed - now they tightly cover the organs of vision. The face already has a nose, and in some children, who, for racial or genetic reasons, have a prominent nose, these bones are already so large that a profile with a pronounced, well-defined structure is easily visible.
The neck is already formed - the baby can turn the head. All internal organs are located in their places, nothing looks out of the abdominal cavity. The appearance of the crumbs begins to acquire individual features.
Internal organs
Since all organs have already been formed, now they are in the process of their growth, and they are also "learning" to work correctly, becoming more complex and developed. The gallbladder produces bile at 13 weeks, and the pancreas began producing insulin two weeks earlier. The intestine contracts rhythmically, and this is almost real peristalsis, despite the fact that the baby, in the usual sense, does not eat yet.
A small heart in its structure completely repeats the heart of an adult: it has four chambers, but it beats much faster. The heart rate (HR) this week is 140 to 170 beats per minute. The fetal heart pumps about 23 liters of blood per day. The kidneys are working at full capacity: they produce urine, accumulate it, and the urinary system brings them out into the amniotic fluid. The baby writes often: almost once an hour.
Nervous system
The nervous system continues to improve. At the physiological level, it is completely laid down, there is a brain and spinal cord, but the functional processes are still in the stage of formation. The spinal cord is still receiving impulses from the nerve endings, but soon the brain will begin to do so. In the meantime, brain tissue is being formed in it, and this process is very fast: 250 thousand new cells are formed in the fetal brain at 13 weeks daily.
Special channels of communication between the muscles and the nervous system continue to form. The baby already has several reflex skills in his arsenal: he shudders, the sucking and swallowing reflexes have already been learned, his hands are clenched into fists, there is a grasping reflex. Taste buds are already "catching" flavors: if the mother eats sweets, the child will certainly notice a change in the taste of the waters - he will swallow such amniotic fluid more willingly.
If the waters are bitter because the mother ate onions and garlic, then their taste will not be too pleasant for the baby - he will not swallow them.
The baby's movements are becoming more active. Most of the time, he is in a dormant state, which resembles a dream. During periods of wakefulness, the baby “has fun”: he hugs himself, plays with the umbilical cord, examines his face by touch and swims. Moms do not feel any movements yet - there is enough space in the uterus.
Gender
The baby's external genitals are being formed. The boys' genital tubercles have lengthened, now it is a small penis. And in girls this week, the genital tubercles begin to curl and shrink, turning into labia.
But it is still quite difficult to find out the sex - sex differences in size are small. An experienced doctor, of course, will be able to see the difference if an ultrasound scan is done on a machine with a good resolution, and the baby is located conveniently for examination. But the doctor cannot yet guarantee to name the sex of the child - the probability of an error at this time is quite high.
At 13 obstetric week, the most global changes occur in the reproductive system of girls. Their ovaries descend into the pelvis and already contain about 2 million eggs. In boys, the formation of the prostate continues.
Skeletal system
Since the thyroid gland has been diligently developing and starting to work over the past weeks, calcium deposits have begun in the baby's bones, and they become stronger. The bones of the skull and spine begin to strengthen first, followed by the bones of the limbs. This week, the baby has ribs.
Right now, the need for calcium for mom and fetus is great. If the baby misses him, he will begin to take calcium from the mother's bones. As a result, the quality and appearance of nails, hair, teeth will deteriorate in a woman. By the way, the rudiments of the baby's milk teeth are already fully formed, and now they will wait in the wings.
Respiratory system
The child's respiratory organs are already developed. This week, he begins to try breathing movements. The chest expands irregularly so far, but every day the respiratory contractions will be more regular. After birth, the baby will intuitively know how to breathe.
The glottis remains closed for now. The vocal cords are actively formed at 13 weeks, so that after birth the baby announces the delivery with a loud cry. The lungs do not yet produce and accumulate a substance important for respiration - a surfactant. The baby will begin to prepare for spontaneous breathing in the middle of the third trimester.
What a kid can do. Despite the fact that the fetus is still very small, it actively develops its skills. Now the baby reacts to external stimuli. If a mother starts coughing or talking to someone in a raised voice, then a special vibration will reach the baby, and he will feel changes in his mother's mood.
Until now, it remains unknown how children at this time manage to feel fear, pain and joy. But numerous studies that covered the category of pregnant women who are going to have an abortion at this time have shown that the child perfectly feels all maternal emotions, feels pain. If he is in pain, he opens his mouth in soundless crying, and if he is scared, he tries to "hide", shrink.
Scientists believe that the bond between mother and baby is now based on changes in the composition of the mother's blood. With a change in emotions, her hormonal background changes subtle, this is what the child feels.
At 13 weeks, the baby makes a variety of grimaces - his facial muscles are already developed enough for this. He learned to bring his fists to his mouth and tries to suck them, he is good at yawning, hiccuping, stretching after sleep. It gives him special pleasure to play with his own umbilical cord: he grabs it and feels it.
Kid on ultrasound. An ultrasound scan this week is performed as part of a prenatal screening, if it has not been done earlier. The deadlines set by the Ministry of Health for this diagnostic event allow for screening this week. This ultrasound can be the first "meeting" of a future mother and her baby. Now on the monitor of the ultrasound scanner, you can already examine in detail the profile of the crumbs, the nose, the eyebrows, small arms, legs, listen to the heartbeat. All this causes a real delight in women.
During the study, the doctor evaluates the viability of the baby, its size and correlates them with special tables, by which one can judge the exact duration of pregnancy and the characteristics of the development of the fetus.
The CTE (coccygeal-parietal size) remains informative, in fact, which is a segment between the coccyx and the crown of the head. Some doctors do not measure the CTE this week, because biparietal (the transverse size of the baby's head), measured between the temporal bones, becomes more informative in terms of determining the term.
This week it is already possible to measure the length of the femurs, but the bones of the lower leg and shoulder are still so small that it is impractical to measure them. The SVD is also not measured - the diameter of the ovum, since it exceeded 50 mm two weeks ago and became too large for measurement.
For the full 12 weeks and the six days following it, the following norms are characteristic:
Table of average fetometry values at 13 weeks (12-13 weeks)
Those who have measured the CTE will be interested to know if their baby complies with the average statistical standards. These values for week 13 are:
CTE at 13 weeks of gestation
The abdominal circumference of the baby at this time is on average from 61 to 69 mm.
The placenta has already fully assumed all the responsibilities for the nutrition and protection of the child, and now, if the need arises, a woman can take medications that were not previously recommended to her, since the internal organs of the embryo were being laid, and there was no protective barrier. The thickness of the placenta at this time is from 15 to 18 mm, but it is not yet measured by ultrasound, since its thickness will have a diagnostic value no earlier than 20 weeks and later
Feelings of a future mother
The woman's feelings this week are ambiguous - on the one hand, she is happy and proud of her growing tummy, and on the other, she understands that the child is serious, and, accordingly, all the anxieties associated with this appear: will there be enough strength, experience, funds for in order to grow it. Women who are pregnant with their first child are usually especially worried about this.
Since the first trimester can be considered complete, the hormonal background somewhat "calms down"... Progesterone and estrogens have accumulated in the female body in sufficient quantities, now their production is not so strongly felt by the pregnant woman. Therefore, the symptoms of toxicosis begin to leave the expectant mother, her appetite improves, her night's sleep becomes stronger, and strong daytime sleepiness recedes slightly. In general, her health improves, signs of malaise are making themselves felt less and less.
If in the first trimester a woman suffered from increased salivation, now a little less saliva is being produced. Dizziness and nausea gradually go away.
The belly grows noticeably. The belly and hips already look rounded, and many women can no longer hide their position. At this time, even superstitious women who were afraid to report their situation before are no longer afraid to divulge this important information and bring the fact of their pregnancy to friends, colleagues and relatives. Understanding the fact that the threat of miscarriage and the critical period have passed makes a woman more confident and calm.
A growing tummy begins to require a change in habits from a woman. Sleeping on your stomach is now uncomfortable, and you have to choose new positions for sexual relations. Many women note that it has become uncomfortable for them to lie on their back for a long time - the growing uterus begins to squeeze the inferior vena cava. This week, the woman already realizes that those things that she wore before pregnancy no longer converge at the waist, they are tight in the hips and chest.
The time has come to change the wardrobe to a more spacious one, and the usual bra should be changed to a more extensive bodice with wide straps that will hold the growing breast.
The mood, which used to be unstable, now begins to "level off", the woman becomes more balanced and calm, but she can be forgetful and distracted. All these metamorphoses are caused by the effect of a new hormonal background on the brain: everything in a woman's body adjusts to the needs of the child. The baby now needs a calm and peaceful mother.
And yet the woman is still quite sensitive. This week, you should not communicate with people who like to talk about their difficult experience of childbirth and pregnancy, describe in paints all the horrors of the birth process and possible dangers. Pregnant women take someone else's experience too close to their hearts, especially if they are carrying their first child. Such stories can cause unnecessary stress, tears, fears and anxiety now.
You should also not "cheat" yourself about the upcoming screening. No matter how other pregnant women frighten them from the pages of the forums, there is nothing wrong with this diagnosis. If you correctly understand its essence, then the excitement will be minimal.
Domestic conflicts and quarrels should be avoided, after all, the baby can already react to stressors from the outside. If there is no one to talk to in confidence, right now a woman can turn to a psychologist who conducts a free appointment at any antenatal clinic.
The growing uterus begins to mechanically squeeze the intestines, which is why now the most pressing problem of pregnant women is constipation. Proper nutrition will help improve your well-being.It will also save a woman from another trouble of the beginning of the second trimester - a possible hemorrhoids. At the beginning of the 13th week, the expectant mother may pay attention to the fact that she developed calf muscle cramps. Thus, calcium deficiency manifests itself, the need for which has increased significantly at this time.
This week, women who are monitoring their blood pressure may notice that their blood pressure is dropping. This is normal, because now the body has another circle of blood circulation (uteroplacental). Usually, mild natural hypotension does not cause any unpleasant symptoms.
If the pressure drops below normal, then this can be manifested by weakness, dizziness, loss of consciousness. It is imperative to consult a doctor.
The hormone progesterone, which "tried" throughout the first trimester, continues to have a systemic effect on the female body. Now most often he becomes the "culprit" of frequent urination. Sometimes women continue to complain of headaches in the evenings. Due to the hormonal effect on the digestive system, a woman may experience heartburn, alternating constipation and loose stools. And the property of progesterone to retain fluid in the tissues can cause physiological rhinitis in pregnant women; such rhinitis does not need separate treatment, as it goes away on its own.
Small sipping sensations in the lower back and back at 13 weeks can be considered quite acceptable, because the uterus is growing, and the ligaments holding it are stretched... If the lower back hurts and it pulls, and this does not last long, and is also not accompanied by abnormal discharge, then there is nothing to worry about.
Emergency medical attention should be sought if the pain is severe, increasing, cramping.
At 13 weeks, it becomes much easier to wear heavy and enlarged breasts. The mammary glands cease to bother a woman much: to hurt, itch, itch. The active growth of glandular tissue is replaced by the preparation of the ducts for breastfeeding, and this process is not accompanied by pain, although colostrum may begin to be secreted. If the chest does not stop hurting this week, then you should be patient and wait another 7 days - usually by 14 weeks, the unpleasant symptoms completely recede.
Changes in the body
The main change in the female body at this time is the intensive growth of the body of the uterus. The size of the uterus has increased almost 4 times, the length of the uterus has grown by 10 centimeters. In multiparous women, the uterus is heavier, it grows faster, and therefore the main visual sign of pregnancy, the stomach, appears faster. Women who are carrying twins already have an impressive belly.
The location of the uterus also changes. She went beyond the pelvis, now she is in the abdominal cavity. The normal standing height of the fundus at 13 weeks is about 11-12 centimeters.
The uterus becomes softer, more elastic, it is normal, does not come into tone, which ensures its growth, and the amount of vaginal discharge also increases. Do not be afraid of this.
Light, white or yellowish discharge with a mild sour smell is considered completely normal for this period. However, a woman should be extremely vigilant and observe their character - any change in color, smell, consistency of vaginal secretions can be a sign of pathology.
Green and gray, as well as brown discharge of a frothy consistency with an unpleasant odor may indicate the presence of an infection, including genital. Thick white discharge, accompanied by a yeast smell and itching in the perineum, may indicate that a woman has a thrush. This does not happen often at 13 weeks, because thrush is a companion of early and late gestation, but such a possibility is not completely excluded.
The amount of blood that circulates these days in the body of the expectant mother has increased by about 2 times. Now the load on the lungs, kidneys, and heart of a woman has doubled. This can be manifested by an exacerbation of chronic diseases of these organs, if a woman had such diseases before pregnancy. But even healthy pregnant women at this time feel an increased heartbeat. Shortness of breath may occur with little exercise.
The breasts are now big and very beautiful. It is not spoiled even by the Montgomery tubercles protruding on the circles around the nipples and the darkening of the circles themselves. The nipples may turn white. This happens when the nipples are irritated by linen and a small amount of colostrum, which dries up, creates such a white color. Starting this week, you need to wash your nipples with warm water every evening to avoid inflammation and blockage of the passages.
Weight gain at 13 weeks varies. In general, it is considered normal if 2 to 4 kilograms are added to the woman's original body weight. The pregnancy hormone hCG is at its maximum, peak point. From the end of this week, the level of this hormone will begin to gradually decrease, and this process will continue until the very birth.
A woman whose pregnancy is now proceeding without complications looks very attractive. Mysteriousness, spirituality and charm appear in her appearance. Her hair shines, her nails grow faster, and her skin becomes smoother and healthier. In some women this week, pigmentation spots begin to appear on the back, neck, arms. Freckles in women often become brighter, but even this does not spoil their amazing, feminine beauty.
Possible complications
The list of problems and risks that can threaten the expectant mother at the 13th obstetric week of pregnancy is noticeably decreasing. The likelihood of a miscarriage is now already low, as is the likelihood of sudden, unreasonable fetal freezing. But such risks cannot be completely ruled out. Below is a list of complications that pregnant women can face at 13 weeks.
Intrauterine growth retardation
Based on the results of the first ultrasound scan this week, the baby may be lagging behind in development. If no mistake is made with the timing of pregnancy, doctors will definitely try to find the true cause of the slowed growth of the fetus. The slight lag has nothing to do with the delay, but if the baby's parameters are 2 weeks less than the norm, the doctors talk about the probable IUGR - intrauterine growth retardation.
With a symmetrical delay, when all the proportions of the baby are reduced in relation to the norm in the same way, they consider versions such as inconsistency of the placenta or pathology of the umbilical cord, as a result of which the baby simply receives less nutrients and oxygen. A delay in fetal development can be observed in a hypertensive mother suffering from high blood pressure, diseases of the heart and blood vessels, as well as in a woman with chronic problems with the respiratory system.
With an asymmetric delay, when a certain size is in a clear disproportion with the rest, the most likely version of the baby's developmental defects, including genetic ones, is considered. The reason may lie not only in a chromosomal disease, for example, in Down's syndrome, but also in defects in the structure of the kidneys, heart, if something went wrong during the laying of these organs.
The reason that the baby grows more slowly than his peers may be the woman's insufficient nutrition, a deficiency of vitamins in her body, as well as bad habits: smoking, alcohol, drugs.
Often, with a slowdown in growth, the baby "reacts" to infectious diseases transferred by the mother in the first trimester.
Non-developing pregnancy
A missed miscarriage or missed pregnancy can occur at any time up to 28 weeks. With an increase in the term, the likelihood of such a sad outcome decreases. Doctors noticed that most often the fetus stops in development and dies at an early stage - from 3 to 4 weeks, then during the transition from the embryonic to fetal phase of development - from 8 to 10 weeks. The third "dangerous" period starts at 16 and lasts up to 18 weeks. Despite the fact that 13 weeks are not included in these periods, the likelihood of fetal freezing is real at this time.
There may not be any symptoms. In this case, only 2-3 weeks after the death of the baby, the first signs can appear: brown "daub", pulling pains, all signs of miscarriage. If pure blood has gone, then this may indicate that a miscarriage has taken place. But most often, a frozen pregnancy is found on an ultrasound scan, which is done this week.
Any unfavorable factors that a woman has undergone can lead to the death of a child: infections, taking medications that are not allowed during pregnancy, malformations of the placenta, bad habits, a sudden "jump" of hormones.
Isthmico-cervical insufficiency
Such a pathology is spoken of if the cervix of the uterus begins to shorten and flatten before the prescribed time. The task of this part of the reproductive female organ during pregnancy is to tightly close the entrance to the uterus, not to allow the child to leave it prematurely. If the cervix is insufficient, there is a threat of termination of pregnancy. If now the cervix does not cope with its task, the child will die, because he still cannot live independently, outside the mother's womb.
The pathology has no symptoms, a woman may not feel anything unusual, and only on an ultrasound scan at 12-13 weeks, the doctor can detect pathological changes in the cervix. The causes of the phenomenon can be different: from congenital features of the cervix to traumatic changes caused by abortion or gynecological operations associated with mechanical expansion of the cervix. Often, pathology develops in women who have undergone a difficult birth before.
There are a lot of treatment methods for cervical shortening. The short neck, of course, cannot lengthen, but it can be fixed by suturing or installing an obstetric pessary. In most cases, a woman is quite successfully able to bring the baby to the date.
Hypercoagulable syndrome
Thickening of the blood or hypercoagulable syndrome this week can be detected by the results of a coagulogram - an analysis that determines blood clotting. He is assigned to pregnant women when registering. A woman's blood can become too thick because of the increased load on all organs and systems, primarily on the heart and blood vessels. If a woman during the first trimester was tormented by severe toxicosis with vomiting and intoxication, then the risk of hypercoagulability syndrome is great.
At the beginning of the second trimester, hypercoagulability can occur in every second woman, and in most cases it is considered as a variant of the norm. The body of a pregnant woman begins to gradually and in advance prepare for childbirth. To prevent heavy bleeding, the blood coagulation system begins to work in new conditions.
At first detection, doctors will prescribe blood monitoring. If increased coagulability is found in the future, then the woman will be prescribed treatment. Thick blood can be dangerous in the first place with an increased likelihood of thrombosis, premature aging of the placenta.
At 13 weeks, it is not worth sounding the alarm, the revealed hypercoagulation may be physiological.
Analyzes and examinations
If the screening has already taken place a week earlier, then no tests will be scheduled this week. If the referral for prenatal diagnosis was issued at 13 weeks, then the woman will have to donate blood from a vein and do an ultrasound scan on the same day - these are the prerequisites for passing the first screening.
The purpose of this study is to identify women at risk by the likelihood of giving birth to a baby with chromosomal abnormalities. In the blood of a pregnant woman, the quantitative ratio of the hCG hormone and the plasma protein PAPP-A will be assessed. On ultrasound, in addition to assessing the general development and examination of the internal organs of the fetus, they will pay close attention to the so-called markers of chromosomal abnormalities - visual signs of abnormalities. Down syndrome and a number of other diseases, the risks of which are assessed during screening, for example, thickening of the collar space - folds in the back of the neck.
Most genetic pathologies are characterized by flattening and deformation of the facial bones; on ultrasound, this can be traced by the size of the nasal bones.
The norm of the collar space and the length of the nasal bones in a supposedly healthy baby at this time is as follows:
The content of hCG and PAPP-A in the blood can be laboratory evaluated in different units of measurement, and the normative values in different laboratories may differ from each other. For simplicity, use the concentration expressed in units of the median - MoM. The values of hCG and PAPP-A are considered normal at the level of 0.5-2.0 MoM.
Alone, the results of the ultrasound and blood tests say little. Only the summary information, which is processed by a special computer program, gives an idea of how high the probability of having a sick child is. It is expressed in a fraction - 1: 3000 or 1: 350. This fraction means that the chance of giving birth to a child with one or another chromosomal abnormality in a woman with similar indicators is 1 in 3000 or 350 births. Risks in the region of 1: 100 are considered to be high risks.
“Bad” screening - what to do?
If screening shows an increased risk of having a sick baby, then you should not panic, because the results of prenatal diagnosis are just a prognosis, and not a diagnosis. Any negative "findings" on ultrasound or in the laboratory are the basis for a visit to a geneticist. This specialist will once again check all the data and can recommend the woman to undergo an additional examination, which will be able to answer with great accuracy the question of whether the child has chromosomal abnormalities and abnormalities.
In such situations, an invasive diagnosis is recommended - chorionic biopsy, a little later - amniocentesis. Using a special long needle through a puncture in the anterior abdominal wall, amniotic fluid (during amniocentesis) or chorionic particles is taken for analysis. DNA is used to determine if the child has anomalies.
These methods are very informative, but unsafe for the mother and fetus. The procedure can result in infection of the membranes, miscarriage, mechanical injury to the child. Modern medicine offers an alternative - a non-invasive DNA test.
In a sample of venous blood of the expectant mother, fetal erythrocytes are found, which begin to get there from about 8-9 weeks of pregnancy, from which the child's DNA is removed. The procedure is no different from a regular blood test and does not harm the fetus and mother in any way, but it is expensive - several tens of thousands of rubles.
After additional diagnostics show the true picture, it will be the woman herself and her close people who will decide what will happen next with this pregnancy.
If the baby has pathologies, then the woman is advised to terminate the pregnancy for medical reasons. But she has the right and deliberately to refuse it. In this case, the pregnancy continues as usual, and if necessary, both the mother and the baby are provided with supportive therapy.
Recommendations for the expectant mother
As in the first trimester, all basic recommendations remain in force, the observance of which will help a woman to calmly inform and give birth to a healthy baby. These are daily walks in the fresh air, healthy food, healthy lifestyle. Only a few items can be added to the list of recommendations this week.
Calcium
Since the requirements for this mineral increase with the onset of fetal bone growth, it is now advisable to talk to your doctor about the possibility of taking additional calcium supplements.You shouldn't buy them at the pharmacy and start drinking on your own. If a woman does not have a calcium deficiency, then such actions can lead to an excess of the mineral, which is fraught with complications with the kidneys and metabolism.
The doctor saw the results of a biochemical analysis of the woman's blood, he knows exactly how much calcium is in her blood. If you need an additional amount of the mineral, he will recommend calcium preparations and indicate in what dosage it should be taken.
All pregnant women need to include calcium-rich foods in their diet this week. These include cottage cheese, milk, dairy products, sea fish, fresh herbs, spinach, nuts. In most cases, this allows you to gain the required amount of an important substance without pharmaceutical preparations.
Sex
Sex this week is not contraindicated if the woman does not have a threat of marginal chorionic presentation and other complications that can lead to miscarriage. There is no need to be shy, because the question of whether it is possible to live an active sex life, be sure to ask the attending physician at this time. If everything is ok, then he will have nothing against it.
Sex helps a woman feel better: it stabilizes the emotional and psychological background, improves family relationships. However, now you should carefully consider your own feelings and the choice of posture. All positions with deep penetration, as well as the use of lubricants, are now prohibited.
Nutrition
If a woman has a stomach ache or pain in her left side or right hypochondrium, it is important to consult a doctor in time and adjust her diet. At 13 weeks, you can not eat carbonated drinks, fried, salty, fatty, smoked meats and marinades. The more vegetables and fruits in the diet of the expectant mother, the better. The intestines begin to be squeezed by the growing uterus and needs fiber, which will prevent constipation and hemorrhoids.
Diseases and medicines
If all the security measures did not help, and the woman nevertheless fell ill with a cold or SARS at 13 weeks, you should not worry too much. The baby is already formed, the probability that the temperature and the drugs taken will have a negative effect on him is not as high as in the first trimester. The placenta is already coping with barrier functions. This does not cancel consultation with a doctor, and all medications should be taken only as directed.
This week, you can go to the dentist and heal all problem teeth, if necessary. X-rays are also prohibited, but gentle anesthesia is already acceptable.
Reviews of women
Women left a lot of comments on the 13th week of pregnancy on specialized forums on the Internet. Most of them are dedicated to improving well-being. Some this week begin to keep diaries of pregnant women, where they enter their weight, blood pressure, basal temperature. All these data will help the doctor, who still sees a woman once a month at a scheduled appointment, to better imagine what is happening to the expectant mother during this month.
Experienced mothers advise asking the doctor for ultrasound images, which from this week appear in the family album, on electronic media, because paper "photos" of the baby very quickly lose color and clarity of the image due to the quality of the paper.
An electronic snapshot is a guarantee that the image of the baby at the 13th week of pregnancy will last for many years and will remind parents of nine months of waiting, a third of which is already behind.
For what happens at 13 weeks of gestation, see the next video.
