Where is the uterus at 13 weeks? Colds, acute respiratory infections and flu. temperature. Is it possible to have an antibiotic? Medicines and medical procedures

The rapid development of the fetus, which began from the moment of conception, continues. His height at this time is about 7 cm, and his weight reaches 28 g. In appearance, this is no longer an embryo at the blastocyst stage, but a full-fledged little person. The baby's head is no longer as large compared to the body as it was in the fetus in early pregnancy. Body parts become more proportional.

We list the main changes that the fetus undergoes at the 13th week of pregnancy:

• The formed gallbladder begins to fulfill its main purpose - the production of bile. The pancreas secretes the hormone insulin, which is responsible for the process of processing glucose in the human body.
• The baby actively moves in the womb, strengthening the developing muscles. Movements and movements are still erratic and continue during periods of wakefulness of the child.
• The baby's face is almost formed; every day it acquires the features with which it will be born. The eyes located on the sides of the head move to the central part. The child develops a sucking reflex, and the formation of facial muscles and baby teeth is completed.
• The child’s heart works hard; it can pass through more than 20 liters of blood per day.

The fetal brain cells continue to develop, small grooves appear - future convolutions.

Possible problems in the thirteenth week

Pain

Moderate pain at 13 weeks (this is how much time has passed since the first day of the last menstrual cycle) can be caused by the tone of the uterus. Such pain is usually short-lived and caused by muscle strain due to fetal growth. However, if muscle tension is repeated frequently and does not go away for a long time, the mother and father of the child should not ignore it, they should immediately go to the doctor.

Especially if there are ailments reminiscent of pain during menstruation or spotting.

• At week 13, pain may also appear:
• in the legs, in particular in the calf muscles (indicates a lack of calcium in the body);
• in the stomach due to increased gas formation and other reasons caused by indigestion;
• in the lower back due to increased stress caused by an increase in the size of the abdomen.

Colds and fever

Unfortunately, it is extremely difficult to avoid colds during pregnancy. Sooner or later, the expectant mother may contract an acute respiratory infection, especially if the child is pregnant in the autumn-winter period. The difficulty is that pregnant women cannot use common medications that are effective, and the disease can progress quickly. And this is fraught with sad consequences - early birth and the occurrence of defects in the development of the fetus.

So, what does a mother need to do to avoid getting sick and what to do if a cold cannot be avoided:

1. Dress warmly in the cold season and avoid visiting crowded places.
2. Take vitamins that support weakened immunity.
3. If cold symptoms appear, you can use folk remedies that will not harm the child in any way and will help alleviate the condition.
4. If there is a high temperature, call a doctor at home. He will prescribe treatment and advise the safest methods of combating colds.

It must be said that at 13 weeks of pregnancy, the temperature can, as in the first trimester, be low-grade - up to 37.5 degrees. This is not a cause for concern if the woman does not feel pain. An increase in temperature to 38 degrees should alert you. You need to knock it down with medications that contain paracetamol. It is best to call a doctor and follow his instructions.

Discharge at the 13th obstetric week

The expectant mother should, as before, continue to monitor the discharge. After all, they can tell a lot about the state of the body and how the baby feels.

Clear discharge that does not have a strong odor is considered normal; at 13 weeks it may become more abundant.

If they change color or acquire an unusual consistency, you should consult a doctor. An infection may occur, and this, if not treated in time, will only harm the child.

Bleeding

Sudden bleeding is an alarming sign, but there is hope for a further successful pregnancy.

Most women who discover such discharge and receive treatment calmly continue their pregnancy until childbirth.

It is important to seek help from medical professionals in a timely manner.

• At 13 weeks, the appearance of blood from the vagina can be caused by the following reasons:
• abruption or placenta previa;
• mechanical damage (falls, wounds on the cervix during examination by a gynecologist or during sexual intercourse);
• inelastic blood vessels of a pregnant woman that burst under pressure from the uterus.

A doctor will help you clarify the diagnosis and write out the necessary directions for ultrasound and other studies. As a rule, at this stage women are recommended to go to the hospital to be under constant supervision. At this time, bed rest and exclusion of physical activity are indicated.

Ultrasound of the fetus at 13 weeks of pregnancy

The gynecologist prescribes it at 12-13 weeks of pregnancy. This is the first ultrasound of the child, in which the doctor records the main parameters of his development and finds out whether they correspond to normal indicators. In addition, the specialist will accurately determine the gestational age, as well as the size of the fetus and the sex of the child at the 13th week of pregnancy.

13th obstetric week of pregnancy– precisely that period of pregnancy when the expectant mother can safely go to the store for new clothes, because most of the wardrobe by this time is simply small.

The first trimester ends smoothly, and so does the mood and woman's well-being improves. Every day the attacks of vomiting, dizziness and nausea are receding more and more. In a word, life is starting to get better: I want to dance, draw, sing, and spend more time with family and friends.

Your baby is the size of a peach. Now his body will rapidly develop and grow, so it will be 3-4 times the size of his head by the end of pregnancy. The photo shows the rapid development of the baby at 13 weeks.

The thirteenth week is the time when you need to think only about good, bright things, enjoy life and tune in to a positive wave!

Fetal size and development at 13 weeks of gestation

At 13 weeks of pregnancy fruit length will vary from 6 to 9 cm. Fruit weight – 14-23 grams. The size of the fruit already resembles an average peach or nectarine. By this time, all of the baby’s baby teeth have already been formed.

At this stage of pregnancy the placenta is finally formed, producing a certain amount of estrogen and, on which the subsequent development of the fetus depends.

Now the thickness of the placenta does not exceed 1.5 cm. All the nutrients necessary for the baby are supplied through it: proteins, fats and carbohydrates. At the same time she does not allow most toxic substances to pass through which can harm the fetus. The placenta also prevents the occurrence of Rh conflict, which occurs due to the impact of the mother’s immune system on the child.

Happening at a rapid pace brain development, a reflex system develops: the baby shudders, grimaces, curls his lips, clenches his fists. Most of the time the fetus is at rest, but sometimes it begins to move slightly.

At the 13th week of pregnancy, the baby is still developing and forming all the necessary organs and systems that ensure the healthy functioning of the body:

• Actively being formed baby's skeletal system. Beneficial microelements, especially calcium, begin to be deposited in the bones. Primary ribs are formed, the bones of the skull and spine gradually ossify.
• Child's head no longer pressed against the chest, the brow ridges, chin and bridge of the nose are clearly visible. The ears take the usual position for a person, and the eyes gradually move closer to the bridge of the nose, but they are still closed by eyelids.
• Skin covering becomes very thin and tender. Since there is no fat layer, the skin takes on a bright red tint, and small capillary vessels appear on top of it.
• Respiratory system By the thirteenth week of pregnancy, the fetus is practically formed. The baby can breathe on his own, but the glottis is still closed. Thanks to breathing movements, the muscles of the chest and diaphragm begin to train.

The maternal journey is always replete with various difficulties and worries. Women who are becoming acquainted with such an interesting situation for the first time are most worried. Their head is constantly filled with doubts regarding the birth of a healthy baby.

Psychological aspect

The 13th week feels in many ways similar to the previous weeks of pregnancy. She is also characterized by mixed feelings that a woman is filled with. On the one hand, the expectant mother is infinitely happy with her position. But on the other hand, there comes the realization that the carefree, fun times are over, and now the time has come to bear responsibility not only for your life, but also for the life of an unborn person.

And then, as luck would have it, many acquaintances and girlfriends begin to “intimidate” the expectant mother with stories about complications, dire consequences and force majeure circumstances during childbirth. Of course, such conversations will not leave a pregnant woman indifferent, and these stories can cause her nervous breakdowns, unjustified worries and frequent tears.

But, despite all these factors, the thirteenth week of pregnancy is different more positive mood without pronounced differences. This stability is due to decrease. The expectant mother begins to feel much better and more comfortable every day, and also feels an incredible charge of vigor.

Woman's well-being

In general, a woman’s well-being in the thirteenth week of pregnancy is characterized by positive dynamics. But this period is characterized by certain ailments:

• due to intestinal disorders. In addition, the uterus, which is constantly increasing in size, can also affect the occurrence of such a disease.
• Convulsions in the calf muscles at night due to a lack of calcium, especially calcium, in the pregnant woman’s body.
• Lower blood pressure, which is often observed after the formation of the placental circulation. And if during this period of pregnancy the pressure, on the contrary, increases, you should pay special attention to the condition of the kidneys.

Female body at 13 weeks of pregnancy

By the 13th week of pregnancy, the female body has produced the necessary amount of hormones to ensure the safety of the fetus. Therefore, soon a woman nausea will stop bothering you in the morning. The irritability of the expectant mother will be reduced to a minimum, and anxious thoughts about it will completely disappear.

Some changes the body itself will tolerate:

• The uterus is enlarged up to 3 cm in height and 10 cm in width. Imperceptibly it moves from the pelvic floor to the abdominal cavity. Therefore, a slightly rounded belly will soon appear.
• Every day the uterus becomes softer and more elastic. This change may be accompanied by slight vaginal discharge. Usually they do not have a characteristic color or smell, but if the discharge has a yellow tint and an unpleasant odor, you should immediately consult a doctor. about discharge during pregnancy.
• More and more noticeable breast enlargement. And with a light massage, colostrum may come out of the nipples.
• By the end of the 13th week, vaginal discharge becomes thinner and more abundant. There is no need to worry about this, since the previously dominant progesterone gradually fades into the background, giving way to estrogen.

For the first trimester 1-2 kilograms to your weight. In the belly photos you can see how mom's body has changed by 13 weeks.

Tests, examinations and ultrasound at the 13th week of pregnancy

Regular consultations with a doctor, compliance with all recommendations and advice from specialists, as well as routine examinations will help the expectant mother give birth to a healthy baby, as well as maintain her own health.

Tests and doctors

At 12-13 weeks of pregnancy, a woman should take blood analysis: double test - for the hormone PAP-A and for. Both analyzes are an integral part of the research program during pregnancy and a mandatory part of biochemical screening.

The obtained test result will either make it possible to finally verify that the health of the mother and baby is not in danger, or at the initial stage of pregnancy, identify all existing abnormalities in the development of the fetus and begin treatment in a timely manner.

Also, you must submit Analysis of urine to monitor the condition of the kidneys and the body as a whole.

When the results are ready, a scheduled appointment is carried out. obstetrician-gynicologist

Ultrasound at 13 weeks of pregnancy. Video

It is carried out at 11-13 weeks of pregnancy. Ultrasound examination at this stage is aimed at studying the abdominal organs of the fetus.

Despite the fact that food has not yet reached the baby, active peristalsis is noticeable in his intestines. And during ultrasound, the specialist measures the circumference and transverse belly size baby.

Thanks to prenatal screening, you can see how the baby has grown. In size it can be compared to a small apple. Visible on a small head first fluff. In addition, happy parents will be able to watch through the monitor how the baby hugs himself. In the fetal ultrasound photo above, you can see how much your baby has changed by the 13th week of pregnancy, compared to previous weeks.

Possible problems in the 13th week of pregnancy

After week 13, the risk decreases significantly. Therefore, mom can practically not worry about this.

The 13th week of pregnancy is characterized by increased uterine tone. And because of its contractions, not only the healthy development of the fetus, but also the life of the child as a whole can be called into question. But you shouldn’t think about a miscarriage in advance, because the presence of uterine tone does not always cause such a problem. about it…

Frequent stress, workload at work or at home, overwork - all this affects the increase in uterine tone. In addition, such a deviation may be detected due to a lack of progesterone or estradiol. Signal to seek immediate medical attention See a doctor for pain in the lower abdomen, acute pain in the lower back, hardening of the uterus, yellow spotting with an unpleasant odor.

The specialist must prescribe to the patient complex treatment magnesium preparation and antispasmodic to reduce the excitability of the uterine muscle tissue. In addition, during this period, a woman is advised to strictly adhere to bed rest and avoid physical activity. If health does not improve, the expectant mother will be hospitalized urgently.

Lifestyle and diet of a woman at 13 weeks

Adequate rest, healthy sleep and a calm lifestyle are what a woman should adhere to at 13 weeks of pregnancy. Spend more time surrounded by your loved ones and enjoy this interesting situation.

Protect yourself from nervous tension and stress. Try to rest as often as possible. Have a positive effect on the mother's condition morning and evening walks in the fresh air. Start doing something that will help support your body. Favorable conduct of the 13th week of pregnancy allows you to minimize the risks of unwanted deviations in the development of the fetus and the health of the woman.

Daily diet also worth paying special attention to. In order for the baby to be born healthy, the mother’s body must be fully enriched with nutrients, vitamin and mineral complexes. It's worth consuming only natural products, purchased and prepared independently without adding hot spices, salt and pepper.

Take care of variety of diet. Do not overuse rice alone; for example, you need to regularly eat vegetables, fruits, grains, dairy products, lean meats and nuts.

In addition, throughout pregnancy there should be no place for alcohol, tonic drinks and smoking!

By the end of the first trimester, the woman had already become accustomed to her new status, all worries and fears were a thing of the past. The thirteenth week can significantly improve and diversify future parents, since a woman during this period is under the influence of hormones, increasing libido. And thanks to increased sensitivity and impressionability, both partners can experience completely new sensations before this time.

The 13th week allows you to fully enjoy yourself, your body, your position and voluptuous moments of solitude. But if doctors do not rule out the possibility of miscarriage, or the woman feels unwell, it is better to abstain from carnal pleasures for a while, thereby preserving the life of the baby.

In order for the pregnancy to proceed favorably and not cause discomfort in the expectant mother, it is worth adhering to the following recommendations:

• Costs avoid excessive physical activity. But if you feel well, you can continue your usual sports, dancing and fitness activities. A visit to the pool has an extremely beneficial effect on mother and child.
• Even with minor symptoms of the disease, you should consult a doctor, and do not self-medicate.
• During the autumn-winter season, spend as little time as possible in crowded places, especially on public transport.
• As often as possible wash your hands with soap, after your walk, take a shower.
• During pregnancy, it is worth getting to know each other more closely; include fermented milk products, fresh fruits, vegetables, and freshly squeezed juice in your diet.
• To overcome constipation, which women so often encounter in the thirteenth week of pregnancy, eat foods with a laxative effect: bread and cereals with bran, prunes and plums, beets. Don't get carried away with buns with poppy seeds, pear and rice - on the contrary, they produce the opposite effect.
• Don't get carried away with cosmetics and perfumes. Start taking care of the skin of your abdomen and chest using special creams.

Video about 13 weeks of pregnancy

After watching this video, the expectant mother will get a general idea of ​​what awaits her in the 13th week of pregnancy, find out how her baby has grown, and how he feels. Particular attention in the film is paid to the sexual relations of future parents. Even if doctors insist on sexual abstinence, remember that their ban will not last forever. The main thing is that you need to live this period in harmony, caring for each other and mutual understanding!

Thus, the thirteenth obstetric week of pregnancy is one of the most favorable periods, both for future parents and for the baby. If you follow all the doctor’s advice and recommendations, monitor your diet, lead a measured life and enjoy your situation, pregnancy will be the most memorable and joyful moment in your life, not counting the birth of the baby itself!

And in order to dispel all the fears and worries of women who are just planning the birth of a new life, share your story love, the fruit of which was the birth of a little miracle in the form of your beloved son or sweet daughter!

This is a time of great changes in the feelings of the expectant mother and a new stage in the development of her baby. It is this week that is considered the most informative for the first prenatal study, which is called “screening”.

How many months is this?

By the 13th obstetric week, women are already well versed in how pregnancy time is calculated. Doctors always set a time limit that exceeds the actual one by approximately two weeks. This is the obstetric period, and the difference of 14 days is the time that has passed from the first day of the last menstruation before pregnancy to the expected ovulation.

If the 13th obstetric week has begun, this means that it is now exactly 12 weeks according to medical standards for calculating the gestational age, that is, it is 12-13 weeks, and 10-11 weeks have passed since conception. The 11th embryonic week corresponds to the 13th obstetric week. The fourth lunar month has begun (each of them has exactly 4 weeks). Almost three months have passed in calendar terms.

Baby development

The fetal period of baby development is in full swing. 3 weeks have already passed since he ceased to be an embryo and became a fetus. With the beginning of this period, the baby becomes more and more human-like every day. He no longer has a tail - it has turned into a tailbone. The formation of internal organs has completed - now they will only grow.

Now the baby is the size of a decent onion. His height is between 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 he does not yet have subcutaneous fatty tissue. The skin is very thin; capillaries and larger blood vessels are visible through them. Vellus hair grows on the baby’s head; all children still have light hair, because the pigment that colors 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. On average, it makes up half of the total area of ​​the fetus. This disproportion will be eliminated over time, and by the time of birth the baby's body will be five times larger than its head.

The proportions of the arms and legs begin to equalize. If earlier the arms were short, now this week they are noticeably increasing in length, and the legs are starting to grow. The lower limbs are still much shorter than the upper ones.

The fingers and toes have fully formed fingers, each of them is crowned with a small nail. The child’s ears have completed the formation, and from this week he begins to hear, but for now the hearing is more of a vibrational nature, because the formation of the inner ear is still ongoing. By about 20 weeks 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 located 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, due to 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 his head. All internal organs are located in their places, nothing looks outside the abdominal cavity. The baby's appearance begins to take on individual features.

Internal organs

Since all organs have already been formed, the process of their growth is now underway, and they are also “learning” to work correctly, becoming more complex and developed. The gallbladder produces bile at week 13, and the pancreas began producing insulin two weeks earlier. The intestines contract rhythmically, and this is almost real peristalsis, despite the fact that the baby in the usual sense does not yet eat.

The structure of a small heart is exactly the same as that of an adult: it has four chambers, but it beats much faster. Heart rate (HR) this week is from 140 to 170 beats per minute. The fetal heart pumps about 23 liters of blood per day. The kidneys work at full capacity: they produce urine, accumulate it, and the urinary system carries it out into the amniotic fluid. The baby pees 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 their infancy. The spinal cord currently receives 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 the 13th week every day.

Special communication channels 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 studied, his hands are clenched into fists, he has a grasping reflex. Taste buds already “catch” shades of tastes: if the mother eats sweets, the child will definitely notice a change in the taste of the water - 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 become more and more active. Most of the time he remains in a dormant state, which resembles sleep. During periods of wakefulness, the baby “has fun”: hugs itself, plays with the umbilical cord, examines its face by touch and swims. Mothers do not feel any movements yet - there is enough space in the uterus.

Gender

The baby's external genitalia are forming. The boys' genital tubercles have lengthened and are now a small penis. And this week in girls, the genital tubercles begin to bend and shrink, turning into the labia.

But it is still quite difficult to find out the gender - gender differences in size are small. An experienced doctor, of course, will be able to see the difference if the ultrasound is performed on a machine with good resolution, and the baby is positioned conveniently for examination. But the doctor will not yet be able to reliably name the gender of the child - the likelihood of an error at this stage is quite high.

At the 13th 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 prostate gland continues to develop.

Skeletal system

Since the thyroid gland has been diligently developing and starting to work over the past weeks, calcium deposition has begun in the baby’s bones, and they are becoming stronger. The bones of the skull and spine begin to strengthen first, followed by the bones of the limbs. Baby's ribs are appearing this week.

Right now, the need for calcium for mother and fetus is great. If the baby does not have enough of it, he will begin to take calcium from the mother’s bones. As a result, the quality and appearance of a woman’s nails, hair, and teeth will deteriorate. By the way, the rudiments of the baby’s baby teeth have 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 is still expanding irregularly, but every day the respiratory contractions will become more and more regular. After birth, the baby will intuitively know how to breathe.

The glottis remains closed for now. At the 13th week, the vocal cords are actively forming so that after birth the baby will announce the delivery room with a loud cry. The lungs do not yet produce or accumulate a substance important for respiration - surfactant. The baby will begin to prepare for independent breathing in the middle of the third trimester.

What can a baby do? Despite the fact that the fetus is still very small, it is actively developing its skills. Now the baby reacts to external stimuli. If the mother begins to cough or speak to someone in a raised voice, then a special vibration will reach the baby, and he will feel changes in the mother’s mood.

It still remains unknown how children at this age manage to feel fear, pain and joy. But numerous studies that covered the category of pregnant women planning an abortion at this time have shown that the child perfectly feels all the mother’s emotions and feels pain. If he is in pain, he opens his mouth in silent crying, and if he is scared, he tries to “hide” and shrink.

Scientists believe that The connection between mother and baby is now based on changes in the composition of maternal blood. When emotions change, her hormonal levels change subtly, and this is exactly what the child feels.

At week 13, the baby makes various grimaces - his facial muscles are already sufficiently developed for this. He has learned to bring his fists to his mouth and tries to suck them; he is good at yawning, hiccupping, and stretching after sleep. He especially enjoys playing with his own umbilical cord: he grabs it and feels it.

Baby on ultrasound. An ultrasound this week is performed as part of prenatal screening, if it has not been performed previously. The deadlines established by the Ministry of Health for this diagnostic event allow screening to be completed this week. This ultrasound may be the first “meeting” of the expectant mother and her baby. Now on the monitor of an ultrasound scanner you can already examine in detail the baby’s profile, nose, brow ridges, small arms, legs, and listen to the heartbeat. All this causes real delight among women.

During the examination, the doctor assesses the baby’s viability, its size and correlates them with special tables, which can be used to judge the exact duration of pregnancy and the characteristics of fetal development.

Still informative is the KTR (coccygeal-parietal size), which is essentially a segment between the coccyx and the crown of the head. Some doctors do not measure CTE this week, since BPR - bipariental (the transverse size of the baby's head), measured between the temporal bones - becomes more informative, from the point of view of determining the period.

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 measuring them is impractical. The SVD, the diameter of the fertilized egg, is also not measured, since two weeks ago it exceeded 50 mm and became too large to measure.

For the full 12th week and the six days following it, the following norms are typical:

Table of average fetometry values ​​at week 13 (12-13 weeks)

Those who have had their CTE measured will be interested to know whether their baby meets the average statistical standards. These values ​​for week 13 are:

CTE at 13 weeks of pregnancy

The baby's abdominal circumference at this stage averages from 61 to 69 mm.

The placenta has already fully assumed all the responsibilities for nourishing and protecting the child, and now, if the need arises, the woman can take medications that were not previously recommended for her, since the laying of the internal organs of the embryo was underway, and there was no protective barrier. The thickness of the placenta at this stage is from 15 to 18 mm, but it is not yet measured by ultrasound, since its thickness will have diagnostic value no earlier than 20 weeks and later

Feelings of the expectant mother

A woman’s feelings this week are ambiguous - on the one hand, she is happy and proud of her growing belly, and on the other hand, she comes to understand that a child is serious, and, accordingly, all the worries associated with this appear: will she have enough strength, experience, funds for in order to raise him. Women who are pregnant with their first child are usually especially worried about this.

Since the first trimester can be considered completed, the hormonal levels “calm down” somewhat.. 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 sleep becomes stronger, and severe daytime sleepiness recedes a little. In general, her health is improving, and signs of malaise are becoming less and less common.

If in the first trimester a woman suffered from increased salivation, now she begins to produce slightly less saliva. Dizziness and nausea gradually go away.

The belly is noticeably growing. The belly and hips already look rounder, and many women can no longer hide their position. At this stage, even superstitious women who were previously afraid to report their situation are no longer afraid to disclose this important information and communicate 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 belly begins to require a woman to change her habits. 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 compress the inferior vena cava. This week, the woman already understands that the clothes she wore before pregnancy no longer meet at the waist and are tight in the hips and chest.

It's time to change your wardrobe to a more spacious one, and your usual bra should be replaced with a larger bodice with wide straps that will support your growing breasts.

The mood, which was previously characterized by instability, now begins to “even out”, the woman becomes more balanced and calm, but she may be forgetful and absent-minded. All these metamorphoses are caused by the influence of a new hormonal level on the brain: everything in a woman’s body adapts to the needs of the child. The baby now needs a calm and peaceful mother.

And yet the woman still remains quite sensitive. This week you should not communicate with people who like to talk about their difficult experiences of childbirth and pregnancy, describe in vivid colors all the horrors of the birth process and possible dangers. Pregnant women take other people's experiences too seriously, especially if they are carrying their first child. Such stories can cause unnecessary stress, tears, fears and anxiety.

You should also not “wind up” yourself about the upcoming screening. No matter how other pregnant women from the pages of forums scare them, there is nothing terrible in this diagnosis. If you understand its essence correctly, then the disturbances will be minimal.

Domestic conflicts and quarrels should be avoided, after all, the baby can already react to external stress factors. If there is no one to communicate with in confidence, right now a woman can turn to a psychologist who provides free consultations at any antenatal clinic.

The growing uterus begins to mechanically compress the intestines, which is why now the most pressing problem for pregnant women is constipation. Proper nutrition will help improve your well-being. It will also protect a woman from another trouble at the beginning of the second trimester - possible hemorrhoids. At the beginning of the 13th week, the expectant mother may notice that she has cramps in the calf muscles. This is how calcium deficiency manifests itself, the need for which has increased significantly at this time.

This week, women who monitor their blood pressure levels may notice that their blood pressure is dropping. This is normal, because now there is another circle of blood circulation in the body (uteroplacental). Usually, slight natural hypotension does not cause any unpleasant symptoms.

If the pressure drops below normal, this may manifest itself as weakness, dizziness, and loss of consciousness. You should definitely consult your doctor.

The hormone progesterone, which “tried” throughout the first trimester, continues to have a systemic effect on the female body. Now most often it becomes the “culprit” of frequent urination. Sometimes women continue to complain that they have 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 a physiological runny nose in pregnant women; such rhinitis does not require separate treatment, as it goes away on its own.

Slight pulling sensations in the lower back and back at week 13 can be considered quite acceptable, because the uterus is growing, and the ligaments that hold it are stretched. If your lower back hurts and feels tight, and it does not last long, and is not accompanied by abnormal discharge, then there is nothing to worry about.

Emergency medical help should be sought if the pain is severe, increasing, or cramping.

At week 13, it becomes much easier to carry heavier and enlarged breasts. The mammary glands stop bothering the woman much: hurting, itching, scratching. 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 released. If your breasts have not stopped hurting this week, then you should be patient and wait another 7 days - Usually by week 14, unpleasant symptoms disappear completely.

Changes in the body

The main change in the female body at this stage is the intensive growth of the uterine body. 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 belly, appears faster. Women who are pregnant with twins already have an impressive belly.

The location of the uterus also changes. It has gone beyond the pelvis and is now in the abdominal cavity. The normal height of the uterine fundus at 13 weeks is about 11-12 centimeters.

The uterus becomes softer, more elastic, it is normal, it does not become toned, which ensures its growth, and the amount of vaginal discharge also increases. There is no need to be afraid of this.

Light, white or yellowish discharge with a slight sour odor is considered completely normal for this period. However, a woman should be extremely vigilant and observe their character - any change in the color, smell, or consistency of vaginal secretion may be a sign of pathology.

Green, gray, or brown discharge with a foamy consistency and an unpleasant odor may indicate the presence of an infection, including a genital infection. Thick white discharge, accompanied by a yeasty odor and itching in the perineum, may indicate that a woman has developed thrush. This rarely happens at week 13, because thrush is a companion of early and late gestation, but this possibility cannot be completely ruled out.

The amount of blood that circulates these days in the body of the expectant mother has approximately doubled. Now the load on the woman’s lungs, kidneys, and heart has become twice as great. This may manifest itself as an exacerbation of chronic diseases of these organs, if the woman had such diseases before pregnancy. But even healthy pregnant women feel an increased heart rate at this stage. Shortness of breath may occur with slight physical exertion.

The breasts are now large and very beautiful. It is not spoiled even by the protruding Montgomery tubercles on the circles around the nipples and the darkening of the circles themselves. The nipples may turn white. This occurs when the nipples are irritated by underwear and a small amount of colostrum is released, which, when dried, creates such a white color. Starting this week, you need to wash your nipples every evening with warm water to avoid inflammation and blockage of the passages.

Weight gain at 13 weeks may vary. In general, it is considered normal if 2 to 4 kilograms are added to a woman’s initial 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 last until childbirth.

A woman whose pregnancy is now proceeding without complications looks very attractive. Mystery, spirituality and charm appear in her appearance. Her hair shines, her nails grow faster, her skin becomes smoother and healthier. Some women are starting to experience pigment spots on their back, neck, and arms this week. Women's freckles often become brighter, but even this does not spoil their amazing, feminine beauty.

Possible complications

The list of problems and risks that may threaten the expectant mother at the 13th obstetric week of pregnancy is noticeably decreasing. The likelihood of miscarriage is now low, as is the likelihood of sudden, causeless fetal death. But such risks cannot be completely excluded. Below is a list of complications that pregnant women may encounter at 13 weeks.

Intrauterine growth retardation

The results of the first ultrasound this week may reveal a developmental delay in the baby. If no mistake is made with the timing of pregnancy, doctors will definitely try to find the true cause of the slow growth of the fetus. A slight lag has nothing to do with the delay, but if the baby’s parameters are 2 weeks less than normal, doctors talk about probable IUGR - intrauterine growth retardation.

With a symmetrical delay, when all the proportions of the baby are reduced relative to the norm equally, versions such as placental incompetence or umbilical cord pathologies are considered, as a result of which the baby simply receives less nutrients and oxygen. Delayed fetal development can be observed in a hypertensive mother suffering from high blood pressure, heart and vascular diseases, as well as in women with chronic respiratory problems.

In case of asymmetrical delay, when some size is in obvious disproportion with the others, the most probable version of the baby’s developmental defects, including genetic ones, is considered. The reason may lie not only in a chromosomal disease, for example, Down syndrome, but also in structural defects of the kidneys and heart, if something went wrong during the formation of these organs.

The reason that a baby grows slower than his peers can be a woman’s insufficient nutrition, a deficiency of vitamins in her body, as well as bad habits: smoking, alcohol, drugs.

Often, by slowing growth, the baby “reacts” to infectious diseases suffered by the mother in the first trimester.

Non-developing pregnancy

A missed miscarriage or a frozen pregnancy can occur at any stage up to 28 weeks. As the period increases, the likelihood of such a sad outcome decreases. Doctors noticed that most often the fetus stops developing and dies early - 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 begins at 16 and lasts until 18 weeks. Despite the fact that the 13th week is not included in these periods, the likelihood of fetal death is real even at this period.

There may be no symptoms. In this case, only 2-3 weeks after the death of the baby, the first signs may appear: a brown “smear”, nagging pain, all the signs of a miscarriage. If pure blood flows, this may indicate that a miscarriage has taken place. But most often, a frozen pregnancy is detected by an ultrasound, which is done this week.

Any adverse factors to which a woman has been exposed can lead to the death of a child: infections, taking medications that are not permitted during pregnancy, malformations of the placenta, bad habits, a sudden “jump” in hormones.

Isthmic-cervical insufficiency

This pathology is spoken of when a woman’s cervix begins to shorten and smooth out ahead of schedule. The task of this part of the female reproductive organ during pregnancy is to tightly close the entrance to the uterus and not allow the child to leave it prematurely. If the cervix is ​​insufficient, there is a risk of miscarriage. If the cervix does not cope with its task now, the child will die, because he cannot yet live independently, outside the mother’s womb.

The pathology has no symptoms, the woman may not feel anything unusual, and only with an ultrasound at 12-13 weeks can the doctor detect pathological changes in the cervix. The causes of the phenomenon can be different: from congenital characteristics of the cervix to traumatic changes caused by abortion or gynecological operations associated with mechanical expansion of the cervix. Often the pathology develops in women who have previously suffered a difficult birth.

There are many methods for treating cervical shortening. A short neck, of course, cannot lengthen, but it can be fixed by suturing or installing an obstetric pessary. In most cases, a woman quite safely manages to carry her baby to term.

Hypercoagulability syndrome

Blood thickening or hypercoagulability syndrome this week can be detected by the results of a coagulogram - a test that determines blood clotting. It is prescribed to pregnant women upon registration. A woman’s blood can become too thick due to increased stress on all organs and systems, primarily the heart and blood vessels. If a woman suffered from severe toxicosis with vomiting and intoxication during the first trimester, then the risk of hypercoagulation syndrome is high.

At the beginning of the second trimester, hypercoagulation can occur in every second woman, and in most cases it is considered as a normal variant. The pregnant woman's body begins to gradually and well in advance prepare for childbirth. To prevent severe bleeding, the blood coagulation system begins to work under new conditions.

When first detected, doctors will prescribe monitoring of the blood condition. If increased coagulability is detected in the future, the woman will be prescribed treatment. Thick blood can be dangerous primarily due to the increased likelihood of thrombosis and premature aging of the placenta.

There is no need to sound the alarm at week 13; the detected 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 a referral for prenatal diagnostics is issued at week 13, then the woman will have to donate blood from a vein and have an ultrasound scan on the same day - these are the mandatory conditions for undergoing the first screening.

The purpose of this study is to identify women at risk for their 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 plasma protein PAPP-A will be assessed. During the ultrasound, in addition to assessing the general development and examining 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, are characterized by thickening of the nuchal space - the folds on the back of the neck.

Alone, the results of an ultrasound and blood test say little. Only summary information 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 a particular chromosomal abnormality in a woman with similar indicators is 1 in 3000 or 350 births. High risks are considered to be risks in the region of 1:100.

“Bad” screening – what to do?

If screening shows increased risks of having a sick baby, then you should not panic, because the results of prenatal diagnostics are just a forecast, and not a diagnosis. Any negative “findings” on an ultrasound or in the laboratory are grounds for a visit to a geneticist. This specialist will once again check all the data and may recommend that the woman undergo an additional examination, which can accurately answer the question of whether the child has chromosomal abnormalities and anomalies.

In such situations, invasive diagnostics are recommended - chorionic villus biopsy, and a little later - amniocentesis. Using a special long needle, amniotic fluid (during amniocentesis) or chorion particles are taken through a puncture in the anterior abdominal wall for analysis. DNA is used to determine whether 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, or mechanical injury to the child. Modern medicine offers an alternative - a non-invasive DNA test.

In a sample of the venous blood of the expectant mother, fetal red blood cells are found, which begin to enter there from about 8-9 weeks of pregnancy, and the child’s DNA is derived from them. The procedure is no different from a regular blood test and does not harm the fetus or mother in any way, but it is expensive - several tens of thousands of rubles.

After additional diagnostics show the true picture, the woman herself and her close people will decide what will happen next with this pregnancy.

If the baby has pathologies, the woman is advised to terminate the pregnancy for medical reasons. But she has the right to consciously refuse this. In this case, the pregnancy continues as normal, and if necessary, both mother and baby are provided with supportive therapy.

Calcium

Since the need for this mineral increases with the beginning of fetal bone growth, it is now advisable to talk with your doctor about the possibility of taking additional calcium supplements. You should not buy them at the pharmacy and start drinking them yourself. If a woman does not have a calcium deficiency, then such actions can lead to an excess of the mineral, which can lead to complications with the kidneys and metabolism.

The doctor saw the results of the woman’s biochemical blood test; he knows exactly how much calcium is in her blood. If you need additional amounts of the mineral, he will recommend calcium supplements and indicate in what dosage it should be taken.

All pregnant women need to introduce calcium-rich foods into their diet this week. These include cottage cheese, milk, fermented milk products, sea fish, fresh herbs, spinach, and nuts. In most cases, this allows you to collect the required amount of an important substance without pharmaceutical drugs.

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 have an active sex life You should definitely ask your doctor at this time. If everything is fine, 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 choice of posture. Now all positions with deep penetration, as well as the use of lubricants, are prohibited.

If all the safety measures did not help, and the woman still fell ill with a cold or ARVI at 13 weeks, there is no need to worry too much. The baby is already formed, the likelihood that the temperature and medications taken will have a negative effect on him is not as high as in the first trimester. The placenta already copes with barrier functions. This does not replace consultation with a doctor, and all medications should be taken only as prescribed.

This week you can go to the dentist and heal all problem teeth, if necessary. X-rays also remain prohibited, but gentle anesthesia is already permissible.

Pregnancy is a special period when significant changes are observed not only in the female body, but also in the lifestyle in general. Many give up bad habits, try to eat right, and monitor daily physical activity. In addition, changes affect a woman’s usual life. Thus, toxicosis appears, the breasts become enlarged, and minor pain in the back area may occur. However, all the changes described above bring only joy, because very soon there will be one more little person in the world.

general information

The 13th week of pregnancy is considered a key time when the future relationship between the baby and his mother is formed. At this point, the placenta is usually already fully developed. Its thickness is 16 mm. One of its main functions is to pass proteins, fats and carbohydrates. In addition, the placenta acts as a kind of barrier to various types of infections. It protects the fetus inside the womb and prevents Rh conflict from developing. The hormone progesterone gradually begins to be produced. Pregnancy 13-14 weeks is a period that poses virtually no threat to the baby’s health. Experts already allow the use of many medications as therapy for serious illnesses.

How does the fetus develop?

The embryo no longer looks like a small tadpole. Now the body begins to actively develop, so that by the ninth month it becomes almost five times larger than its own head.

It is noteworthy that the fetus at the 13th week of pregnancy can already do a lot. The baby feels all the smells, sucks his thumb, clenches his fists, alternately moves his legs and arms. It is already recommended to start communicating with the child, since he is able to respond to all external stimuli, temperature changes and light effects.

At this stage, according to experts, there is a final gender separation. The boy develops a prostate gland, and the genital tubercle itself gradually lengthens into the penis. In girls, the ovaries move from the abdominal cavity to the pelvic area. In addition, the genital tubercle bends downwards, and subsequently it is from this that the clitoris will be formed. It is important to note that girls already have more than two million eggs in their ovaries.

The 13th week of pregnancy is characterized by the active development of the digestive and skeletal systems; there are already “outlines” of the very first ribs. All 20 teeth have finally formed and are waiting to emerge. By this time, the placenta should have completely taken over all the previous functions of the corpus luteum.

A baby’s heart pumps about 23 liters of blood per day. At 13 weeks of pregnancy, the fetal size (its length) should be about 8 cm, and its weight should vary from 15 to approximately 25 g.

What changes are observed in a woman’s body?

The uterus continues to actively grow and increase in size. It rises higher into the abdominal cavity and begins to put pressure on some internal organs. Changes also affect the chest. By the end of the ninth month, each of the mammary glands will weigh no more than 800 g. The shapes are increasingly rounded, the former waist disappears. The 13th week of pregnancy is the time when it makes sense to start purchasing products for pregnant women.

Feel

For many women, fears and anxieties about miscarriage fade away, because now the baby is almost completely safe in the womb. The first trimester ends with uncomfortable toxicosis. The 13th week of pregnancy begins. The size of the abdomen increases slightly every day. However, there is no need to relax. If discomfort occurs in the abdominal area, it is better to lie down for a while, and later be sure to consult a gynecologist.

By this time, all the horrors of toxicosis should be a thing of the past; the time comes when a woman should literally enjoy her “interesting position” and rejoice in future motherhood.

At 13 weeks of pregnancy, the belly gradually increases in size. Many representatives of the fair half of humanity are beginning to rapidly update their wardrobe. You should buy loose clothing that will not squeeze the body and restrict movement.

The 13th week of pregnancy is the time when the first health problems begin to appear. For example, everyone knows constipation. The thing is that the muscle tone of the digestive tract itself decreases, and the uterus constantly puts pressure on the intestines, thereby worsening its peristalsis. It is important to note that using laxatives, as well as using our grandmothers’ recipes, while carrying a baby is strictly prohibited. To cope with this problem, you need to change your daily diet and try to move more.

Many expectant mothers complain of frequent headaches during this period. If previously it was possible to reduce the manifestation of this kind of discomfort with one pill, now this is unacceptable. You should fight headaches using other methods. It is recommended to rest more often, regularly ventilate the room, and take a walk every day. You can also prepare a decoction of lemon balm and chamomile, but you should not get carried away with it. The thing is that mint thins the blood, and this can cause bleeding. If all of the above recommendations do not help, you should consult a gynecologist.

Abdomen at 13 weeks: tight, painful

As a rule, the main reason for the appearance of abdominal discomfort at this stage lies in problems with digestion and increased gas formation. To avoid them, as noted above, you should review your daily diet. It is better to exclude legumes, black bread, and cabbage for a while. Every day it is recommended to drink one glass of kefir, eat dried apricots and prunes.

Pain can be caused by gradual stretching of the ligaments that directly support the uterus. As a rule, discomfort occurs on the sides of the abdomen and only a few times a day. Gradual sprains do not actually pose any danger to the health of the fetus.

If the pain is spasmodic in nature, the stomach constantly pulls, most likely this is increased tone of the uterus. In some cases, the gynecologist with these symptoms insists on immediate hospitalization. On the other hand (according to the doctor’s recommendations), the expectant mother can “endure” the discomfort at home, but at the same time she should be provided with constant peace and the absence of any stress.

If pregnancy is accompanied not only by pain, but also by bleeding, emergency hospitalization will be necessary. The thing is that these symptoms most often indicate the onset of a miscarriage, but timely medical care today makes it possible to maintain a pregnancy.

What does the discharge indicate?

Pregnancy of 13-14 weeks is often determined by a change in the usual nature of discharge directly from the vagina. They tend to become more abundant and liquid. There is no point in worrying in this case. The thing is that previously progesterone dominated in a woman’s body, now it has been replaced by estrogen.

If the changes affect not only the abundance and density of discharge, then the expectant mother should be wary. For example, the appearance of a yellowish tint, mucus, pungent odor and itching in the genital area most often indicates that there is an inflammatory or infectious disease. In this kind of situation, it is recommended to immediately seek help from a gynecologist.

Possible dangers at 13 weeks of pregnancy

What happens to the female body? How does a child change from day to day? Many expectant mothers never cease to worry about the health of the baby inside the womb. However, according to experts, at 13 weeks almost all dangers are left behind. Now the risk of losing the baby is very small, but the most common cold can harm him.

In the autumn-spring period, it is better to prevent flu and colds. At this time, you should eat more vegetables and fruits, take multivitamin supplements if necessary, and wash your hands more often. If a woman strictly follows these tips, the likelihood of getting sick at this time will be significantly reduced.

What to do at the end of the first trimester?

A baby at 13 weeks of pregnancy does not stop developing at a rapid pace. A woman's body also undergoes some changes. If the expectant mother strictly follows all the instructions from the gynecologist and does not miss consultations, then there is no point in worrying.

Now you need to start talking with a potential partner about raising a baby. Psychologists recommend having such conversations even before childbirth, so that by the time the child is born, the couple has common views on these issues. It is important to remember that most conflicts, as a rule, flare up precisely because of divergent views. If both partners take the same positions in matters of parenting, then the child will grow up to be an obedient, positive and calm person.

The 13th week of pregnancy is the time when it is recommended to seek help from a qualified psychologist. Under no circumstances should you be ashamed of this, since the upbringing and development of the child will depend solely on the parents themselves. It is very important at the first stage to choose a competent specialist who is competent in family matters. Otherwise, the couple will not receive the necessary help, the situation will worsen, which will provoke another conflict.

Conclusion

In this article, we talked about how a child develops at 13 weeks of pregnancy, what happens to the mother’s body at this time, and what tests should be taken. According to experts, this period is considered one of the calmest, when toxicosis and malaise have already ended. A completely new trimester begins, the 13th week of pregnancy ends. A woman's feelings will certainly continue to change from day to day. Now is the time to enjoy your own pregnancy, talk to your baby, let him listen to music. Very soon, the expectant mother will feel the first movements in her stomach, find out the gender of the baby, the birth itself is not far off, and such a calm time will be left behind. We hope that all the information presented in this article will be truly useful to you.

The thirteenth week is the onset of the second trimester of pregnancy. This is the calmest period, behind the construction of the child’s systems and internal organs. Childbirth is still far away, toxicosis, nausea and other unpleasant phenomena have finally ended, if not, then they should definitely stop at 14 weeks.

Fetal sensations during the 13th week of pregnancy

Towards the end of the first trimester, the baby begins to grow rapidly. The growth rate of the head from 13-14 weeks begins to slow down, and the body increases in size. The head is no longer pressed to the chest. The child's face takes on real human features. The eyes on the sides of the head begin to converge closer to each other. They are still under the fused eyelids. The ears are already in place. The nose and chin began to appear more clearly. All these changes are clearly visible on ultrasound.

Some babies who have large hands begin to suck their thumb. The lips are actively moving, this can also be seen by doing an ultrasound. Tissue is laid to form the baby's bones, and calcium is already deposited in them. The thyroid gland plays a big role in this, which by the thirteenth week is already very well developed. At the 13th obstetric week, ribs begin to appear. The bones of the fetal spine and skull harden. The rudiments of twenty teeth are formed.

The pancreas produces insulin. Blood cells are formed in the bone marrow, spleen and liver.
The boy develops a prostate gland, and the female fetus begins to actively reproduce sex cells. At this time, the external genital organs are already well developed, their size has increased greatly compared to the beginning of the previous week. The intestine is already in the abdominal cavity, and villi begin to form in it for digesting food. Determining by ultrasound what gender the baby is will be more accurate.

At week 13, the sense of smell continues to develop, the baby can already well smell the food that the mother eats. Therefore, proper nutrition is imperative in order to develop the right taste in the unborn child.
The fetal brain develops very quickly, various reflexes appear: the child grimaces, pulls his lips into a tube, winces, clenches his hands into fists, shudders. He already spends some of his time actively, but for now he sleeps even more. His movements can still only be detected by ultrasound.

The skin of the fetus is still very thin and tender and looks red and wrinkled, with small blood vessels. There is no subcutaneous fat layer.

The respiratory system is already well formed, the child “breathes”, but the glottis is still tightly closed. Amniotic fluid can get into the lungs, so if the mother is sick or the cold is not cured in time, the fetus may develop an intrauterine infection. Therefore, timely treatment of any inflammatory processes is necessary.

By the 14th week of pregnancy, the length of the fetal body is approaching 9 cm, and the size of the head is about 3 cm in diameter.

What happens to a woman’s body at 13 weeks

The 13th week of pregnancy has arrived. This week, a lot of progesterone hormones appear in the blood, which are responsible for pregnancy, and the belly begins to grow quickly.

At 13–14 weeks, the development of the placenta is completely completed, its thickness is approximately 16 millimeters. Now it is a reliable barrier that prevents toxic substances from reaching the child. The placenta allows you to protect the baby from the mother’s immune system and now you don’t have to worry about the development of Rh conflict. At this time, a cold is not so dangerous, since medications can already be taken.

The uterus increases significantly, is quite large in size, and can already be felt in the lower abdomen, about 10 centimeters down from the navel. At week 13, the uterus has filled the entire hip area and is already growing into the abdominal area. The woman has the feeling that there is something like a soft, smooth ball inside her that pulls on her stomach. The nipples darken, and clearly visible blue streaks appear on the chest.

Constipation at 13 weeks

At this time, the first feelings of nausea and bad mood pass, but new troubles may appear in the form of constipation, which again causes a tugging and pain in the stomach. Although for most they appear at 14 weeks and later. This occurs due to a weakening of intestinal peristaltic activity. So, hormonal changes make themselves felt. Also, the appearance of constipation is affected by the growing uterus, which quickly increases in size, leaving less space in the abdomen for the intestines. The uterus puts pressure on the abdomen and muscle tone decreases.

But if the stomach is very tight due to intestinal overfilling, laxatives should not be taken, as they provoke a miscarriage. It is better to regulate stool through diet and physical activity.

At 13-14 weeks, many women’s blood pressure decreases; most often, hypotension is mild, and the woman does not feel unwell. If a woman feels unwell, she needs medical attention, since the contraction of blood vessels in the uterus may begin to “rob” the growing fetus of blood supply and its development may stop.

If blood pressure rises at 13 weeks, the pregnant woman most likely has kidney disease, which sometimes causes a tummy tug. Therefore, she needs to undergo additional examination; a repeat ultrasound may be required.

Vaginal discharge at 13 weeks

At the thirteenth week, vaginal discharge should remain the same: moderate, homogeneous, light milky, with a slightly sour odor. Many women begin to develop thrush due to decreased immunity. This disease is accompanied by cheesy discharge. In the affected area of ​​the genital organs, a woman begins to experience burning and itching. The disease requires treatment in the form of local use of antifungal drugs.

If you see bloody discharge, you should immediately call an ambulance, as this indicates a threat of miscarriage. This is especially dangerous if, in addition to them, your stomach feels tight and hurts. Usually spotting occurs after sexual intercourse and indicates the presence of erosion. In order to dispel doubts, it is necessary to undergo additional colposcopy and ultrasound; if erosion is detected and is large, it is necessary to undergo treatment.

Emotional state at 13 weeks

The expectant mother at 13-14 weeks of pregnancy becomes more positive, her emotional state improves. The woman feels a great surge of strength and feels very comfortable: her stomach no longer pulls, there is no nausea. But pregnant women expecting their first child are still worried, so they can often experience nervous breakdowns after hearing scary stories about pregnancy complications and difficult childbirth; they have already had an ultrasound and seen their baby.

Often such women experience mixed feelings. They are pleasantly awaiting pregnancy, but feel great responsibility for the unborn child. Many people, when they have even a little stomach pain, panic.

Nutrition of a woman at 13 weeks of pregnancy

Food at week 13 should satisfy the needs of the growing fetus, and not just the mother. At this time, the diet should be gentle and balanced in terms of the number of calories and composition; the amount of calories can be checked with a doctor. Since the nausea has passed, the woman has an appetite.

Now it is very dangerous to indulge in bad eating habits and you cannot eat away your worries with tasty but harmful foods. Due to uncontrolled consumption of sugar, fats, and flour products, a pregnant woman begins to quickly gain weight, her stomach increases in size, and there is often a feeling that it is being pulled. Optimal weight gain should be 500 g per week, so nutrition must be correct.

Due to rapid weight gain, obese pregnant women are at risk of developing diabetes, hypertension, and varicose veins.

It is not at all necessary to completely give up sweets during pregnancy; nutrition should be enjoyable, but not become a cult. During the first half of pregnancy, caloric intake may remain at the same level.

How to get rid of constipation

The diet of a pregnant woman at 13-14 weeks should include foods that have a laxative effect. Need to eat:

• seaweed,
• plum puree,
• grated beets or make juice from them

and other plant foods containing fiber. It makes the intestines work.

But foods that have a fixing effect should be consumed less; such nutrition will only bring harm. You also need to move more, take walks, spend time on simple physical exercises, and sometimes go to the pool. If all else fails, it is better to consult a doctor who will prescribe laxatives.

How to prevent stretch marks

At 13 and 14 weeks, it's time to make changes to your wardrobe. The woman has already gained weight, her waist has disappeared. She needs to give up the things that are pressing on her stomach and buy a size larger. Due to a sharp increase in body weight, stretch marks appear on the skin of the abdomen, thighs, buttocks and mammary glands, so it's time to take care of your skin.

Once they appear, they can remain on the skin forever, as they are very difficult to remove. To prevent the development of stretch marks, there are various products that increase skin elasticity. You should start using them from the first weeks of pregnancy so that the skin is sufficiently moisturized.

Prevention of ARVI at 13 weeks

At 13-14 weeks of pregnancy, the immune system weakens, so for the prevention of ARVI, hardening is very important, so the pregnant woman will not get colds. To do this you need:

• do a contrast shower every day;
• walk barefoot: in winter on the floor, and in summer on grass and sand.

Colds can be caused by viruses and bacteria. Infection can occur not only through airborne droplets, but also if a woman uses other people’s personal hygiene items. If your husband has a cold, you need to provide him with separate dishes. Most often, a cold begins with a headache, a sore throat, and a desire to sneeze. At the first sign of a cold, you should consult a doctor.