Uterus at 13 weeks second pregnancy

13 Weeks Pregnant | Pregnancy

You are now a 3rd of the way through your pregnancy and you're hopefully through the worst of your symptoms.

What's happening in my body?

A small baby bump may now be visible as your uterus (womb) grows upwards and outwards. If you've been feeling the urge to pee more often, that should stop as the womb moves away from your bladder.

Meanwhile, there's a lot more blood pumping around your pelvic area and some women find that it increases their sex drive. It could also make you feel more thirsty, so drink lots of fluids.

Sex during pregnancy is perfectly safe, unless your midwife or doctor has advised you otherwise.

Infection alert

There are ways you can protect yourself and the baby from many harmful viruses and bacteria:

1. Try to avoid contact with anyone who has chickenpox or rubella – talk to your doctor or midwife straight away if you think you could be infected.
2. If you have a cat, get someone else to empty the cat litter tray, as the faeces could contain a bug called toxoplasma gondii. This can cause an infection called toxoplasmosis that could damage your unborn baby.
3. You can also get toxoplasmosis from certain foods. Foods to avoid during pregnancy include undercooked meats, cured meats like salami, and unpasteurised goats' milk and cheese.
4. Seek advice before travelling to any area affected by the Zika virus, as the virus can cause birth defects.

Read more about infections in pregnancy on the NHS website.

Coronavirus (COVID-19)

You and your family should follow the government and NHS guidance on coronavirus (COVID-19):

• read government guidance on how to stay safe from COVID-19
• get NHS advice about COVID-19
• use the NHS COVID-19 app for England and Wales - it's the fastest way of knowing when you've been exposed to COVID-19

Teeth troubles

Swollen, painful and bleeding gums are common during pregnancy. Read about keeping teeth and gums healthy in pregnancy on the NHS website.

You are entitled to free NHS dental care during pregnancy and for a year after your baby is born. Ask your doctor or midwife for a maternity exemption certificate.

You already know the basics – clean your teeth twice a day, avoid sugary snacks and drinks, and don't smoke as it can make gum disease worse. But did you also know that:

• a soft toothbrush is best for sensitive gums
• you should brush in gentle circles, up and down
• if you're sick, protect your teeth by rinsing your mouth out with water, to flush away harmful acid in your vomit
• you should stick to alcohol-free mouthwashes to reduce plaque

2nd trimester pregnancy symptoms (at 13 weeks)

Your signs of pregnancy could include:

• swollen and bleeding gums
• pains on the side of your belly caused by your expanding womb (known as "round ligament pains")
• headaches
• nosebleeds
• bloating (read ways to cope with bloating on week 10's page)
• constipation (read about how to treat constipation on week 16's page)
• indigestion and heartburn (read ways to cope with indigestion and heartburn on week 25's page)
• sore breasts
• leg cramps
• feeling hot
• dizziness
• swollen hands and feet
• urine infections
• vaginal infection (read about how to treat vaginal infections on week 15's page)
• darkened skin on your face or brown patches – this is known as chloasma or the "mask of pregnancy"
• greasier, spotty skin
• thicker and shinier hair

You may also still experience symptoms from earlier weeks, including:

• morning sickness
• unusual pregnancy cravings
• heightened sense of smell
• mood swings
• white milky pregnancy discharge from your vagina
• light spotting (seek medical advice for any bleeding)

Read Tommy's guide to common pregnancy symptoms.

What does my baby look like?

Your baby, or foetus, is around 7.4cm long, which is about the size of a peach. The weight is about 25g, which is as heavy as a toothbrush with toothpaste on it.

Your baby's ovaries or testes are fully developed inside and final tweaks are being made on the outside. The baby is moving around. At first the movements are very jerky and random but then they start to look more deliberate.

You may not feel any movement until around week 17. Some babies suck their thumb in the womb. This actually serves a purpose as it helps to develop their sucking reflex. They'll need this when it comes to feeding.

Action stations

Many women will tell their employer after they've had their first pregnancy scan at around 12 weeks. Once you tell your employer, you have maternity rights and can attend antenatal appointments during paid work time. You can also ask for a risk assessment of your workplace to ensure that you're working in a safe environment.

It's a good time to tone up your pelvic floor muscles. Gentle exercises can help to prevent leakage when you laugh, sneeze or cough. Get the muscles going by pretending that you're having a pee and then stopping midflow. Visit Tommy's for more information on pelvic floor exercises.

Ask your midwife or doctor about online antenatal classes – they may be able to recommend one. The charity Tommy's has lots of useful information on antenatal classes and preparing you for birth.

Even if you've had children before, antenatal classes are still worth going to as you can meet other parents-to-be. The NCT offers online antenatal classes with small groups of people that live locally to you.

To keep bones and muscles healthy, we need vitamin D. From late March/early April to the end of September, most people make enough vitamin D from sunlight on their skin. However, between October and early March, you should consider taking a daily vitamin D supplement because we cannot make enough from sunlight.

Some people should take a vitamin D supplement all year round, find out if this applies to you on the NHS website. You just need 10 micrograms (it's the same for grown-ups and kids). Check if you're entitled to free vitamins.

It's recommended that you do 150 minutes of exercise a week while pregnant. You could start off with just 10 minutes of daily exercise - perhaps take a brisk walk outside. Check out Sport England's #StayInWorkOut online exercises (scroll to the pregnancy section). Listen to your body and do what feels right for you.

There's no need to eat for 2. You don't need any extra calories until the 3rd trimester, which starts in week 28. Try to eat healthily, with plenty of fresh fruit and veg, and avoid processed, fatty and salty foods. You may be able to get free milk, fruit and veg through the Healthy Start scheme.

You and your family should follow the government and NHS guidance on coronavirus (COVID-19):

To find out about about COVID-19 and pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding, have a look at advice on the:

Your Pregnancy Week by Week: Weeks 13-16

Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors

In this Article

• Week 13
• Week 14
• Week 15
• Week 16
• What's Happening Inside You?

Week 13

Baby: Your baby is growing quickly! Eyes are moving into position, the ankles and wrists have formed, and though the head is still disproportionately big, the rest of the body is starting to catch up. This week, your baby's intestines are back inside where they belong. Your baby swallows amniotic fluid and absorbs it into their body. Baby's backbone can flex, making large movements easier.  If you think you may be having twins, an ultrasound this week may confirm it!

Mom-to-be: You may have more energy and feel your best these next couple of months. Your uterus has grown a lot. It's filling your pelvis now and starting to grow upward into your abdomen. It probably feels like a soft, smooth ball. If you haven't gained any weight yet because of morning sickness, you'll begin to know as you start to feel better. You may feel a stretch in your belly as your round ligaments stretch. As you begin your 2nd trimester, your risk of miscarriage drops. If your gums swell and bleed from hormones, try a softer toothbrush.

Tip for the Week: Suggest that your partner go with you to a check-up. They might love the chance to hear the baby's heartbeat.

Week 14

Baby: Your baby's ears are shifting from the neck to the sides of the head, and the neck is getting longer and the chin more prominent. Facial features and unique fingerprints are all there. Your baby is beginning to respond to outside stimuli. If your abdomen is poked, the baby will try to wriggle away. The baby swallows amniotic fluid and passes it as urine. They still have room to float around your womb. Your baby's spleen will take over the development of red blood cells. From head to rump, your child is about the length of a bell pepper -- 3.5 inches.

Mom-to-be: You're probably wearing maternity clothes now. Your skin and muscles are starting to stretch to accommodate your growing baby. You may notice some constipation, because pregnancy hormones relax the bowel. You may salivate more. Tell your doctor if it's a problem. Small spider veins may appear on your legs or face. They will fade after delivery. Small spider veins may appear on your legs or face. They will fade after delivery.

Tip of the Week: Try to ease constipation by getting moderate exercise, drinking plenty of fluids, and eating lots of fruit and vegetables.

Week 15

Baby: Your baby, from head to heel, is as long as a large russet potato -- 6.25 inches. They're covered by very fine hair, called lanugo, which is usually shed by birth. Eyebrows and hair on the top of the head are beginning to grow, bones are getting harder, and the baby may even be sucking their thumb. Their organs are fully formed now and will continue to grow. You may be able to tell the baby's sex this week with high-resolution ultrasound!

Mom-to-be: Your uterus can probably be felt about 3 to 4 inches below your navel. Sometime in the next five weeks you'll be offered a blood test called the quadruple marker screening test to help screen for Down syndrome. You can talk with your doctor about what prenatal tests you may want. If you're feeling better, you may be more interested in sex. You've probably gained about 15 lbs. on average. You'll start gaining more weight now -- about 1-2 lbs. a week.

Tip of the Week: Start learning to sleep on your left side -- your circulation is better that way. You can try tucking pillows behind you and between your legs. Some pregnancy pillows support your entire body.

Week 16

Baby: You may be able to hear the baby's heartbeat in the doctor's office. Fine hair, lanugo, may be growing on the head. Arms and legs are moving, and the nervous system is working. Your baby can make slow eye movements behind still-closed eyelids. Your little one can move even more, flexing arms and legs! Bones harden; calcium makes them appear bright white on the ultrasound. Your baby, from head to heel, is the length of a carrot -- 7 inches.

Mom-to-be: Within the next few weeks, you may start to feel your baby move, called "quickening." It often feels like a gas bubble or subtle fluttering movement. As it happens more regularly, you'll know it's your baby. Your body is changing in many other ways. Increased blood volume to support your growing baby may produce nosebleeds, and you may notice your leg veins are becoming more apparent. Good news: Because your uterus is shifting, you may not have to urinate so much.

Tip of the Week: If your leg veins bulge, you may want to wear support stockings, put your feet up when you can, and exercise to improve blood flow.

What's Happening Inside You?

Your baby's fingers and toes are well-defined; their eyelids, eyebrows, eyelashes, nails, and hair are formed. Teeth and bones become denser. Your baby can even suck their thumb, yawn, stretch and make faces.

The baby's reproductive organs and genitals are now fully developed, and your health care provider can see on ultrasound if you are having a boy or a girl. You don't have to find out the baby's sex yet -- that's up to you.

Health & Pregnancy Guide

1. Getting Pregnant
2. First Trimester
3. Second Trimester
4. Third Trimester
5. Labor and Delivery
6. Pregnancy Complications
7. All Guide Topics

13-16 weeks of pregnancy

Thirteenth week for a baby

The beginning of the week is characterized by a fetus length of 6-7 cm, and by its completion it already reaches 10 cm, the weight of the unborn child at the moment is 20-30 grams.

This week marks the start of the second trimester of pregnancy. The fetus grows intensively, its legs and arms lengthen. There is also a change in the proportions of the body, the head no longer looks as big as it used to be. The future baby already knows how to reach his mouth with his finger and sucks it, which is often seen by specialists during ultrasound diagnostics. Thus, the sucking reflex, which is so important for the baby in the first time after birth, finds its manifestation. nine0005

Intense muscle growth occurs, especially in the legs. The future baby becomes more active, his movements are now smoother. At this time, the woman is not able to feel the child, because he, being in the uterus, floats freely and does not actually come into contact with its walls. In the fetus at this stage, the formation of the rudiments of all milk teeth ends. The rudiments are located in the mucosa of both jaws.

The gastrointestinal tract is also in the stage of active growth and development. Fitting into loops, the intestine completely fills the abdominal cavity. On the inner surface of the intestine, its mucous membrane, villi are formed, which should cover the entire internal area. These villi after birth will help the baby absorb all the nutrients from the food in the intestinal cavity. The wave-like movements that the fetal intestine makes help it push through the amniotic fluid, which the unborn baby constantly swallows. These waters do not contain useful substances, they only help the intestines to train and form the necessary muscular system. nine0005

The thirteenth week for the expectant mother

A woman at the thirteenth week begins to feel much better, she finally manages to feel only positive emotions associated with the expectation of the baby. Malaise, toxicosis and the desire to sleep remain in the past. The emotional background also undergoes changes. A woman becomes calmer and more peaceful, frequent mood swings and irritability also remain in the past. This is due to the end of critical periods of pregnancy and a more stable hormonal background. nine0005

For most expectant mothers, this period is associated with a change in the shape of the abdomen. Such changes are not yet noticeable to others, but the woman herself clearly sees the roundness that has arisen, feels discomfort when wearing ordinary things. It's time to pay attention to the selection of special clothes that can create comfortable conditions for a woman and a future baby.

Fourteenth week for the baby

At this stage, the weight of the fetus is 40-45 grams, its length is 13 cm.

The distinct formation of the face leads to a change in the appearance of the fetus. The bridge of the nose becomes more pronounced, the eyebrows are outlined, the cheeks are rounded. The child moves, he feels himself on the tummy and cheeks, holds on to the umbilical cord. The embryonic fluff, which covers the entire body, is tightly attached to the skin of the fetus. This gun has a protective function - it retains a special lubricant that will allow the baby to easily pass through the birth canal during the birth process. Over time, the almost transparent birth fluff will be replaced by thicker hairs. nine0005

Important processes take place in the respiratory organs of the fetus precisely at the fourteenth week. Also, muscle tissues develop not only of the motor system, but also of the respiratory system. The fetus begins to imitate breathing with its movements. Such training is of great importance for the future baby, since he must take his first breath immediately after birth. His respiratory organs, under the influence of signals from the brain, should open up and begin to fully function. At this time, there is a partial opening of the glottis, so amniotic fluid penetrates into the respiratory organs on inspiration. Then there is an intense exhalation, and they are pushed out of the body of the unborn child. Rinsing with amniotic fluid of the lung tissues contributes to their proper maturation. nine0005

There are changes in the structure of the genital organs. In boys, the intensive formation of the prostate begins, in girls, the ovaries move to the pelvic area, which were previously located in the abdominal cavity. There is a differentiation of the external genitalia, but when examining ultrasound at this stage, it is not always possible to establish the sex of the unborn child.

The organs of the endocrine system also develop. An important event is the start of the pancreas. Insulin, an important hormone that regulates glucose levels in the body, also begins to be produced. This week, the pituitary gland begins to function, regulating the work of all the glands of the body, responsible for their coherence, interaction, as well as the process of growth of the fetus and child in the future. The pituitary gland is located in the most protected part - surrounded by the bones of the skull, in the thickness of the brain. nine0005

Fourteenth week for the expectant mother

A woman's uterus grows intensively, it becomes possible to independently palpate through the anterior abdominal wall its uppermost part - the bottom, which will be 10-15 cm above the pubis. It's time for a woman to purchase special care products that will help nourish her skin and make her able to calmly endure the upcoming changes.

Stretch marks on the skin, which occur in many women, are the result of microcracks, i.e. ruptures of connective fibers. The elasticity and firmness of the skin are significantly reduced, so even a small increase in weight can cause microcracks. There is a redistribution of subcutaneous fat, swelling may occur, so special care is simply necessary. Creams, lotions and other products for pregnant women are characterized by nutritionally safe formulations, they will help the skin restore elasticity and firmness, and prevent the appearance of stretch marks. Even if striae occur due to excessive weight gain, their number will be minimal. nine0005

Fifteenth week for a baby

At the end of the fifteenth week, the weight of the fetus is already about 50-70 grams, its length is 14-15 cm. The limbs grow, they can outstrip the size of the head due to the intensive development of the bones of the legs and arms. The future baby begins to actively bend his fingers and elbows, a unique skin pattern appears on the palms and fingers, and the process of nail formation begins.

At this stage, the cardiovascular system is being improved. The number of heart beats per minute is twice the mother's and is 140-160. A tiny heart pumps 20 liters of blood per day, contributing to the intensive development of the body. The fetus actively grows veins and arteries, there is a general improvement of the circulatory system. Own systems of veins and arteries are formed in each internal organ - kidneys, lungs, heart, brain, etc. The fetus acquires an unusual red color instead of pink, because it has very thin skin, and the circulatory system, developing, affects its color. nine0005

The nervous system at this time is undergoing important stages of formation. The mass of the brain increases, its furrows and convolutions increase. All muscles, internal organs and bones are braided with nerve fibers. A strong and stable connection is being established between the central nervous system and the peripheral one. Impulses begin to flow in both directions: from the brain to the organs and back. An important system of "reverse response" is emerging for the human body.

If until the fifteenth week red blood cells (erythrocytes) were produced by the gall sac and liver, then after this stage, this function begins to be performed by the red bone marrow located inside the bones. nine0005

It is already possible to determine the blood type and Rh factor of the unborn baby. The laying of the group and Rhesus occurs at the time of conception of the baby, but this information is realized only at the fifteenth week. There is a formation of special antigen proteins that appear on the surface of erythrocytes.

Fifteenth week for a future mother

A woman's belly grows quite smoothly, it increases gradually and does not cause discomfort in everyday life. The bottom of the uterus is already palpable through the anterior abdominal cavity at a height of 15-20 cm from the pubis. nine0005

Intensive production of melanin pigment occurs in the body, which is deposited in the skin. This process is caused by a hormonal background and causes the appearance of age spots on the surface of the skin, which can form in completely different places. Often a dark stripe appears on the abdomen, which has a brown tint and goes from the navel to the pubis. Rarely, the cause of increased melanin synthesis is a lack of vitamins in the body.

Brown spots should appear without any sensation. If their occurrence is accompanied by swelling, redness or discomfort, you should see a doctor. Such reactions may be the result of allergies or dermatosis of pregnant women - a common skin disease. Pigment spots can have a different shade - from light beige to dark brown. Almost always, such manifestations after the appearance of the baby disappear on their own. The use of whitening creams during pregnancy is possible only after consulting a doctor, because they may be unsafe for the fetus. nine0005

The sixteenth week for the baby

The formation of mimic muscles in the fetus takes place, he begins to develop them, which is expressed in the frown, opening and closing of the mouth. The fetus gets the opportunity to open its eyes for the first time, which up to this point were tightly closed for centuries, it begins to learn to blink. In place of eyelashes and eyebrows, you can see thin fluffy hairs. If the auricles before this stage were located in the wrong place, closer to the neck, now they are already placed as in an adult. Although there is a pronounced reaction of the fetus to loud sounds, at this stage, his middle ear is not yet able to hear. The reaction is due to such a way of perception as bone conduction. It turns out that the fetus hears through the dense parts of the body (bones). nine0005

The process of formation of all joints and bones has already been completed in the future baby. The process of ossification, i.e., compaction of bone tissue, will continue not only during the entire remaining period, but also after birth, almost until puberty.

With an ultrasound examination, it is already possible to reliably determine the sex of the child, since his external genitalia are fully formed. It is at this time or a little later (depending on the time of the appointed diagnosis) that the mother gets the opportunity to find out who will be born to her. nine0005

Kidneys work intensively in the fetus. Now they begin to perform a partially excretory function, slightly reducing the load that lies on the placenta. The urinary canal is formed, the fetus swallows 300-500 mm of amniotic fluid daily, they pass through its intestines and are excreted by the kidneys. Urination is performed in small portions every hour, urine enters the amniotic fluid.

Sixteenth week for the expectant mother

At this stage, the woman feels a significant improvement in well-being. Gradual weight gain begins, appetite normalizes. The norm at the moment is a set of 2.5-3 kg. nine0005

At the moment there is an active growth of the future baby, and a significant accumulation of amniotic fluid. Both of these factors affect the growth of the abdomen, its increasing volumes do not yet cause discomfort. However, it is time to make changes in your habits, for example, change the position of the body during sleep. Sleeping on your back is just as unindicated as sleeping on your stomach. When sleeping on the back, the uterus can put pressure on large veins, which will cause a violation of the outflow of blood, provoke the occurrence of swelling, convulsions and varicose veins. The most comfortable position for sleeping is the position on the side, in which both the unborn child and the mother will feel as comfortable as possible. nine0005

How the belly grows - articles from the specialists of the clinic "Mother and Child"

Bagriy Alexander Tarasovich

Anesthesiologist-resuscitator

Clinical Hospital "AVICENNA" GC "Mother and Child"

Let's say right away that how the belly looks and grows during pregnancy depends on many reasons: the physique of a woman, the structure of the pelvis, the condition of the muscles, height uterus and baby, the amount of amniotic fluid. Therefore, for some, the belly grows faster, for some it is slower, for some mothers it is large, for others it can be almost invisible. But still, there are some general patterns of growth and size of the abdomen during pregnancy. nine0005

Growth rates

1st trimester

As a rule, in the early stages of pregnancy, the belly does not increase in size or increases very slightly. This is due to the fact that the uterus is still very small and takes up little space in the pelvis. So, for example, by the end of 4th week the uterus reaches only the size of a chicken egg, by the 8th week increases to the size of a goose, but most importantly, at this time it still does not reach the pubic articulation (located in the lower abdomen ). That is why in the early stages no increase in the abdomen is visible. And only after On the 12th week (the end of the first trimester of pregnancy), the fundus of the uterus begins to rise above the womb.

II trimester

At this time, the child is rapidly gaining height and weight, and the uterus is also rapidly growing. That is why, at a period of 12-16 weeks, an attentive mother will see that the stomach has already become noticeable. True, others will pay attention to the woman’s new position at about 20-q weeks, especially if she wears tight-fitting things.

III trimester

By the beginning of the third trimester, no one doubts pregnancy. The abdomen is clearly visible even if the woman is wearing loose clothing.

Sharp, round, various

Approximately from the second trimester of pregnancy, during each examination, the obstetrician-gynecologist determines the height of the uterine fundus and measures the circumference of the abdomen at the level of the navel. Why does the doctor so carefully monitor the increase in mother's tummy? The fact is that this is the easiest way to control the growth and development of the unborn baby. nine0005

One of the formulas for estimating the weight of the fetus according to the height of the fundus of the uterus (FVH): the shape of the abdomen often tried to determine the sex of the child. It was believed that a round belly portends a girl, and an elongated, oblong, “sharp” one portends a boy. However, these predictions did not always come true, since the shape and size of the abdomen do not depend at all on the sex of the child. nine0005

1. In large, tall women, the belly may be small and not very noticeable until advanced pregnancy, and in thin, petite women (especially with a narrow pelvis or large baby), the belly seems very large.
2. A significant influence on the shape of the abdomen has a state of muscle tone of the anterior abdominal wall and uterus. During the first pregnancy and good muscle tone, the abdomen may look more "tight" than in subsequent pregnancies. In addition, with repeated pregnancies as a result of reduced muscle tone of the anterior abdominal wall, the child does not take the final position until the last month of pregnancy. Because of this, the shape of the abdomen can also be "stretched". nine0128
3. If a woman is expecting twins, her belly will be larger than with a single pregnancy.
4. And often the belly can be large simply because a woman ceases to limit herself in nutrition, eats "for two."
5. If the baby grows quickly or is large, then the mother's belly can grow faster and be larger.
6. Babies are located in the uterus in different ways. With some types of presentation, the stomach will be less noticeable, with others it will begin to grow earlier and will appear larger. nine0128