Pregnancy Week 13: What to Expect
Baby's development, your body's changes, common symptoms, what to eat, and what to do this week.
Baby's development at week 13
Welcome to the second trimester. Baby has fingerprints now — those will not change for the rest of life. Vocal cords are developed enough that baby could technically cry, but with no air there is no sound. Baby's intestines have fully relocated into the abdomen. Baby can produce urine and release it into the amniotic fluid (which is replaced every few hours). The placenta is fully functional. Baby's bones are starting to harden, particularly in the skull and long bones of the legs.
What's happening in your body
Your uterus has risen out of the pelvis and is now palpable above the pubic bone. Blood volume continues to increase. You may start to "show" — first-time pregnancies often see the bump emerge between weeks 14-20; subsequent pregnancies often show by week 13. The placenta takes over hormone production fully, which is why this trimester is often called the "honeymoon" — most people feel best now.
Common symptoms at week 13
Energy returning. Increased appetite (real hunger, not just cravings). Hair growth speeds up — both on head (denser, shinier) and elsewhere (some unwanted spots). Constipation may persist. Possible mild dizziness when standing up too fast. Vaginal discharge continues. Round ligament pain when changing position quickly. Some bump showing.
When to call your provider
Severe pelvic pain, sudden heavy bleeding, watery discharge that does not stop, or severe one-sided pain — call your provider.
How to feel better this week
Start thinking about prenatal classes — childbirth, breastfeeding, infant CPR. Good classes book up months in advance, especially the popular ones. Look into your maternity-leave benefits and notify HR if you have not. Buy maternity bottoms with stretchy bands if regular pants are uncomfortable. Practice sleeping on your side; the left side is often recommended for optimal blood flow to baby, but either side is fine in the second trimester.
Nutrition focus for week 13
Eat the rainbow — leafy greens, orange/yellow vegetables, berries, citrus, beans. Diverse plant intake supports your microbiome and baby's developing immune system. Continue lean protein, healthy fats, iron, and calcium. Add omega-3s (salmon, walnuts, flaxseed) for baby's brain development, which is rapid all trimester. Aim for 200-300 mg DHA daily.
For your partner
Often this is when the bump first becomes visible to others. Be aware that strangers will start commenting (sometimes touching). Help your partner respond when they want to; back them up when they want privacy.
This week's to-do
Look into prenatal classes. Buy maternity pants if you need them. Notify HR about pregnancy if you have not.
Is this normal?
If you have not "popped" yet, that is fine. Bump emergence depends on abdominal muscle tone, baby's position, your build, and luck. Some people do not visibly show until week 22 in a first pregnancy.
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