13 Weeks Pregnant: Symptoms and What to Expect

13 Weeks Pregnant: Symptoms and What to Expect

Your Growing Fetus at 13 Weeks

13 weeks! You’re officially in your second trimester, get it girl! Your baby is 2.9” and roughly the size of a Jenga block or a pea pod. Your adorable little pea pod is almost at an ounce in weight.

Here’s what is happening inside your tummy,

  • Your baby’s vocal cords are beginning to develop.
  • Fingerprints are forming on their sweet tiny fingers
  • Your baby’s kidneys are now developed and will begin to pee into the amniotic fluid.
  • This next sentence is going to be pretty crazy.
  • Your baby will be swallowing their own urine and amniotic fluid for the rest of your pregnancy.
Pregnancy Superfood for Week 13

The superfood for week 13 is, an avocado! Avocados are not only great to eat while you’re pregnant, but they are also great for fertility. Be sure to include them into your diet because they include folate and potassium, which are crucial for fetal growth and development. By now you have learned that not having enough folic acid in your diet can lead to birth defects in your baby.

Avocados are rich in folic acid. Pregnant women experience constipation quite often. Avocados are full of fiber and will help keep you regulated. They have plenty of vitamin C, which will help combat morning sickness. If you experience leg cramps, reach for an avocado instead of a banana, because they contain more potassium.

One cup of avocados contains 22 mg chlorine, which is needed for the development of your baby’s brain and nerves. There are tons and tons of ways to eat avocado. If you’re wanting something simple and light, spread avocado on top of a piece of toast. If pregnancy has you craving pickles, try an avocado pickle.

Simply cut an avocado into tiny pieces and allow them to soak in salt. Now you can hog the guacamole, when you’re getting mexican with your girlfriends and not feel bad about it. You’re welcome! Below is a quick and easy recipe that will allow you to include avocado into your diet with ease.

Baked Eggs in Avocado

Cut-up-Baked-Avocado-and-Eggs-Recipe

Ingredients:

  • Two Ripe Avocados
  • 1 tbsp Chives, chopped
  • 4 eggs
  • ⅛ tsp pepper
  • You can begin preparing this tasty recipe by preheating the oven to 425 F. While the oven is preheating, slice the avocado in half. See that big round seed, scoop it out.
  • Now crack one egg into each hole (where the seed used to be).
  • Bake the avocado egg for 15 minutes. Once the avocado is baked to your liking, garnish it with the pepper and chives.

Avocado smoothies are also great because they can serve as the perfect on the go snack.

Here’s a recipe to get you started

Ingredients:

  • Ice
  • 1 parsley bunch
  • ½ avocado
  • 1 cup water
  • ½ lime
  • ½ green apple
  • 1 orange
  • 1 banana
  • 1 lemon
  • Begin by peeling the lemon, lime, orange, banana and avocado.
  • Remove the seed from the avocado.
  • Throw all the ingredients into the blender.
  • Start blending it slowly and increase speed.
  • Once you get a smooth consistency, you’re ready to pour it in a cup and drink it. Enjoy!
Top Tip for Week Thirteen

Now that you’re in your second trimester, your body is working extra hard to develop your baby and give them the nutrients they need. You will need to add an extra 340 calories a day to your diet. Just include a second breakfast of healthy foods and you will be set.

Inspirational Message of the Week from Already Moms

“There’s no way to be a perfect mother and a million ways to be a good one.” – Jill Churchill

Big Efforts from your Co Creator

As your partner begins to gain weight, stretch marks, and a bigger stomach their confidence may not be as high as normal. Boost them up with compliments. Continue to show your love by being mindful of her symptoms. When she asks you to do something, help her out and just do it.

This Art of Allowing

Allow yourself to enjoy this trimester, commonly known as the honeymoon trimester. You’ve gained some energy back so get out and enjoy it. Use this time to prepare for your baby’s arrival, because once you enter the third trimester the fatigue will be back.

For example start your registry or begin to decorate the nursery. Allow yourself to relax with your partner and connect with them as this will be the last couple of months of being a team of two. If you begin to feel self conscious about the way your body is changing, reframe those thoughts and remind yourself that you’re a queen!

Pregnancy Symptoms of Week Thirteen

Your hormones are starting to level out a bit, so you may begin to feel a little better than you did in the first trimester. Unfortunately, you will still be experiencing some not so fun symptoms.

High Sex Drive: Okay, well maybe this would be considered a fun one. In your first trimester, your hormones left you feeling exhausted. Now the fatigue is gone, you have more energy and your hormones are boosting your libido.

Some women refrain from sex while they’re pregnant because they’re worried it will hurt the baby, this couldn’t be more false. Your baby is completely safe, as they are surrounded by the amniotic fluid. Remember, that mucus plug that developed in week 8? It is going to make sure to get any bacteria out, so enjoy your new sense of energy and have some fun.

Heartburn: The increase of your hormones are causing your muscles to relax in the digestive tract. Stomach acid may leak into your esophagus and cause heartburn. Caffeine, onions, garlic, spicy foods, and fried foods are foods to avoid if you don’t want to experience heartburn.

Stretch Marks: As your baby begins to grow, so will your skin. You may begin to develop stretch marks on your hips and breasts. Calm down, you’re still gorgeous.

After all tigers have their stripes, and their beautiful right? If you refuse to accept them, you’ll take comfort in knowing that they may fade after you deliver your baby. If you would like to try to prevent them try using lotions with vitamin E.

Round Ligament Pain: When you change positions too quickly you may experience cramps or a sharp pain in your abdominal area. This pain is called round ligament pain and is quite common in the second trimester. The pain only lasts a few seconds, so if it lasts longer consult your doctor.

Your Body will Change and It’s Necessary

People are starting to notice your baby bump. Mainly because your uterus is continuing to grow up and out of your pelvis. By the end of your second trimester your uterus may be as high as your belly button.

As your uterus continues to expand, your organs are being pushed around which adds tension on the surrounding muscles. While it may be uncomfortable, the expansion of your uterus is not only necessary but a good sign.

If it measures up to be at the expected size than everything is going smoothly with your pregnancy. However if it is too big or small it could be the result of a pregnancy complication.

Our Recommended Remedy for Week 9

Many women struggle with the idea of sporting their stretch marks, especially during swimsuit season. Staying hydrated can actually help prevent stretch marks.

If you’re looking for a solution beyond staying hydrated and eating a healthy diet, keep reading. We have included a recipe for a natural cream that reduces stretch marks This cream is comprised of oils and butters.

The antioxidants found in the oils and butters eliminate the radicals that ruin the skin. They also moisturize the skin.

What You Will Need:

  • ½ organic coconut oil
  • ¼ cocoa butter
  • 1 tsp vitamin E oil
  • 2 TB almond oil
  • 2 TB rosehip oil
  • 20 drops of the essential oil Lavender, Geranium, and/ or Frankincense

To make your cream start by melting the coconut oil and cocoa butter. Once they are melted pour the liquid into a glass container and allow them to cool. After they have cooled pour in the other oils and blend. Finally, store your cream in a cool dark place. Once it thickens, apply the cream directly on the stretch marks 2-3 times throughout the day.

Our Best Advice to Soothe The Uncomfortable

With your pelvis growing, it may be hard to squeeze into your favorite pair of jeans. Ditch them for now! Wearing loose fitting clothes will help you feel more comfortable.

Preparation for Motherhood
  • Now that you have gained some energy back (and a high sex drive) take a baby moon with your partner. A baby moon is a vacation with your partner where you get to spend quality time together before your baby is born.
  • Start a baby journal or scrapbook. Record everything! You will love looking back through it and remembering your pregnancy journey. You can even pass it down to your child when they are old enough.
  • Don’t forget to get those extra calories in. You and your baby need them!

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