Pregnancy Week 13: Fetal Development, Welcome to the Second Trimester, Breastfeeding & Parenting Styles Pregnancy Weekly

About Baby

You’re no longer carrying an embryo … Baby is officially a fetus! Baby is about 3 inches long now, weighs almost an ounce and is the size of an egg (from which this all started!). Baby needs to stay out of trouble, because tiny fingerprints are now forming. Veins and other organs can be clearly seen through her skin, and tiny arm and leg bones are developing, which help your baby suck his or her thumb (yes, already!). Baby’s vocal cords will also develop this week.

Photo: Fetus at week 13 of development

About Mom

Many women breathe a sigh of relief when they are past the first trimester marker. Here are a few reasons why:

• Risk of miscarriage has dramatically decreased.

• Morning sickness and nausea may be a thing of the past.

• Appetite increases so you can enjoy those food cravings.

• That much-anticipated baby bump is starting to make its appearance.

• Breast tenderness is lessening.

• The second trimester is known as being the easiest. 

You are still weeks and weeks away from delivery, but you may already be making colostrum, a pre-milk fluid in the breasts that nourishes the baby until the breast milk becomes available. Speaking of colostrum, have you thought about whether or not you’re going to breastfeed? Breastfeeding provides many benefits for Mom and Baby, including protecting Baby from infections and helping your uterus contract back to normal size after delivery. But formula-fed babies grow up healthy, so be sure to make the decision that’s right for you.

Are your jeans already stretching from your belly? Thinking twins may be in your future? The first thing to find out is if twins run in your family. Talk to your doctor about your suspicions. Twins aren’t the only reason your belly is a little larger than it should be at 13 weeks. Here’s a few more:

• Your due date is off.

• Gas and bloating.

• Taking the saying “eating for two” too literally.

No matter what the reason turns out to be, talk to your midwife or OB-GYN about your concerns.

Parenting Styles

Have you talked to your partner about what kind of parents he envisions you two to be? It’s an important conversation! Parenting is the most important job you’ll ever have, so being on the same page is vital. One way to see if you’re even in the same ballpark is to separately write down the things that are important to you as a parent. Include:

• Education (your baby will be starting kindergarten before you know it!).

• Discipline.

• Values.

• Thoughts on parenting styles (helicopter, lawnmower, etc.).

• Religion.

Sit down over breakfast or dinner and go over the lists together. Starting your parenting journey as a united team now will help you down the road – no good cop, bad cop! Here are seven conversations pregnant parents need to have before Baby arrives!

Bump Talk

“Becoming a mom to me means that you have accepted that for the next 16 years of your life, you will have a sticky purse.” – Nia Vardalos

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The information on 30Seconds.com is for informational and entertainment purposes only, and should not be considered medical advice. The information provided through this site should not be used to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease, and is not a substitute for professional care. Always consult your personal healthcare provider.