Way to go, mama! You’ve just entered the second trimester, and it’s such an exciting new chapter in your pregnancy journey! It’s totally normal to experience a blend of joy, curiosity, and maybe even a bit of overwhelm as your body goes through changes and your baby grows so quickly every day.
At 13 weeks pregnant, your little one is getting more active! You can now see tiny wrists, hands, and fingers on a 3D ultrasound, which is pretty exciting. At this point, you might notice that your early pregnancy symptoms are starting to calm down, and you could feel a boost in your energy levels while also feeling more in tune with your little one.
Wondering what happens at 13 weeks? Curious about your baby’s size, the changes your body is going through, and what to expect in the weeks ahead? Let’s jump in and check it all out!
Your Body at 13 Weeks Pregnant
By the time you reach 13 weeks of pregnancy, you might notice the beginnings of a small baby bump starting to show. This happens as your uterus (womb) begins to grow upwards and outwards, making room for your developing baby.
If you’ve been running to the bathroom frequently over the past few weeks, there’s some good news: that constant urge to pee may ease up a little now. This is because your expanding uterus is moving away from your bladder, giving it some much-needed space.
You may also notice an increase in blood flow to your pelvic area, which is completely normal at this stage. For some women, this heightened circulation can lead to a stronger sex drive and even more sensitivity. On the flip side, it might also make you feel thirstier than usual, so make sure you’re drinking plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.1
Your Baby at 13 Weeks
At 13 weeks pregnant, your baby (or foetus) is now about 7.4 cm long — roughly the size of a peach. Though still tiny, incredible developments are happening every day inside your womb.
Your baby’s reproductive organs are taking shape. The ovaries or testes have already formed internally, while the external features are still in the process of developing and fine-tuning.
Inside your womb, your little one has started to move around actively. These early movements may seem jerky and random, but they will become more controlled and coordinated over time. You may not feel these gentle flutters yet. Most moms begin noticing movement around week 17 or later.
Interestingly, some babies even start to suck their thumbs in the womb! This adorable behaviour is not just cute, but it helps them develop their sucking reflex, a vital skill they will need soon for feeding after birth.
Pregnancy Symptoms at 13 Weeks
Many women notice that early symptoms like nausea and fatigue begin to fade around week 13, but your body is still adjusting to the rapid growth and hormonal changes happening inside. Here is what you might feel during this stage and what is completely normal.
- Swollen or bleeding gums
- Round ligament pain (side belly pain)
- Headaches
- Nosebleeds
- Bloating
- Constipation
- Indigestion and heartburn
- Sore or tender breasts
- Leg cramps
- Feeling hot
- Dizziness
- Swollen hands and feet
- Urine infections
- Vaginal infections
- Darkened skin or brown patches (chloasma or “mask of pregnancy”)
- Greasier or spotty skin
- Thicker, shinier hair
Early symptoms that may continue:
- Morning sickness
- Unusual cravings
- Heightened sense of smell
- Mood swings
- White, milky vaginal discharge
- Light spotting (seek medical advice for any bleeding)
Tests and Scans at 13 Weeks
During your 13-week scan, doctors do not just look at your baby’s size and growth — they also perform an important check called a fetal heart assessment. This has now become an essential part of the first-trimester anatomy scan, helping specialists assess your baby’s heart health early on.
At this stage, certain screening markers are carefully evaluated, such as:
- NT (Nuchal Translucency)
- DV (Ductus Venosus flow)
- TR (Tricuspid Regurgitation)
These measurements help screen for possible heart anomalies and other genetic conditions, though their accuracy can vary.
Conclusion
Being 13 weeks pregnant marks a truly special milestone—you’ve officially entered the second trimester, a period often called the “feel-good” phase of pregnancy. Your baby is now growing rapidly, developing vital organs, and even beginning to move inside the womb, while your body adapts beautifully to nurture this new life.
As early discomforts begin to ease, this is the perfect time to focus on nourishing yourself, staying active, and enjoying the changes occurring within you. Keep up with your routine prenatal check-ups and scans, especially the fetal anatomy and heart assessments, which play a key role in ensuring your baby’s healthy development.
Every week brings something new to celebrate, from tiny kicks to a visible bump and that more profound bond forming with your baby. So, take a deep breath, mama you’re doing wonderfully!
