Fetal Development at 13 Weeks of Pregnancy

13 weeks of gestation is the end of the first trimester. What is the position of the fetus at this gestational age? What are the symptoms that can be felt by the mother? Come onsee the explanation starting from the development of the fetus, the shape of the stomach, and tips on living it in the following review

Fetal Development at 13 Weeks Pregnant

The following is a 13 week old fetal development that is important for you to know, including:

• At this stage the size of the fetus reaches approximately 7 cm in length and weighs 30 grams.
• The baby’s intestines, which previously grew in the umbilical cord, have now returned to their proper place, namely in the baby’s stomach (abdomen).
• Bladder organs can already be seen using ultrasound. During this period, the baby is also able to produce urine, which will become amniotic acid (amniotic acid).
• Hair follicles begin to experience growth. In addition, fine hair named lanugo also appeared. Lanugo it serves to protect vernix on the baby’s skin from the amniotic fluid.
• The tissue in the head, arms and legs begins to form bone.
• The baby’s vocal cords are starting to form.
• Fingerprints begin to undergo the formation process.
• Placental appearance. The placenta functions as a medium for supplying nutrients and oxygen to the baby.
• Baby’s eyelids are growing, but can’t open yet.

If the above developments occur in your baby, it means that the growth and development process is going well.

Also Read: Fetal Development at 12 Weeks of Pregnancy

Body Changes at 13 Weeks Pregnant

After getting an explanation regarding the developments that occur in the fetus, then what about the changes in the mother’s body? The following are the various changes that can occur, including:

1. Stomach Starts to Look Enlarged

If in the previous weeks it was still not visible, then the shape of the stomach for 13 weeks pregnant women has started to enlarge. This stomach size can be even bigger if the mother is carrying twins.

An enlarged abdomen is none other than the effect of increasing the volume of amniotic fluid, a condition that also increases the size of the uterus.

2. Leucorrhoea

Leucorrhoea is actually a condition that often occurs in women, even if they are not pregnant. However, the intensity of this vaginal discharge will increase during pregnancy.

Even so, the vaginal discharge that you experience is nothing to worry about because it is normal. Keep clean so that the sex organs are protected from the risk of infection.

3. Heartburn

At the age of 13 weeks of pregnancy, you will also still experience symptoms of pain and burning sensation in the solar plexus area or what is often referred to as heartburn.

According to research, this condition experienced by 95 percent of pregnant women so this condition is actually a natural thing. Some steps that can be taken to reduce symptoms include:

• Avoid spicy, sour, and coconut-containing foods.
• Try to eat small, frequent meals instead of eating large, infrequent meals.
• Don’t lie down immediately after eating.
• Use antacids to relieve pain symptoms (consult your doctor first).

4. Constipation

Constipation or difficulty defecating (BAB) will still be experienced by 13 weeks pregnant women. To relieve this one symptom, drink lots of water and consume foods that contain fiber such as fruits and vegetables.

5. The body is easily tired

The tired body you experience at week 13 is triggered by the increased production of the hormone estrogen. Therefore, it’s best to limit your activities—especially heavy physical activity—during pregnancy. Take more time to rest.

6. Stretch marks appear

Hormonal changes that occur during 13 weeks of pregnancy can also cause changes in the skin, namely the appearance of stretch marks. This condition generally appears on the stomach, thighs, and breasts.

Also Read: Fetal Development at 14 Weeks of Pregnancy

13 Week Pregnancy Checkup

Routine check-ups to the doctor are important to do to ensure that the pregnancy runs smoothly until the time for delivery arrives. Several types of examinations that are commonly carried out include:

1. General Pregnancy Checkup

The doctor will use the ultrasound method (USG) to see the condition of the fetus. The doctor will also carry out a number of other tests to find out whether there are potential complications of pregnancy or not.

2. Physical Examination

This examination aims to ensure that you are in good health so that the pregnancy can go well. Common examinations carried out include:

• Blood pressure measurement.
• Measurement of height and weight.
• Pelvic measurement.
• Vaginal examination.
• Urine examination.

Also Read: The Fetus Often Actively Moves At Night, Is It Normal?

13 Week Pregnancy Tips

Here are some tips you can do so that the pregnancy runs smoothly until the time for delivery arrives, including:

1. Periodically check the content

Carry out periodic medical examinations with an obstetrician. This is useful for monitoring the development of the fetus in the womb, as well as knowing what should be done or avoided during pregnancy.

2. Consumption of Nutritious Foods

Meeting the needs of vitamins and nutrients is an obligation so that fetal development runs optimally. You can get these vitamins and nutrients from food and supplements. Vitamins and nutrients in question such as:

• Vitamin D
• Calcium.
• Magnesium.

Consult your doctor about what nutritious foods should be consumed to support fetal growth while maintaining your health.

3. Drink Enough Water

Adequate intake of body fluids is useful so that you stay hydrated. Dehydration during pregnancy can cause complications. Pregnant women are recommended to consume 8-12 glasses of water per day

4. Rest and Manage Stress Well

13 weeks pregnant is recommended to have enough rest. Apart from that, managing the stress that comes along well is also necessary so that you and your baby stay healthy.

Hopefully this information is useful, Healthy Friends.

DoctorHealthy | © 2023 PT Media Kesehatan Indonesia. Copyright Protected