After the first three months of pregnancy, you are now in the second trimester. For many mothers, this is the best and easiest time of pregnancy. The morning sickness has subsided to a great extent, and you are starting to feel more energetic. So let's see what happens to you and your baby during this beautiful period, from 13 to 16 weeks.
Week 13: The baby is growing up fast!
What's wrong with the baby?
Your baby is growing very quickly this week. Imagine, your baby's eyes are moving into the right places on his head, and his hands and feet are starting to form ankles and wrists. Although his head is still a little bigger than the rest of his body, the rest of his body is now rapidly adjusting to its size. In previous weeks, his intestines were almost outside, but now they are also moving into his belly and settling into place.
The baby is now starting to drink and absorb the water in the amniotic fluid it is in. The baby's spine is now able to bend more easily, making it easier for him to move around in the womb. If you suspect you are having twins, an ultrasound scan this week will confirm it!
What's wrong with mom?
You will feel a lot of energy and vitality in your body now. Your uterus is now very large. It fills the entire pelvis and is now starting to grow towards the abdomen. You may feel it like a soft, smooth ball. If you haven't gained weight for a while because of morning sickness, you will start to gain weight as your body recovers. You may feel a slight pulling pain on both sides of your stomach. Don't worry , as the uterus grows, the round ligaments that hold it in place will stretch.
As soon as the second trimester begins, the risk of miscarriage decreases significantly. This will be a great relief for you.
If your gums are swollen and bleeding due to hormonal effects, use a softer toothbrush .
A little advice for this week:
Take your partner to your next doctor's check-up. He or she will be thrilled to hear the baby's heartbeat .
Week 14: The baby's identity is taking shape
What's wrong with the baby?
The baby's ears have now moved from the sides of the neck to the sides of the head in the correct position. The neck has lengthened, and the chin is clearly visible. The amazing thing is that the baby's facial features and even his unique fingerprints have formed by now.
Your baby is now starting to respond to things outside of you. Imagine, if you touch your belly, your baby will try to wiggle around as if trying to get away from it. Your baby will continue to swallow amniotic fluid and excrete it as urine. He still has plenty of room to float, spin, and play inside your womb. Your baby's spleen is now taking over the job of making red blood cells. Your baby is now about the size of a bell pepper (3.5 inches) from head to toe.
What's wrong with mom?
You may have started wearing maternity clothes. Your skin and muscles are starting to stretch as your baby grows. Pregnancy hormones can cause your bowel movements to slow down, which can lead to constipation. You may also have more saliva in your mouth. If it's bothering you, talk to your doctor. You may also notice spider veins on your legs or face. Don't worry , they will go away after you give birth.
A little advice for this week:
To reduce constipation, exercise , drink plenty of water , and eat lots of fruits and vegetables .
Week 15: Baby may be sucking his thumb!
What's wrong with the baby?
Your baby is now about the size of a large potato (6.25 inches) from head to toe! His entire body is covered in a layer of fine hair called lanugo . This usually falls out before birth. His eyebrows and scalp hair are starting to grow. His bones are getting stronger. What's even more amazing is that he may even be sucking his thumb! His organs are now fully formed, and they're just starting to grow. You can even find out his sex with a high-resolution ultrasound this week!
What's wrong with mom?
Your uterus is now about 3-4 inches below your belly button. Your doctor will likely suggest a blood test called the quadruple marker screening test within the next five weeks. This can give you an idea of conditions like Down syndrome . Talk to your doctor about what tests you need. You may feel more interested in sex now that you are feeling better. You have probably gained about 15 pounds by now. You will start to gain weight rapidly, about 1-2 pounds per week from now on.
A little advice for this week:
Make it a habit to sleep on your left side. This will improve blood circulation in your body. Try sleeping with a pillow behind your back and between your legs. There are even pregnancy pillows available now that provide full body support.
Week 16: Can you feel the baby moving?
What's wrong with the baby?
Now when you go to the doctor, you will be able to hear the baby's heartbeat. The fine hair (lanugo) on the head is growing. The limbs are moving well, and the nervous system is also functioning well. The baby can even move its eyes under its still-closed eyelids. The baby can now move its limbs better, bending and stretching them. The bones are getting stronger. They appear shiny white on an ultrasound because of the calcium deposits. Your baby is now about the size of a carrot (7 inches) long!
What's wrong with mom?
Over the next few weeks, you'll start to feel your baby move. This is also called " quickening ." At first, it feels like a bubble of air moving in your stomach, or a very subtle sensation like a butterfly fluttering. As you continue to feel it, you'll know it's your baby.
Your body is also going through other changes. You may get nosebleeds as your blood volume increases to feed your baby. You may also notice more visible veins in your legs. But there's good news! As your uterus moves up, the pressure on your bladder will decrease, and you may need to urinate less often.
A little advice for this week:
If you have visible varicose veins in your legs, wear support stockings , keep your legs elevated when possible, and do light exercises to improve blood circulation.
A summary of what is happening inside during this time
Your baby has grown amazingly in the past few weeks. Let's look at those changes in a chart like this.
| Growing segment/capability | What is happening? |
|---|---|
| Body parts | Fingers and toenails are well defined. Eyelids, eyebrows, eyelashes, nails, and hair are formed. |
| Skeleton | Teeth and bones are getting thicker and thicker. Bones are getting stronger. |
| Behaviors | The baby can suck his thumb, open his mouth, flex his body, and make various facial expressions. |
| Reproductive system | The baby's reproductive organs are now fully developed. An ultrasound can tell whether the baby is a boy or a girl. |
Remember, you don't have to know the baby's gender. That decision is entirely up to you and your partner.
Take-Home Message
- The second trimester of pregnancy is usually a more relaxed and comfortable time. Enjoy this time.
- Your baby is developing rapidly during these few weeks. Everything from fingerprints to facial expressions is taking shape.
- Changes in your body (constipation, varicose veins, weight gain) are normal. But if something is worrying you, definitely talk to your doctor.
- The first subtle feeling of baby moving (quickening) can be experienced at this time. It is a very beautiful experience.
- Include your partner in this journey. Going to the doctor together and listening to the baby's heartbeat are good for your relationship.
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න