The most beautiful time of pregnancy: What happens to you and your baby in weeks 13-16 (Pregnancy Weeks 13-16)

The relief you feel as you finish the first three months of pregnancy! The morning sickness and nausea have largely subsided. This is when the "honeymoon period" of pregnancy begins, as many people call it. You start to feel more energetic and refreshed than before. So, let's talk about what changes are happening in your world and that of your little one in your womb during the first few weeks of this beautiful second trimester.

Week 13: Time to get your strength back!

What's wrong with the baby?

Imagine, your baby is growing very fast now. The eyes have moved into their proper places on the head. The joints in the hands and feet, such as the wrists and ankles, have also formed. The head is still a little big compared to the rest of the body, but don't worry, the rest of the body is growing rapidly and closing the gap. The most special thing this week is that the baby's intestines have moved from the umbilical cord to the baby's stomach and are now in their proper places.

The baby is now swallowing the amniotic fluid in the womb and absorbing it into its body. Its spine is flexible, so it can move around a lot. If you suspect you're having twins, you can confirm it with an ultrasound scan this week!

What's wrong with you?

You will feel much better now. You will probably feel a lot more energetic in the next two to three months. Your uterus is now much bigger, filling your pelvis and extending towards your abdomen. If you touch your stomach, it will feel like a soft ball. If you didn't gain weight because of the nausea you had earlier, you will start to gain weight gradually now that you are able to eat well.

As the baby grows, the round ligaments in the abdomen stretch, causing a pulling pain in the lower abdomen. This is normal. Most importantly, the risk of miscarriage decreases significantly after the second trimester. Also, if your gums are swollen and bleeding due to hormonal effects, use a soft toothbrush.

A little tip for this week: Ask your partner to come with you to your next check-up. Hearing the baby's heartbeat will be a very happy experience for him too.

Week 14: Baby's tiny fingerprints are forming!

What's wrong with the baby?

The baby's ears have moved from the neck to the sides of the head. The neck has lengthened, and the chin is clearly visible. The face is shaped and, surprisingly, its unique fingerprints are now formed. The baby is now starting to respond to external stimuli. If someone pats your belly, the baby will try to move away from it. The baby is still floating and playing freely inside the womb.

What's wrong with you?

You may have started wearing maternity clothes now. As your baby grows, your skin and muscles start to stretch. Pregnancy hormones can slow down your bowel movements, 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 notice small, spider-like veins on your legs or face. Don't worry, they will go away after you give birth.

A little tip for this week: To reduce constipation, exercise regularly, drink plenty of fluids (water, fruit juice), and add fruits and vegetables (especially greens like spinach and kale) to your diet.

Week 15: Will it be possible to tell if the baby is a boy or a girl?

What's wrong with the baby?

Your baby is now about the size of a large potato. He is developing a very fine layer of hair all over his body. This is called lanugo . This usually falls out at birth. Eyebrows and hair on his head are also starting to grow. His bones are getting stronger. He may even be sucking his thumb .

By now, your baby's organs are fully formed, and they're just starting to develop. Good news for you! A high-resolution ultrasound this week may be able to determine your baby's sex .

What's wrong with you?

Your uterus can now be felt about 3 to 4 inches below your belly button. Within the next five weeks, your doctor will suggest that you have a blood test called the quadruple marker screening test, which can help detect conditions such as Down syndrome . You can discuss this with your doctor and decide whether or not to have this test. You may also feel more interested in having sex because you are feeling better. This is very normal. You have probably gained about 15 pounds by now. You will now start to gain weight at a rate of about 1-2 pounds per week.

Week 16: Do you feel like a little butterfly is fluttering in your stomach?

What's wrong with the baby?

When you go to the doctor, you will now be able to hear the baby's heartbeat. Fine hair (lanugo) is growing on the head. The arms and legs are moving well, which means the nervous system is now starting to work. The baby can even move its eyes under its still-closed eyelids. The bones are getting stronger and the calcium is being deposited, so they appear white on the scan. The baby is now about the length of a regular carrot.

What's wrong with you?

This week or the next few weeks, you'll experience a new and exciting sensation. It's your baby's first kicks. This is also called "quickening." At first, it feels like a gas bubble in your stomach, or something very subtle, like a little butterfly fluttering. As you continue to feel it, you'll know it's your baby.

There are also other changes happening in your body. You may have nosebleeds as your blood volume increases to feed your baby. You may also notice some veins in your legs. The good news is that the pressure on your bladder will decrease as your uterus moves up. This will reduce the need to urinate as often as before.

A little tip for this week: If you have varicose veins in your legs, wear support stockings, keep your legs elevated whenever possible, and do some light exercise to improve blood circulation.

Pregnancy, second trimester, baby's development, pregnant mother, weeks 13-16, ultrasound, pregnancy week by week