Quick guide:

• What’s happening with the baby at 13 weeks pregnant?

• How big is your baby at 13 weeks pregnant?

• How is your belly at 13 weeks pregnant?

• Common symptoms and how to manage them?

• Frequently asked questions at 13 weeks pregnant

What’s happening with the baby at 13 weeks pregnant?

While baby’s eyes have arrived, they’re not open

At 13 weeks, your baby’s eyes have formed, but their eyelids are still fused shut. This is to protect their tiny, developing eyes as they continue to mature. They won’t open their eyes until much later in the pregnancy.

The voice

Your baby’s vocal cords are forming this week, marking the start of the development that will one day allow your baby to laugh, cry, and speak. While you won’t hear any sounds from your baby yet, these vocal cords are an essential step toward future communication.

Balancing out

Your baby’s head, which has been quite large compared to the rest of their body, is starting to balance out. At this point, the head is still about half the size of the baby’s total body, but as your baby’s body grows, their proportions will become more even.

Tiny bones and movements

This week, your baby’s bones are starting to form in their arms and legs. While these bones are still very small and soft, they’ll help support more precise movements. Your baby can move their arms and legs in jerky motions, and they may even be able to get their thumb into their mouth—an early sign of self-soothing that will help them as a newborn.

Intestinal developments

Your baby’s intestines have undergone significant development. They were previously growing inside the umbilical cord, but now they’ve moved into their permanent location in your baby’s abdomen. This marks an important step in their digestive system's development.

Placenta growth

As your baby grows, so does the placenta. By the end of your pregnancy, it will weigh 1 to 2 pounds. The placenta serves an important role in nourishing and protecting your baby as they continue to grow.

Fingertips forming

Your baby’s fingertips are forming, and they may even begin sucking their fingers. This is a common early reflex and will help with self-soothing after birth. Your baby’s skin is still quite thin, but you can already see veins and organs through it.

Better body proportions

As your baby’s body grows, their head is becoming better proportioned to the rest of their body. At this stage, the head makes up about a third of their total body size.

Genital development

If you're having a boy, his testicles are fully developed, and if you're having a girl, her ovaries are now fully formed. However, you won’t be able to find out the gender of your baby in India due to legal restrictions. Gender reveal will have to wait until birth.

Urine and amniotic fluid

At 13 weeks, your baby starts producing urine, which is released into the amniotic fluid. This is a normal part of fetal development. While this might seem like a lot of fluid, it’s completely safe for your baby to be swallowing the amniotic fluid they release, and it’s essential for their growth and development.

How big is your baby at 13 weeks pregnant?

At 13 weeks, your baby is about the size of a lemon. They measure around 7.4 cm from head to bottom and weigh about 23 grams. Despite being small, your baby is growing rapidly and continuing to develop essential features and functions.

How is your belly at 13 weeks pregnant?

At 13 weeks, you may start to notice a slight baby bump. While your uterus is still relatively small, it has grown enough to cause a gentle protrusion in your lower abdomen. For some women, this is the time when they start to look visibly pregnant, but it may not be noticeable to everyone. If this is your first pregnancy, the bump might be subtle, while if you’ve been pregnant before, you may show a little earlier.

Common symptoms and how to manage them?

1) Feeling more like yourself?

At 13 weeks, you may be starting to feel better as you approach the second trimester. This period is often considered the most comfortable and easy of the three trimesters. However, if you're still dealing with symptoms like nausea, fatigue, and bloating, don't worry—it's normal. For some women, these early pregnancy symptoms can linger into the fourth or even fifth months.

2) Vaginal discharge

You may notice an increase in vaginal discharge, known as leukorrhea. This normal discharge is usually thin, milky in color, and may have a mild or no smell. It’s caused by increased estrogen and blood flow to the pelvic area, and its purpose is to protect the birth canal from infection and maintain a healthy vaginal environment. If this discharge feels uncomfortable, you can use panty liners to stay dry (but avoid tampons). Douching is never recommended during pregnancy, as it can upset your vaginal balance and lead to infections.

3) Sex during pregnancy

Your libido during pregnancy can fluctuate, and this is completely normal. You may feel either more or less interested in sex than usual. Both extremes are part of the pregnancy experience and often depend on how your body is feeling. There's no "right" amount of intimacy—just go with what feels right for you.

4) Bloating and belly size

You might notice your belly seems a bit bigger than expected, which could be due to gas or bloating. It’s common during the first trimester due to hormonal changes. If your belly is noticeably larger than expected, you may also be wondering if you're carrying twins. While this is possible, other explanations—like a miscalculated due date or a larger baby—are more likely. Regardless, bloating and fullness are a normal part of pregnancy, and they tend to ease as your pregnancy progresses.

Frequently asked questions at 13 weeks pregnant

How many months pregnant am I at 13 weeks?

At 13 weeks, you are officially three months pregnant. This is the final week of the first trimester, marking an important milestone in your pregnancy journey.

Can I feel my baby move at 13 weeks?

It’s unlikely to feel your baby’s movements yet, especially if this is your first pregnancy. Some women, especially those who have been pregnant before, might feel flutters or “quickening” as early as 16 weeks, but it’s more common around 18–25 weeks.

Why do I have more vaginal discharge?

An increase in vaginal discharge, called leukorrhea, is normal at this stage. It’s thin, milky, and odorless or mild-smelling, caused by increased estrogen levels and blood flow to the pelvic area. This discharge helps protect your birth canal from infections.

Is it normal to have stretch marks or itchy skin?

As your belly grows, you may notice stretch marks or feel your skin becoming itchy. These are normal as your skin stretches. Use a moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated and soothe any itching.

What’s happening with my belly at 13 weeks?

Your uterus is expanding upward and outward, creating a small bump that may now be visible. For some women, this is the first time they start to look visibly pregnant, while others may not show until later. Remember, every pregnancy is unique!

What can I do to stay healthy at 13 weeks pregnant?

• Eat iron-rich foods like spinach, dried fruits, and lean meats to support your increased blood production.

• Exercise regularly to maintain strength, reduce stress, and prepare your body for childbirth.

• Stay hydrated to prevent constipation and maintain overall health.

• Practice Kegel exercises to strengthen your pelvic floor, which will help during and after childbirth.

When should I call my doctor?

Contact your healthcare provider if you experience:

• Heavy bleeding or cramping

• Persistent dizziness or fainting

• Severe nausea or vomiting that prevents you from eating or drinking

• Painful or frequent urination, as this could indicate a urinary tract infection