Pregnancy Calendar Week 13

Your baby is moving around a lot during this time; although, you will probably not be able to feel it.

Until now, your baby’s head has comprised about half his/her total length. After pregnancy calendar week 13, head growth slows considerably. When your baby is born, his/her head will be about one-fourth his/her total length.

Previously your baby’s intestines have been developing outside his/her body in the umbilical cord. Now, the intestines will be drawn back into the abdominal cavity.

During the thirteenth week of pregnancy, your baby’s skin is covered in a soft, fine hair known as lanugo. This hair will remain until the seventh or eighth month of pregnancy, although lanugo is sometimes still visible on premature infants. Lanugo helps control body temperature.

Your Body during Pregnancy Calendar Week 13

At this time in your pregnancy, you may notice changes in your breasts that indicate your body is preparing for breastfeeding. Your breasts may have become noticeably larger. They may feel lumpy and veins may be visible beneath the skin. At some point during the second trimester, colostrum will begin to form. This is the first stage of breast milk.

By pregnancy calendar week 13, many women are concerned about developing Stretch Marks. Approximately 90 percent of women develop stretch marks during pregnancy. The condition appears to be partially hereditary, although rapid weight gain can aggravate the problem. If you’re concerned about stretch marks, you may wish to apply a stretch mark cream to your belly, breasts, and buttocks on a daily basis to reduce your risk of developing these unsightly lines. Most stretch mark creams contain cocoa butter, vitamin E, and/or alpha hydroxy acids. There is a great deal of debate about how effective these creams are. At worst you're moisturizing the skin of your belly, hips and breasts, which can become dehydrated during pregnancy.

If you’ve noticed a sudden increase in your libido during the thirteenth week of pregnancy, don’t be alarmed! Since your baby is protected by amniotic fluid in the womb and a mucus plug in your cervix that guards against infection, Sex During Pregnancy will not harm your baby. However, your doctor may recommend that you avoid sexual activity if you have a history of premature birth, miscarriage, unexplained vaginal bleeding, placenta previa, or an incompetent cervix.

Selecting a Pediatrician

Choosing your baby’s pediatrician will be one of the most important decisions you make as parent. During his/her first year of life, your child will require visits for well-baby examinations, immunizations, and any miscellaneous accidents or illnesses. In addition to providing the medical attention your child needs to stay healthy, your baby’s pediatrician will also be able to answer your questions about common developmental issues.

Many pediatricians will allow new parents to schedule a free consultation appointment. This provides an opportunity to ensure that he/she shares your core parenting beliefs. For example, you may want to ask prospective pediatricians for their opinions on breastfeeding, vaccinations, and the introduction of solid foods. It’s also a good idea to ask about his/her after hours procedures and how soon your calls will be returned during the business day.

Of course, selecting a pediatrician will involve negotiations with your insurance company. Don’t forget to ask the provider you choose if they will accept your insurance. If your child becomes suddenly ill, you don’t want to be burdened by unexpected medical expenses!

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