Welcome to the second trimester of your pregnancy! It can seem like an impossible task to try to find out what happens to your body (and your baby) during pregnancy. From pouring over every single book that you can get your hands on, to clicking through pages of pregnancy group forums, it’s very overwhelming!

In our week-by-week article series, we’ll look at how your baby develops, what pregnancy symptoms you should look out for, and anything else you need to know on your pregnancy journey.

How does my baby grow at 13 weeks?

Your baby is now around 7.4cm long, roughly the size of a pomegranate!

At this point, some babies actually suck their thumbs in the womb. This is because it helps to develop their sucking reflex, so they’re prepared to breastfeed quickly after birth.

What are the pregnancy symptoms at 13 weeks?

Around this time, morning sickness and tiredness should be easing off. You might even start to miss your body’s daily reminders that you’re pregnant!

You can also expect to see your bump emerge over the next few weeks. Your womb is expanding to accommodate the size of your growing baby. As it gets larger, the extra weight may start putting a strain on your back and pelvis. Doing short repetitions of pelvic floor contractions can help strengthen your muscles as your body grows.

What else do I need to know about being 13 weeks pregnant?

Believe it or not, there are some positive pregnancy symptoms that can happen in your second trimester! Your friends might notice a pregnancy glow due to the amount of extra blood pumping around your body. Your skin will also retain more moisture, helping to smooth out lines in your face and giving it a lift.

You may also find your hair feeling fuller and thicker! But actually, it’s not that you’re growing more hair; it’s that you’re losing your hair more slowly. Some people also find that it becomes shiner or that it changes in texture.

What Does My Pregnancy Look Like at Thirteen Weeks?

Symptoms and everything else you need to know at the start of the second trimester.