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13 Weeks Pregnant: Your Baby, Your Body and What to Do
Welcome to the second trimester: many people feel more energy and less sickness.
Before you use this guide: Pregnancy weeks are counted from the first day of your last period. Sizes are rough averages, and healthy babies vary. This is general information, not an individual medical assessment, so please confirm personal health decisions with your doctor or midwife.
How your baby is growing
Your baby's body is now growing faster than the head. Fingerprints are forming on the tiny fingertips, and the vocal cords are developing. The intestines are working, and your baby is practising sucking movements.
The skeleton is changing from soft cartilage into bone, and your baby moves the arms and legs more smoothly. Your placenta is now taking over from your ovaries as the main source of pregnancy hormones.
How you may be feeling
The second trimester is often described as the most comfortable. Energy usually returns, appetite improves and sickness eases for many people. You may notice more vaginal discharge, a higher sex drive or a growing bump. Round ligament twinges may begin in a few weeks.
Your to-do list for week 13
- Make the most of the extra energy with gentle, regular activity such as walking, swimming or antenatal yoga.
- Eat a varied diet with protein, iron-rich foods, calcium and vitamin C. You do not need to eat for two.
- Shop for a supportive bra and comfortable clothes.
- Check that your anomaly scan, usually done between about 18 and 21 weeks, is booked.
When to ask for help
Let your midwife or doctor know about bleeding, a leak of fluid, severe pain or a fever, whatever week you are in.
For heavy bleeding, severe pain, fluid leaking, a severe headache with vision changes, or a baby who is moving less than usual, do not wait for your next appointment. Contact your midwife, doctor or maternity unit straight away. Our guide to pregnancy warning signs has more detail.
Not sure which week you are in? Use the due-date calculator to estimate your due date and current week.
Useful at this stage: pregnancy weight gain calculator.
Trusted resources to read next
These public health resources provide additional information. Guidance can vary by country, so prioritise advice from your own care team and local health service.
- NHS: Pregnancy — Pregnancy care, common symptoms, screening and complications.
- NHS: Week-by-week pregnancy guide — Pregnancy development and care by week.
This content is for general information only and is not medical advice. Every pregnancy and every baby is different. Always talk to your doctor, midwife or paediatrician about your own situation, and seek urgent care if you are worried.