13 weeks pregnant

How’s Baby?

Baby is now 2.5-3 inches long, the size of a jalapeno! Your little one is developing fingerprints now, and they’ll be just as they are. Underneath your little one’s transparent skin, the bones that will one day help Baby stand up big and strong are also under construction and getting stronger, and their vocal cords are developing, too.

Your baby’s lower body growth is also catching up with that of their head, making them look much more like a tiny human (and less like a tiny alien) all the time. When you think about how much their head dominated their little body just a few short weeks ago, it’s clear that your little one is making incredible growth!

What’s new with you?

Congratulations, you’ve reached the last week of your first trimester! Many pregnant folks report the first trimester as being the most difficult, so if you were really struggling with morning sickness and fatigue, you can likely begin to find a bit of relief. Even if physical energy doesn’t come bouncing back right away, most people report more mental energy and focus returning – yay!

One prevalent symptom you might notice in week 13 is an increased sex drive. Unless your healthcare provider recommends pelvic rest for medical reasons, sex during pregnancy is totally normal and safe up until your water breaks. So don’t pass if you are in the mood because you are worried about Baby.

You’ll also probably notice an increase in vaginal discharge, specifically leukorrhea, a milky discharge that protects the birth canal from infection. Unless the discharge comes with color changes, discomfort, a rash, lumps, or a strong smell, it is generally nothing to worry about. You can keep your vulva and vagina healthy by wearing underwear and pants made from natural fibers and changing out of them as soon as they get wet or sweaty. Wash the outside of your vulva with unscented, gentle soap, and avoid douches which can introduce bacteria into your vagina.