Week 13

Your Baby is about the size of half a banana!

The vocal cords begin to form, the face looks more and more human like everyday as the eyes begin to move closer together rather than being either side of the head. The ears also begin to move to a normal position.

It is now possible to determine your babies gender if only you could see your little one up close. The babies gender is usually determined (if you are wishing to find out) during your sixteen week scan.

The intestines move further into the body and the liver begins to secrete bile, the pancreas begins to produce insulin.

Welcome to the Second Trimester! Your probably feel more comfortable now, enjoy this time! The risk of miscarriage has now significantly decreased as you reach week 13. Try to rest whenever you can and avoid heavy lifting.

You may be experiencing the following symptoms:

• waistline expanding
• Increased energy
• veins may be darker and more visible due to the 40-50% blood volume increase which takes place during pregnancy.
• breasts fuller, tender and sensitive
• acne
• mood swings
• abdominal aches and pains (due to stretching of the uterus, this is referred to as ’round ligament pain’)
• increased and improved appetite
• cravings
• headaches are common due to blood volume increase.
• Lightheaded/ Dizzy – if this persists see a Doctor.

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