Week 13: I Gotta Feeling

Welcome to your second trimester, Mama! What a journey it has been so far! For many pregnant people, the second trimester is an exciting time as the pesky pregnancy symptoms go away, and they watch with anticipation as their bellies grow week by week. Some women develop a line on their stomach called the linea nigra. This line starts at the symphysis pubis and goes to the top of the uterus. The linea nigra continues to move up the center of your abdomen as your baby’s growth stretches your uterus. The second trimester generally comes with an increase in energy and motivation. If you haven’t already, it will be beneficial to start some gentle activity and stretching. Something as simple as a walk in the evening or stretching midday can help boost endorphins and fight the ligament and joint pain experienced, especially once you get to the third trimester. Staying active also helps to prepare your mind and body for labour. Labour is one of the most powerful activities you will ever experience; it will require your full attention, physically, emotionally and mentally. Preparing now by staying active will help you achieve your goals for labour and help you recover in the postpartum period.

Your baby is 13 weeks old and is more active. Each week, your little one is growing stronger and moving more. More bones continue to form, and the muscles continue to develop. Your baby already has the strength to make a fist and suck his thumb! As he grows, he will become more coordinated in movement. Additionally, your baby’s eyes begin development and are protected by the eyelids that are currently sealed shut. The facial features are more defined, the head is more proportional in size to the body, and your baby looks more characteristically like a human.