pregnancy | week by week

A lemon

Your Baby's Size =

Week 13: Organs, Nerves and Muscles Working Together

Your baby begins to focus on growth.

By your 13th week of pregnancy, your baby’s organs, nerves and muscles have formed and are beginning to work together to help your baby grow.

• This week, your baby is probably about the length of a lemon.
  
• Eyes and ears are clearly defined. Your baby’s eyelids are fused together to protect his still-developing eyes.
• When you’re 13 weeks pregnant, tissue that will harden into bone is developing in your baby’s head, arms and legs.
• Tiny ribs might be visible.
• At your 13th week of pregnancy, your baby is already on the move. He might be moving his body in jerky motions as he flexes his arms and kicks his legs, but you won’t feel your baby move for at least several more weeks.
• Vocal chords develop.
• Your baby’s circulatory system helps clear toxins from his body.
• When you’re 13 weeks pregnant, your baby’s head is about half the size of his body.

What to Eat and Avoid Now

Best nutrition for week 13 and beyond!

At 13 weeks, your baby is growing quickly. Remember to make healthy choices and get all the vitamins, minerals, nutrients and calories you need to support your baby’s growth and development. During your second trimester, you should also consume about 340 more calories per day than you were eating pre-pregnancy.

Here are some helpful guidelines on what to eat and what to avoid now:

EAT

• Fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables: They’re packed with vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C, which helps your body absorb iron. Plus, they’re low in fat and are often a good source of fiber. Remember that different-colored fruits and vegetables have different levels of nutrients and vitamins. As a general rule, try to vary the types and colors of fruits and vegetables you eat every day.
• Protein-packed foods: Foods such as lean meats, dried beans and peanut butter are full of protein, which is essential to your baby’s growth.

AVOID

• Soft cheeses: Avoid feta, Brie and blue-veined cheeses unless the label indicates that they’re made with pasteurized milk.
• Shark, tilefish, king mackerel and swordfish: These fish could contain high levels of mercury. Instead, eat fish that are low in mercury, such as salmon and catfish.