Pregnancy Calendar – Week Thirteen

This is the last week of the first trimester, and the baby has grown to three inches (about the size of a peach) and weighs almost one ounce! The fully developed placenta is providing the baby with oxygen, nutrients, and waste disposal; the placenta has taken over the production of hormones. The baby has the ability to swallow and the kidneys can discharge fluids. The intestines have started to move from the umbilical cord back into the baby’s abdomen and the villi are forming in the intestines. Sweat glands and fingerprints are becoming apparent. The baby’s opposable thumbs are working, and the tiny fists may be able to open and close.

Your energy level may be going up, and your nausea may start to decrease now that you are almost out of your first trimester. In the next few weeks, you will probably get your appetite back and feel a little bit more like your pre-pregnancy self. Although you probably still don’t look pregnant, you might have a little bit of a belly and slightly larger breasts. If you haven’t already told everyone about your pregnancy, you will probably be planning to tell people soon, including those at work. Think carefully about how you will want to approach this. Some women fear how their bosses will take the news and decide to wait longer. If that is the case, make sure others at the office also do not know. (For more suggestions, see: “Timing is Everything When You Tell Your Boss You Are Expecting.”)

During the first few months of pregnancy some women develop acne, especially those who were likely to get breakouts during their menstrual periods before becoming pregnant. On the other hand, some women find that the condition of their face improves during pregnancy. The extra hormones in your body cause your oil glands to secrete more oil, which can cause these breakouts. To help prevent or clear up acne, cleanse your face in the morning and at night. If nausea is a problem for you, make sure your soap or cleanser is fragrance-free. If your face still breaks out, ask your doctor about over-the-counter treatments. The prescription drugs Accutane and Retin-A cannot be used during pregnancy because of the risk of birth defects. For those of you who use ProActiv®, consult with your doctor or dermatologist before using while you are pregnant.

Beauty Tip:

You may notice your nails growing faster when you’re pregnant. Some women’s nails get harder during pregnancy, but many women experience nails that are brittle and break more easily. These changes are temporary, and your nails usually return to normal after you give birth. Here are some steps to take to keep your nails healthy during pregnancy: