Pregnancy: Weeks 13 to 16

Thank goodness! Your baby is settling in and getting down to the serious business of growing, so you’re probably much more comfortable than you were during the first few months of your pregnancy. Now that you’ve reached week thirteen (and beyond), your baby will begin to grow at his or her own pace, although all fetuses do follow a similar pattern. During your fourth month, your baby will grow to be up to four and a half inches in length…that’s the size of a large orange! Eyebrows, eyelashes, and even some hair…by now, your baby has them all! And it’s not limited to your little one’s head: Babies in the womb are covered with a downy layer of hair called lanugo, which is mostly for warmth and is usually shed before birth. And maybe it’s time to start singing in the shower…your baby’s ears have moved from the back of his or her neck to the sides of the head and, because tiny ear bones are now in place, he or she may be able to hear you! Your little one is also developing vocal chords, and his or her backbone and neck are becoming more erect. So, aside from growing, what does your baby do all day? The answer is simple…Practice! He or she will spend the day rehearsing movements, sucking and swallowing…skills that are vital to survival once that baby is ready to leave your womb.While all these changes take place in your baby, you’ll probably notice few changes in your body...a break at last!  At this time, most women do begin to experience vaginal discharge, which is known as leukorrhea. This milky, odorless or mild-smelling liquid is normal and helps to protect the birth canal from infection. If the discharge is significant, or if it makes you uncomfortable, you can use a panty liner to absorb it…remember NOT to use a tampon! Some mild side-effects you may experience this month include sensitivity or bleeding in your teeth and gums and congestion in your nasal passages. Both of these side effects are due to those pregnancy hormones and should be cared for gently: With a humidifier for the stuffiness and good oral hygiene for your gums. As your uterus grows, its supporting ligaments stretch to accommodate the weight. This can manifest as achy discomfort on one or both sides of your lower abdomen. Rest in a comfortable position when you experience these round ligament pains…relief usually comes fairly quickly.  By the end of this month, your little baby is 16 weeks old…and getting less little by the day! Hopefully, you’re experiencing a break in symptoms and enjoying the view as your belly expands!