This 13th week of pregnancy (15 weeks) marks the end of the 1st trimester, the 13 week fetal size is 12 cm and its weight is 65 g. This will double the following week. Its head has a diameter of 3,5 cm.

His face has almost definitive features: the eyes, the nose, the ears are in their place. The senses of taste and touch begin to develop.

The ossification of its skeleton continues actively and its limbs lengthen. The joints are now functional, so the 13 week old baby can bend his arms and even his fingers. He moves more and more, but these movements are not yet perceptible by the mother-to-be.

Some skin cells start to make melanin.

Thanks to the sucking reflex, the 15 weeks fetus begins to swallow amniotic fluid, the taste of which changes depending on the mother-to-be’s diet. And already the baby shows a clear preference for sweet! His now functioning kidneys process this fluid and release it.

At this end of 3th month of pregnancy, nausea and fatigue have almost disappeared, the risk of miscarriage is largely eliminated and 13 weeks belly begins to see each other. The upcoming 2nd trimester promises to be more enjoyable, with renewed energy, a certain serenity and a caring entourage.

Under the influence of pregnancy hormones, the quality of the skin changes: it can become drier or, on the contrary, more oily, with in some future mothers the appearance of acne. It is then necessary to adapt its care, and in particular its day cream.

In this 15th week of amenorrhea, the future mother must therefore take care of her skin. An anti-stretch mark cream can be applied morning and evening, to clean, dry skin, on the stomach, hips, chest and thighs. Pregnancy will put a strain on the elasticity of the skin, especially at the end of it. The more the skin is nourished, the more the risk of the appearance of stretch marks decreases. The composition of the cosmetic must be as natural as possible. Also, the shorter the ingredient list, the better. To keep it simple, a pregnant woman can choose an organic vegetable oil, such as avocado, wheat germ or rosehip oil. These oils have the advantage of maintaining the tone of the skin and intensely nourishing dry skin, as long as it is used regularly. 

Le 3th month of pregnancy can also be synonymous with dryness in the face. Aggressive products should be avoided (peels, acids, stripping soap, etc.). Applying a nourishing cream or oil to the face in the evening can limit dryness.

Conversely, if it is acne that occurs then the use of sebum regulating cream can come to the aid of future mothers who suffer from it. Also, to prevent acne, you should avoid bringing your hands to your face unless they are clean. 

Libido may reappear at 13 weeks of pregnancy. Having sex with your partner is not dangerous during these 9 months, except in certain situations. 

Food is very important to 13 SG, but also throughout pregnancy, so that the future mother stays in shape and avoids deficiencies, and for the good development of the fetus. It is advisable to have a diet rich in folate (green vegetables, beans, small fish) for the proper functioning of the fetal nervous system. Beta-carotene is also essential during pregnancy. It is vitamin A, provided by certain fruits and vegetables (carrots, tomatoes, apricots…). It is essential for the growth of the baby’s organs.

• inform his employer if it has not yet been done;
• start learning about different birth preparations. Classic preparation, prenatal yoga, swimming pool preparation, relaxation therapy, haptonomy, prenatal singing…: there are many ways to prepare for childbirth.

À 13 weeks pregnant, 15 weeks gestation, the future mother can think about her birth plan is not obligatory – and not fully entered into obstetrical mores in France – but it is an excellent tool to better understand childbirth, and on D-day, to offer the birth desired for her baby. It is not just a list of wishes and prohibitions (no epidural, episiotomy), but must be the subject of a real reflection upstream, ideally in concert with the gynecologist, the following midwife pregnancy or the team at the place of delivery.