You are 13 weeks pregnant

Your baby
By this week, the baby’s intestines are moving from outside his body to inside his belly. Vocal chords are beginning to form and he’s developing some serious reflexes in there, kicking and jerking...Read more

Your body
Welcome to your second trimester! Can you believe you’re already more than a third of the way through your pregnancy? Amazing - especially since you’ve probably only just announced the good news t...Read more

Your life right now
If you find yourself feeling a little, er, frisky, don’t be alarmed. It is reported that many women experience a boost in their sex drive at the start of the second trimester. This is a great way to...Read more

Mums like me
Tip for Maternity Wear: ‘If you wear a size 12, 14 or up, you can search out the smallest of plus-size clothing and find a cut that’s loose at the stomach, and buy a few shirts like that to get yo...Read more

By this week, the baby’s intestines are moving from outside his body to inside his belly. Vocal chords are beginning to form and he’s developing some serious reflexes in there, kicking and jerking his arms around - and he’ll actually squirm if you prod your abdomen (you still won’t feel these movements for several more weeks). The little guy is also starting to form urine and discharge it into the amniotic fluid.

Welcome to your second trimester! Can you believe you’re already more than a third of the way through your pregnancy? Amazing - especially since you’ve probably only just announced the good news to the world. More good news: You are (we hope!) about to enter the ‘honeymoon of pregnancy.’ This is because women often regain energy during their second trimester - and many other annoying symptoms, like food aversions and needing to wee so often will likely lessen, if not totally subside. (The wee issue will return later in your pregnancy, when the baby gets a lot bigger and starts pushing on your bladder.) And you aren’t yet subject to the physical discomforts that may pop up in your third trimester. Around this time, you’re probably feeling great. Not only are you physically in a better place, but you’re getting congratulated 50 times a day by everyone from your closest friends to your most distant relatives. Enjoy the ‘honeymoon!’

If you find yourself feeling a little, er, frisky, don’t be alarmed. It is reported that many women experience a boost in their sex drive at the start of the second trimester. This is a great way to reconnect with your partner, especially after a first trimester that may have been filled with morning sickness, fatigue and raging mood swings. You’re probably wondering if sex during pregnancy is safe and unless your doctor says otherwise the answer is yes - you won’t hurt the baby. Here’s why: The amniotic fluid and the durable muscles of the uterus and abdomen cocoon the foetus. In addition, the thick mucus plug (also known as the ‘bloody show’ around the time of labour) seals the cervix and helps combat against infection. Yes, there are rare instances when you’ll have to modify your sexual practices or abstain completely, and you can discuss this with your healthcare provider. Otherwise, enjoy this special, sexually-charged time!

Tip for Maternity Wear: ‘If you wear a size 12, 14 or up, you can search out the smallest of plus-size clothing and find a cut that’s loose at the stomach, and buy a few shirts like that to get you through at least the end of your 2nd trimester.’ – ldsfreckleface