Pregnancy Week 13

Learn From the Specialists

What Your Baby is Doing This Week

You made it to your second trimester. Your placenta has developed and is the life source for your baby as it provides a three-fold function of oxygen, nutrients, and waste disposal. The placenta also produces the hormones progesterone and estrogen, which help to maintain the pregnancy.

Those bright eyes your baby will possess are developing under eyelids that have formed and fused shut to continue development. Your baby will be reaching up and touching his own body and it's not uncommon to see baby with his thumb in his mouth on an ultrasound, although the ability to suck hasn't completely developed yet.

What Your Body is Doing This Week

At your prenatal appointment your practitioner probably gave you a prescription for prenatal vitamins. These are very important supplements to your diet, be sure to take them as directed. Some vitamins can be boosted by taking them with a meal, talk to your doctor about when to take your supplement for the most optimum results.

© 2012 Pregnant.com