My 13 Week Baby Bump, Workouts & Tips

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Welcome to pregnancy week 13!

This is the last week of the first trimester.

Because this is my fourth baby, I know the second trimester will bring more energy, less nausea and hopefully less food aversions.

The early stages of pregnancy are always a little nerve-racking because you can’t feel the baby move yet but hearing the baby’s heartbeat is very reassuring.

We found out the gender this week and couldn’t be more shocked and excited!

Keep reading to learn more about what I’m doing this week, what to expect at 13 weeks pregnant and tips to make the most of it.

Disclosure: Although I am a certified prenatal/postnatal exercise specialist and personal trainer, I am not YOUR trainer. The content on this blog is for informational purposes only and should not be a substitute of the information and advice you receive from a healthcare professional. This website does not replace the medical advice you receive from your provider.

13 Week Baby Bump With All Four Babies

Each pregnancy has been so different and I definitely feel like I am carrying this one differently!

 

Due Date:

January 7, 2022

Starting Weight Gain:

134 pounds

Total Weight Gain At 13 Weeks:

1-2 pounds.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommended to gain weight slow and steady throughout your pregnancy. (source)

How much weight you should gain during pregnancy will mostly depend on your pre pregnancy weight and BMI.

You should expect to gain about 1 pound a week starting in the second trimester. However this number will vary week to week.

My Symptoms:

I’m finally feeling a little reprieve from fatigue, morning sickness and food aversions.

I also started to develop pretty significant varicose veins which are already uncomfortable.

Baby’s Movement

I have not felt the baby move yet but this is normal.

I have what’s called an “anterior placenta” which means the placenta has attached to the front of the uterus.

This can act like a cushion making it more difficult to feel movement.

I expect to start feeling flutter kicks around 18-20 weeks.

Diet:

Not much has changed with my diet.

I try to focus on getting enough whole grains and protein which is tough because a lot of protein sources make me feel nauseous.

I have not started adding extra calories yet and usually don’t until the third trimester.

This prenatal nutrition course is a great resource to learn more about the specifics of nutrition during pregnancy.

Food Cravings: 

Call me crazy but I’ve been craving a lot of fresh fruit and vegetables.

I usually don’t have a very good appetite during pregnancy.

However, in my last three pregnancies, my appetite comes back with a vengeance when I’m breastfeeding.

Food Aversions: 

Almost everything! Thank you hormones.

This is why protein shakes loaded with vegetables like spinach and frozen cauliflower, fruits, and peanut butter have been a life saver.

Favorite Workouts at 13 Weeks Pregnant:

I’m still doing all the same workouts I did prior to pregnancy but the intensity has definitely been lower.

I really like doing HIIT intervals on the treadmill or stair climber, and weight lifting.

Give this workout a try this week:

Descending ladder workout. Start with 10 reps and work your way down to 1 rep of each exercise.

Squats

Deadlifts

Dumbbell bicep curl press

Bent over rows

Push-ups

Walking lunges

Favorite Core Exercise:

• Reverse plank

*Always speak to your doctor or healthcare provider before exercising during pregnancy.

Related: 5 Prenatal Ab Exercises That Target Love Handles

Exercise or Workout Modifications:

I haven’t modified any exercises yet but will start focusing on pelvic floor exercises and deep core activation in the next couple weeks.

The most important thing is to listen to your body and make modifications as needed.

Related: 22 Exercises for a Better Labor Experience

Week 13 Pregnancy Checklist

• Now is a great time to start focusing on improving your eating habits. This prenatal nutrition course is a great resource.
• Start thinking about what kind of childbirth class you want to take.
• Consider investing in a good pair of compression socks to help with circulation and swelling.
• Use an app or journal for tracking pregnancy weight gain, baby growth, baby’s development and document how you are feeling.
• Find a healthcare provider that is right for you.
• If you haven’t already, most moms share the news in the second trimester.
• Start reading pregnancy birth affirmations to help prepare your mind for labor.
• If you are struggling with body image, these tips can help you cope with the changes that are happening to your body.

Other Common Questions

How Big Is The Baby at 13 Weeks?

The baby is about 3¾ inches and weighs 1¼ ounces which is about the size of a lemon or chocolate chip cookie. (source)

How Many Months is 13 Weeks Pregnant?

You are now three months pregnant!

Can You Determine The Gender at 13 Weeks Pregnant?

Yes! We have found out the gender via an ultrasound with all four babies at 13 weeks pregnant.

How Much Weight Should I Gain In The First Trimester?

Average weight gain for the first trimester is about 1-5 pounds.

This will be slightly higher if you are expecting twins.

The recommended about of weight gain during pregnancy depends on you pre-pregnancy weight, BMI.

The weight gained during the first trimester primarily goes to increasing blood volume, amniotic fluid, breast tissue and fat stores to prepare your body for pregnancy.

Early pregnancy symptoms such as nausea and morning sickness can affect how much weight you gain.

Related: 15 Ways To Love Your Body During Pregnancy [Even When it Feels Impossible]

Can You Feel The Baby Move at 13 Weeks Pregnant?

You most likely will not feel the baby move much yet, especially if this is your first pregnancy.

Why Is My Belly Still Soft at 13 Weeks Pregnant?

At this stage of pregnancy, the uterus is still pretty small so your belly will likely remain a little soft until the uterus grows and becomes more palpable.

Remember, the baby is only about the size of lemon or small cookie.

Why is My Bump Not Showing Yet?

You may or may not start to develop a small baby bump at this point.

The baby is only about the size of a lemon at 13 weeks pregnant.

If you are not showing at 13 weeks, it may be because this is not your first baby and how you are carrying the baby.

Some women do not show until later in their pregnancies.

What are Common Pregnancy Symptoms in the Second Trimester?

Round ligament pain:

You may begin to feel a dull, pinching or stretching-like pain in your lower abdomen, often on one side or the other.

This is called “round ligament pain“. It is the result of the tendons and ligaments

If you have any concerns about this pain, always speak to your doctor.

Increased libido:

You may start to notice an increased sex drive during the second and third trimester. Wooo hoo! Many women say that pregnant sex is better than prior to pregnancy.

Increased Breast Size:

Your breasts will continue to grow in size as milk-producing tissue develops.

Now is a great time to treat yourself to some new bras!

Varicose Veins:

The increase in blood volume during pregnancy can cause more visible veins or varicose veins.

While they may not be aesthetically pleasing, they are a good sign there is an increased blood flow for your growing baby.

Heightened sense of smell:

You can thank those pregnancy hormones for making every smell that comes your way feel like an assault on your senses.

Stretch Marks

Some women may start to develop stretch marks around their breasts, abdomen or thighs.

I personally loved collagen protein to help improve the elasticity in my skin to minimize stretching.

Related: Prevent Stretch Marks With These 7 Tips

Final Thoughts About Week 13

As I finish up the third month and head into the second trimester, I am feeling so grateful for my healthy babies and my overall good health.

I look forward to a relief from my symptoms and feeling those first little kicks!

Follow along for weekly updates and tips for how to have a fit and healthy pregnancy!