What's happening in week 13 of your pregnancy?
• Your little one is the size of a pea pod. He's about three inches (7.6 centimeters) long now.
• Bone tissue is forming in his arms, legs and around his head.
• Your baby is learning to express himself. He can now put his thumb in his mouth and suck on it to soothe himself. He can even start using his mouth to smile or frown.
Week 13: How is your baby's brain developing?
• A brain structure called the Corpus callosum continues to develop this week. It's responsible for communicating information between the right and left sides of the brain.
• As the Corpus callosum continues to develop after your baby is born, nourishing him with the brain-boosting nutrient DHA, both during and after your pregnancy, is crucial.
What pregnancy symptoms might you experience this week?
Increased amounts of estrogen and progesterone in your body can affect mucus production, leading to nasal congestion. Relieve this congestion and boost your pregnancy health with these tips:
• Apply warmth to your face. Placing a warm washcloth to your cheeks, eyes and nose several times a day to soothe the stuffiness.
• Keep your head elevated when sleeping with an extra pillow at night.
• Drink lots of water. This will thin out your mucus and help to drain it from the nose.
Mom's Tip of the Week
It's preferable to drink water and avoid sugary drinks. While you will need an extra 300 calories a day at this pregnancy stage, these calories should come from healthy foods and drinks containing key nutrients such as choline and calcium.
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