13-14 Weeks Pregnant – Symptoms, Body Changes, Bump Update – Pregnancy Diary
After the ultrasound at 12 weeks pregnant confirmed my baby was still growing strong, I could finally see myself relax a bit more during weeks 13-14 of being pregnant.
These weeks were very special. Not only did I enter my second trimester, I we also had our first big anatomy ultrasound.
And we received the results from the NIPT test from week 11-12 and with those the information on the gender of the baby.
First big Ultrasound
At 13 weeks pregnant, I went in for my first big ultrasound, that a specialist performed.
In Germany, these type of ultrasounds were performed by my OBGYN during my regular checkups. Here, they are typically scheduled with a ultrasound specialist, which I found is quite interesting of a difference.
During the ultrasound, they checked all major measurements of the baby and took a look at all the organs.
Everything looked great for my little baby. Unfortunately, they could not see anything regarding the gender just yet. I knew we had the results coming back within the next 2 weeks but I couldn’t help and still had to ask.
NIPT Results & Gender Reveal
I knew the results of the NIPT test would come back any time during 13-14 weeks of being pregnant, and I was incredibly anxious but also excited to get them.
At 13 weeks and 6 days, my doctor called to let me know the NIPT results were in. First she let me know the screening for abnormalities in the DNA came back negative. This basically means there is no indication of the genetic markers for Down Syndrome in the DNA of my baby.
Along with those good news she also revealed the gender to us – and all my suspicions were confirmed! We are having a baby boy 🙂
Symptoms
Still so much Fatigue
Many women start to feel better and like they have more energy when the second trimester comes around.
So after suffering from a lot of fatigue in the first trimester, I was hoping that by weeks 13-14 of being pregnant, the tiredness would start to fade.
Unfortunately, it was still just as bad as before.
I experienced the same in my first pregnancy. The energy didn’t really come back until closer to 20 weeks, so I’m thinking this might be the case this time as well.
Round Ligament Pain
Around this time was also the very first time I started experiencing round ligament pain.
I don’t remember feeling anything like this during my first pregnancy.
Back then, I was also working out quite a bit more, whereas this time my workouts are much more limited and very low impact.
I do believe this and the fact that I spend less time on stretching are a contributor to the pain. Therefore, I started incorporating more prenatal Yoga and Pilates workouts in my routine to hopefully help strengthen and stretch my aching body.
It was not too bad, but definitely a little uncomfortable, and I’m just hoping it is temporary, maybe indicated by a growth spurt and the growing belly.
The Never-Ending Hunger
This pregnancy has surprised me in many ways how different it is from my first one – and one of the main things is how hungry I get!
It was one of the cues for me why I suspected we’re having a boy.
It is a little difficult for me to tell sometimes if I am actually hungry or just craving certain foods. I know they go hand in hand, but at the same time I’m often left bloated and feeling uncomfortable after giving in to my “hunger” cues. This made me realize it is often really just a small craving.
My doctor recommended just trying to listen to my body, and trying to keep a balanced diet, so that is what I am trying to do. And eating smaller meals or snacks has helped a bit to determine how hungry I actually am.
Food Cravings
Along with the hunger came the food cravings.
While during the first trimester I was able to eat fairly healthy, I was still craving junk food and candy quite a bit.
The second trimester started off with a big craving for fruit. As I was still trying to eat a balanced diet, I was happy that it was fruit instead of candy I was interested in.
Watermelon, mango, and kiwi were especially high on my list. And when my husband brought home some cherries, those hit the sweet spot.
Body Changes and Bump Update
At 13-14 weeks of being pregnant, it finally happened – my baby bump started to slowly make an appearance!
It was a sudden change, all of a sudden as soon as I turned 13 weeks pregnant, I noticed how my belly felt bloated throughout the day. But what I first thought was really just a bloat turned out to me my bump that was here to stay.
Now, in the pictures it still looks tiny, or non-existent. But it was definitely starting to stick out a little, so much that even my friends commented on it.
And I couldn’t have been happier about it!
Growing a baby bump is such a special experience.
I remember after giving birth to my daughter, how much I missed the bump afterwards.
Yes, it is easier to sleep at night without it. And I do feel more like myself without it, given that once it is bigger it can get quite in the way and be uncomfortable.
But it also makes me feel incredibly feminine, and is a truly unique and special experience for a woman.