Depending on how big your baby is at thirteen weeks, it’s time to start getting used to the idea that there’s a little human inside you. This isn’t the only thing that will be changing, however. You’ll also start to notice things like stretch marks, itchy belly skin, and Lanugo hair on your baby’s skin.
Getting used to baby’s sleep
Getting used to baby’s sleep at 13 weeks old can be tricky. You have to learn to cope with the big changes in your baby’s life.
This is a time when your baby is learning new skills, and that can disrupt their sleep patterns. For example, they may want to play during the day instead of sleeping at night. In this situation, you may need to move bedtimes.
There are many things you can do to get your baby to sleep. One of the best things to do is to create a bedtime routine. This helps your baby get into the proper sleep schedule and it also helps them blow off steam.
Developing baby’s toenails
Developing baby’s toenails at 13 weeks may be a little late in the game, but it’s not too late to catch the growing toenails before they start to wreak havoc. Using a nail clipper to trim the toenails can help prevent an ingrown nail from cropping up.
A baby’s toenails are also quite big, in fact they’re about as big as the baby’s toes. They start to grow around week 12, but the actual growing process begins a few weeks earlier. When they start to grow, you should trim them before they start to snag on clothing or other objects.
In addition to their growing feet, your baby’s toenails are also responsible for providing the foot’s first poop. Using a clean and damp cotton wool to wipe the poop is a safe and painless way to ensure the little one does not get a choking hazard.
Meconium in baby’s bowels
Almost all full term babies pass their first poop, which is called meconium, within 48 hours after birth. However, some preterm babies may have trouble passing it. If this happens, the infant will need medical attention.
Meconium is a sticky substance, consisting of bile, mucus, and skin cells. It is dark green to olive green, almost odorless, and is typically thick. The color will be related to the infant’s diet.
If the baby fails to pass meconium within the first 24 hours of birth, the baby will be checked for other health problems. A rectal biopsy can help diagnose a suspected neonatal intestinal obstruction. Other tests include contrast enema radiographs and anorectal manometry.
Stretch marks and itchy belly skin
During pregnancy, your skin can stretch rapidly. It is prone to tearing, and itchy stretch marks can result.
Stretch marks are usually found on the abdominal region of a woman, but they may occur anywhere on the body. They will generally fade away after pregnancy.
Stretch marks are caused by two things: rapid weight gain and physical stretching of the skin. Often, the skin will stretch at an irregular rate and become flattened. Eventually, the stretch marks will fade into pale white or silver spots. They are not harmful to the mother or her baby.
During pregnancy, itchy belly skin is a common problem. It can be caused by dehydration, or hormonal changes. A good moisturizer can help prevent or reduce itching.
Lanugo hair on baby’s skin
During pregnancy, the skin of an unborn baby grows two distinct layers. The outer layer is called the periderm. It is made of a group of cells known as basal cells. The basal cells are not visible to the naked eye.
The fetus has reddish-purple skin. The fetus begins to accumulate fat, forming a layer of fat called the brown fat. This is the source of the baby’s heat. During the first couple weeks, the baby will have fine hair on the body. These hairs will shed after birth.
In the first few weeks of life, the baby will go through regular sleep cycles. It will also start to move. It will be able to move its arms and legs and will be able to flex them. When it is awake, it will be able to make slow eye movements behind its closed eyelids. It will also be able to respond to noises.
Fetal development takes a new meaning in the second trimester
During the second trimester of pregnancy, the fetus goes through rapid growth. In the first trimester, the fetus is just a cluster of cells. The fetus has begun to form organs. It is also gaining fat reserves to help it develop after birth.
At the end of the second trimester, the fetus weighs about 1.2 ounces. The fetus measures about 1 inch long. It also has eyebrows and eyelashes.
The fetus’s eyes will begin to move toward the front of the head. It will also begin to open its mouth. It will begin to hear the mother’s voice. The fetus’s ears are nearly in place by the end of the second trimester.
