You are 13 Weeks Pregnant!

WHAT'S HAPPENING WITH YOU

The second trimester is sometimes referred to as the "honeymoon of pregnancy." This is because women often regain energy, with much of the arduous work of organ development now almost complete.

As you enter your second trimester, your nausea most likely has faded into a memory. (If you had to stop taking prenatal vitamins during this time, you should begin to take them again as soon as possible.)

You may feel absolutely wonderful. You aren't yet subject to the physical discomforts that may appear in the later weeks of pregnancy and you may finally feel ready to reveal your long-held secret to the world.

Learn Even More about This Week of Pregnancy in Your Personalized Pregnancy Calendar

WHAT'S HAPPENING WITH YOUR BABY

Measuring in at about seven centimeters crown-to-rump and weighing about two ounces, your baby-to-be will spend the rest of the pregnancy concentrating on growing and becoming strong enough to live outside the uterus. Your baby's intestines have now moved from outside the body to inside the abdomen. While your baby won't be saying "Mommy" for some time, vocal cords are now developing. Your fetus also has developed many reflexes and will squirm inside of you if your abdomen is prodded.

EATING FOR TWO

Soy products are a great way to boost protein and calcium intake. Make sure that soy milk products do not contain unnecessary levels of sucrose.

Yummy Soy Shakes:

Pear Soy Shake: Combine in a blender 2/3 cup drained canned pears with 2/3 cup vanilla soy milk.

Cantaloupe, Banana Soy Shake: Combine 2/3 cup diced cantaloupe with one banana and 1/2 cup soy milk.

Source: ParentsPlace Recipes

FACT OF THE WEEK

You may want to start thinking about whether or not you are interested in the Maternal Serum Alpha-Fetoprotein (MSAFP) screening. This test is now generally known as three (triple) or four (quad) marker screen. The test is generally performed between weeks 15 and 18 but might still be valid as late as 20 to 21 weeks. Abnormal MSAFP or other marker levels are associated with genetic conditions, birth defects, retardation and late-pregnancy complications. Usually, if a woman has abnormally high or low levels, a follow-up with an ultrasound and amniocentesis may be recommended for a more definitive diagnosis. This test is safe, however, it does occasionally produce false results. While just 50 in every 1,000 women will get high results, only one or two of those women will end up having a baby with a defect. For the majority of women, normal test results can often indicate a healthy pregnancy and may be a relief after any first trimester anxiety.

Learn More about MSAFP Testing

TOPICS OF INTEREST THIS WEEK

• 7 Things You Need to Know before You Give Birth
• Find Out What's Safe -- and What's Not -- during Pregnancy
• Learn if Moms-to-Be Are a "Target" for Mosquitos
• Learn How to Handle On-the-Job Tension
• Looking Ahead: Plan a VBAC, or Avoid Possible Disappointment?

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