Second trimester
13 weeks pregnant
Baby is about the size of a lemon.
Week 13 of 40 · in your second trimester · Updated
Your baby this week
Vocal cords are forming. Baby has unique fingerprints already.
- Vocal cords are forming. Baby is making practice breathing motions in the amniotic fluid.
- Unique fingerprints have already developed.
- Intestines are now in their proper position inside the abdomen (they were in the umbilical cord earlier).
Your body this week
Welcome to the second trimester — often the most comfortable stretch.
- Welcome to the second trimester. For most women, the worst of nausea is over.
- Energy levels usually improve significantly.
- Bump becomes more obvious. People might start noticing.
Common symptoms
- Improved energy
- Returning appetite
- Less nausea
- Visible bump
- Mild back pain
Things to do this week
- Schedule a maternity-photo shoot if you want one
- Look into prenatal yoga or pilates
- Start budgeting for baby essentials
For partners this week
Second trimester energy
- Plan a date or a short getaway while energy is up.
- Sit down together and start a simple baby budget.
Typical visits around this week
Based on a typical schedule in Ontario. Your doctor or midwife sets the actual timing.
Prenatal genetic screening
Weeks 11–14 · if it applies to you
Screening for chromosome differences is offered to everyone, and whether to have it is your choice. In Ontario, enhanced first trimester screening (eFTS) is publicly funded and combines a blood test with a nuchal translucency ultrasound at about 11–14 weeks. NIPT, another blood test, may be publicly funded or private-pay depending on your situation. Your provider will explain the options.
Questions to ask →Questions to ask ↑
- Which screening options are available to me, and which are covered?
- Am I eligible for publicly funded NIPT?
- What can these tests tell us, and what can't they?
- When and how will we get results?
- What would happen next if a result comes back higher-chance?
Routine check-ups (about every 4 weeks)
Weeks 12–28
Check-ups are often about every 4 weeks until around 28 weeks. Your provider usually checks your blood pressure, weight and urine, listens to the baby's heartbeat and measures your growing belly. Some people need more visits.
Questions to ask →Questions to ask ↑
- Is my blood pressure and weight gain on track?
- Is this symptom I've been having normal?
- What should I be doing about exercise, work or travel right now?
- What's coming up before my next visit?
A flu shot and a COVID-19 vaccine are recommended at any stage of pregnancy. The flu shot is given during flu season, so the timing depends on when you're pregnant.
When to call your doctor or midwife
Bleeding, fluid leaking, a bad headache or vision changes, or baby moving less than usual all need a call. See the warning signs and who to call →
Follow your pregnancy week by week in MyBabyBase.
A due-date countdown, a mood and symptom journal, appointments, and a safe place for your documents — all in one hub.
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Further reading from health authorities
- Pregnancy — Government of Canada (Public Health Agency of Canada)
- Your pregnancy — Pregnancy Info, from the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC)
- Week-by-week guide to pregnancy — NHS (UK)
- Pregnancy — American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)