Day 94 of 280, second trimester
You are 13 weeks and 3 days
Your waistline is growing and your shape changing, but your belly probably won't be very noticeable for several weeks.
186 days until your due date
By week 14, if you stand in your underwear in front of a mirror, you'll see your shape has changed, although you may not look much different to others. Women who've been pregnant before tend to show earlier, because their stomach muscles have already been stretched once and stretch much faster.
Many women say this is when they look as though they've put on weight and feel fat rather than pregnant! But it won't be long before your belly is visible to the world.
If you feel uncomfortable and heavy, choose the right clothes, adapting your wardrobe without spending money yet.
Good to know
Sleep problems
In the second trimester you may sleep better, since you may not need the bathroom so often at night. Or maybe not, because sleep problems can affect you throughout pregnancy. Common problems and solutions:
- Heartburn: lying down soon after a big meal can cause acid reflux. Avoid big meals 2–3 hours before bed, and if it's severe, ask your doctor about over-the-counter medication.
- Restless legs: a creepy-crawly feeling that makes you want to move your legs in bed is fairly common in pregnancy. Mention it to your doctor, because it's sometimes caused by a deficiency (such as anemia) that supplements can treat.
- Napping: an afternoon nap can make it harder to fall asleep at night for some women. If that's you, skip the nap and go to bed a bit earlier.
Ask a Doctor
Is it safe to use complementary therapies?
Check with your doctor first. Complementary and alternative medicine covers practices and products outside conventional medicine, and their effects on pregnancy may not have been studied. "Natural" doesn't mean "safe."
Explainer
Reflexology
Reflexology involves pressing reflex points on the hands and feet and is believed to help with morning sickness, backache, fluid retention, and swelling in pregnancy.
Appointments and key dates around now
- Dating scanBetween 11 and 14 weeks
Read the full 13 weeks pregnant guide
This is general information based on NHS guidance, not medical advice, and every pregnancy is different. Talk to your midwife or GP about anything that worries you. If your baby's movements slow down or change, or you have bleeding, severe pain or leaking fluid, call your maternity unit straight away. In an emergency, call 999.