Reaching weeks 10 to 14 of pregnancy is a thrilling time for first-time moms. You're entering the final stretch of the first trimester, and both you and your baby are going through some incredible changes. As your baby develops rapidly, you’ll likely notice some new pregnancy symptoms, and your body will start showing the first signs of your baby bump.
Here’s everything you need to know about what’s happening inside your body during these crucial weeks.
Week 10: The Beginnings of a Baby Bump
At 10 weeks, your baby is about the size of a strawberry. Although your bump might not be noticeable yet, your uterus is expanding to make room for your growing baby.
What’s happening with your baby:
- The baby’s vital organs, such as the heart, brain, and kidneys, are now fully formed.
- Tiny fingernails and toenails are starting to develop.
- Your baby is moving around, although you won’t feel it just yet.
- The head is still quite large compared to the rest of the body, but the face is becoming more defined with the beginnings of eyes, nose, and ears.
What you might be feeling:
- Fatigue is still common as your body works hard to support your baby.
- You may still experience nausea, although for some, morning sickness begins to ease at this stage.
- Breast tenderness continues, and your clothes might start feeling snug around your waist.
Week 11: A Burst of Growth
By week 11, your baby is now the size of a lime and growing quickly. Your baby’s body is beginning to catch up to the size of the head, and more complex development is happening.
What’s happening with your baby:
- The baby’s bones are hardening, and their fingers and toes are no longer webbed.
- Teeth buds are beginning to form beneath the gums.
- The baby’s skin is still translucent, but it's thickening and becoming more structured.
- Your baby can now open and close their hands into tiny fists.
What you might be feeling:
- Increased energy: Some moms-to-be find their energy levels start to improve around this time.
- You may notice slight weight gain, although this varies from person to person.
- Some women experience food cravings or aversions during this period.
- You may start to experience more frequent urination as your growing uterus presses on your bladder.
Week 12: Time for Your First Ultrasound
Week 12 is a significant milestone in your pregnancy. At this stage, your baby is about the size of a plum, and if you haven’t already, your first prenatal ultrasound might be scheduled. This scan will confirm your baby’s due date, check on development, and may allow you to hear your baby’s heartbeat.
What’s happening with your baby:
- The baby’s reflexes are kicking in, and they may start practicing sucking or swallowing.
- The intestines, which developed outside the body, will begin moving inside.
- External genitalia is developing, though it may still be too early to tell the baby’s sex via ultrasound.
- Your baby’s facial features are becoming more distinct, with a defined nose, mouth, and even tiny earlobes.
What you might be feeling:
- Morning sickness may start to subside for many women around this time.
- Your uterus is now the size of a grapefruit and may start to push up and out of your pelvis, creating the beginnings of a visible baby bump.
- Hormonal changes may cause increased hair growth or even acne as your body adjusts.
Week 13: Entering the Second Trimester
By week 13, you’re at the tail end of the first trimester. Your baby is growing rapidly, now about the size of a peach, and you might start feeling more like yourself as early pregnancy symptoms ease.
What’s happening with your baby:
- The baby’s vocal cords are forming.
- Lanugo, a fine layer of hair, begins to cover your baby’s body, which helps regulate temperature.
- Your baby’s pancreas is beginning to produce insulin, which will be critical for regulating blood sugar levels.
- The eyes are moving into their proper position on the face, and the baby’s head is becoming more proportional to the rest of the body.
What you might be feeling:
- Many women feel a surge of energy as the second trimester begins.
- You may notice that your belly is rounding out as your baby bump becomes more prominent.
- Increased blood flow can lead to a healthy pregnancy glow, but it can also cause nosebleeds or nasal congestion due to swelling in the nasal passages.
Week 14: Welcome to the Second Trimester!
Week 14 marks the start of the second trimester, often referred to as the “honeymoon period” of pregnancy. Your baby is now about the size of a lemon and continuing to develop in remarkable ways.
What’s happening with your baby:
- Your baby can now make facial expressions like frowning and squinting.
- The baby’s body is growing quickly, and the head is becoming more in proportion with the body.
- The liver starts making bile, and the spleen begins helping with the production of red blood cells.
What you might be feeling:
- Relief from early pregnancy symptoms like nausea and fatigue.
- You may experience round ligament pain as your uterus grows and stretches.
- It’s common to feel more emotionally stable, as the hormonal shifts start to level out.
The end of your first trimester is a time of incredible development for your baby and your body. As you move into the second trimester, you may begin to feel more energized and start showing the first signs of your baby bump. Embrace these changes and stay excited—this is just the beginning of your amazing pregnancy journey!
