Week 13: Your Baby is the Size of a Peach
The end of the first trimester often brings relief from morning sickness. Your uterus is moving upward, which may reduce the need to urinate so frequently. You might notice a small but definite baby bump forming.
Your baby at week 13
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Size of a Peach
Baby Development
The foetus's intestines, which have been growing in the umbilical cord, are now moving into the abdomen. Vocal cords are developing in the larynx. The body is starting to grow faster than the head, and proportions are becoming more balanced. If your baby is a girl, she already has about 2 million eggs in her ovaries.
Week 13 Highlight: Your baby now has unique fingerprints - no one else in the world will ever have the same pattern!
Common Symptoms
Tips for Week 13
Enjoy the second trimester energy boost - many women feel their best now.
Start sleeping on your left side to improve blood flow to the baby.
Consider a pregnancy pillow for more comfortable sleep.
Notify your employer about your pregnancy if you haven't already.
South Africa Specific Info
Welcome to the end of the first trimester. In South Africa, you should start thinking about notifying your employer. Under the Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA), you must give at least four weeks' written notice before starting maternity leave. Start gathering documents for your UIF maternity benefits application - you'll need your ID, latest payslips, and UI-2.8 form.
All Pregnancy Weeks
Frequently Asked Questions
About the Author
Due Date Calculator SA Editorial Team
Our content is reviewed by healthcare professionals familiar with South African maternal health practices. We combine evidence-based medical information with local knowledge to support South African mums throughout their pregnancy journey. Our team includes contributors with backgrounds in midwifery, obstetrics, and maternal health education.
Last reviewed: February 2026