13 Weeks Pregnant: Signs & Symptoms
Thirteen weeks marks the official close of the first trimester, and for many people it comes with a noticeable shift in how they feel. The signs at this stage are less about brand-new symptoms and more about existing ones easing off, alongside a few new changes as the uterus continues to grow out of the pelvis.
Signs that often ease around week 13
- Nausea starting to settle. Many people notice morning sickness becoming milder or disappearing entirely around this point, as hCG levels — which peak earlier in the first trimester — begin to fall while the placenta takes over hormone production. This isn't universal, and some people feel sick for weeks yet.
- Fatigue lifting slightly. The bone-tired exhaustion common in weeks 6–10 often starts to improve as your body adjusts to its new hormonal baseline.
- Less frequent urination, for now. As the uterus rises up and out of the pelvis, it can take some pressure off the bladder. This tends to be temporary — the need to wee often returns later in pregnancy as the growing bump presses back down.
Signs that may be new or continuing
- A slightly firmer, more defined bump, especially if this isn't your first pregnancy — abdominal muscles that have stretched before tend to show a bump earlier.
- Linea nigra. A faint dark line running from the belly button downwards can start to appear, caused by pregnancy hormones increasing pigmentation. It's harmless and usually fades after birth.
- Increased vaginal discharge (leukorrhoea). A thin, milky, mild-smelling discharge is normal in pregnancy and tends to increase as it progresses. Discharge that's green, grey, strong-smelling, or accompanied by itching or soreness should be checked by your midwife or GP, as it could indicate an infection.
- Skin and hair changes. Some people notice their hair feeling thicker or their skin looking clearer (or, for others, more prone to breakouts) as hormone levels shift.
- Round ligament twinges. Occasional short, sharp pulls or aches low on one or both sides of the tummy are common as the ligaments supporting the growing uterus stretch. These should be brief and settle with rest — persistent or severe pain needs checking.
When to contact your midwife
Not every sign at 13 weeks is reassuring by default — some warrant a call regardless of how "normal" you otherwise feel. Contact your midwife or GP promptly for heavy bleeding, severe or persistent abdominal pain, a high temperature, or if something simply feels wrong. Trust your instincts; you know your body best.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it normal for my symptoms to disappear completely at 13 weeks?
Yes, for many people symptoms fade noticeably around now, but it's also completely normal for nausea, tiredness or breast tenderness to continue into the second trimester. A sudden, total disappearance of all pregnancy signs alongside other concerning symptoms like bleeding or pain is worth mentioning to your midwife, but symptoms easing on their own is not a red flag.
Why has my discharge increased at 13 weeks?
Rising oestrogen levels increase blood flow to the vaginal area and stimulate the cervix and vaginal walls to produce more mucus, which is a normal protective mechanism throughout pregnancy. It should be thin, milky or clear, and odourless or only mildly scented — any change in colour, texture or smell, or accompanying itching, is worth getting checked.
Should I be worried if I still feel sick at 13 weeks?
No — while many people find nausea eases around the end of the first trimester, plenty of people continue to experience it well into the second trimester and occasionally beyond, and this doesn't mean anything is wrong with the pregnancy. If vomiting is severe, frequent, or you can't keep fluids down, speak to your midwife or GP, as this could indicate hyperemesis gravidarum, which needs treatment.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always speak to your midwife or GP about any symptoms or concerns.
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