13 Weeks Pregnant: End of the First Trimester & Parental Leave

13 Weeks Pregnant: End of the First Trimester & Parental Leave

At 13 weeks pregnant, you've reached the last week of the first trimester. Your baby is about the size of a lemon and is busy swallowing, stretching and practising for life outside. For many people, energy returns and nausea starts to fade around now.

Baby's size
About the size of a lemon (6.5 to 7.5cm, around 25g)
Milestone
The last week of the first trimester
How you might feel
More energy, easing nausea and a pregnancy glow
This week
Start planning your parental leave

What's happening this week

Your baby's body is starting to catch up with their head, which now makes up about a third of their length.

Busy body

Practising skills

Your baby is swallowing amniotic fluid, making urine and bringing their hands to their face. They kick and stretch, though you can't feel it yet.

Fine details

One of a kind

Tiny fingerprints are starting to form. The eyelids are still closed to protect the eyes, and the skin is so thin you can see blood vessels through it.

Growing strong

Bones and gut

Bones are hardening, and the intestines are now settled in the belly. Meconium, which will become your baby's first poo, is starting to form.

Symptoms at 13 weeks pregnant

As the first trimester ends, many people notice their nausea and tiredness easing, appetite returning and their skin looking brighter, thanks to extra blood flow. Some symptoms may hang around for a while:

  • Round ligament pain and cramping. Brief, sharp twinges low in your tummy as your uterus grows.
  • Bloating, constipation and heartburn. Small meals, fibre, water and gentle activity all help.
  • Visible veins. Your blood volume keeps rising through pregnancy, so veins on your chest, breasts and belly may show more. Some people notice varicose veins in their legs.
  • More discharge. Normal if it's milky and mild-smelling. Here's what's normal and when to see your GP.
  • Mood changes. Hormones can still make you teary or irritable at times. If low moods last two weeks or more, here's when to talk to someone.

Your breasts are also getting ready to feed your baby. Colostrum, the first milk, usually starts being made in the second trimester, though you probably won't notice it until later.

See your GP or go to your nearest emergency department if you have heavy bleeding, strong or ongoing pain, or a fever with pain when you wee.

Planning your parental leave

You don't have to tell your employer you're pregnant straight away, though it's worth letting them know early if your job involves safety risks like chemicals, heavy lifting or radiation. Here are the key dates for planning your leave in Australia.

  1. Talk to your employerWhen you're ready

    Ask about their parental leave policy, including any paid leave they offer on top of the government scheme.

  2. Lodge your Parental Leave Pay claimUp to 97 days before your due date

    You can make a pre-birth claim through Centrelink in myGov. Claiming early helps avoid delays.

  3. Give written noticeAt least 10 weeks before your leave

    To take unpaid parental leave, give your employer written notice of your start and end dates.

  4. Confirm your dates4 weeks before your leave

    Let your employer know if anything has changed.

For babies born or adopted from 1 July 2026, eligible families can get up to 26 weeks of government Parental Leave Pay, shared between parents, plus a 12% superannuation contribution. Rules and amounts change, so check Services Australia and the Fair Work Ombudsman for the latest details.

Looking after yourself this week

Keep moving

With more energy, it's a great time to build a regular exercise routine, such as walking, swimming, pregnancy yoga or pregnancy exercise classes. Aim for 150 to 300 minutes of moderate activity a week if your pregnancy is uncomplicated. Staying active can lift your mood and help you prepare for labour.

Get enough calcium

Calcium helps build your baby's bones and teeth and protects your own. Aim for around 2 and a half serves of dairy or alternatives a day. Good sources include milk, cheese and yoghurt, plus calcium-fortified soy drinks, tinned salmon with bones, tofu, almonds and leafy greens.

Care for your skin

As your bump grows, your skin may feel dry and itchy. Moisturising daily can help it feel more comfortable. No cream has been proven to prevent stretch marks, but a massage with a rich balm can be a lovely way to relax.

Start thinking about a registry

Once you've shared your news, friends and family may want to help you get ready. A gift registry makes it easy for them to choose things you actually need. Our pregnancy checklist is a handy place to start working out what to add.

Your to-do list for week 13

Helpful for this stage

Pregnancy and birth booksReading for the months aheadShop books MaternityComfort essentials for pregnancyShop maternity Stretch mark balmsRich care for dry, itchy skinShop balms

Week 13 FAQs

Is week 13 the end of the first trimester?

In Australia, the first trimester is usually counted up to the end of week 13, so this is the last week. Some sources start the second trimester a week earlier, so you may see both.

When will I feel my baby move?

Most people feel the first flutters between 16 and 22 weeks, often earlier in a second or later pregnancy. It can be later if your placenta is at the front of your uterus. Your baby is already moving, just too small for you to feel it yet.

When do I need to tell my employer I'm pregnant?

There's no set time you must tell your employer, though it's a good idea to let them know early if your job has safety risks. To take unpaid parental leave, you need to give written notice at least 10 weeks before your leave starts.

How much Parental Leave Pay can I get?

For babies born or adopted from 1 July 2026, eligible families can get up to 26 weeks of government Parental Leave Pay, paid at the national minimum wage and shared between parents. Check Services Australia for the current rules and eligibility.

Can stretch marks be prevented?

No cream has been proven to prevent stretch marks, as they're largely down to genetics and how quickly your skin stretches. Moisturising can ease dryness and itchiness, and most stretch marks fade to a paler colour after birth.

This article is general information and isn't a substitute for advice from your doctor or midwife.

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