Pregnancy Week 14
What to expect at 14 weeks pregnant
Baby development at 14 weeks pregnant
You are officially in your second trimester of pregnancy! By 14 weeks pregnant, you’ll be experiencing quite a few changes that have you feeling good and perhaps even enjoying this part of pregnancy.
At 14 weeks pregnant, your baby measures 3.4 to 3.5 inches long (86.36 millimeters). Baby is now the size of a peach (and fuzzy like one, too).
This week your baby is starting to develop lanugo, which is a layer of thin, downy hair that covers their entire body. In addition to the developing lanugo, your baby’s skin is starting to thicken and hair follicles are forming under the skin. Your baby’s muscles are even stronger in the 14th week of pregnancy, and their little arms and legs are starting to move. Their senses of smell and taste are also starting to develop.
Week 14 pregnant belly
Your uterus is now growing upwards and out of the pelvic area. Hello, baby bump! You are finally past those first trimester symptoms, your energy has increased, and, as if things couldn’t get any better, you may notice that your hair is getting thicker and your nails are getting stronger.
Many women can expect to gain roughly 1 to 2 pounds per week during the second trimester. At fourteen weeks pregnant, that is around 3 to 8 pounds. If you have gained more or less than that, don’t worry! You have plenty of time to get to where you need to be.
Common pregnancy symptoms at 14 weeks
It’s your second trimester, finally! By now, your doctor is measuring the fundus, which is the top of your pubic bone to the top of your uterus. The size of your uterus will help your doctor determine if your baby’s growth is on track.
- Round ligament pain: The round ligament extends from your uterus to your groin. As your uterus continues to grow throughout your pregnancy, the round ligament stretches and can cause quick, sharp pain at any time.
- Increased appetite: Your body is working hard to create a human! As morning sickness wears off, you may find that your appetite is back and working overtime. Remember to eat small, frequent meals. You only need about 300 extra calories per day to fuel baby’s growth.
- Pregnancy glow: When they say women glow during pregnancy, it’s true. Your hair is thicker and growing slightly faster. Your nails are stronger, and, due to increased blood flow, you are fresh faced. Enjoy it!
- Runny nose: Increased estrogen can cause swelling in your nasal passage, which may manifest itself as a stuffy or runny nose.
- Heartburn: As your muscles throughout the body relax, the muscle at the top of your stomach relaxes. This allows digestive acid to rise in your esophagus and cause heartburn. Stay away from food that can worsen the situation, and it would be a good idea to keep antacids with you.
- Decreasing fatigue: Your second wind may be here! Take advantage of the burst of motivation while you have it — your energy level is likely to ebb and flow throughout your pregnancy.
- Visible veins: Don’t stress too much. While veins may become more visible during your pregnancy, they’re likely to fade and return to normal after giving birth.
- Increased vaginal discharge: While not every pregnancy will experience this particular symptom, a thicker, milky white discharge is considered normal.
Pregnancy checklist at 14 weeks
At 14 weeks pregnant, you have had your first prenatal visit with your health care provider. Your next prenatal visit is right around the corner. During weeks four through 28, appointments are once a month.
As your pregnancy progresses, remember that it's essential for you and your baby to stay healthy. As your immune system goes on hiatus (so it doesn’t fight off the baby), it's important to wash your hands, take vitamin C and protect yourself from germs.
Reminders for
Week 14
- Research childbirth classes. Now is a great time to look into childbirth classes available in your area. Classes are available at hospitals, birth centers, physicians’ offices and private homes.
- Tour the maternity ward at your hospital. Many hospitals provide a welcome tour of the maternity ward so moms-to-be know what to expect on delivery day. Now is a good time to familiarize yourself with where you plan to give birth.
- Take out that belly button ring. If you have a navel piercing, you’re going to want to remove it (if you haven’t already) before your tummy stretches much more.
Explore pregnancy by week
Week 13 | Week 15
