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You are now three months and 2 weeks pregnant at week 14. You are in the second week of the second trimester and have about 26 weeks to go.
Hopefully, you will feel less tired and weak this time, as pregnancy symptoms are generally mild in the second trimester. Your baby is also growing bigger as your energy level returns, so might your appetite.
Your baby can now use facial muscles to smile and grimace as you enter your second trimester.
This week, hair follicles form deep within your baby’s skin.
Fully developed genitals will make their big entrance this week. But they may still be difficult to detect on an ultrasound.
Your baby can now use facial muscles to smile and grimace as you enter your second trimester.
This week, hair follicles form deep within your baby’s skin.
Fully developed genitals will make their big entrance this week. But they may still be difficult to detect on an ultrasound.
At this stage, your baby is continuing to grow and mature. Their arms stretch out and increase proportionately with the rest of their body. The liver is starting to produce bile, while the spleen is chipping in by making red blood cells.
The brain’s development is progressing, allowing facial expressions like grimacing, frowning, and squinting. It’s quite possible your little one is even discovering their thumb and might be sucking on it from time to time.
Your baby might be starting to grow some hair on their head, and their eyebrows are filling in as well. This hair growth isn’t just on the head; they’re also covered with a soft, fine hair called lanugo, which helps keep them warm.
The genitals have now fully formed, although they might still be challenging to distinguish on an ultrasound. Moreover, their thyroid gland has reached maturity, prompting the beginning of thyroid hormone production.
This week your baby is active and moving inside, although you may not feel their kicks just yet. However, your midwife might be able to detect the heartbeat using a handheld monitor placed on your abdomen.
Inside you, your baby is performing a fascinating process – urinating! They swallow small amounts of the amniotic fluid, which travel into their stomach. Subsequently, their kidneys become active, filtering the fluid expelled as urine. It’s a remarkable demonstration of your baby’s developing bodily functions.
You may now be experiencing reduced fatigue and nausea, increased energy levels, and increased appetite. Aim for frequent, small meals to manage hunger, and choose healthy snacks over junk food. It’s important to note that your baby doesn’t require additional calories at this stage, and excessive weight gain during pregnancy isn’t beneficial for either of you.
You may notice your breasts beginning to produce colostrum, the initial milk your body generates to nourish your newborn. Colostrum is thick, sticky, and yellow, so you might observe some yellow stains on your bra – indicating that your body is preparing for your baby’s arrival. If you have any concerns regarding changes in your breasts, it’s advisable to consult your doctor for a thorough evaluation.
The placenta will now supply your baby with essential nutrients, oxygen, and hormones while eliminating waste products like carbon dioxide. Firmly attached to the uterus lining, the placenta connects to your baby through the umbilical cord. While your blood and your baby’s blood come into proximity within the placenta, they remain separate and do not mix. This separation is crucial because you and your baby might have different blood groups, and mixing them could pose risks.
At this stage, you might notice the emergence of a visible pregnancy bump—although the timing varies for each expectant mother and pregnancy. Initially, you might feel that your clothes, particularly jeans, are becoming snug. If you’re not showing yet, that’s perfectly normal too – it could be weeks before you do.
Your healthcare provider will soon start monitoring the size of your belly and uterus during prenatal appointments. This involves measuring the distance from your pubic bone to the top of your uterus, also known as the fundus.
As your pregnancy progresses, your uterus expands upward and outward from the pelvic area. This growth may lead to experiencing round ligament pain around the abdomen, hips, and groyne area, manifesting as aches or cramps. While this discomfort is common during pregnancy, don’t hesitate to contact your healthcare provider with any concerns.
Have you noticed an increase in your sexual desire lately? Surprisingly, changes in your pregnancy hormones around this time can lead to a heightened libido. A study conducted in 2020 found that for some women, desire tends to increase during the second trimester after a dip in the first.
Increased blood flow to the vulva during this stage can enhance sensitivity during sexual activity—a symptom of the second trimester that many women appreciate. While these changes are common during the second trimester, it’s also perfectly normal. If you haven’t experienced them, there’s still a chance they may occur soon. Every pregnancy is unique, so it’s best not to compare yourself to others.
This can be triggered by various factors such as allergies, a cold, or even another pregnancy symptom. It could be attributed to the hormone progesterone if you frequently experience a stuffed-up nose, making it difficult to breathe. Progesterone increases blood circulation to the mucous membranes of the nose, leading to swelling—a condition known as pregnancy rhinitis.
Unfortunately, there isn’t much you can do to alleviate pregnancy rhinitis completely. However, staying hydrated may help you feel better; you can also use a warm-mist humidifier while sleeping. The humidifier adds moisture to the air, which can help soothe the nasal passages and make breathing easier. Additionally, saline drops can help alleviate congestion by moisturising the nasal passages.
As your pregnancy progresses, the physical changes to your body, such as your growing belly and other pregnancy-related symptoms, can continue to disrupt your sleep. Insomnia tends to become more prevalent as pregnancy advances and may affect around two-thirds of expectant individuals by the end of the third trimester.
Numerous factors can contribute to insomnia during pregnancy, including frequent urination, back pain, foetal movement, heartburn, leg cramps, and difficulty finding a comfortable sleeping position. Dealing with insomnia can be incredibly frustrating, but there are strategies you can try to improve your comfort and sleep quality.
You can try sleeping on your side or using pillows for added support, such as placing one between your knees and another under your belly. Other helpful practices include maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, reducing liquid intake before bedtime, and avoiding caffeine consumption in the afternoon.
These large and swollen blood vessels are commonly visible on the legs. During pregnancy, the increased blood volume exerts greater pressure on veins. Furthermore, elevated levels of the hormone progesterone cause the muscular walls of blood vessels to relax, further impeding blood flow from the lower body back to the heart.
While preventing varicose veins entirely may not be possible, as they can be hereditary, you can reduce their occurrence by wearing support stockings, engaging in regular walking to promote blood circulation, and elevating your legs above the level of your heart.
During the second trimester of pregnancy, some women may encounter lower leg cramps, particularly at night. If you’re experiencing cramps at 14 weeks pregnant, stretch your calf muscles before bedtime and ensure you stay adequately hydrated throughout the day.
If you experience sharp pains in your calves, consider massaging the affected muscle or taking a warm shower or bath to help relax the muscles and relieve discomfort.
Most women experience swollen, red, and tender gums that bleed when brushed or flossed. This condition, known as pregnancy gingivitis, is attributed to hormonal changes that increase the sensitivity of gums to the bacteria found in plaque.
Maintaining good oral hygiene practices is important to managing pregnancy gingivitis. Brush your teeth twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, and floss daily to remove plaque and debris between teeth. Following these oral care routines can help prevent and manage gum inflammation during pregnancy.
Have you observed any changes in your hair recently? During the second trimester, it’s common to notice that your hair feels smoother, healthier, and stronger, giving you a fabulous look. This improvement is attributed to higher levels of the pregnancy hormone estrogen, which prolongs the hair growth phase and reduces hair shedding. However, this effect is temporary. By the end of your pregnancy, you may experience the opposite—increased hair shedding. So, enjoy the bonus of luxurious hair while it lasts.
As you enter the second trimester and become more active, you may notice that your appetite returns. However, it’s important to note that “eating for two” is a myth. At this stage of pregnancy, you don’t require extra calories, and your baby doesn’t need you to consume additional meals for growth.
Aim to eat a diverse range of healthy foods, including plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Ensure a good balance of protein and carbohydrates to help you feel fuller for longer without overeating.
Have you noticed an increase in your sexual desire lately? Surprisingly, changes in your pregnancy hormones around this time can lead to a heightened libido. A study conducted in 2020 found that for some women, desire tends to increase during the second trimester after a dip in the first.
Increased blood flow to the vulva during this stage can enhance sensitivity during sexual activity—a symptom of the second trimester that many women appreciate. While these changes are common during the second trimester, it’s also perfectly normal. If you haven’t experienced them, there’s still a chance they may occur soon. Every pregnancy is unique, so it’s best not to compare yourself to others.
This can be triggered by various factors such as allergies, a cold, or even another pregnancy symptom. It could be attributed to the hormone progesterone if you frequently experience a stuffed-up nose, making it difficult to breathe. Progesterone increases blood circulation to the mucous membranes of the nose, leading to swelling—a condition known as pregnancy rhinitis.
Unfortunately, there isn’t much you can do to alleviate pregnancy rhinitis completely. However, staying hydrated may help you feel better; you can also use a warm-mist humidifier while sleeping. The humidifier adds moisture to the air, which can help soothe the nasal passages and make breathing easier. Additionally, saline drops can help alleviate congestion by moisturising the nasal passages.
As your pregnancy progresses, the physical changes to your body, such as your growing belly and other pregnancy-related symptoms, can continue to disrupt your sleep. Insomnia tends to become more prevalent as pregnancy advances and may affect around two-thirds of expectant individuals by the end of the third trimester.
Numerous factors can contribute to insomnia during pregnancy, including frequent urination, back pain, foetal movement, heartburn, leg cramps, and difficulty finding a comfortable sleeping position. Dealing with insomnia can be incredibly frustrating, but there are strategies you can try to improve your comfort and sleep quality.
You can try sleeping on your side or using pillows for added support, such as placing one between your knees and another under your belly. Other helpful practices include maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, reducing liquid intake before bedtime, and avoiding caffeine consumption in the afternoon.
These large and swollen blood vessels are commonly visible on the legs. During pregnancy, the increased blood volume exerts greater pressure on veins. Furthermore, elevated levels of the hormone progesterone cause the muscular walls of blood vessels to relax, further impeding blood flow from the lower body back to the heart.
While preventing varicose veins entirely may not be possible, as they can be hereditary, you can reduce their occurrence by wearing support stockings, engaging in regular walking to promote blood circulation, and elevating your legs above the level of your heart.
During the second trimester of pregnancy, some women may encounter lower leg cramps, particularly at night. If you’re experiencing cramps at 14 weeks pregnant, stretch your calf muscles before bedtime and ensure you stay adequately hydrated throughout the day.
If you experience sharp pains in your calves, consider massaging the affected muscle or taking a warm shower or bath to help relax the muscles and relieve discomfort.
Most women experience swollen, red, and tender gums that bleed when brushed or flossed. This condition, known as pregnancy gingivitis, is attributed to hormonal changes that increase the sensitivity of gums to the bacteria found in plaque.
Maintaining good oral hygiene practices is important to managing pregnancy gingivitis. Brush your teeth twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, and floss daily to remove plaque and debris between teeth. Following these oral care routines can help prevent and manage gum inflammation during pregnancy.
Have you observed any changes in your hair recently? During the second trimester, it’s common to notice that your hair feels smoother, healthier, and stronger, giving you a fabulous look. This improvement is attributed to higher levels of the pregnancy hormone estrogen, which prolongs the hair growth phase and reduces hair shedding. However, this effect is temporary. By the end of your pregnancy, you may experience the opposite—increased hair shedding. So, enjoy the bonus of luxurious hair while it lasts.
As you enter the second trimester and become more active, you may notice that your appetite returns. However, it’s important to note that “eating for two” is a myth. At this stage of pregnancy, you don’t require extra calories, and your baby doesn’t need you to consume additional meals for growth.
Aim to eat a diverse range of healthy foods, including plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Ensure a good balance of protein and carbohydrates to help you feel fuller for longer without overeating.
If you smoke, try to quit, and if there is somebody who smokes constantly around you, tell the person to quit for the duration of your pregnancy or avoid the person. Smoking during pregnancy increases the likelihood of a baby being born with congenital abnormalities. The most prevalent issues include congenital heart defects and structural heart problems. It is also associated with other health concerns, such as cleft lip and palate.
According to WebMD, Maternal exposure to secondhand smoke can also lead to the development of various issues in babies and children, such as asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia and ear infections.
Steer clear of consuming any food or beverage containing alcohol. Exposure to alcohol during pregnancy can cause foetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs), leading to various developmental, behavioural, and intellectual disabilities.
Watch out for moles on your skin and changes in your skin condition. You might observe the appearance of new moles or notice changes in existing ones. Although these changes can be attributed to pregnancy, it’s important to have them assessed by a healthcare provider.
This is particularly crucial if the moles display unusual shapes or colours, as they could indicate potential concerns that require medical attention. You should also watch out for excess weight gain. If you have any, try to follow the weight plan your doctor has drawn out for you.
Your immune system may be slightly weakened during pregnancy, and if you catch a cold or flu, it may affect you more severely than usual. To protect yourself and your baby, it’s essential to avoid close contact with sick individuals, get vaccinated against flu, and diligently wash your hands with soap and water to prevent the spread of germs.
Calcium is essential for your growing baby’s development and your health. It plays a crucial role in building strong bones and teeth for your baby while also helping to maintain solid bone density for you. Adequate calcium intake can lower the risk of conditions like osteoporosis later in life and reduce the likelihood of developing preeclampsia during pregnancy.
To ensure you’re getting enough calcium, include a variety of calcium-rich foods in your diet. These include dairy products like milk, fortified juice, almonds, sesame seeds, soy products, green leafy vegetables, canned salmon, and broccoli.
Consuming three servings daily is essential to support new tissue growth for your developing baby. A single serving of protein, such as skinless chicken or lean beef, should ideally be around 3 ounces, roughly equivalent to the size of a deck of cards.
Alternatively, you can obtain protein from sources like eggs, fish, dairy products, and legumes, which are also excellent sources of this vital nutrient for you and your baby. Incorporating various protein-rich foods into your diet ensures you meet your daily protein requirements for a healthy pregnancy.
Fibre is crucial in maintaining healthy digestion during pregnancy. Fruits and vegetables are rich sources of fibre, aiding in bulk formation and promoting smooth bowel movements. Including ample fibre in your diet can help prevent constipation, a common issue during pregnancy, ensuring your digestive system stays regular and comfortable.
Make sure to stay well-hydrated by drinking ample water. Clear or pale yellow urine indicates good hydration, though prenatal multivitamins may cause urine to appear neon yellow. Aim for around 8-12 cups of water as water supports digestion, nutrient circulation, and the production of amniotic fluid, essential for cushioning the baby and facilitating nutrient exchange from mother to baby.
Working during pregnancy can pose challenges, especially if your job involves strenuous activities, exposure to harmful chemicals, or if you experience specific pregnancy-related complications. In such cases, you may need to adjust your tasks or consider taking time off.
Fortunately, there are laws in place to protect pregnant individuals from discrimination, and you may be eligible for disability benefits. If your job involves physically demanding tasks like prolonged standing or heavy lifting, discuss these concerns with your healthcare provider first, then, you can approach your supervisor about making possible adjustments to ensure a safe and healthy work environment during pregnancy.
Now that you’re in your second trimester, it’s a good time to start doing exercises that are safe for pregnancy.
If you feel more energetic this week, try going for a short walk in the morning when you wake up. If you have more energy later in the day, you could join a prenatal exercise class like yoga, water aerobics, or a walking group. If you already exercise regularly, just keep doing what you’re doing, making sure to get your heart pumping 3 to 7 days a week.
Your immune system may be slightly weakened during pregnancy, and if you catch a cold or flu, it may affect you more severely than usual. To protect yourself and your baby, it’s essential to avoid close contact with sick individuals, get vaccinated against flu, and diligently wash your hands with soap and water to prevent the spread of germs.
Calcium is essential for your growing baby’s development and your health. It plays a crucial role in building strong bones and teeth for your baby while also helping to maintain solid bone density for you. Adequate calcium intake can lower the risk of conditions like osteoporosis later in life and reduce the likelihood of developing preeclampsia during pregnancy.
To ensure you’re getting enough calcium, include a variety of calcium-rich foods in your diet. These include dairy products like milk, fortified juice, almonds, sesame seeds, soy products, green leafy vegetables, canned salmon, and broccoli.
Consuming three servings daily is essential to support new tissue growth for your developing baby. A single serving of protein, such as skinless chicken or lean beef, should ideally be around 3 ounces, roughly equivalent to the size of a deck of cards.
Alternatively, you can obtain protein from sources like eggs, fish, dairy products, and legumes, which are also excellent sources of this vital nutrient for you and your baby. Incorporating various protein-rich foods into your diet ensures you meet your daily protein requirements for a healthy pregnancy.
Fibre is crucial in maintaining healthy digestion during pregnancy. Fruits and vegetables are rich sources of fibre, aiding in bulk formation and promoting smooth bowel movements. Including ample fibre in your diet can help prevent constipation, a common issue during pregnancy, ensuring your digestive system stays regular and comfortable.
Make sure to stay well-hydrated by drinking ample water. Clear or pale yellow urine indicates good hydration, though prenatal multivitamins may cause urine to appear neon yellow. Aim for around 8-12 cups of water as water supports digestion, nutrient circulation, and the production of amniotic fluid, essential for cushioning the baby and facilitating nutrient exchange from mother to baby.
Working during pregnancy can pose challenges, especially if your job involves strenuous activities, exposure to harmful chemicals, or if you experience specific pregnancy-related complications. In such cases, you may need to adjust your tasks or consider taking time off.
Fortunately, there are laws in place to protect pregnant individuals from discrimination, and you may be eligible for disability benefits. If your job involves physically demanding tasks like prolonged standing or heavy lifting, discuss these concerns with your healthcare provider first, then, you can approach your supervisor about making possible adjustments to ensure a safe and healthy work environment during pregnancy.
Now that you’re in your second trimester, it’s a good time to start doing exercises that are safe for pregnancy.
If you feel more energetic this week, try going for a short walk in the morning when you wake up. If you have more energy later in the day, you could join a prenatal exercise class like yoga, water aerobics, or a walking group. If you already exercise regularly, just keep doing what you’re doing, making sure to get your heart pumping 3 to 7 days a week.
Your partner might feel tired when she comes home from work or doing chores. If you have other kids at home, you can play with them so she can rest quietly. She’ll appreciate this kind gesture. If you want to make her happier, you could prepare dinner while she naps.
You could also consider planning a weekend getaway to indulge and spoil your pregnant partner. The second trimester is ideal for a babymoon, as the belly is not too big yet, and there’s still time before the third trimester when travel can become more challenging.
Take advantage of this opportunity to relax and bond as a couple before the arrival of your little one. Ensure a stress-free trip by learning all you need to know about travelling. Our pregnancy travel guide provides essential tips and information for travelling while pregnant.
In week 14 of pregnancy, your developing baby is becoming increasingly adorable. Their head is taking on a rounder shape, harmonising more with the rest of their body. At this stage, they are constantly acquiring new abilities, such as the skill of drinking.
By ingesting small amniotic fluid, your baby practises swallowing, transferring the fluid to their stomach and kidneys, and eventually excreting it as urine.
Your baby’s weight has increased to be twice the former size and is still growing. At week 14, your baby is the size of a navel orange or a kiwi fruit. Your baby weighs about 43 grams and is around 3.42 inches long.
The second trimester is almost every pregnant woman’s favourite because many first-trimester pregnancy symptoms wane. You’re most likely feeling a bit more energetic and more human. Luckily, your breasts aren’t as tender and sore as last trimester.
The exciting part is that it may be time to start maternity shopping as you may begin to show instead of looking overeaten.
The nuchal translucency (NT) test is typically performed between weeks 11 and 14 of pregnancy. It’s often combined with a maternal blood test to assess the risk of certain chromosomal abnormalities, particularly down syndrome.
So, yes, a nuchal translucency test is usually recommended around week 14 if it hasn’t been done earlier in the first trimester. It’s important to discuss with your healthcare provider to determine if it’s appropriate for your specific situation.
During the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, lying on your back can compress a major blood vessel responsible for carrying blood to your uterus. This compression can lead to feelings of dizziness and may reduce blood flow to your foetus. To avoid this, sleeping on your side during these trimesters is recommended.
Keeping one or both knees bent can help, and placing a pillow between your knees and another under your belly can provide additional support. A full-length body pillow may also be helpful for added comfort and support while sleeping.
In week 14 of pregnancy, your developing baby is becoming increasingly adorable. Their head is taking on a rounder shape, harmonising more with the rest of their body. At this stage, they are constantly acquiring new abilities, such as the skill of drinking.
By ingesting small amniotic fluid, your baby practises swallowing, transferring the fluid to their stomach and kidneys, and eventually excreting it as urine.
Your baby’s weight has increased to be twice the former size and is still growing. At week 14, your baby is the size of a navel orange or a kiwi fruit. Your baby weighs about 43 grams and is around 3.42 inches long.
The second trimester is almost every pregnant woman’s favourite because many first-trimester pregnancy symptoms wane. You’re most likely feeling a bit more energetic and more human. Luckily, your breasts aren’t as tender and sore as last trimester.
The exciting part is that it may be time to start maternity shopping as you may begin to show instead of looking overeaten.
The nuchal translucency (NT) test is typically performed between weeks 11 and 14 of pregnancy. It’s often combined with a maternal blood test to assess the risk of certain chromosomal abnormalities, particularly down syndrome.
So, yes, a nuchal translucency test is usually recommended around week 14 if it hasn’t been done earlier in the first trimester. It’s important to discuss with your healthcare provider to determine if it’s appropriate for your specific situation.
During the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, lying on your back can compress a major blood vessel responsible for carrying blood to your uterus. This compression can lead to feelings of dizziness and may reduce blood flow to your foetus. To avoid this, sleeping on your side during these trimesters is recommended.
Keeping one or both knees bent can help, and placing a pillow between your knees and another under your belly can provide additional support. A full-length body pillow may also be helpful for added comfort and support while sleeping.
1. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Can I sleep on my back when I’m pregnant?
2. American Pregnancy Association. 14 Weeks Pregnant.
3. Bamigboye, A.A. and Smyth, R.M., 2007. Interventions for varicose veins and leg oedema in pregnancy. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (1).
4. Dzieciolowska-Baran, E., Teul-Swiniarska, I., Gawlikowska-Sroka, A., Poziomkowska-Gesicka, I. and Zietek, Z., 2013. Rhinitis as a cause of respiratory disorders during pregnancy. In Respiratory Regulation-Clinical Advances (pp. 213-220). Springer Netherlands.
5. Fernández-Carrasco, F.J., Rodríguez-Díaz, L., González-Mey, U., Vázquez-Lara, J.M., Gómez-Salgado, J. and Parrón-Carreño, T., 2020. Changes in sexual desire in women and their partners during pregnancy. Journal of clinical medicine, 9(2), p.526.
6. Healthline. 8 Dangers of Smoking While Pregnant.
7. Healthline. 14 Weeks Pregnant: Symptoms, Tips, and More.
8. McQuire, C., Daniel, R., Hurt, L., Kemp, A. and Paranjothy, S., 2020. The causal web of foetal alcohol spectrum disorders: a review and causal diagram. European child & adolescent psychiatry, 29, pp.575-594.
9. Nemours Kids Health. Week 14.
10. NHS. Week 14.
11. Niknejadi, M. and Haghighi, H., 2015. Chromosomally and anatomically normal fetuses with increased first trimester nuchal translucency conceived by ICSI. Iranian Journal of Radiology, 12(2).
12. Reichner, C.A., 2015. Insomnia and sleep deficiency in pregnancy. Obstetric medicine, 8(4), pp.168-171.
13. WedMD. Smoking During Pregnancy.
14. Woo Kinshella, M.L., Sarr, C., Sandhu, A., Bone, J.N., Vidler, M., Moore, S.E., Elango, R., Cormick, G., Belizan, J.M., Hofmeyr, G.J. and Magee, L.A., 2022. Calcium for pre‐eclampsia prevention: a systematic review and network meta‐analysis to guide personalised antenatal care. BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, 129(11), pp.1833-1843.
15. Wu, M., Chen, S.W. and Jiang, S.Y., 2015. Relationship between gingival inflammation and pregnancy. Mediators of inflammation, 2015.
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