Week 14 of Pregnancy
Your baby is about the size of a lemon
Your Baby This Week
Development milestones for week 14
At 14 weeks pregnant, your baby is about the size of a navel orange - around 3.4 inches long and weighing about 1.5 ounces. Your baby's face is becoming more expressive, practicing the facial movements you will see after birth. Thanks to rapidly developing brain connections, your baby can now squint, frown, and grimace. A covering of fine, downy hair called lanugo is appearing all over your baby's body. This hair helps regulate temperature in the womb and usually sheds before birth, though some babies are born with traces of it. Your baby might be sucking their thumb this week - an important reflex that will help with feeding after birth. The roof of the mouth is fully formed. Movements are becoming more coordinated, though you probably will not feel them for another few weeks. Boys and girls are developing distinct genitals now.
Your Body This Week
Changes you may experience
By 14 weeks pregnant, most women experience significant relief from first trimester symptoms. The nausea is likely gone or greatly reduced, and that crushing fatigue has lifted. You might feel more like yourself than you have in months. Your bump is probably visible now, especially if this is not your first pregnancy. Some women notice they "pop" seemingly overnight around this time. Your center of gravity is beginning to shift, which can affect your balance. Appetite often increases substantially in the second trimester. After weeks of struggling to eat, food might suddenly sound appealing again - sometimes very appealing. Round ligament pain - those sharp twinges when you move suddenly - may become more noticeable as your uterus grows. Nasal congestion and occasional nosebleeds can occur due to increased blood flow.
Tips & Advice for Week 14
Practical guidance from real moms
With your energy back, this is an excellent time to start or resume exercise. Walking, swimming, prenatal yoga, and modified strength training are all safe for most pregnancies. Exercise can help with back pain, improve sleep, boost mood, and even make labor easier. Start planning your baby registry if you want one. It takes more time than you might expect to research products, and having a list ready when people start asking "what do you need?" is helpful. If you have been holding off on shopping, consider buying a few maternity wardrobe basics now. Your belly will only grow from here. A few pairs of good maternity pants and some stretchy tops go a long way. Connect with other pregnant people due around your due date - online forums and local groups can provide invaluable support and solidarity.
Medical Guidance for Week 14
What to discuss with your healthcare provider
Routine prenatal care continues with monthly appointments during the second trimester. Discuss scheduling your anatomy scan, typically performed between weeks 18-22, where your baby's organs, growth, and development are checked in detail - and you can often find out the sex if you want. Report any persistent headaches, vision changes, or swelling in your hands and face. Mention any round ligament pain to confirm it is normal for your pregnancy.
Disclaimer: For educational purposes only. Consult your healthcare provider for personalized medical advice.