Week 14 of Pregnancy

Key Takeaways at Week 14

• A 14-week-old foetus is the size of an orange or a peach, and exactly like a peach, a thin covering of hair forms on the skin called lanugo, which will vanish by the time of birth

• Your baby's weight has doubled in the last several weeks, and the growth spurt is ready to begin

• By week 14, your child's sex organs are completely grown, including ovarian follicles (in females) and the prostate (in boys), as well as a fully mature thyroid gland that produces thyroid hormones. The thyroid regulates the energy that body cells need to keep the heart pumping and the brain growing, among other things

• The spleen, which will ultimately be in charge of filtering red blood cells and producing white blood cells to help fight infections, has started producing red blood cells

• If you are in Week 14 of your pregnancy you are officially in the second trimester and in the fourth month

• 26 more weeks remaining in your pregnancy

Baby's Movement and Development at Week 14

If you had a peek at the baby, you'd see them wiggling their toes, putting their precious little fingers to their sweet little mouth (maybe even thumb-sucking!) and rotating their head side to side.

Your baby may start forming facial expressions as early as 14 weeks in the womb. (They are prepared for a childhood full of eye-rolling, pouting, and smiling!)

A 14-week-old foetus' kidneys produce urine, as do the liver and spleen. You may be pleased to know that the baby is developing lanugo, a thin, peach fuzz-like hair all over the body that will help keep them warm. Furthermore, the baby's skin is thickening and their unique fingerprints are developing.

• Baby Weight- Around 42 grammes
• Baby Length- 3.5 inches long
• Baby Size- Comparable to a navel orange or a woman's fist

Pregnancy Symptoms and Body Changes This Week

During week 14 of pregnancy, your body is rapidly changing. As your baby develops, so will you, and you may feel specific pregnancy symptoms throughout this period.

• There are some positive side effects, such as enhanced sexual desire and thick, glossy hair
• You're probably experiencing a rush of energy. Use it to go outdoors, breathe fresh air, and exercise
• That expanding stomach is becoming hungry. Your hunger is definitely rising right now. When heading for the refrigerator, remember to consume things that are healthy for both you and your baby
• Your muscles and ligaments can be suffering. That little sweetie within you has just doubled in weight and requires more room, so movement and development are stressing your muscles and ligaments
• Your breasts may not hurt as much this week, but they will continue to develop as you approach delivery
• Visible veins may result from increased blood volume, whereas varicose veins can be caused by increased uterine pressure
• A thin, white discharge will persist throughout your pregnancy. You may also develop itchiness
• Pregnancy hormones may cause skin changes ranging from a brilliant "pregnancy glow" to chloasma, which are transient brownish face blotches often known as the "mask of pregnancy"
• The transformation from bloated to belly bump is now underway

Body Changes This week

Not only are energy and hunger increasing, but so are other factors. Your gorgeous baby bump has most likely already shown and will continue to expand as your uterus and baby take up more space. Your breasts continue to develop and prepare for nursing. As you enter the second trimester, you may begin to feel at ease with your pregnancy. Take advantage of the opportunity to relax while still getting things done!

14-Week Ultrasound

Typically, there is no 14-week ultrasound. You most likely had an ultrasound during the first trimester and will not have another until the anatomy scan (also known as the mid-pregnancy ultrasound), which typically occurs between weeks 18 and 22. If you are scheduled for an amniocentesis (between weeks 15 and 20), your doctor will also utilise an ultrasound.

Your Baby Bump at Week 14

Your tummy may feel achy and uncomfortable, but this is merely because your uterus is expanding to accommodate your quickly developing baby. Don't be shocked if weight gain begins to accelerate at this stage. If you started off with a normal BMI, physicians suggest that you gain half a kg each week beginning at 14 weeks pregnant. If you're pregnant with twins, your weight gain target will be similar to that of a mother carrying a single foetus until week 20, when you should begin to gain more weight. For instance, if you started off underweight or with a high BMI, or if you lost or gained a lot of weight in the first trimester, your doctor may suggest a different weight gain target.

If you avoided exercising throughout trimester one, now that you've regained your energy, it's time to get back on track. Consider attending a prenatal yoga class or just going for a stroll. Exercise is excellent for the foetus!

Tips for Week 14

Being 14 weeks pregnant is a significant milestone for both you and your baby. Here's some additional professional advice on how to transition to this new stage while keeping you and your baby safe.

• It's not allergies: You're more likely to have nasal congestion when pregnant. A warm compress gently applied to your face, as well as moisture from humidifiers or drinking lots of water might help release mucus.

• Cure constipation: This is a normal, albeit inconvenient symptom of pregnancy. Fibre-rich diets (fresh vegetables, whole grains), plenty of water, and regular exercise are all good ways to avoid constipation.

• Keep an eye out for any moles: Hormones may alter the look of any skin moles you have. It's normally nothing to worry about, but you should see a dermatologist if they become asymmetric, change colour, acquire an uneven border, become bigger than the size of a pencil eraser, or seem to be rising on the skin's surface.

• Go to your dentist: Your dental health and baby's well-being may be related, so schedule that appointment you've been putting off.

• Double down on immune health: You're more sensitive to germs right now when you don't want to get a cold or flu. Avoid ill individuals, get a flu vaccine, and wash your hands regularly and thoroughly.

• Eat a nutrient-dense diet: You must maintain your health and ensure that you get enough nutrition. Iron deficiency may result in anaemia. Learn more about iron-rich meals that will help you get through the remainder of your pregnancy. Folate, a B vitamin that supports your baby's growing neurological system, is also important.

Checklist for Week 14

• Schedule any upcoming ultrasounds or tests
• Maintain your healthy diet and regular workout regimen
• Ensure you have received your flu vaccine
• Research and book a birthing class
• Buy a maternity pillow (best to have it before you need it)

Frequently Asked Questions on Week 14 of Pregnancy

1. Can you feel the baby at 14 weeks?
   Feeling your baby's first kick or roll is fantastic! This normally occurs between 16 and 22 weeks, however the exact time frame varies for every woman. If you've previously had a baby, you may be able to detect movement sooner. Prepare to have an incredible experience whenever it occurs!
2. When should I worry about dizziness during pregnancy?
   Dizziness occurs frequently during pregnancy, and it may be caused by hormonal changes, increased blood flow, iron deficiency, or low blood sugar. It's always essential to report symptoms to your provider during routine prenatal check-ups, but if your dizziness is new, has changed, or is interfering with your daily life, contact your provider to see whether you should be seen and examined in person. In addition, if your dizziness is coupled with chest discomfort, see your doctor.