In the week 14, your baby is
the size of a Lemon
Your baby is growing quickly! At week 14, embrace your energy boost, track changes, and focus on a healthy routine for you both.
At Week 14, you enter the second trimester—a time of renewed energy and fewer early pregnancy symptoms. As your baby grows, exciting developments are underway. In this amazing journey, let’s dive into what this milestone means for you and your little one.
By Week 14 of pregnancy, many changes are underway. Here’s what you can expect:
Morning Sickness
For many women, morning sickness has become a thing of the past. However, if you still experience occasional nausea, don’t worry—it’s likely to improve in the coming weeks.
Breast Growth with Less Tenderness
While your breasts continue to grow and change—such as darker areolas and more sensitive nipples—you may notice that they are less tender compared to the first trimester.
Change in Appetite
As your baby grows and your body needs more energy, you may notice increased appetite and specific food cravings. To support your baby's development, opt for nutritious snacks like fruits, nuts, or whole grains between meals.
Round Ligament Pain
Your uterus's growth may cause pulling or stretching sensations in your lower abdomen, known as round ligament pain. This is a normal part of pregnancy. Gentle stretches and adequate rest can help ease the discomfort.
Constipation
This is a common symptom during pregnancy, particularly in the second trimester. To help manage it, aim for 25–35 grams of fibre daily from whole grains, fruits, vegetables, beans, and lentils, and engage in 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days. If constipation worsens, consider stopping iron supplements, but consult your healthcare provider first.
Varicose Veins
Increased blood volume during pregnancy can lead to swollen veins, particularly in the legs. While they may be hereditary, wearing support stockings, staying active, and walking regularly can help minimise their appearance.
Though you might not feel it, your baby is moving and constantly developing inside you. Let us take a look:
Organ Development
By Week 14, your baby’s organs are functioning and maturing steadily. The kidneys are producing urine, and the liver is making bile. Your baby’s thyroid gland starts producing hormones, contributing to overall growth and development.
Physical Features
Your baby’s face is becoming more detailed. The ears are in their final position, and the eyes continue to move closer together. Tiny facial muscles are developing, allowing your baby to practice expressions like frowning or squinting.
Weight of the Foetus
Your baby is now about the size of a kiwi fruit, measuring around 9 cm in length and weighing approximately 45 grams. This period marks a rapid growth phase, with your baby gaining more weight and filling out
Movement of the Baby
Although you may not feel it yet, your baby is becoming more active. They’re stretching, kicking, and even twisting inside the womb. These movements help strengthen muscles and joints. They may also begin sucking their thumb, preparing for life outside the womb.
At 14 weeks, your baby is growing rapidly. This is an exciting time as many moms feel better and can focus on a healthy pregnancy.
At Week 14, your body adjusts to the second trimester with growing energy, fewer early symptoms, and exciting changes as your baby develops.
Breasts
Your breasts may continue to grow and feel fuller, with veins more visible due to increased blood flow. Tenderness often subsides, making this stage more comfortable than earlier weeks.
Hair, Skin, and Nails
Hormonal changes may make your hair appear thicker and shinier while reducing hair shedding. Your nails may grow faster but could also become more brittle. Skin changes like a "pregnancy glow," dark patches (melasma), or stretch marks on your tummy, thighs, or breasts are common.
Respiratory and Cardiovascular Systems
You might feel mild breathlessness as your body increases oxygen supply. Rising blood volume makes your heart pump faster, and veins may appear more visible on your breasts and legs due to improved circulation.
Uterus and Cervical Position
By Week 14, your uterus has grown beyond the pelvic area and is about the size of a grapefruit. It can now be felt just above the pubic bone. As it expands, your belly may start to show, especially if this isn’t your first pregnancy.
Vaginal Discharge
An increase in thin, clear, or milky white discharge is normal and helps prevent infections. This discharge is typically odourless and harmless.
Food to avoid
It's best to not consume raw, high-mercury fish, unpasteurised dairy and alcohol
Embrace change
Breast changes like heaviness and larger areolas are normal, switch to supportive bras.
Stay active
Moderately intense exercise is great for you, but avoid sports that risk abdominal injury.
Prenatal guide
Attend all your prenatal appointments like vaccinations, tests, ultrasounds
to track vitals
Hospital check-in
If you notice blood in discharge or your water breaks, head to the hospital immediately
Diet check
Always seek your doctor’s advice to make sure your diet intake is safe for you.
Your monthly routine check-up can be scheduled this week and will likely involve monitoring your blood pressure, weight, and urine for potential concerns.
Ultrasound
Most second-trimester ultrasounds are scheduled between Weeks 18-20 of pregnancy. However, your doctor may recommend one if they have specific concerns. If you do have an ultrasound, it will provide a clear view of your baby’s growing features and development.
Blood Tests
Our healthcare provider may recommend blood tests to check for anaemia and ensure adequate iron levels. If you haven’t done so already, this week might also include optional screening tests for genetic conditions like Down syndrome.
Not yet. Most women start feeling baby movements between Weeks 16 and 25, but your baby is already moving actively inside.
Your baby is about the size of a Kiwi, measuring 9 cm and weighing around 45 grams.
Common symptoms include increased energy, round ligament pain, and changes in appetite or skin. Most early pregnancy symptoms, like nausea, tend to subside.
Yes, the second trimester is often considered the safest time to travel. However, always consult your healthcare provider before planning a trip.
A balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and dairy is essential. Avoid raw or undercooked foods, unpasteurised dairy, and high-mercury fish.
Yes, as long as your doctor approves, you can engage in low-impact exercises like walking, swimming, or prenatal yoga. These activities help keep you fit and prepare your body for labour.
For many women, morning sickness fades by Week 14, but some may continue to experience mild nausea. If it persists, discuss it with your doctor.
Light spotting can occasionally occur at Week 14 due to cervical changes or increased blood flow to the area. However, it’s important to monitor the situation. If the spotting is heavy, accompanied by cramping, or lasts for an extended period, contact your healthcare provider to ensure everything is progressing safely.
