14 Weeks Pregnant: Symptoms, Baby Development, And Care Tips I BabyChakra

Sudeshna Chakravarti

Author | 799 Articles

If you are 14 weeks pregnant, you would be happy to hear that you have officially entered the second trimester. During this week, your early pregnancy symptoms like nausea and morning sickness start to subside, and many mums-to-be finally regain their appetite. You may also feel more energetic starting this week notice that pregnancy glow due to the increased flow of hormones in your body.

Meanwhile, your baby continues to grow day by day and most of their major internal organs start functioning. Read on to know more about your baby’s growth and development, and the common pregnancy symptoms to expect in the 14th week.

How Many Months Is 14 Weeks Pregnant?

At 14 weeks, you are about three months and one week pregnant. This means you only have to wait close to six months to hold your little one in your arms. During this time, your baby will move a little inside the womb, and you will be able to listen to their heartbeat during your prenatal ultrasound scans.

How Big Is Your Baby At 14 Weeks Pregnant?

At 14 weeks, your baby is the size of a lemon. They measure 8.7 cm in length and weigh around 43 gm. In fact, your baby’s growth picks up at a faster pace during this week. We discuss them in more detail in the next section.

Your Baby’s Development At 14 Weeks

To help you get a better idea about your baby’s development and growth at 14 weeks, we have created a detailed table. You will also be able to notice these developmental achievements during your 3D or 4D ultrasound.

Body Parts	Baby’s Development At 14 Weeks Pregnant
Face	Your baby’s facial features become more distinct, but they are still developing.
Arms	They start to develop in proportion to your baby’s body
Bone marrow	By this week, blood begins to form in your baby’s bone marrow
Kidney	Your baby’s kidney starts to make urine
Nerve cells	The nerve cells continue to develop at a faster pace
Bones	Your baby’s bones harden to form the skeleton
Fingers and toes	Yiur baby develops unique fingerprints by this week
Thyroid gland	It matures and starts producing thyroid hormones
Mouth	Your baby starts swallowing amniotic fluid and sucking their fingers
Lanugo	Your baby’s body is covered with soft, downy hair, better known as lanugo
Limbs	They start moving a little
Genitals	In boys, prostrate appears, and in girls, ovaries begin to form

14 Weeks Pregnant Symptoms

With your baby achieving a different growth milestone each day, you are going to experience quite a few symptoms during this week.

As your ligaments and pelvic muscles start stretching, you may experience pain in either one or both sides of your abdomen. This condition is better known as round ligament pain.
Your morning sickness will subside slowly, and you will feel more energetic.
You may gain around 500 gms during this week.
You may experience an increase in your appetite.
An increase in your blood volume causes added pressure in your blood vessels causing them to swell, and further increasing the risk of varicose veins.
You may also experience backache as a result of the straining of your lower back muscles due to the extra weight of your uterus.
You may have a stuffy nose or experience difficulty breathing as the increased blood flow causes your mucous membranes to swell.
Indigestion and acid reflux are also common during this time as your digestion slows down due to hormonal changes.
Some women may experience swelling in their hands and feet due to increased water retention in their bodies. This condition is better known as edema.
The pressure that the growing uterus puts on your bladder may increase your urge to urinate.

Physical Changes At 14 Weeks Pregnant

Here’s what you’ll notice at 14 weeks of pregnancy:

There is an increase in your breast size, and your areola also becomes darker.
Second-time mums may notice a visible baby bump by this week.
The blue veins in your body may become more prominent, especially around your breasts, due to increased blood flow.
You may notice a line going through the middle of your abdomen, also known as linea nigra.
Hormonal fluctuations in your body can make your hair look thicker, fuller, and shinier. Your skin may also appear supple, healthy, and plump.

Emotional Changes At 14 Weeks Pregnant

Anxiety
Mood swings
Weird dreams as a result of pregnancy fears

Tips To Stay Healthy At 14 Weeks Pregnant

We have listed some essential self-care tips that you can consider trying during this crucial time. These tips will enhance your overall health and well-being and help you cope with anxiety and stress.

Drink plenty of water to maintain sufficient hydration (at least 8-10 glasses per day).
Eat smaller meals at regular intervals to avoid gas and acidity.
Follow a healthy diet and include fibre and protein-rich foods.
Avoid consuming too much caffeine, as it can negatively affect your baby’s development.
Indulge in light workouts to keep yourself happy and active. You can try pelvic floor exercises to help strengthen your muscles and alleviate round ligament pain.
Take adequate rest and try to sleep on your left side.
Take iron, vitamin, and folic supplements regularly.
Attend prenatal classes to help gain more knowledge about pregnancy, delivery, and child care. Keeping yourself informed is the best way to deal with pregnancy-related stress.
Stay connected with your friends and family.

When To Call Your Doctor?

Consult your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms.

Lower abdominal pain or pelvic discomfort
Fever (100 degrees or higher)
Dark-coloured urine or pain while urinating
Lightheadedness
Severe vomiting
Bleeding or abnormal vaginal discharge

Conclusion

Each week of pregnancy brings you one step closer to seeing and holding your munchkin. At 14 weeks pregnant, your baby is developing steadily, and you may start experiencing different physical changes and symptoms. However, on the brighter side, your morning sickness finally begins to subside and you regain your appetite.

To maintain your health, make sure to follow the tips that we have discussed above, and contact your doctor immediately if you notice any abnormal symptoms.