14 Weeks Pregnant

Baby’s Development

Your baby is now about 8.7 to 9 centimeters long — roughly the size of a lemon — and weighs around 43 grams [1]. This week marks the start of your second trimester, and your baby is becoming remarkably expressive. The facial muscles are now working, which means your little one can squint, frown, grimace, and even make sucking motions. A fine, downy hair called lanugo is beginning to cover your baby’s body, helping to protect the skin and regulate temperature; it will usually be shed before birth. Eyebrows and scalp hair are starting to grow, and the thyroid, liver, and spleen are each stepping into their roles — producing hormones, bile, and red blood cells. Your baby’s kidneys are producing urine, which makes up most of the amniotic fluid in the second half of pregnancy. Movement is well underway too, with kicking, stretching, head turning, and even thumb-sucking. If you have a detailed ultrasound, the external genitals — clitoris or penis — are now distinguishable [2].

Body Changes

Your uterus has grown to about the size of a small cantaloupe and is rising into your abdomen. In a first pregnancy you may be showing a visible bump, though for some athletic builds it may still look more like bloating. From here on, a weight gain of about 1 to 2 pounds per week is typical, with around 12 pounds by week 20 being common. You might be noticing the famed “pregnancy glow” from increased blood flow and oil production, along with possible melasma and the linea nigra darkening down your belly. Your breasts may be up about a cup size, your areolas darker, and you might even notice a little colostrum leaking [2].

Tips for Week 14

• Ease back into exercise — with your energy returning, this is a welcome time to get moving again. ACOG recommends 150 minutes per week of moderate activity. If you were a runner before pregnancy, running is still fine, though you may want to transition to lower-impact options like the elliptical, swimming, or hiking as your belly grows [1].
• Reassess your wardrobe — a belly band, a pair or two of maternity jeans, and a supportive bra (skip the underwire if your ribs are aching) can make a real difference. Avoid restrictive waistbands that dig in.
• Start pelvic floor exercises — daily Kegels, along with cat-cow, bird-dog, and gentle core work, can help prevent incontinence and ease your eventual labor.
• Plan your second-trimester milestones — talk with your provider about scheduling your anatomy scan (18 to 22 weeks), glucose screening (24 to 28 weeks), Tdap vaccine (27 to 36 weeks), and Rhogam if you’re Rh-negative (around 28 weeks).

Things To Do (Checklist)

• Get maternity wardrobe essentials (1-2 jeans, leggings, 1-2 bras)
• Start pelvic floor + core exercise routine
• Schedule anatomy scan (18-22 weeks)
• Book babymoon trip if planning (14-28 wk window)
• Discuss exercise modifications with OB

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: I felt something — was that the baby? A: It’s possible! “Quickening” often feels like flutters, gas, bubbles, or even popcorn popping. First-time moms usually feel it between 18 and 22 weeks, though those who’ve been pregnant before may notice it earlier, around 16 to 18 weeks [2].

Q: Is it safe to dye my hair now? A: Yes. Only a limited amount is absorbed, and the risk is very low. Highlights are often preferred since they involve less scalp contact, and there’s no data showing harm [1].

Q: I’m gaining weight fast. How much is too much? A: It depends on your starting BMI. For a normal BMI (18.5 to 24.9), the target is 25 to 35 pounds total; for overweight, 15 to 25; for underweight, 28 to 40; and for twins, 37 to 54. Most of the gain happens in the second and third trimesters, so talk with your OB about what’s right for you [1].

Sources

1. ACOG — How Your Fetus Grows During Pregnancy
2. Mayo Clinic — 14 Weeks Pregnant
3. Expecting Better — Emily Oster (Chapters 8-9: Second Trimester Lifestyle)