14 weeks pregnant: Baby’s size, bump beginnings, and self-care tips
- Updated Dec 2, 2024
- Published
CRAFTED BY HUMAN
Crafted by human At Femia, we provide accurate and up-to-date information at every stage of your journey, from trying to conceive, pregnancy and postnatal support. All content is created by a real person based on in-depth research and own professional experience. Femia ensures that you will receive expert advice, strict accuracy and a personalized approach from our authors/medical experts. Learn more about our editorial policy.
FACT CHECKED
Fact checked At Femia Health, we maintain the highest standards of editorial excellence in delivering content focused on helping you conceive, guiding you through pregnancy, and supporting you postpartum. Explore our content review principles to learn how we ensure the accuracy and quality of our health and lifestyle tips for every stage of your journey.
Created with Nataliia Yermolovych, MD, Obstetrician-Gynecologist
At 14 weeks pregnant, your baby’s features are becoming more detailed, and their body is lengthening. You may feel more energetic as symptoms like nausea start to ease, and some women notice a small bump beginning to show.
Welcome to 14 weeks pregnant and the start of your second trimester! This week, your baby’s growth continues rapidly as organs develop. Let’s dive into what to expect this week, from fetal development to symptoms and self-care tips.
Monitor your health and your baby’s growth throughout pregnancy with Femia
14-week pregnancy symptoms
The second trimester often brings changes in symptoms, with some early discomforts easing. Here’s what you may experience at 14 weeks:
- Increased energy: Many women feel a surge of energy as nausea subsides and hormones begin to level off.
- Appetite boost: With nausea easing, your appetite may increase, so be mindful of nourishing meals to support your energy.
- Round ligament pain: As your uterus expands, you may feel mild aches or twinges, often felt in the lower abdomen.
- Skin changes: Hormonal changes can lead to dry, itchy skin, so keep moisturized to stay comfortable.
- Nasal congestion: Known as “pregnancy rhinitis,” increased blood flow can cause mild nasal congestion.
👉Find out more: Week 13 pregnancy: Fetal development, new symptoms, and bump progress
Your body at 14 weeks pregnant
At 14 weeks, your uterus is growing, and you may start to notice a small bump as it expands above the pelvic bone. As hormones level off, you might feel relief from symptoms like morning sickness and mood swings. Increased blood flow can bring more energy, along with changes in skin and hair. Hormonal shifts may also cause changes like the darkening of the skin, including the appearance of linea nigra (a dark line on your belly) and melasma (dark spots on your face). Staying hydrated, moisturized, and prioritizing nutrient-dense foods can help you feel your best during this phase. It’s a good time to check your weight gain during pregnancy to ensure you’re on the right track with your health and that of your growing baby.
14-week pregnant belly
A 14-week belly may start to be noticeable for some, especially if this isn’t your first pregnancy. The uterus is growing and moving upward, creating a subtle bump, but visibility varies depending on body type, muscle tone, and other factors.
Baby development at 14 weeks pregnancy
At 14 weeks, your baby’s body is lengthening, and their face is becoming more defined. Their eyes and ears are moving into position, and small details like eyebrows and hair follicles are beginning to form. Your baby can now make facial expressions and even suck their thumb. With organs in place, they’re continuing to mature, and tiny movements are happening, although it will still be a few weeks before you feel them.
14-week baby size
The 14-week fetus size is around 3.5 inches long, roughly the size of a lemon, and weighs about 1.5 ounces. This week marks a growth spurt, as the baby’s body begins to catch up in proportion to the head.
14-week ultrasound
A 14-week ultrasound can provide a clear view of your baby’s developing features. During a 14-week ultrasound 3D scan, you may notice your baby’s head, limbs, and torso more distinctly, as well as any tiny movements like stretching or turning. Although it’s still early, some providers may attempt to determine the baby’s gender around this stage.
Real 14-week fetus
A real-life 14-week fetus is growing quickly, with tiny limbs, hands, and feet becoming more visible. Facial features are more distinct, and the baby is practicing movements like thumb-sucking and facial expressions, which will be refined over the coming weeks.
14 weeks pregnant: Tests to expect
- Quad screen (optional)
The quad screen, typically done between 15–22 weeks, measures four substances in the mother’s blood to assess the risk of certain genetic conditions and neural tube defects:
- Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP): High levels can indicate neural tube defects like spina bifida, while low levels may suggest chromosomal conditions such as Down syndrome.
- Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG): Abnormal levels may point to conditions like Down syndrome or Edwards syndrome.
- Estriol: Low levels may signal potential genetic disorders.
- Inhibin-A: Elevated levels may be associated with Down syndrome.
This non-invasive test helps identify pregnancies at higher risk for conditions like Down syndrome (Trisomy 21), Edwards syndrome (Trisomy 18), and neural tube defects. However, it does not provide a definitive diagnosis, and further tests (such as amniocentesis or ultrasound) may be recommended if results are concerning.
- Urine Test
Routine urine tests at 14 weeks are essential for detecting potential complications:
- Protein: Elevated protein may indicate urinary tract infections (UTIs) or, later in pregnancy, preeclampsia.
- Glucose: High levels can be an early sign of gestational diabetes, especially with risk factors like a high BMI or family history.
- Leukocytes and nitrites: These suggest a UTI, which, if untreated, can increase the risk of preterm labor.
- Ketones: Found in cases of severe nausea or vomiting, indicating possible dehydration or malnutrition.
Regular urine screenings help monitor complications like gestational diabetes, preterm labor, and preeclampsia, ensuring early detection and better management for both mother and baby.
👉Find out more:
15 weeks pregnant: Baby’s growth, bump progress, and what to expect
Reaching week 16: Baby’s development, your changing belly, and health tips
Health tips and self-care at 14 weeks pregnant
- Moisturize regularly: Hormonal changes can cause dry skin, so keep your skin hydrated with gentle, pregnancy-safe moisturizers.
- Focus on balanced nutrition: As your appetite grows, prioritize nutrient-dense foods to support energy and baby’s development.
- Exercise lightly: Continue with gentle activities like walking or prenatal yoga to support circulation, energy, and well-being.
- Stay hydrated: With increased blood flow and skin changes, drinking plenty of water can help prevent dryness and promote overall health.
Monitor your health and your baby’s growth throughout pregnancy with Femia
Questions from the Femia community
How to deal with dry and itchy skin?
Use a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer daily, stay hydrated, and avoid hot showers, as they can further dry out your skin. You can track your pregnancy using an app, like Femia, to note your symptoms.
How often should I do pelvic floor exercises?
Pelvic floor exercises can be done daily, with most experts recommending about 5-10 minutes of Kegels each day to strengthen muscles.
How can I manage round ligament pain?
Rest, gentle stretching, and avoiding sudden movements can help ease round ligament pain. Wearing a belly band may also provide support.
The bottom line
At 14 weeks pregnant, your baby is growing quickly, with features becoming more distinct as they continue to develop. You may notice increased energy and a slight bump as your body adapts to the second trimester. Focusing on balanced nutrition, hydration, and light exercise can support your health and well-being as your pregnancy progresses.
References
- “14 Weeks Pregnant: Symptoms, Baby Development & Tips.” BabyCenter, www.babycenter.com/pregnancy/week-by-week/14-weeks-pregnant.
- “Week 14 of Pregnancy: Symptoms, Baby Development & More.” What to Expect, www.whattoexpect.com/pregnancy/week-by-week/week-14.aspx.
- “14 Weeks Pregnant: Baby Development, Symptoms & Tips.” NHS, www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/week-by-week/1-to-12/14-weeks/.
- “Pregnancy Week 14: What to Expect.” American Pregnancy Association, www.americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/week-by-week/14-weeks-pregnant/.
Gilead’s lenacapavir demonstrates 100% efficacy and a strong safety profile, offering a promising new HIV prevention method with twice-yearly dosing.
Discover the best age to get pregnant with PCOS and how to get pregnant with PCOS. Read expert tips on managing PCOS, and improving fertility naturally and with treatments.
Learn the chances of getting pregnant after unprotected sex one time, factors affecting conception, and what steps to take next.
