Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider about your individual pregnancy.
Welcome to week 14! You’re solidly in the second trimester now, and many women feel this is when pregnancy really starts to become enjoyable. Your baby is about the size of a lemon, and their facial features are becoming more refined. Morning sickness is usually fading, your energy is bouncing back, and you may be starting to show a cute little bump. This is a great time to embrace your pregnancy and start preparing for the months ahead.
Baby Development at 14 Weeks
Your baby is now approximately 3.4 inches long from crown to rump—about the size of a lemon—and weighs about 1.5 ounces. Your baby’s development is shifting from forming new organs to refining and growing existing ones.
Your baby’s facial expressions are becoming more complex. They can squint, frown, and even grimace. The muscles in the face are developing, allowing for these early expressions. Your baby may even be sucking their thumb, practicing the sucking reflex that will be essential for feeding after birth.
The lanugo (fine, soft hair) is beginning to cover your baby’s body. This hair helps regulate body temperature and will mostly disappear before birth. Your baby’s liver is starting to produce bile, and the spleen is beginning to help produce red blood cells.
Your baby’s neck is lengthening, allowing the head to be held more upright. The arms are now in proportion to the body (though the legs still need to catch up). Your baby is making more deliberate movements, including grasping motions with their hands. For a broader view of this trimester, see our second trimester guide.
Your Body This Week
The second trimester energy boost is real! Many women feel noticeably more energetic and less nauseous by week 14. Your appetite is likely returning, and you may find yourself enjoying food again after weeks of aversions.
Your baby bump is becoming more noticeable. The uterus is rising above the pubic bone, and you may need to start wearing maternity clothes or looser-fitting garments. Your body shape is visibly changing.
Breast tenderness may be easing slightly, though your breasts continue to grow. You may notice that the Montgomery’s tubercles (small bumps on the areolae) are more prominent—these glands produce oil that keeps the nipple moisturized.
Some women notice nasal congestion worsening this week. Increased blood flow to mucous membranes causes swelling, which leads to stuffiness and possibly nosebleeds. A humidifier, saline spray, and staying hydrated can help manage these symptoms.
Common Symptoms at 14 Weeks
Increased Appetite: With morning sickness fading, your appetite is back—and possibly stronger than before. Focus on nutrient-dense meals and healthy snacks. You need about 300 extra calories daily during the second trimester.
Round Ligament Pain: Sharp, stabbing pains on the sides of your lower abdomen continue as the uterus grows. These are normal and usually brief, triggered by sudden movements.
Nasal Congestion: Pregnancy rhinitis affects up to 30% of pregnant women and can persist throughout pregnancy. Saline nasal spray is safe and effective.
Decreased Urination Frequency: As the uterus rises out of the pelvis, pressure on the bladder temporarily decreases. Enjoy this brief reprieve—frequent urination returns in the third trimester.
Skin Changes: You may notice the linea nigra becoming more visible, and melasma (facial darkening) may appear or worsen. Sun protection helps minimize these changes. See our pregnancy-safe skincare guide.
What to Do This Week
Schedule your anatomy scan. The mid-pregnancy ultrasound (anatomy scan) is typically performed between weeks 18-22. Schedule it now to ensure you get a convenient time.
Start sleeping on your side. As your uterus grows, sleeping on your back can compress the vena cava (a major blood vessel) and reduce blood flow to your baby. Start transitioning to side sleeping now. Our pregnancy sleep guide offers tips for comfortable sleep positions.
Research childcare options. If you’ll need childcare after your baby arrives, now is a good time to start researching options. Quality childcare can have waiting lists of months or even years in some areas.
Review your insurance coverage. Understand what your insurance covers for prenatal care, delivery, and postpartum care. Check whether you need to pre-register at your delivery hospital.
Stay active. Continue or start pregnancy-safe exercises. The second trimester is an ideal time for regular physical activity.
Nutrition Spotlight: Magnesium
Magnesium is an often-overlooked mineral that plays crucial roles during pregnancy. It helps with muscle relaxation (reducing cramps), supports bone development, regulates blood sugar, and may help prevent preeclampsia.
The recommended daily intake during pregnancy is 350-400 mg. Good sources include dark leafy greens, nuts (especially almonds and cashews), seeds, whole grains, legumes, dark chocolate, and avocados.
Many pregnant women are deficient in magnesium, and deficiency can contribute to leg cramps, insomnia, and constipation. If you’re experiencing these symptoms, discuss magnesium supplementation with your provider. For more nutrition guidance, see our pregnancy nutrition guide.
When to Call Your Doctor
Contact your healthcare provider if you experience:
- Vaginal bleeding or spotting
- Severe abdominal pain
- Fever over 100.4°F
- Severe or persistent headaches
- Sudden swelling of face, hands, or feet
- Painful or burning urination
- Unusual vaginal discharge
See our when to call your doctor guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will I feel my baby move?
First-time mothers typically feel movement between weeks 18-25, with most noticing it around week 20. Second-time mothers often feel it earlier, around weeks 16-18. The first movements feel like flutters, bubbles, or gentle tapping. See our baby movement guide.
Is it safe to travel during the second trimester?
The second trimester is generally considered the safest time for travel. Morning sickness has usually subsided, energy has returned, and you’re not yet too large to be uncomfortable. Check with your provider and airline (if flying) about any restrictions.
How much weight should I have gained by 14 weeks?
Most women gain 2-5 pounds during the first trimester. If you lost weight due to morning sickness, you may be catching up now. Healthy second-trimester weight gain is about 1 pound per week. See our pregnancy weight gain guide.
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