14 weeks pregnant
At 14 weeks pregnant, your baby is about the size of a peach: around 8.7 cm crown to rump and 43 g. Baby can squint and frown as facial muscles get to work.
Your baby at 14 weeks
Baby can squint and frown as facial muscles get to work.
| Size | About the size of a peach |
|---|---|
| Length | 8.7 cm crown to rump |
| Weight | 43 g |
Your baby can now squint, frown and grimace as the facial muscles get to work. Fine, soft hair called lanugo is starting to grow over the body to help keep it warm. The liver has started making bile, and the spleen is helping to make red blood cells. Your baby's neck is getting longer, so the head looks more upright.
How far along are you at 14 weeks?
At 14 weeks pregnant you are in the fourth month of your pregnancy and the second trimester. You have about 26 weeks to go until your due date. Doctors count pregnancy from the first day of your last period, not from conception, so at 14 weeks your baby has been growing for about 12 weeks. Not sure of your dates? Use our due date calculator.
Your body at 14 weeks
Many women feel their best in the second trimester. Appetite returns and your bump starts to show.
Common symptoms at 14 weeks
Every pregnancy is different, and you may have some, all or none of these.
- More energy. Welcome to what many women call the honeymoon trimester.
- A returning appetite. Hunger is back. Choose filling foods such as eggs, daal, yoghurt and wholegrains.
- A blocked nose. Pregnancy rhinitis is caused by extra blood flow to the lining of your nose.
- Skin darkening. A dark line down your tummy (linea nigra) or patches on your face (melasma) are common.
- Round ligament pain. Sharp twinges in your lower tummy or groin when you move suddenly.
- A showing bump. Some women, especially in second pregnancies, start to show now.
Your checklist for week 14
- Start pelvic floor exercises if you haven't already, and do them every day for the rest of your pregnancy.
- If you didn't have screening at 11 to 14 weeks, ask about the quadruple blood test, which can be done from 14 weeks 2 days to 20 weeks.
- Plan a short trip or day out now, while you feel well. The second trimester is the most comfortable time to travel.
- Buy a comfortable, supportive bra without underwire as your breasts grow.
- Make sure your 16-week check-up is booked.
Tip of the week: Pelvic floor exercises
Your pelvic floor muscles support your bladder, womb and bowel, and pregnancy puts them under strain. Squeeze as if you are stopping yourself from weeing and holding in wind, hold for a few seconds, then relax. Do 10 slow squeezes and 10 quick ones, three times a day. Strong pelvic floor muscles reduce leaking now and after the birth.
For your partner
Energy often returns, so it's a good time to plan.
- Plan a short trip or day out
- Research your hospital and costs
- Start the baby-name shortlist
When to call your doctor at 14 weeks
Contact your doctor, midwife or maternity unit the same day if you have:
- Pain or burning when you wee, cloudy or bloody wee, or pain in your back or side with a fever.
- Bleeding or fluid leaking from the vagina.
Call your doctor or hospital straight away for bleeding, severe pain, fluid leaking, severe headache or vision changes.
Questions about 14 weeks pregnant
What is round ligament pain?
It is a short, sharp pain low in your tummy or groin, on one or both sides, caused by the ligaments that support your womb stretching. It often comes on when you stand up quickly, cough or roll over. Moving slowly helps. Pain that is constant, severe or comes with bleeding or fever needs checking.
Why is my nose blocked all the time?
Pregnancy hormones and extra blood flow make the lining of your nose swell, which is called pregnancy rhinitis. Saline sprays, steam and raising your pillow help. Avoid decongestant medicines unless a pharmacist or doctor says they are safe.
Is it safe to travel in the second trimester?
For most women, yes. It is often the best time, because sickness has usually eased and your bump isn't too big yet. Take your pregnancy notes, check your travel insurance covers pregnancy, drink plenty and move around on long journeys to lower the risk of blood clots.