Congratulations! You are now entering your second trimester of pregnancy and you are officially 14 weeks pregnant. It is a big milestone for all mothers and babies, as many of the prenatal tests and scans take place during this stage. Here’s what you need to know about your 14-week pregnancy.
At 14 weeks pregnant, your baby’s size is roughly the same as a lemon. He or she should be about 4.1 inches long from head to bottom and weigh around 2.5 ounces. Major advances are occurring inside the womb this week. Your baby’s chest cavity is widening, and the bones of the arms and legs are hardening. The alveoli, the tiny air sacs in the lungs which are important for breathing, are forming and your baby’s pancreas is beginning to secrete digestive enzymes.
Physical Changes
At 14 weeks pregnant, routine prenatal tests such as ultrasounds and blood tests may be performed to measure any changes in the baby. It’s also normal to get more frequent medical checkups.
At 14 weeks pregnant, you may also experience an increase in energy levels as the morning sickness and fatigue of the first trimester start to fade away. Many women in their 14th week of pregnancy feel more in control and enjoy the second trimester. You will begin to show a visible baby bump due to the expanding uterus. Skin changes such as the “mask of pregnancy,” or the darkening of the skin around the eyes, cheeks and nose, may start to appear.
Changes to Diet
It is important to continue eating a healthy, balanced diet to provide your baby with essential nutrients. Whole grains, dairy products, vegetables and fruits, fortified cereals and lean proteins provide the vitamins and minerals that your baby needs.
Your body is also more sensitive to different foods, so it is important to avoid certain types of food while pregnant. Avoid alcohol and anything that contains unpasteurized milk, such as undercooked meat, fish, or eggs.
Preparing for the Third Trimester
The third trimester will start soon and the ideas of labor, delivery and postpartum have probably started to enter your thoughts. It is important to start taking steps to get ready for the third trimester. Pre-register at your local hospital, take a birthing class, and look into childcare options. It’s also a good idea to start putting together your baby registry and nursery.
14 weeks pregnant is a time of great excitement and preparation. You should be taking steps to ensure that you are mentally and physically prepared for the third trimester. You will also start to feel your baby move soon, so make sure to savor each moment!