14 Weeks pregnant: Baby development, symptoms and signs

Your body at week 14

Increased appetite

If you have experienced morning sickness during the first trimester of your pregnancy, your symptoms are hopefully starting to improve this week. A welcome side effect of this might be the return of your appetite! A healthy diet is crucial during pregnancy because your body needs extra vitamins, minerals, and energy to grow a new human.

It's best to get your nutrients from the foods you eat, like fruits, vegetables, starches (carbohydrates), and proteins. Be sure to avoid raw or undercooked meats, fish, or eggs. Some eating guidelines, like those surrounding unpasteurized dairy, can vary by country or region. It is recommended to check with the health guidelines where you live. 

While your body needs extra nutrients during this time, pregnant women only need about 300 extra calories a day [1]. And where those calories come from is important! We know pregnancy cravings are real, and maintaining a healthy diet is often easier said than done, but it’s good to keep in mind that foods that are high in fat and sugar tend to be high in calories but low in nutritional benefits. While gaining weight during pregnancy is completely normal and expected, excessive weight gain can increase your risk of pregnancy complications like gestational diabetes, sleep apnea, and high blood pressure disorders like preeclampsia [2]. It can also worsen breathlessness, heartburn, and back pain. For more information, check out our guide on what to eat during pregnancy.

Increased energy

Alongside a return of your appetite, you might experience a surge in energy this week, particularly if you suffered from heavy fatigue in your first trimester. Doctors believe a return of energy levels is linked to a decrease and plateau in the pregnancy hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and adjustments to your estrogen and progesterone levels in the second trimester [3]. However, it is also perfectly normal to still experience a lack of energy. Try not to give yourself a hard time — growing a baby is tough work!

If you are still experiencing tiredness or fatigue, or if you want to try to boost your own energy levels, there are a couple things you can try. Healthy eating and regular exercise (unless not advised by your healthcare provider) can both contribute positively to energy levels. Similarly, giving yourself permission to rest and even say “no” to new responsibilities or tasks (when possible) to help you conserve energy and recharge.

Your baby’s development at 14 weeks

At 14 weeks pregnant you’re at  the start of a very important period of development for your baby. Their spleen is beginning to produce red blood cells and the growth of your baby’s brain is beginning to make it possible for your baby’s facial muscles to form expressions like frowning, scowling, and squinting [4]. Your baby might even begin sucking their thumb this week. 

At week 14 your baby weighs around 1.5-2 ounces (43-50 grams) and measures 3.4-4 inches (8.7-10 centimeters) [4]. This is around the size of a peach.

You might be wondering when you will start feeling your baby moving. Most women feel movements between weeks 16 and 24. This is a big range, but it depends on many factors — whether it is your first pregnancy, the position of the baby in your uterus, and the position of the placenta [5]. The first movements, referred to as quickening, are usually subtle and can feel like swirling or fluttering. You might even mistake it for a rumbling stomach or gas. Don’t worry if you don’t feel anything yet, this is totally normal.

Pregnancy Symptoms in week 14

You might notice some new pregnancy symptoms as the second trimester continues. These can include:

Bleeding gums

Have you noticed that your gums have become more sensitive or have you experienced bleeding when you floss or brush? This could actually be caused by your pregnancy. Hormone changes, particularly increased progesterone levels, and increased blood volume can both contribute to gum sensitivity, plaque build-up, and inflammation in your gums [6]. 

It is important to keep up a good oral hygiene routine during pregnancy, which includes twice daily brushing, daily flossing, and routine visits to your dentist and dental hygienist. You can also try to avoid foods high in sugar and acidic foods and beverages, which can worsen tooth decay and gum irritation. Staying hydrated is also important, since saliva is the body’s most natural defense against oral bacteria. 

Constipation

If you return to more regular eating patterns this week you might face another pregnancy symptom — constipation. Constipation is very common during pregnancy because progesterone levels can affect your digestive system and slow down the movements of your bowels [7]. Common symptoms of constipation include difficulty pooping, hard or small stools, cramping, and gas. If you are taking iron supplements, these can also worsen constipation symptoms for some pregnant women.

If you are suffering from constipation, try to increase the amount of fiber you consume. Foods that are rich in fiber include bran, avocados, edamame, prunes, and whole grains, such as whole wheat pasta. Staying hydrated and getting regular exercise can also help relieve constipation too.

If your constipation becomes severe, or if the symptoms are unmanageable, talk to your healthcare provider about other supplements or over-the-counter medications. 

Tips in week 14

• Schedule your next teeth cleaning: it is safe and highly recommended to continue to see a dentist and to get your teeth cleaned during pregnancy. Just be sure to let them know that you’re expecting before your appointment.
• Check out prenatal exercise: whether you are showing or not, you might notice that your body is responding differently to exercise. Activities that might have felt great before you got pregnant might no longer feel comfortable or possible. Consider trying exercises classes or workouts that are designed for pregnant women. These can include everything from weight training to yoga, stretching, and pilates.
• Making adjustments at work: working while pregnant can be challenging, particularly if you have a physically or mentally strenuous position. If you feel comfortable, consider talking with a trusted colleague or supervisor about making changes to your schedule or tasks if you are finding it difficult to go about your day-to-day. If your work is very physical, requiring standing for long periods of time or heavy lifting, talk with your doctor or midwife. 
• Clothing adjustments: depending on how your bump grows, you might be finding it increasingly difficult to dress for your changing body, and for comfort. One tip for expanding the life of your pants is to loop a hair elastic around the buttonhole and use it to fasten the button. Pair it with a longer shirt and keep your pants unzipped and unbuttoned! You can even continue to add more hair elastics to make a longer chain.
• Schedule your flu shot: if you are in flu season (typically October through May in the northern hemisphere), talk to your healthcare provider about getting a flu shot. Influenza during pregnancy is more likely to cause severe illness than it would in an otherwise healthy adult, and can pose health risks to your baby [8]. Flu vaccines are considered safe and effective for pregnant women. 

Support from planning through birth and beyond with Natural Cycles

With a mission to empower women to take charge of their reproductive health, Natural Cycles supports your entire fertility journey from pregnancy planning through birth and postpartum. After getting pregnant, NC° Follow Pregnancy provides weekly guides on changes you might be experiencing in your body and on your baby’s development. You can also use the app to track your pregnancy symptoms and access important articles about physical and mental health. FDA Cleared and certified,  why not see if Natural Cycles is right for you?