Hey mama, welcome to Week 14, the official kickoff to your second trimester! By now, you’ve probably been through it all: the nausea, the fatigue, the meltdowns…But here’s the good news! Most women start feeling a lot better by the time they’re 14 weeks pregnant.
And your little one? Already making waves with some exciting new changes.
In this blog, we’ll dive into what’s happening with both you and your baby at the 14-week milestone. So stay tuned for all the updates straight from Baby Town.
Changes To Expect In Your Body When 14 Weeks Pregnant
Like we already went through, this is the time when you’ll most likely feel much better. Your fatigue improves and so does your nausea. As a result you can expect your energy and appetite to improve.
But this doesn’t mean you should start eating more than your caloric requirements. When hungry between meals, you should start sticking to healthy snacks. Because too much weight gain can be harmful for both you and your baby.
What Changes Is Your Baby Going Through
At around 8.5 cm long, your baby is now about the size of a kiwi fruit. Their head is gradually taking shape and becoming more proportional to the rest of their body. They’ve also developed a heartbeat and are actively kicking around.
And here’s something funny: your little one is now peeing inside your belly, all thanks to those little gulps of amniotic fluid they’ve been sipping like a cocktail.
Pregnancy Symptoms In Week 14
Here’s a list of symptoms you’d be likely experiencing when you’re 14 weeks pregnant:
- Improved Appetite
Pregnancy nausea in many cases improves by week 14. And this may lead to improved appetite and more food cravings. But you must aim for healthy and balanced meals and snacks, keeping in mind your caloric needs. And do not start eating for two just yet.
- Stuffy Nose
Pregnancy leads to increased blood flow and hormonal changes. All this can make your nasal passages feel swollen and congested. This typical feeling of a stuffy nose, even though annoying, is generally harmless. But to ease it, you can try saline sprays and humidifiers and also drink plenty of water.
- Varicose Veins
You might start to notice small bluish or purplish veins popping up on your legs. These are varicose veins, caused by increased blood volume and pressure on your veins. They’re usually harmless but can be uncomfortable. To help manage them, try elevating your legs and wearing compression socks.
- Decreased Fatigue
In week 14 as your body adjusts to pregnancy hormones, your fatigue starts to get better. You might feel more energetic and less foggy than in the first trimester. Use this time period to get back into light movement or tick off your to-dos. But it’s always better to check with your doctor first and also never overdo it.
- Subtle Relief from Nausea
Morning sickness often fades by the second trimester. Food aversions may still linger, but the all-day queasiness tends to improve around this time, giving you a much-needed break.
- Enlarging Breasts
Your breasts are likely growing and feeling heavier or fuller, thanks to hormonal shifts and the development of milk ducts. Some women may also notice a yellowish discharge which is the colostrum or the first milk. A supportive bra and bra pads can make a huge difference in keeping you comfortable around this time.
Summing Up
At 14 weeks pregnant, many early pregnancy symptoms start to get better on their own. Your baby continues to grow quickly and your body starts adjusting better to the pregnancy symptoms. As a result, you may notice increased energy and appetite. But there could be some new symptoms like a stuffy nose or varicose veins. So keep track of how you’re feeling each day and reach out to your doctor if you notice any unexpected symptoms.
