14 Weeks Pregnant: Starting the Second Trimester

This is a good time to reflect on the first trimester, and to also look forward to the second trimester. It’s often known as the one with the fewest pregnancy symptoms. Plus, there will be more changes happening in your life and your body.

Below is more information about common symptoms, fetal development, and more about what’s happening at 14 weeks pregnant.

Baby Size, Development, and Milestones at 14 Weeks Pregnant

At 14 weeks, your future baby is the size of an orange! They’re about 6 inches from head to toe and can weigh around 3 ounces. Think about how much they’ve been growing.

Did you know that at this stage, your fetus may begin to start opening and closing their little hands? As you enter the second trimester, there are more important physical developments to know about:

• Your baby has fully developed genitals.
• Their taste buds are forming.
• Their skin is starting to thicken.
• Hair follicles are developing.
• They begin to produce red blood cells.

Common 14 Weeks Pregnant Symptoms

You may start to notice some changes in how you’re feeling. Here are some common symptoms at 14 weeks pregnant.

Less Nausea

Morning sickness tends to be worst during the first trimester. Thankfully, entering the second trimester means it’s likely that you won’t experience as much nausea. That might not happen right away, though. If you’re not feeling better at 14 weeks, you can expect to find some relief from nausea soon.

Increased Energy

Many people feel more energized in the second trimester. That’s because hormones are stabilizing, and your baby isn’t growing as quickly as they were during the first trimester. If you do have more energy, now’s the time to embrace it. If you don’t have more energy yet, keep resting. You may have more in the coming weeks.

Increased Appetite

With more energy and less nausea, you may also feel hungrier. In the second trimester, experts recommend that you eat around 300 more calories per day than you normally would. To help with hunger, try to eat protein with most meals. It can help you feel full longer.

14 Weeks Pregnant Cramps

If you experience abdominal cramps, there could be a few different causes. As you move along in your pregnancy, it’s common to experience constipation, which can cause pain and discomfort.

Round ligament pain can also feel like cramping and often happens with movements such as turning over in bed. This pain occurs because ligaments around your belly must stretch to support your uterus during pregnancy.

The pain can feel quite sharp at times and move toward your groin. It’s alarming at first, but as long as it goes away, there’s generally nothing to worry about. But it’s important to tell your doctor or midwife about any pain you’re having.

No Symptoms

It’s common and normal for some people not to feel pregnant at 14 weeks. You could be one of the lucky people who don’t have noticeable symptoms, or maybe you did and they’ve gone away.

You also may not have a visibly pregnant belly at 14 weeks. Most people start to show around weeks 16 to 20.

Remember: Everyone is different, and not feeling pregnant isn’t a sign of a problem.

Your Body and Mind at 14 Weeks Pregnant

Here’s a look at other changes that may be occurring.

Nasal Congestion

During the second trimester, you may start to feel like you have a cold or allergies. The truth is that pregnancy hormones cause the blood vessels in your nose to open up and make more mucus. This can lead to a stuffy nose or even a nosebleed.

Gum Changes

Pregnancy hormones can also affect your gums. You might find that your gums are swollen and bleed more easily than in pre-pregnancy. Even though your gums are more sensitive right now, be sure to keep up with your oral hygiene routine.

Anxious Thoughts About Pregnancy and Childbirth

Now that the first trimester is over, you might find that you have more mental energy to worry. Common worries at this stage are about the risk of miscarriage, about feeling ready to have a baby, and even anxious thoughts about labor and delivery.

You may take some comfort in knowing that the risk of a miscarriage at 14 weeks is low. Most pregnancy losses happen in the first trimester.

No matter what is on your mind, it can help to get it off your chest. Talk to people you trust and your health provider about your nerves and anxious thoughts. Remind yourself to take pregnancy one day at a time.

Find ways to manage stress during pregnancy, including getting quality sleep, practicing self-care, and exercising.

Preparation and Tips at 14 Weeks Pregnant

During this stage of pregnancy, you’re probably planning ahead. You may be thinking about things like movement and even traveling.

Go for Monthly Prenatal Care Visits

In the second trimester, prenatal care visits continue about every four weeks for most people. During these visits, your doctor will check your blood pressure, weight, and the baby’s heartbeat.

You’ve likely had your first ultrasound during your first prenatal care visit, but it’s probably not yet time for another one. It’s not common to have a 14-week ultrasound.

Your next ultrasound, a midpregnancy ultrasound, usually occurs sometime between weeks 18 and 22. Your healthcare team will be able to see how well your baby is growing and assess your baby’s anatomy, including the brain, heart, spine, and kidneys

Consider Adding Exercise to Your Routine

Because you may be feeling more energy and less morning sickness, the second trimester is a good time to consider adding more movement to your routine. It’s important to discuss exercise with your doctor or midwife to ensure that you’re approved for regular exercise during pregnancy.

Exercise during pregnancy can have many benefits, including boosting your energy, managing stress, improving sleep, reducing constipation, and even preparing your body for labor and delivery.

Try low-impact activities like walking, yoga, or swimming. For more ideas, see these pregnancy-safe exercises.

Thinking About Traveling? Now’s the Time

The second trimester tends to be the easiest, and it’s the least likely time for a pregnancy-related emergency to occur. So, it’s known as the best time to travel while pregnant. If you’re planning a trip, follow these pregnancy travel tips to prepare.

Connect with Your Baby at 14 Weeks Pregnant

It may be helpful to reflect on how much you’ve accomplished in your pregnancy so far. This week’s activity, Take Pride, can help you do that.

Think about how much you’ve been doing: taking care of yourself and your growing baby, handling uncomfortable symptoms, and adapting to the stress of it all. Reflecting on things you’re proud of can help you feel grateful as you enter this next stage of your pregnancy.

What Others Are Talking About at 14 Weeks Pregnant

There’s lots of chatter from others in our community about this stage of pregnancy. Some are figuring out what exercise routines work for them, and others are trying to understand their symptoms.

Check out these conversations, and feel free to join in:

• Does Anyone Have Tips for Running or Working Out During Pregnancy?
• An Ob-Gyn Explains Pregnancy Discharge

Want to know more about your pregnancy week by week?

• Look ahead to 15 Weeks Pregnant.
• Go back to 13 Weeks Pregnant.