14 Weeks Pregnant: Symptoms and What to Expect

14 Weeks Pregnant: Symptoms and What to Expect

Your Growing Fetus at 14 Weeks

Your baby is roughly the size of a My Little Pony, weighing 1.52 ounces and is around 3.4″ tall.

  • You are into your second trimester! Congratulations, you have made it and your chance of miscarriage has been reduced significantly. So much growth is happening with your baby this week. New systems, muscles, organs and nerves are in motion for development.
  • Your baby has started swallowing small sips, now has sucking reflexes at work and some digestive development. Some physical attributes have now become more recognizable. Their neck is more distinct and his or her arms are now proportionate to the rest of their body. They may also have begun to grow hair. You have probably come to notice constant movement within you but get this, your baby is actually able to stand up straight in your womb.
  • You learned in week 10 that your baby’s heart is now beating. By week 14 it is now possible to hear your baby’s heartbeat. This is done with a tool with called a Doppler heart rate monitor. In simpler terms, a handheld machine that can measure the rate of your baby’s heart.
Pregnancy Superfood for Week 14

This week’s superfood is Kale! Kale is a versatile leafy green vegetable, incredibly low in calories and incredibly high in nutritional value. It’s high in calcium, vitamins K and C, and fiber. It has detoxifying benefits and offers support for immune and healthy bone development. From simply blending some in your smoothie to salads and stir-fry, there so many ways to incorporate kale into meals and snack packs. See below for recipe suggestions.

One of my personal favorite ways to eat kale is crispy, like chips. It is an easy recipe that requires little effort or ingredients.

  • Simply cut the kale, ensuring to cut off the stems. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Bake at 350 degrees for 5-11 minutes depending on your personal crunch preference.

Kale Tabbouleh Salad

  • ⅔ cup fine bulgur
  • 3 tablespoons lemon juice for dressing
  • 1 shallot finely diced
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 ¼ teaspoons sea salt
  • ½ cup EVOO ( extra virgin olive oil)
  • 1 bunch kale, stems removed, should be about 5 cups
  • 2 large ripe tomatoes diced or roughly 2 cups of cherry tomatoes
  • ½ cup mint leaves cut
  • ½ cup diced radish
  • A dash of black pepper, to taste

Simply cut the kale, ensuring to cut off the stems. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Bake at 350 degrees for 5-11 minutes depending on your personal crunch preference.

Vegetarian Kale Soup Recipe

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons chopped garlic
  • 1 bunch kale, stems removed and leaves chopped
  • 8 cups water
  • 6 cubes vegetable bouillon
  • 1 (15 ounces) can diced tomatoes
  • 6 white potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 2 (15 ounces) cans cannellini beans (drained if desired)
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons dried parsley
  • A dash of salt and pepper, you may add more later to suit your palate.

Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot; cook onion and garlic together until soft. Add the kale and cook until wilted, this should take about two to three minutes. Stir in water and vegetable bouillon to make a tasty broth. Your final step is to add the remaining vegetables and seasoning. Finally, simmer soup on medium heat for 25 minutes, or until potatoes are cooked through. Salt and pepper to taste.

Top Tip for Week Fourteen

You may notice a boost of energy as your hormones begin to level out some this week. A good way to take advantage of this new found energy is to find a mild to moderate work out regimen. Brisk walking is a great activity it takes minimal effort and you can set your own pace and distance based on your body’s needs.

Doing so can help to alleviate cramping and discomfort. It may also help you to sleep better, feel happier and help you build stamina that may be beneficial for delivery. It is recommended to get around 150 minutes of exercise a week.

Inspirational Message of the Week from Already Moms

“If I had to live my life over, instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I’d have cherished every moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle.”
-Erma Bombeck

Big Efforts from your Co-Creator

Dads, remember this time is not exactly about you. Be sure to make your partner feel important and comfortable for the journey she is taking to bring your unborn child into the world. Consider her fears and doubts as well as her changing body with all its aches and pains.

Moms, during this time Dad can feel left out or uninvolved in this process. While it is true they are not physically affected by the phenomena occurring inside you, they are a part of your growing family. They deserve to feel involved and included in decision making. Feel free to educate him, express to him how you are feeling. Having an open line of communication can bring you closer together and can one day set a good example for your baby of what it means to have a healthy and functional partnership and relationship.

This Art of Allowing

Your body is changing and so is your life, with this will come the need to make some adjustments to your routine as well as both your eating and sleeping habits. A less obvious action we often overlook is slowing down. Making sudden movements can cause sharp unpleasant pains.

It is important to remember to move slowly and stay calm. There is no need to rush around in a panic. You have done everything you can to educate yourself. You have pushed yourself to be healthier and more selfless in an effort to give your baby the best, right from the start. In following suit, taking it slow and easy is completely acceptable despite your urge to be prompt and efficient.

There are some foods to avoid if you have not already cut them out. Unpasteurized milk and dairy products contain high amounts of active cultures. While under normal circumstances these can be beneficial to digestion and immune support, during pregnancy they can cause serious birth defects and illnesses to your fetus.

Also be sure avoid foods high in Vitamin A as the same rule applies. Steer clear of other cheese products such as those mold ripened or blue vein cheese, some examples include brie and gorgonzola. For days we rush around unable to find time to eat healthy well-balanced meals and snacks, remember it is ok to eat ready-made meals so long as they cooked thoroughly to avoid the risk of illness or contamination.

Pregnancy Symptoms of Week Fourteen

This week has brought about several changes for both you and baby. One of the most predominant changes you may have noticed revolves around your symptoms. There is some great news for you waiting around the corner. For example, your morning sickness may have subsided some. You may have an increased appetite which can be great for helping you feel like a person again, and give your body the sustenance it needs to rebuild itself after accommodating your growing fetus.

Stomach Pains: You may notice more intense stomach pains, this is because your uterus is in motion to prep your body for further growth and eventually delivery.

Pelvic Position: Your uterus has gone from the pelvic region up to the lower abdominal region.

Increased Breast Size: Your breasts will be larger and may experience some tenderness. This is your body’s way of preparing itself to give your baby everything he or she will need for the first months.

Bladder Control: You may also experience a greater sense of bladder control. Your baby’s location has shifted some, relieving some pressure from your bladder and bowels.

Increased Vaginal Discharge: You may notice an increase in discharge, this is your body’s way of cleansing itself and ridding itself of toxins and extra hormones produced during these changes.

Tight or Itchy Skin: As your baby is rapidly growing, skin is stretching and molding to a new form. You may experience itching some itching or tightness. Keeping a safe and natural skin moisturizer to apply liberally can be a really helpful tool for maintaining your skins beauty, health and comfort.

Relief and Increased Energy: One of the most enjoyable symptoms you may encounter is some relief from anxiety. Now that you know you have made it to the second trimester you may be feeling more confident in your baby’s development and your body’s ability to house your growing baby. This can help you feel more positive and even excited about your changing life and body.

Your Body will Change and It’s Necessary

You will notice this week with your extra boost of energy comes the hard-hitting desire to constantly snack. You may notice the desire to eat is much more prevalent than previous weeks, and you may justify by eating for two. However, this is not necessary.

It is important to remember during this stage you only need to add roughly 200 calories to your daily diet in order to maintain your health and your baby’s. It is important also to remember weight gain is normal and now is not the time to try dieting.

Your baby has grown enough that your body is now well aware of the being you are creating. Your womb is rapidly stretching to accommodate the baby and this is causing quite a bit more tension and spasms in your abdominal muscle group.

You will most likely notice much sharper pains in your stomach, with pain probably occurring on each side. This is quite normal and should not be a reason for alarm. However if you notice cramping that is unbearable, frequent or long-lasting consult your healthcare provider or midwife as this can mean there are more serious problems that may occur.

Our Recommended Remedy for Week 14

Now that you are safely in your second trimester herbs are much safer to use. There are still some such as sage or rosemary that should be avoided. To help aid in digestion and comfort there are several teas and herbs available for consumption safe to use at this stage of pregnancy. It is important to note, although these and other herbs are safe, they should still be taken in moderation.

Ginger: is a root that is often used to help with acid reflux and digestion. It has calming effects that are great to aid in relief from morning sickness.

There are several ways to ingest this herb, from capsules and teas to candies. Drinking or swallowing at this point can seem as though it would only cause more disruption for your stomach. A great alternative to consider is the ginger candy. While you are feeling sick, sucking on something can actually reduce nausea and the sugar absorption displaces your brain’s focus on feelings of nausea. Meanwhile, all this is taking place the ginger is working its soothing magic.

Echinacea: is a flower that has properties well known for immune support and to aid in digestion. It is important to keep up with immunity boosts as your body and your baby are more susceptible to common cold and flu viruses. Though there is not a candy option Echinacea is available in capsule and tea form.

Eucalyptus: In small doses, this therapeutic plant not only smells great but can offer some calming and healing benefits to your body, mind, and soul. This comes in oil form only and should not be ingested. It has clarifying properties that can clear your sinuses allowing you deeper breaths, giving the baby a greater oxygen supply.

Lavender and Chamomile: These flowers are both great for calming effects, better sleep and a lower blood pressure. Keep in mind too much consumption can cause adverse effects such as acid reflux and indigestion as well as sluggishness from a lowered heart rate. They smell great and are available to make tea or as oils for aromatherapy.

Our Best Advice to Soothe The Uncomfortable

Sleeping comfortably at this stage is becoming harder. It is important to remember your position during your sleep cycle can have a significant impact on the well-being and development of your baby. Sleeping on your stomach is now no longer possible as your bump has grown significantly this week. You resort to your back and side.

Keep in mind sleeping on your back can cause stillborn so it is recommended that you sleep on your side. You can switch sides to give you more comfort. Additionally, there are body and pregnancy pillows that are shaped to hug and support your body. This can alleviate some pressure and strain put on your muscles and organs ensuring you a more restful and comfortable night’s sleep.

For relief of comfort during the day consider taking a warm bath. If you are not at home or able to do so. Try keeping a heating pad at your desk on the lowest setting to prevent injury and provide you with some pain relief.

Creating Memories for Your Soon to Be
  • Pregnancy is an exciting time that brings about such joy, and discomfort. Keeping your eye on the prize may be your greatest motivation to keep your grace and wits about you.
  • Make this time as fun and enjoyable as possible for both you and your partner. You may want to document this journey for your little one to have.
  • He or she can always know how greatly anticipated they really were. A perfect way to do so this week and the coming weeks is to take photographs.
  • Document your rapidly growing stomach so your child can visually reflect upon the journey you embarked on, your first adventure together.
Preparation for Motherhood

You have anticipated the arrival of your baby for a few months now and have already done so much preparation for your new arrival. There is still a waiting period, although your due date is quickly approaching. So what can you do to ensure you will be ready when your baby comes? It’s true that you will never feel fully prepared.

  • You will be worried about the well being of your baby and how your choices will affect them. However, there are steps you can take each week to help you feel better equipped and more prepared to be a parent.
  • One important step to consider is Dental hygiene. We all know the importance of good dental habits such a regular brushing and flossing. You may not realize, however, during pregnancy it becomes more important to maintain a healthy mouth. Due to the increased circulation, you may experience, your gums are swollen and left susceptible to infection. Brushing your teeth after eating or snacking and regularly using mouthwash can help prevent harmful infection.
  • The next step to take if you have not already is to tell the other children in your house. Helping siblings to prepare for the responsibility of being an older sibling can be confusing as well as exciting. It is important that your other children are given the assurance they will still be loved and the opportunity to voice their concerns or questions.
  • The third step in your to-do list this week is looking into your health care. Find out if there are changes you will need to make to guarantee your baby receives care, know what kind of care and stipulations come with your policy and how you can get the best care for you, your family and your new baby.

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