👶Your baby this week
Your baby is now about the length of a baby sock, roughly 8.5 centimetres from head to bottom and settling into the second trimester.
The placenta is in full swing, delivering oxygen and nutrients and clearing waste via the umbilical cord. Your blood and the baby’s blood come close in the placenta but do not mix.
The neck is lengthening so the head sits more upright, giving a straighter profile. Movements are smoother now, lots of gentle twists, stretches and kicks, though you won’t feel them just yet.
Hair follicles are beginning to form. Many babies start growing fine ‘peach-fuzz’ hair (lanugo) on the body, and some sprout early eyebrows or scalp hair.
External genitals are formed, though they can still be tricky to see clearly on scan at this stage.
Your baby is practising swallowing: small sips of amniotic fluid travel to the stomach, then the kidneys filter the fluid and it is passed back out as urine, a normal, ongoing cycle.
Inside the abdomen, the intestines are working away and beginning to produce meconium, the sticky first poo your newborn will pass after birth.
🌸Your body this week
As early sickness eases, energy and appetite may return. Even so, there’s no need to ‘eat for two’ right now, balanced, regular meals and healthy snacks are ideal.
The placenta is richly supplied with blood and is busy making pregnancy hormones. Increased circulation can make you feel warmer and may bring a healthy glow.
A few drops of yellowish fluid on the bra could be colostrum, the first milk. It’s harmless; mention any breast changes to a midwife or doctor if you is unsure.
Round ligament twinges on one or both sides of the lower belly can happen as the womb grows. They’re usually brief and settle with rest or slower movements.
Many people find that breast tenderness eases, though breasts may still be growing. A supportive, well-fitting bra can help day and night.
Nasal stuffiness, visible veins or mild swelling in the legs can appear as blood volume rises. Gentle activity and hydration often help.
💛Symptoms you might notice
Every pregnancy is different. These are common around week 14 — speak to your midwife if anything worries you.
Growing Appetite
With nausea fading, hunger may return. Keep blood sugar steady with regular, balanced meals and nutrient-dense snacks rather than large, heavy portions.
Bloating, Indigestion and Heartburn
Digestive muscles remain relaxed in pregnancy. Try smaller meals, eat slowly, stay upright after eating and limit rich, spicy or very acidic foods.
Round Ligament Pain
Sharp or achy twinges when getting up, turning or coughing are common. Change position slowly, support the bump when rolling and rest if aches flare.
Stuffy or Runny Nose
Extra blood flow to nasal tissues can cause congestion. A warm-mist humidifier, saline sprays and staying hydrated can ease symptoms.
Leg Cramps or Varicose Veins
Gentle calf stretches, walking, fluids and supportive footwear can help. Elevate the legs when resting; ask about support stockings if needed.
Dizziness
Stand up slowly and carry a light snack and water to steady blood sugar. Sit or lie down if you feel faint and mention frequent episodes to a healthcare professional.
Gum Sensitivity
Hormones can make gums swollen or bleed easily. Brush gently with a soft brush, floss carefully and choose alcohol-free mouthwash.
✨Tips for week 14
Eat Well, No Need to ‘Eat for Two’
Aim for colourful fruit and veg, whole grains, lean proteins and dairy or fortified alternatives. Choose healthy snacks between meals if hunger strikes.
Pelvic Floor Exercises
Strengthen the pelvic floor with gentle daily squeezes (imagine stopping mid-wee). Regular practice can help prevent leaks when you laughs, coughs or sneezes.
Sleep Positions
Early in pregnancy, any comfortable position is fine. From 28 weeks, it’s safest to fall asleep on your side. If you wake on your back, simply roll onto a side and go back to sleep.
Colostrum is Normal
Yellowish spotting in the bra may be early milk. Breast pads can keep you comfortable. Ask a midwife or GP about any breast changes that worry you.
Stay Active, Gently
Work towards 150 minutes of moderate activity a week if comfortable. Even a brisk ten-minute walk supports mood, sleep and digestion.
Hear the Heartbeat
Around this time, a midwife may be able to pick up the baby’s heartbeat with a handheld Doppler in some appointments, a lovely moment, though not always possible this early.
Vitamin D and Caffeine Limits
Continue a daily 10-microgram vitamin D supplement (especially October–March). Avoid alcohol, stop smoking and keep caffeinated drinks to a sensible minimum.
Talk it Out
Pregnancy can bring worries about relationships, work or money. Share concerns with a partner, trusted person or your midwife, support is available.