Pregnancy Week 14

What’s your baby up to?

This week, your baby is about the size of a lemon, weighing about 43g and measuring about 8.7cm from crown to rump.

Your baby’s facial features are well developed, and his neck is also formed. Your baby’s skin is still translucent, his blood vessels and bones are clearly visible through his skin.

Your baby has started swallowing amniotic fluid, which his already functioning kidneys release as urine.

Around now, the liver and pancreas are secreting fluids. The liver secretes bile, which will be used for the digestion of fat, and the pancreas secrete insulin.

How are you feeling?     

By the 14th week of pregnancy, some women notice changes in their skin. An example is skin pigmentation, which can cause some parts of the skin to appear darker than others. This is known as chloasma or the mask of pregnancy, and it’s very common.

You may also experience sharp pains on both sides of your tummy especially when you move. This is called round ligament pain caused by your expanding uterus. It’s normally nothing to worry about, but have your doctor check it out if you think the pain is serious.

Some women report that their nipples leak. This is normal, and is because the breasts may have already started making colostrum. Colostrum is the fluid your baby feeds on for the first few days after birth.

What should you do this week? 

You are most likely in need of maternity clothes now. Be sure to read our guides on smart maternity shopping and maternity style must-haves.

As your bump starts to grow, it will be nice to make a bump timeline by taking pictures of your bump as it grows and grows over the weeks.

It is also a good idea to start learning how to sleep on your left side. Side sleeping is recommended in pregnancy as opposed to sleeping on the back or on the tummy. This is to avoid putting pressure on the veins that supply blood to your baby. The earlier you start getting used to it, the easier it will be for you to get comfortable in this position.

Keep up with gentle exercises: brisk walking, swimming, and yoga. Exercise doesn’t have to be a chore. Swimming is fun and highly recommended in pregnancy. Brisk walking is something you can easily incorporate into your daily life. Ditch the car, and walk to the church or to the market. You can also go to the shopping mall and do some window shopping round all the stores. How about taking a walk with your partner round your neighbourhood? It’s a nice way to bond and have quality conversations.

Finally, stay informed, healthy and inspired, by reading  Maternity Nest. Connect with other moms-to-be for moral support, by joining your Due Date Club in the The Nest.