The fetus is becoming more active and developing features that will be recognizable at birth. Fine hair called lanugo is covering the body, and the fetus is practicing "breathing" by inhaling and exhaling amniotic fluid. You may notice your bump growing more visibly now. Use our Due Date Calculator to track your timeline.
Key Takeaways
- At 14 weeks, your baby is about 8.5 cm long (the size of a lemon) and weighs roughly 43 grams
- Lanugo — a fine, downy hair — now covers the entire body and helps regulate fetal temperature
- The fetus is practicing breathing movements by inhaling and exhaling amniotic fluid
- The thyroid gland is producing hormones, and the palate (roof of the mouth) is fully formed
- Round ligament pain — brief, sharp pains in the lower abdomen — is common and normal this week
Your Baby This Week
Size: Lemon (about 8.5 cm, or 3.4 inches)
Weight: About 43 grams
- Lanugo: A fine, downy hair covering the entire body. It helps regulate temperature and will mostly disappear before birth.
- Breathing practice: The fetus moves the diaphragm in and out, inhaling amniotic fluid. This strengthens the muscles needed for breathing after birth.
- Facial expressions: More varied now, including sucking and swallowing motions
- Neck: Longer and more defined. The chin no longer rests on the chest.
- Thyroid gland: Producing hormones
- Roof of the mouth (palate): Fully formed
The fetus is also producing meconium, the dark, sticky substance that will be its first bowel movement after birth. Track your baby's growth with our Milestone Tracker.
Your Body
- Growing belly. The uterus is rising above the pubic bone and your bump is harder to hide.
- Round ligament pain. Sharp, brief pains in the lower abdomen or groin when you change position quickly.
- Thicker hair. Hormones slow the normal hair shedding cycle, making hair look fuller.
- Stuffy nose. Pregnancy rhinitis from increased blood flow to mucous membranes.
- Increased energy. The second-trimester boost is real for most people.
What to Do This Week
- Start sleeping on your side if you are not already. As the uterus grows, sleeping on your back can compress a major blood vessel (the inferior vena cava). Left side is often recommended, but either side is fine.
- Moisturize your belly. While stretch marks are largely genetic, keeping the skin hydrated can reduce itching as it stretches.
- Eat iron-rich foods. Your blood volume is increasing, and iron needs go up. Red meat, spinach, lentils, and fortified cereals are good sources. See our Pregnancy Diet & Nutrition Guide for a complete breakdown of what to eat.
Common Questions
Can the baby feel when I touch my belly?
The fetus can respond to pressure on the uterine wall, but it is a reflex at this stage, not a conscious response. Touching and rubbing your belly is perfectly safe and may become a bonding habit.
Why do I keep getting nosebleeds?
Increased blood volume and swollen blood vessels in the nasal passages make nosebleeds common during pregnancy. They are usually harmless. Keeping the inside of your nose moist with saline spray can help prevent them.
FAQ
What is lanugo and why does the baby grow it?
Lanugo is a fine, soft hair that covers the fetus from around week 14. It helps regulate body temperature in the womb and plays a role in holding the vernix caseosa (a protective waxy coating) against the skin. Most lanugo disappears before birth, though some premature babies are born with it.
Why do I feel sharp pains in my lower belly at 14 weeks?
These are likely round ligament pain — brief, sharp twinges in the lower abdomen or groin caused by the rapid stretching of the ligaments that support the uterus. They are triggered by sudden movements, standing up quickly, or sneezing. Round ligament pain is normal and harmless.
Should I start sleeping on my side at 14 weeks?
Yes. As the uterus grows, sleeping on your back can compress the inferior vena cava (a major blood vessel), reducing blood flow to the heart. Either side is fine, though the left side is slightly preferred for optimal blood flow. A pregnancy pillow can make side sleeping more comfortable.
Is it safe to eat iron-rich foods every day during pregnancy?
Yes — iron intake is important throughout pregnancy. Your blood volume increases by up to 50%, and your iron needs rise to support fetal development. Recommended daily iron intake during pregnancy is 27 mg (WHO). Good sources include lean red meat, spinach, lentils, tofu, and fortified cereals.
What does the baby's skin look like at 14 weeks?
At 14 weeks, the skin is still thin, translucent, and covered in fine lanugo hair. Blood vessels are clearly visible underneath the skin. The skin will become thicker and more opaque as fat accumulates in the coming weeks.
Related Articles
- Pregnancy Week-by-Week Overview — see the full timeline
- Pregnancy Week 15: Bones and Hearing — what comes next
- Fetal Development Trimester Guide, your baby's development
Sources
🔧 Helpful Tools
- Due Date Calculator — Calculate your estimated due date
- Contraction Timer — Track your contractions during labor
- All Baby Tools — Browse all free tools for pregnancy and baby care