14 weeks pregnant

Baby’s growing like wild — they’re between 3 and 3.5 inches long, the size of a beet! Your baby’s weight will only increase even more as they begin to add fat to their skinny little frame over the next few months. And the fur-like lanugo covering most of their body will keep your little one warm until their baby fat comes in. 

Baby is also moving and wiggling in there, though you probably can’t feel it quite yet. By week 14, your little one can squint, frown, and even suck their thumb! And your baby’s liver, spleen, and kidneys continue to develop and function better every day. 

Another big development as you embark on the second trimester is Baby’s immune system. The beginnings of your little one’s immune system started developing weeks ago with early immune system cells.  They are now producing white blood cells, too, which will come in handy when your baby needs to fight infection on their own after birth. Your baby’s immune system will continue to develop for several months or years after birth, but they’re well on their way! Once they’re born make sure to follow guidance from their provider to stay on a recommended immunization schedule. 

What’s new with you?

The second trimester is worth celebrating! Most folks report this trimester to be the most enjoyable of their pregnancy. There are, of course, some new symptoms that may be popping up, like increased vaginal discharge or headaches. But sandwiched between the nausea of the first and adjusting to a very different, very pregnant body in the third, during the second trimester, there’s a good chance you may feel the most comfortable. Your breasts are going to continue to grow, but the soreness is likely to decrease, as will the fatigue. Doesn’t the second trimester sound lovely?

Round ligament pain is common during the second trimester too, which occurs when your growing womb puts added pressure on the ligaments running from your lower abdomen to your groin. It sounds simple, but one of the best ways to deal with round ligament pain is to give yourself time to rest and avoid sudden or quick movements. In the longer term, performing pregnancy-safe exercises to strengthen your body and back can also help you avoid round ligament pain. If, however, you feel intense pain in your abdomen, or if your pain doesn’t go away after resting, you should call your healthcare provider. 

As you move full steam ahead into trimester two, it’s important that you continue to care for yourself in ways that allow you to feel your best and promote a healthy pregnancy. It can help to stay active with movement or exercise that you enjoy, eat nutritious foods that help you feel satiated and good, and get enough rest. Continue to take your prenatal vitamins and any other supplements prescribed to you.