You have entered your 14th week of pregnancy and your body has by now adjusted to the changes brought about by pregnancy. The annoying symptoms of first trimester start waning by now. Although the critical stages in the development journey of your baby has come and gone, still it is of extreme importance that you take care of your diet. And this piece will tell you what to expect when you are 14 weeks pregnant.
What Are the Pregnancy Symptoms at 14 Weeks?
By this time, you will be gaining back your energy levels and feeling much brighter and livelier. The annoying symptoms of first trimester must have started waning by now. In case you are still continuing with the symptoms of nausea or vomiting, it is better to consult your midwife or general practitioner. The second trimester is often the easiest phase of pregnancy. This is a good time when you can enjoy sound sleep and your bump is also not big enough to create much discomfort. Ensure to make the most of the second trimester by engaging in activities such as walking, swimming and low-impact aerobic exercise.
How Does Your Baby Grow When You’re 14 Weeks Pregnant?
Many big developments in your baby’s growth occur in this week. She/He can now do the actions of squinting, frowning, and grimacing. She/He can also pee and even suck her/his thumb. Due to impulses from brain, your baby is now able to change facial expressions quite easily. Now urine is being produced by her/his kidneys, which she/he passes into the amniotic fluid surrounding her/him. She/He will do this until birth. Your baby grasp is also developed and you may find her/his sucking her/his thumb during an ultrasound.
The length of your baby is now 3-1/2 inches from crown to rump and the weight is 1-1/2 ounces, about the size of a lemon. During this time, the body of your baby is growing at a faster rate than her/his head and a more distinct neck is now formed. By the end of 14th week, her/his arms would grow in proportion to the length of her/his body. Lanugo, which is a downy, ultra-fine covering of hair, starts developing on her/his entire body by now. During this week, your baby’s liver starts producing bile and her/his spleen starts helping in the formation of red blood cells. Your baby’s hands and feet measuring around ½ inch in length become more active and flexible during this week.
You can watch this video and get more information about how your baby grows when you are 14 weeks pregnant:
How Does Your Life Change When You’re 14 Weeks Pregnant?
Your second trimester has started. By now you feel more energetic. Your breasts feel less tender and your symptoms of nausea may have completely vanished by now. However, some females may continue with the symptoms of nauseas and queasiness during the second trimester.
The upper portion of your uterus is now a little bit above your pubic bone. This may cause your tummy to push out a bit. You may be thrilled as you are now starting to show the signs of a baby you and your partner have been waiting for. Utilize this amazing time to plan, daydream and enjoy your motherhood. Try to focus on the health of both yourself and your baby, keep aside all worries and plan for the future that lays ahead.
What About Diet at 14 Weeks Pregnancy?
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Foods |
Descriptions |
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Calorie |
During this week, you require to eat around 340 calories more each day in comparison to your calorie needs before you were pregnant. Apart from needing extra calories, you also need extra nutrients. Hence, you should focus on including foods that are rich in nutrients such as fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and low fat dairy. |
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Protein |
Protein is required by every cell of both your body and your baby’s body. In the second trimester, you need to eat increased amounts of protein as the growth of your baby is going to be rapid now. The required amount of protein that you need to consume is 0.5 g per pound of your ideal pre-pregnancy weight along with an additional 25 g. |
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Vitamin and minerals |
Some of the nutrients that are highly important to be included in your diet are folate, vitamin A, iron and calcium. According to the recommendations by the Institute of Medicine, you should be taking 600 micrograms of folate, 770 micrograms of vitamin A, 27 mg of iron and 1,000 mg of calcium each day. You should include foods that rich in these nutrients in your diet including spinach, broccoli, lentils, orange juice, poultry, red meat, soybeans, spinach, iron-fortified cereals and dried beans. |
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DHA |
DHA is a type of omega-3 fatty acid, which plays an important role in the development of your baby during the later months. It is required for the development of vision and brain. To ensure optimal development, you should eat at least 200 to 300 mg of DHA each day. Some of the foods rich in DHA are seafood including salmon, catfish and canned tuna. You should eat 8-12 ounces of seafood each week during your pregnancy. However, avoid fish high in mercury content such as swordfish, tilefish, king mackerel and bass. |
What Can You Do When You’re 14 Weeks Pregnant?
1. Eat Properly and Exercise Accordingly
It is extremely important that you eat properly and do exercise in accordance with your state of pregnancy. This is not the time to go on any sort of diet even if you feel that you have gained excess weight. Dieting at this stage may starve your baby of the essential nutrients that she/he requires for healthy growth and development. Discuss with your doctor regarding beginning an exercise routine. At this stage, it is important for you to eat small portions of food regularly at short intervals throughout the day.
2. Find a Prenatal Exercise Class
If you have not been able to exercise in the first trimester due to annoying symptoms of nausea and vomiting, now is an excellent time to begin a regular workout routine. You can join a prenatal exercise class for better motivation. This will also help you to bond with and get emotional support from other pregnant females. Some options that you can try include prenatal yoga, pilates, and water exercise. You can also join a walking group or a dance class specifically designed for pregnant females.
3. Do Not Worry About More Moles on Your Body
Many pregnant females develop moles on their bodies for the first time in their life. The moles already present may also undergo a change during pregnancy. Though these changes may be related to pregnancy, still it is recommended to get new or changing moles to be checked by a physician.
4. Tips for Your Partner
During this stage of pregnancy, many females are bogged down by fatigue. She may need to rest after she gets home from work or from running errands. If you have other children before this, you can play with them till the time your partner is sleeping. You can also help her prepare dinner or do it completely yourself to surprise her.