14 weeks pregnant

The weight gain begins.

Boy, girl — or a big surprise? There are pros and cons of each side. A word of caution: If you want to keep your baby's sex a secret, let your provider and the ultrasound technician know right away so they don't inadvertently blurt it out in the middle of an ultrasound exam or while reviewing your test results. Under certain circumstances (for example, if you're older than 35 or if your screening tests indicate a potential issue), your doctor may discuss amniocentesis with you.

Amniocentesis is a test usually done between 15 and 18 weeks that can detect abnormalities in a fetus, such as Down syndrome. During this test, a very thin needle is inserted into the amniotic fluid surrounding the baby in the uterus and a sample of the fluid is taken and analysed. Amniocentesis does carry a very slight risk of miscarriage, so talk to your doctor about your concerns and the risks and advantages of the test.

Your baby is now the size of a...

Peach. By this week your baby will be about 3.5 inches long and he will be able to move his facial muscles making all sorts of different expressions, frowning and squinting. His kidneys are now producing urine and he can urinate. Now that his body is starting to grow faster than his head he will take on a more balanced appearance. His arms are growing now and will be more in proportion with his body.

Although you still can’t feel your baby’s movements he is more active and has become more controlled and fluid, making the most of the space he has to move around. He is growing a soft covering of downy hairs called lanugo which will cover his whole body; this will be replaced by fat later in the pregnancy and will fall out prior to delivery. Your baby’s genitals are now fully developed. His little body is now making red blood cells and thyroid hormones as well as meconium (waste).

Pregnancy symptoms at 14 weeks

Increased energy, thicker & shinier hair (one of the FEW good pregnancy symptoms) and an increased appetite,

Tips and advice for pregnancy at 14 weeks

14 weeks is usually the time at which weight gain speeds up rapidly. Pay extra attention to your diet from now on. It is wise to start a prenatal exercise routine at this stage.

Before you start any exercise or make any changes to your diet, be sure to consult your doctor.