Week by Week Pregnancy: 14 Week Pregnant

At 14 weeks pregnant, your baby is around 8.5 centimetres from head to bottom and is roughly the size of a kiwi fruit. You are now in the second trimester, and your baby is continuing to grow rapidly. The head is becoming rounder and the body is gradually becoming more proportionate.

Your baby is moving and kicking inside the womb, although you will usually not be able to feel these movements yet. The kidneys are working too: your baby can swallow small amounts of amniotic fluid and pass it back into the amniotic fluid as urine.

The placenta continues to play a central role in supporting your pregnancy. It helps transfer oxygen and nutrients to your baby, removes waste products and produces hormones that help maintain the pregnancy. Meanwhile, you may notice that nausea and tiredness are beginning to ease and that your energy or appetite is increasing.

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Contents

• What Does 14 Weeks Pregnant Mean?
• Your Baby’s Development at 14 Weeks
• How Are Your Baby’s Head and Body Changing?
• Are Your Baby’s Kidneys Working at 14 Weeks?
• Does Your Baby Swallow Amniotic Fluid?
• What Is the Placenta Doing at 14 Weeks?
• Can You Feel Your Baby Move at 14 Weeks?
• What’s Happening in Your Body?
• What Can You See on an Ultrasound at 14 Weeks?
• 14 Weeks Pregnant Symptoms
• Frequently Asked Questions

14 Weeks Pregnant at a Glance

Week 14 in brief
Your baby is around 8.5 cm long and roughly the size of a kiwi fruit. Your baby is moving, the kidneys are working and amniotic fluid is being swallowed and passed as urine.

What Does 14 Weeks Pregnant Mean?

At 14 weeks, you are in the second trimester. Your baby is around 8.5 centimetres from head to bottom, and the body is continuing to develop a more proportionate appearance.

The head is becoming rounder, while the body continues to grow quickly. The arms, legs and other structures are developing further, and your baby is becoming increasingly active inside the womb.

Although your baby can move and kick at 14 weeks, it is usually still too early for you to feel these movements. Feeling your baby move generally happens later in pregnancy.

Your Baby’s Development at 14 Weeks

At 14 weeks, your baby measures around 8.5 centimetres from head to bottom. The head is becoming rounder, while rapid growth of the body gradually makes your baby’s overall appearance more proportionate.

The muscles and nervous system continue to develop, allowing your baby to move inside the womb. Kicking and other small body movements can occur, although you will usually not be able to feel them yet.

The internal organs are also continuing to develop and function. Your baby’s kidneys are working and producing urine. Small amounts of amniotic fluid can be swallowed, processed and eventually passed back into the amniotic fluid as urine.

How Are Your Baby’s Head and Body Changing?

Earlier in pregnancy, your baby’s head is very large in proportion to the rest of the body. By 14 weeks, the head is becoming rounder and the rapidly growing body is gradually becoming more proportionate.

This does not mean that development is complete. The brain, nervous system, muscles, bones and internal organs will continue to grow and mature throughout the rest of pregnancy.

On an ultrasound scan, the head, body, arms and legs are increasingly recognisable compared with the earliest weeks of pregnancy.

Are Your Baby’s Kidneys Working at 14 Weeks?

Yes. Your baby’s kidneys are working and producing urine at 14 weeks. This forms part of the fluid cycle taking place inside the womb.

Your baby swallows small amounts of amniotic fluid. The fluid is processed by the developing body, including the kidneys, and is eventually passed as urine back into the amniotic fluid.

The kidneys and urinary system will continue to grow and mature as pregnancy progresses.

Does Your Baby Swallow Amniotic Fluid?

Yes. At 14 weeks, your baby can swallow small amounts of amniotic fluid. The fluid passes into the digestive system and is eventually returned to the amniotic fluid as urine.

Amniotic fluid forms part of the protective environment surrounding your baby. It provides space for movement and plays several important roles as your baby continues to develop.

An important development at 14 weeks
Your baby is not simply getting bigger. Organ systems such as the kidneys are becoming increasingly active as development continues.

What Is the Placenta Doing at 14 Weeks?

The placenta plays a central role in supporting your baby throughout pregnancy. Attached to the wall of the womb and connected to your baby through the umbilical cord, it enables important exchanges between you and your baby.

Oxygen and nutrients pass to your baby through the placenta, while waste products such as carbon dioxide are transferred away. The placenta also produces hormones that help support and maintain pregnancy.

Your blood and your baby’s blood come very close together within the placenta, allowing substances to be exchanged without the two blood supplies normally mixing directly.

Can You Feel Your Baby Move at 14 Weeks?

Your baby is moving at 14 weeks, but you will usually not be able to feel these movements yet. Your baby can kick, move their arms and legs and change position inside the womb.

Some of these movements may be visible during an ultrasound scan. However, your baby is still small, so it usually takes more time before the movements become strong enough for you to notice.

Not feeling movement at 14 weeks is therefore not, by itself, a sign that something is wrong.

Your baby is moving even if you cannot feel it yet.
Movement may be visible on an ultrasound scan at 14 weeks, while the first movements you notice yourself usually come later in pregnancy.

What’s Happening in Your Body at 14 Weeks?

As you move further into the second trimester, your body continues to adapt to pregnancy. For some people, nausea and tiredness become less intense and energy levels begin to improve.

Your appetite may increase too. However, being pregnant does not mean that you need to double your portions or “eat for two”. A varied, balanced diet remains the priority.

Your breasts may continue to grow and feel tender. Some people may notice a small amount of yellowish fluid from the nipples. This can be colostrum, the first milk produced for your baby.

As your womb grows, you may also notice stretching or sharp sensations around the sides of your abdomen, sometimes described as round ligament pain.

Want to follow your baby’s development throughout pregnancy?
Read our Baby Development in the Womb guide for an overview of the major stages of development during pregnancy.

Next in Part 2
We’ll cover the 14-week ultrasound, your baby’s size, second-trimester symptoms, colostrum, round ligament pain, nutrition, vitamins, sleep positions, exercise and antenatal screening.

What Can You See on an Ultrasound at 14 Weeks?

At 14 weeks pregnant, your baby’s head, body, arms and legs can usually be clearly recognised on an ultrasound scan. Cardiac activity can be assessed, and you may see your baby moving, kicking or changing position inside the womb.

Your baby is around 8.5 centimetres from head to bottom. The head is becoming rounder, while the body continues to grow and become more proportionate.

By 14 weeks, your dating scan and some early pregnancy screening may already have been completed. In England, the NHS dating scan is generally offered between 10 and 14 weeks. The exact tests or scans you have at this stage depend on what has already been completed and the antenatal pathway offered to you.

Movement on an ultrasound does not mean you should be able to feel it yet.
Your baby may look very active during a scan at 14 weeks, while remaining too small for you to notice those movements yourself.

How Big Is Your Baby at 14 Weeks Pregnant?

At 14 weeks, your baby is around 8.5 centimetres from head to bottom and roughly the size of a kiwi fruit.

Measurements from the top of the head to the bottom are often described as crown-rump length (CRL). Your baby’s actual measurement may differ from weekly averages, so it does not need to match an online figure exactly.

Ultrasound measurements are interpreted by healthcare professionals alongside gestational age and other clinical information.

14 Weeks Pregnant Symptoms

At 14 weeks, some of the symptoms you experienced during the first trimester may begin to ease. Nausea and tiredness can become less intense, while your energy and appetite may increase. However, it is also normal for some early pregnancy symptoms to continue.

You may experience tender breasts, bloating, constipation, indigestion, heartburn, headaches or dizziness. As your womb grows, you may also notice mild stretching, pulling or sharp sensations around the sides of your abdomen.

Other pregnancy-related changes can include sensitive or bleeding gums, nosebleeds and an increase in vaginal discharge.

Is Colostrum at 14 Weeks Pregnant Normal?

Some people notice a small amount of yellowish or clear fluid leaking from their nipples during pregnancy. This can be colostrum.

Colostrum is the first milk your breasts produce for your baby. It is rich in nutrients and antibodies and is produced in preparation for feeding after birth.

You may notice colostrum during pregnancy, or you may not see any before your baby is born. Whether you leak colostrum during pregnancy does not predict how much milk you will produce after birth.

Not seeing colostrum is normal too.
Breast changes vary considerably during pregnancy. You do not need to see or leak colostrum at 14 weeks.

What Is Round Ligament Pain at 14 Weeks?

As your womb grows, the ligaments supporting it stretch. This can cause a short-lived pulling, aching or sharp sensation in the lower abdomen or around the sides of your tummy.

You may notice it when standing up quickly, turning over in bed, coughing, sneezing or making another sudden movement.

Mild discomfort that settles can occur as part of the normal physical changes of pregnancy. However, severe, persistent or worsening abdominal pain, or pain accompanied by bleeding, unusual discharge, fever or urinary symptoms, should be medically assessed.

What Should You Eat at 14 Weeks Pregnant?

A varied, balanced diet remains important during the second trimester. Include plenty of fruit and vegetables, suitable sources of protein, higher-fibre carbohydrates and pregnancy-safe dairy products or alternatives.

You do not need to “eat for two”. Even if your appetite is increasing, pregnancy does not mean doubling your portions. Focus instead on nutritional quality and variety.

Continue to follow UK pregnancy food-safety guidance. Some foods need to be avoided or limited during pregnancy because of the risk of infection or exposure to substances that could be harmful in high amounts.

Which Vitamins Are Important at 14 Weeks Pregnant?

The standard recommendation to take 400 micrograms of folic acid every day applies before pregnancy and during the first 12 weeks for most pregnancies. By 14 weeks, that standard early-pregnancy period has passed, although your individual advice may be different.

Vitamin D remains important during pregnancy. NHS guidance recommends a daily vitamin D supplement during pregnancy, although individual requirements can vary.

If you take a pregnancy multivitamin, check that it is suitable for pregnancy. Avoid supplements containing vitamin A in the form of retinol, as too much vitamin A can harm your baby.

If you have been prescribed folic acid or another supplement for a specific medical reason, continue to follow the advice of your GP, midwife or specialist rather than changing the dose yourself.

Does Your Sleeping Position Matter at 14 Weeks Pregnant?

As your pregnancy bump grows, you may find that your usual sleeping position becomes less comfortable. Pillows can help support your abdomen, back or legs while you sleep.

At 14 weeks, you do not need to worry if you wake up on your back. Advice about going to sleep on your side becomes particularly important later in pregnancy.

From 28 weeks, NHS guidance recommends going to sleep on your side, whether left or right. We will cover this in more detail in the later week-by-week guides.

Can You Exercise at 14 Weeks Pregnant?

If you feel well and have not been advised otherwise, staying physically active during pregnancy is generally encouraged. Walking, swimming and suitable pregnancy exercise are among the options you may consider.

If you were not active before pregnancy, avoid suddenly beginning strenuous exercise. Start gradually and adapt the intensity to your fitness and how you feel.

As a practical guide, you should still be able to hold a conversation while exercising. If you become breathless while talking, you may be exercising too intensely.

Stop exercising and seek appropriate advice if you develop concerning symptoms such as bleeding, significant pain, dizziness or feeling unwell.

What Antenatal Screening Might Be Relevant at 14 Weeks?

By 14 weeks, some of your early pregnancy scans and screening may already have been completed. What happens next depends on your previous appointments, the screening you have chosen and the maternity pathway offered in your area.

In England, the dating scan is generally offered between 10 and 14 weeks. If you choose screening for Down’s syndrome, Edwards’ syndrome and Patau’s syndrome, the type of screening offered depends partly on the stage of pregnancy.

If the combined screening test cannot be carried out because you are further along in pregnancy, NHS screening pathways may offer a different blood test for Down’s syndrome later in pregnancy. Your midwife or maternity team can explain which options apply to you.

You will also be offered further antenatal care during the second trimester, including an ultrasound scan later in pregnancy that looks in more detail at your baby’s physical development.

Next in Part 3
We’ll cover what can be normal at 14 weeks pregnant, when to seek medical advice, bleeding and abdominal pain, common myths, your week 14 checklist and frequently asked questions.

What Is Considered Normal at 14 Weeks Pregnant?

At 14 weeks, some first-trimester symptoms may be easing while others can continue. You may notice more energy or an increased appetite, but nausea and tiredness do not necessarily disappear as soon as you enter the second trimester.

As your womb grows, mild and short-lived stretching or pulling sensations around the sides of your abdomen can occur. Bloating, constipation, indigestion, heartburn, headaches, dizziness, tender breasts, sensitive gums and occasional nosebleeds may also continue or appear.

Your baby is already moving and kicking inside the womb, but it is usually still too early for you to feel these movements.

Not feeling movement at 14 weeks is expected.
Your baby can move and kick inside the womb even though these movements are usually still too small for you to notice.

How Can You Support a Healthy Pregnancy at 14 Weeks?

Healthy habits remain important throughout the second trimester. A varied diet, regular fluids, suitable physical activity and attending your antenatal appointments can all support your health during pregnancy.

• Aim for a varied, balanced diet.
• Drink fluids regularly throughout the day.
• Continue following UK pregnancy food-safety guidance.
• Avoid alcohol and smoking.
• Do not stop prescribed medicines without speaking to a healthcare professional.
• Check medicines, supplements and herbal remedies with a GP, midwife or pharmacist before taking them.
• Stay physically active if you feel well and have not been advised otherwise.
• Include pelvic floor exercises in your routine.
• Continue looking after your teeth and gums.
• Attend your antenatal appointments and any screening or scans you have chosen.

When Should You Seek Medical Advice at 14 Weeks Pregnant?

Pregnancy can cause many new sensations and physical changes, but some symptoms need medical assessment. Contact your GP, midwife, maternity service or NHS 111 as appropriate if you are concerned.

Seek medical advice if you experience:

• vaginal bleeding or spotting;
• severe, persistent or worsening abdominal or pelvic pain;
• abdominal pain that does not settle after resting;
• regular cramping or tightening;
• unusual vaginal discharge or fluid leaking from the vagina;
• pain or burning when urinating;
• pink, red or brown urine;
• a high temperature;
• severe dizziness, fainting or marked weakness;
• vomiting that prevents you from keeping food or fluids down.

Some symptoms need urgent medical attention.
Seek urgent help for very severe abdominal pain, heavy vaginal bleeding, shoulder-tip pain, severe dizziness, fainting or loss of consciousness.

Is Bleeding Normal at 14 Weeks Pregnant?

Bleeding during pregnancy does not always mean there is a serious problem, but it should be assessed. The amount and colour of the bleeding, how long it lasts and whether you also have pain or other symptoms can help healthcare professionals determine what may be happening.

Contact your maternity service or another appropriate healthcare professional if you experience bleeding during pregnancy. Seek urgent medical help if the bleeding is heavy or occurs with severe abdominal pain, shoulder-tip pain, severe dizziness or fainting.

Is Abdominal Pain Normal at 14 Weeks Pregnant?

Mild, short-lived abdominal discomfort can occur at 14 weeks. Stretching of the ligaments supporting your growing womb, constipation or trapped wind can all cause mild discomfort.

Pain that improves when you change position, rest, open your bowels or pass wind may be less concerning. However, severe pain or pain that does not settle after 30 to 60 minutes of rest should be medically assessed, particularly if you also have bleeding, regular cramping, lower back pain, unusual discharge or urinary symptoms.

Is It Normal Not to Feel Your Baby Move at 14 Weeks?

Yes. It is normal not to feel your baby moving at 14 weeks. Your baby is already moving inside the womb, but the movements may still be too small for you to notice.

According to NHS guidance, people usually begin to feel their baby move between 16 and 24 weeks of pregnancy. If this is your first baby, you may not notice movement until after 20 weeks.

You are therefore not expected to count or monitor your baby’s movements at 14 weeks.

Common Myths About 14 Weeks Pregnant

Your Week 14 Checklist

• Check your upcoming antenatal appointments.
• Keep track of any screening tests or scans offered to you.
• Continue with a varied, balanced diet.
• Drink fluids regularly throughout the day.
• Follow UK pregnancy food-safety guidance.
• Check that your medicines and supplements are suitable for pregnancy.
• Stay physically active if appropriate for your pregnancy.
• Include pelvic floor exercises in your routine.
• Continue looking after your teeth and gums.
• Know which symptoms require medical assessment.

Key Takeaway

At 14 weeks pregnant, your baby is around 8.5 centimetres from head to bottom and roughly the size of a kiwi fruit. Your baby is moving, the kidneys are working and small amounts of amniotic fluid can be swallowed and passed as urine. As the second trimester progresses, you may notice more energy, an increased appetite and a gradually more noticeable pregnancy bump.

Frequently Asked Questions

How big is your baby at 14 weeks pregnant?

At 14 weeks, your baby is around 8.5 centimetres from head to bottom and roughly the size of a kiwi fruit. Individual measurements can vary.

How many months is 14 weeks pregnant?

Fourteen weeks pregnant is commonly described as being around three months pregnant. Healthcare professionals usually track pregnancy in weeks because this is more precise.

Which trimester is week 14?

Week 14 is in the second trimester. Your baby continues to grow rapidly while some early pregnancy symptoms may begin to ease.

Does your baby move at 14 weeks?

Yes. Your baby can move and kick inside the womb at 14 weeks, and some of these movements may be visible during an ultrasound scan.

Can you feel your baby move at 14 weeks?

Usually not. The NHS says most people begin to feel their baby move between 16 and 24 weeks. If this is your first pregnancy, you may not notice movement until after 20 weeks.

Can cardiac activity be detected at 14 weeks?

Yes. Cardiac activity can usually be assessed during an ultrasound scan. A midwife or doctor may also be able to detect your baby’s heartbeat with a handheld Doppler, although this can depend on the circumstances and stage of pregnancy.

Can you tell your baby’s sex at 14 weeks?

The external genitals are developing, but it may still be too early to identify your baby’s sex reliably during a routine ultrasound scan at 14 weeks.

Should you have a pregnancy bump at 14 weeks?

Your pregnancy bump may become more noticeable around this stage, but there is no particular size your abdomen should be. When a bump appears varies between individuals.

Is colostrum normal at 14 weeks pregnant?

Some people may notice a small amount of yellowish or clear colostrum during pregnancy. Others will not notice any before birth. Both can be normal.

Can you have abdominal pain at 14 weeks?

Mild, short-lived discomfort can occur as your womb grows and its supporting ligaments stretch. Severe, persistent or worsening pain, particularly when accompanied by bleeding or other concerning symptoms, should be medically assessed.

What happens at 15 weeks pregnant?

During week 15, your baby continues to grow and develop, with further changes in the body, movement and developing senses. Your own body also continues adapting to the second trimester.

Related Guides

• 12 Weeks Pregnant
• 13 Weeks Pregnant
• Pregnancy Week Calculator
• Due Date Calculator
• Baby Development in the Womb

References

• NHS – 14 Weeks Pregnant
• NHS – Week-by-Week Guide to Pregnancy
• NHS – Your Baby's Movements
• NHS – Stomach Pain in Pregnancy
• NHS – Vaginal Bleeding in Pregnancy
• NHS – Healthy Diet in Pregnancy
• NHS – Vitamins, Supplements and Nutrition in Pregnancy
• NHS – Exercise in Pregnancy
• NHS – Tiredness and Sleep Problems in Pregnancy
• NICE – Antenatal Care

Medical information: This guide provides general information and is not a substitute for personalised medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Contact your GP, midwife or maternity service if you have concerns about your pregnancy or symptoms.