Pregnancy at week 14

Your baby

By 14 weeks, your baby’s organs have formed, and their face is becoming more recognisable, with a longer neck and fully developed eyes and eyelids, although their eyelids will stay shut for now.

Your baby’s reflexes have also started working – if you were to touch their hands or feet, they would curl or close. Their fingers and toes are also beginning to grow tiny nails.

Your baby is now forming their red blood cells in their spleen. By the third trimester, their bone marrow will take over this process and this is where these important cells, which carry oxygen around the body, will be created for the rest of your baby’s life.

Your body

The second trimester is when many women start to feel more energetic and active. Hopefully any morning sickness you might have experienced is disappearing by now.

Your 'baby bump' might start to become more noticeable. Your breasts may be getting larger and may already be making colostrum; a type of early breast milk that is thick, sticky, and often yellowish in colour. An absorbent nursing pad can be worn.

You might also notice new moles or skin tags developing on your body. These are nothing to worry about, but chat to your doctor or midwife if they’re bothering you.

Things to remember

If you were fit and active before you fell pregnant, it's OK to carry on with a light to moderate exercise. Exercise doesn't have to be strenuous to be beneficial — any physical activity is better than none! Exercising has many benefits during pregnancy and is also good for your mood. Chat to your doctor or midwife about what's best for you.

When you're pregnant, you need more sleep than usual, however as your pregnancy develops, the physical changes to your body, including your growing bump and other pregnancy symptoms, can disturb your sleep. Insomnia can be very frustrating. You can try to make yourself more comfortable by sleeping on your side or putting a pillow between your knees and under your bump for more support.

Resources and support

Speak to your doctor, midwife or obstetrician if you have questions about your pregnancy.

Pregnancy, Birth and Baby also has more information on:

• maternity care in Australia
• having a healthy pregnancy
• exploring the anatomy of pregnancy and birth
• checkups, screenings, scans and tests you can have during your pregnancy
• common conditions you might experience during your pregnancy
• looking after your mental health and wellbeing

Speak to a maternal child health nurse

Call Pregnancy, Birth and Baby to speak to a maternal child health nurse on 1800 882 436 or video call. Available 7am to midnight (AET), 7 days a week.