How Your Baby Grows During the Fourteenth Week
The baby is now the size of a man's fist and has a crown-to-rump length of 3 1/2 to 4 inches. He will also weigh about 1 ounce, and even at such a small weight and size, looks very recognizable. His neck is growing longer, and his chin is becoming more pronounced.
The baby is receiving all his nourishment from the placenta now, which is fully functioning, even though it isn't yet full size. The placenta attaches to the uterine wall and the umbilical cord is what attaches the placenta to the baby. After the baby is born, his placenta is also shed from the wall of the uterus and expelled.
What the Mother Feels During the Fourteenth Week
While not every mother will need true maternity clothes yet, you may find that you're shifting your wardrobe around a bit. Jeans or tight-fitting slacks and skirts may no longer be comfortable to wear.
In a first pregnancy, you may not yet be showing enough for strangers to notice. In subsequent pregnancies, however, the growing uterus will be more obvious sooner. If you haven't announced your pregnancy yet, you may start thinking about how to do so.
You might begin noticing some skin changes, which are common during pregnancy. This is often the time expectant mothers may notice the first signs if linea nigra, a dark line down the stomach, or darkening of the breast areola.
If you haven't yet visited the dentist, you will want to be sure to do that at least once during your pregnancy. Gum infections during your pregnancy can put you at a higher risk for pre-term labor, so good dental hygiene is important. You may notice that your gums are more sensitive, and prone to bleeding - a common occurrence that is thought to be caused by the increase in blood flow, and pregnancy hormones.
Resources:
The Pregnancy Book: Month-by-Month by Dr. Sears
Your Pregnancy Week by Week by Lesley Regan
The Complete Book of Pregnancy and Childbirth by Sheila Kitzinger
Note: The information contained on this website is not intended to take the place of medical advice. Any attempt to diagnose or treat a condition should come under the direction of a qualified practitioner.
