Week 14 of Pregnancy

The Week I Popped (and Couldn't Poop)

So here we are: Week 14. You've officially made it to the second trimester. 🥳 I know, I know—it's not like someone handed you a trophy or a nap (both should be standard, honestly), but this week marks a turning point for many moms-to-be. The exhaustion from the first trimester might start to ease up, the nausea could be backing off, and—surprise!—your bump is probably making its debut. That little pooch pushing out? Yup, that's your uterus making moves, not just last night's pasta.

But let's be real: while some things are getting better, others are, well…less glamorous. Constipation is sneaking in like an uninvited party guest, your nipples are doing their own thing entirely, and the emotions? Still running the show. You might feel like you've hit your stride one day, only to have a hormonal meltdown over a commercial about paper towels the next. Been there. Week 14 is a mix of physical shifts, emotional surprises, and baby development milestones that will blow your mind—and I've got you covered on all of it.

What's Going On With Baby at Week 14: Lemon-Sized and Full of Sass 🍋

Your baby is now about 3.5 inches long and weighs around 1.5 ounces, putting them roughly in lemon territory—minus the sour attitude (for now). While you might not feel those baby kicks yet, your little one is basically throwing a dance party in there. Punching, kicking, stretching—baby is getting those muscles ready for prime time.

New tricks your baby's showing off this week:

• Baby's proportions are finally balancing out. The head is no longer comically huge compared to the rest of the body. Arms and legs? Lengthening like crazy.
• Facial expressions are in full effect. We're talking squints, frowns, and even some adorable lip puckers. No, they're not mad at you—they're just flexing those new face muscles.
• Organs are working overtime. The kidneys are producing urine, the liver's pumping out bile, and the spleen is helping make red blood cells. Basically, baby is clocking in at the office every day now.
• The placenta is a full-on VIP concierge. It's filtering waste, delivering nutrients, oxygen, proteins, vitamins, and fats—like the best kind of room service.
• Lanugo (fine baby hair) may start growing this week, forming a fuzzy little layer that protects baby's skin. Yes, your baby might look like a baby peach right now—and yes, that's adorable.

And while it's still too early to feel those movements, they're happening—so think of this as the calm before the adorable (and eventually kicky) storm.

What's Going On With You: Bumps, Bloat, and Body Surprises

If you've been feeling like "not pregnant, just puffy" for a few weeks, Week 14 is where that changes for a lot of us. This is the week many mamas "pop"—aka, your uterus moves above the pubic bone, and suddenly your belly is giving main character energy. 🫶

What to expect in your body:

• Belly bump alert. The uterus is rising, so even if it's small, your bump is probably visible now—especially if this isn't your first baby.
• Constipation is the worst. Slowed digestion from progesterone + iron-packed prenatals = a digestive system that is absolutely not on your team right now.
• Areola changes. They might be darker, wider, or more sensitive. Totally normal. Your body's prepping for breastfeeding like a champ.
• Vaginal discharge may increase. It's called leukorrhea (fun name, right?). It's your body's way of preventing infections.
• Hello, libido? Some women feel their sex drive come back in the second trimester. Others are still like, "Do not touch me unless you are bringing snacks." Both are valid.
• Mood shifts. Hormones are still surging. You might be crying over missing pickles and snapping at your partner because they dared breathe near you. This is the ride.

Let's Talk Poop: Constipation Fixes That Actually Work 💩

This might be the most under-discussed symptom of the second trimester: constipation that makes you feel like you're carrying twins—one baby, and one giant brick. I wasn't ready. But trust me, there are ways to help get things moving again.

Natural ways to outsmart the backup:

• Hydrate like it's your full-time job. Aim for 10 eight-ounce glasses of water a day. And yes, that means you'll live in the bathroom. It's worth it.
• Fiber-forward foods: Beans, lentils, pears, peas, flaxseed, and whole grains are your friends now. Oats and chia seeds? Magic.
• Gentle movement = serious magic. Walking, prenatal yoga, or light stretching can help kickstart digestion. Get things moving so things can move.
• Hot + cold drink trick. Try alternating cold water with a warm cup of tea (herbal, pregnancy-safe). It gets your system thinking.
• Talk to your OB. Don't suffer in silence. There are pregnancy-safe stool softeners, and they will change your life if nothing else works.

You're not gross, broken, or dramatic. Constipation during pregnancy is real and deserves attention, not shame.

Hunger Check: Are You Actually Eating for Two?

Your appetite may be ramping up this week, and let's be honest—it's tempting to interpret "eating for two" as "time to double the fries." But what you really need is around 300 extra calories a day—just enough to support baby's growth without overdoing it.

Smart snack ideas to keep you satisfied:

• Greek yogurt with fruit + granola
• Avocado toast with hard-boiled egg
• Trail mix with nuts, seeds, and dried fruit
• Hummus and raw veggies
• Smoothies with spinach, banana, and almond butter

And yes, the occasional donut is fine. Don't let food guilt ruin this journey. Nourishment > perfection.

It's Time: Start Your Baby Registry (Without Losing Your Mind)

Week 14 is the perfect time to dip your toes into the baby registry pool. You don't need to have everything figured out yet—but browsing, bookmarking, and fantasizing about swaddles? Totally fair game.

Tips to get started without overwhelm:

• Start online. Your ankles will thank you. Plus, it gives you time to research and review products.
• Break it up. Don't do it all in one go. Build your list in stages, and know it will evolve.
• Read real reviews. Skip influencer hype and check out what actual parents say—especially about long-term use.
• Bring a buddy. Whether it's your partner, your bestie, or a seasoned mom friend—they'll help you stay sane and realistic.
• Wait on gender-specific items (unless you already know). Keep things neutral until you're ready to go all-in on pink elephants or navy rockets.

This Week's To-Do List ✅

Keep it simple, mama. You're growing a whole human. Let's not pretend we're going to alphabetize the nursery just yet.