14 Weeks Pregnant: Second Trimester, Weight Gain & Symptoms

14 Weeks Pregnant: Second Trimester, Weight Gain & Symptoms

Welcome to the second trimester. At 14 weeks pregnant, your baby is about the size of a nectarine and is starting to make facial expressions. For many people, this is when nausea and tiredness ease, and pregnancy starts to feel a little more comfortable.

Baby's size
About the size of a nectarine (8 to 9cm, around 45g)
Milestone
The second trimester begins
How you might feel
More energy, a bigger appetite and a growing bump
This week
Learn about healthy weight gain

What's happening this week

Your baby's movements are becoming smoother and more fluid, though it'll be a few weeks before you can feel them.

Face

Making expressions

Your baby can squint and frown, and their mouth makes little sucking and chewing movements. It opens in response to touch, an early sign of the reflex they'll use to feed.

Body

Stretching out

Your baby's body is straightening, and their neck is getting longer and stronger. Fine, soft hair called lanugo is starting to grow on their body.

Inside

Practising

Your baby swallows small amounts of amniotic fluid, which their kidneys pass back out as urine. The genitals have formed, though they're usually hard to see on a scan yet.

Symptoms at 14 weeks pregnant

The second trimester is often called the honeymoon phase. Your uterus is rising out of your pelvis, so you may need to wee less often, and your breasts may feel less tender. A few symptoms can still pop up:

  • A growing bump. You may start to show, and your clothes may feel snug.
  • A bigger appetite. As nausea fades, you may feel hungrier. That's normal, and your body needs a little more energy now.
  • Round ligament pain. Sharp twinges on one or both sides of your tummy when you move, sneeze or cough. Moving slowly and resting help.
  • Skin changes. Darker patches on your face or a line down your belly are common, especially if you have darker skin. Sunscreen helps stop them getting darker, and they usually fade after birth.
  • Bleeding gums. Hormones make gums more sensitive to plaque. Brush gently twice a day, floss daily and see your dentist.

See your GP or go to your nearest emergency department if you have bleeding, strong or ongoing pain, or a gush of fluid from your vagina.

How much weight should you gain?

Healthy weight gain in pregnancy depends on your weight before you were pregnant. It includes your baby, the placenta, amniotic fluid, extra blood and fluid, growing breasts and some fat stores. Most of it happens from around 20 weeks onwards. Here's the general guide for a single baby.

Underweight before pregnancy
12.5 to 18 kgBMI under 18.5
Healthy weight before pregnancy
11.5 to 16 kgBMI 18.5 to 24.9
Overweight before pregnancy
7 to 11.5 kgBMI 25 to 29.9
Obese before pregnancy
5 to 9 kgBMI 30 or more

Everyone is different, so talk to your doctor or midwife about what's right for you, especially if you're expecting twins.

Eating well in the second trimester

You don't need to eat for two. From now on, you need around 1,400 extra kilojoules a day, which is about one extra healthy snack. Focus on vegetables, fruit, wholegrains, lean protein and dairy or calcium-rich alternatives, and go easy on foods high in sugar, salt and saturated fat. Keep following food safety advice too.

Stay active

Aim for 150 to 300 minutes of moderate activity a week, such as walking, swimming or pregnancy yoga. If you're new to exercise, start gently and check with your doctor or midwife first.

Getting ready for the months ahead

With more energy, the second trimester is a great time to start preparing. Think about what will keep you comfortable as your bump grows, such as a supportive pregnancy pillow and gentle skincare. Our pregnancy checklist covers the essentials, so you can shop at your own pace.

Planning a babymoon?

The second trimester is often the most comfortable time to travel. Before you book, check with your doctor or midwife, look up your airline's pregnancy rules, and get travel insurance that covers pregnancy. On long trips, stay hydrated, move around often and wear compression stockings to lower the risk of blood clots.

Your to-do list for week 14

Helpful for this stage

The pregnancy listWhat you'll need to feel comfortableSee the list Pregnancy and birth booksReading for the months aheadShop books MaternityComfort essentials for pregnancyShop maternity

Week 14 FAQs

How much weight should I gain in pregnancy?

It depends on your weight before pregnancy. As a guide, people in the healthy weight range usually gain 11.5 to 16 kg. Your doctor or midwife can tell you what's right for you.

Do I need to eat more in the second trimester?

A little. You don't need to eat for two, but from the second trimester, your energy needs go up by around 1,400 kilojoules a day. That's roughly an extra healthy snack, such as a sandwich and a piece of fruit.

Is it safe to fly in the second trimester?

For most people with an uncomplicated pregnancy, yes, and it's often the most comfortable time to travel. Check your airline's rules, get travel insurance that covers pregnancy, and talk to your doctor before booking.

Why do my gums bleed when I'm pregnant?

Pregnancy hormones make your gums more sensitive to plaque, which can cause swelling and bleeding. Brush gently twice a day, floss daily and see your dentist, as check-ups are safe in pregnancy.

Can you find out the sex at 14 weeks?

Your baby's genitals have formed, but they're usually hard to see clearly on an ultrasound this early. NIPT can tell you the sex from 10 weeks, and it can often be seen at the 18 to 20 week morphology scan.

This article is general information and isn't a substitute for advice from your doctor or midwife.

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