Your baby is practicing expressions! At 14 weeks, the facial muscles are developed enough for the fetus to squint, frown, and even grimace. Though these aren't emotional responses yet, it's a critical neurological workout. Furthermore, a fine, downy hair called lanugo is beginning to cover the entire body to keep it warm.
🍼 What's Happening With Your Baby
Now the size of a peach, your baby's neck is lengthening, lifting the head off the chest and giving the fetus a much more human proportion.
The spleen is taking over the production of red blood cells from the liver. The kidneys are fully functional, filtering the amniotic fluid the baby swallows and turning it back into urine.
The external genitals are now fully differentiated. A boy will have a distinct penis and prostate gland, and a girl's ovaries have already moved down into her pelvis.
🤰 What You're Feeling This Week
You might notice your appetite roaring back with a vengeance. Now that the nausea has subsided, your body is demanding the calories it needs to fuel this rapid growth phase.
Your immune system is naturally suppressed during pregnancy to prevent your body from rejecting the fetus. This makes you more susceptible to common colds and sinus congestion, often exacerbated by increased blood volume swelling the nasal passages (pregnancy rhinitis).
Varicose veins might start appearing on your legs. The increased blood volume, combined with the heavy uterus pressing on pelvic veins, causes blood to pool in the lower extremities.
The Lanugo Coat
Because your baby hasn't yet developed the insulating layer of subcutaneous fat, the body sprouts a coat of ultra-fine, downy hair called lanugo. This helps the waxy vernix stick to the skin, protecting it from the amniotic fluid.
✅ What To Do This Week
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Invest in a pregnancy pillow — As side-sleeping becomes mandatory, a U-shaped or C-shaped pregnancy pillow can provide crucial support for your back, hips, and growing belly.
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Look into childbirth classes — Popular classes fill up quickly. Research options in your area (like Lamaze, Bradley Method, or hypnobirthing) and book your spot for the third trimester.
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Avoid crossing your legs — To minimize the risk of developing painful varicose veins, avoid standing for long periods, elevate your feet when sitting, and avoid crossing your legs.
"Your blood volume has increased by nearly 50%. Your heart is working harder than it ever has, pushing life into the placenta. You are quite literally a force of nature."
— A Note From Your Body, Week 14