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Sign InWeek 14 — Let the Good Times Roll
Overall Pregnancy
Your Baby is About
lemon
Your baby is about 8.7cm — the size of a lemon — and weighs around 43 grams. Fine hair is beginning to grow all over the body, and the skin is thin but getting thicker every week. Facial muscles are developing, meaning your baby can now squint, frown, and even grimace. The sex is likely becoming clearer this week if you were to have an ultrasound — some providers can make a call around now, though the anatomy scan at 20 weeks gives a much clearer picture.
Your blood volume is increasing dramatically right now — by the end of pregnancy, you'll have about 50% more blood than you started with. This extra blood flow can cause glowing skin and fuller hair, but also nosebleeds, congestion, and swollen gums. Keep up with dental hygiene — pregnancy hormones make gums more susceptible to inflammation.
Red blood cells are now forming in the spleen. Before this, the liver was handling that job — and before the liver, the yolk sac. Your baby's body is upgrading its blood-making factory every few weeks, moving the operation to the most advanced available site. Eventually, the bone marrow will take over permanently — the final upgrade — happening around Week 32.
This is a good week to start sleeping on your side — ideally your left side — rather than your back. As your uterus grows, lying flat on your back can compress a major blood vessel and reduce circulation to the baby. Left-side sleeping improves blood flow to the placenta. Get into the habit now before your bump makes it unavoidable.
Omega-3 fatty acids (DHA specifically) are critical for your baby's brain development this trimester. Oily fish like salmon, sardines, and mackerel are the best sources. Aim for 2 portions per week — avoiding high-mercury fish like swordfish and shark.
Dental hygiene matters in pregnancy — swollen, bleeding gums are common and pregnancy gingivitis is real. Encourage a dental checkup if one hasn't happened recently; it's free in pregnancy in many countries.
This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for guidance specific to your situation. Read full disclaimer