Pregnancy Facts - Week 14
Welcome to your second trimester! It's supposed to be the fun one because your energy's back in full force!
Genetic disorder testing
At your last ultrasound, your OB probably had you schedule your second trimester screening sometime between now and the 20th week of pregnancy. Its purpose is to screen for genetic disorders such as trisomy 21 (Down syndrome), trisomy 18 (Edwards syndrome) and NTDs (neural-tube defects). While this may be a screening some expectant parents are nervous about, it is an important and necessary one. The test is conducted by taking a blood sample from you and looking at markers. While it's not 100% accurate, it will help determine the baby's risk of being born with genetic conditions.
Getting the most out of your pre-pregnancy wardrobe
Amazon These days you may feel more comfortable with your pants a little looser or your bra on the last hook. If not spending a small fortune on new clothes is ideal, then you may want to consider shirt extensions to wear underneath your top or bra back strap extenders to stretch out the life of your existing wardrobe.
How big is your baby in week 14 of pregnancy
At week 14, your baby is now 3.4 inches (8.7 centimeters) long and weighs 1.5 ounces (43 grams).
Your baby's development in week 14 of pregnancy
Hey great news for the male babies in the house! This week, prostates are in development!
Your baby is starting to grow lanugo, a soft fuzz of hair that covers the body for warmth while in the womb.
Other stuff that is happening with your baby this week:
- The liver has begun to function as intended and is producing bile.
- Bone marrow is producing white blood cells.
- The spleen is producing red blood cells.
- Kidneys are filtering used blood and producing urine.
- Your baby in turn is peeing into the amniotic fluid, the very same pool of liquid your baby breathes and drinks while in the womb.
Let's pause to consider that last point for a moment.
Wow, is the baby growing process weird.
Okay, bonus fact: depending on the sex of your baby, the standard issued genitalia is being put in place as we speak. No gif for this one. Don't be weird.
