Your baby is the size of a
Lemon
Key Takeaways
NUTRITION AT 14 WEEKS PREGNANT
- Add about 340 extra calories a day. Pregnancy Info, from the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada, states: "In the second trimester you need about 340 extra calories per day." It notes this "generally equates to 2 or 3 additional servings from any of Canada’s Food Guide’s food groups" — for example a piece of toast and a cup of milk, or an apple and ¾ cup of yogurt.
- Get enough iron now. Pregnancy Info advises increasing "your daily iron intake to 27mg daily during the final six+ months of pregnancy to support an increase in red blood cells and fetal tissues" — and notes that most women need a good supplement to meet this need.
- Build meals around a varied, nutrient-dense diet. Pregnancy Info points to Canada’s Food Guide, noting that "a varied, nutrient-dense diet" helps meet the needs of both you and your baby — with attention to fibre (aim for 28g daily), omega-3 DHA (aim for 1.4g daily) and iodine (aim for 250mcg daily).
WHAT SUPPLEMENTS TO TAKE AT 14 WEEKS PREGNANT
- Keep taking 400mcg of folic acid daily. The Public Health Agency of Canada recommends "a daily multivitamin with 400 mcg (0.4 mg) of folic acid" for anyone who could become pregnant, and advises continuing "throughout your pregnancy and while breastfeeding."
- Don’t increase folic acid on your own. The Public Health Agency of Canada advises: "You should not increase your dose of folic acid beyond 1 mg per day without talking to your health care provider."
- Use a prenatal that covers iron. Pregnancy Info notes that, like most women, "you may need a good supplement" to reach 27mg of iron a day — the second and third trimesters are when this matters most.
- Consider your combinations carefully. Because all-in-one prenatal products contain varying concentrations of different vitamins and minerals, it is important to discuss specific formulations and daily dosages with a doctor to ensure they safely meet your individual health needs.
LIFESTYLE TIPS AT 14 WEEKS PREGNANT
- Aim for at least 150 minutes of activity a week. Pregnancy Info advises that "pregnant women should accumulate at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity each week," spread across "at least 3 days a week, and up to 7 days a week." Walking, swimming and stationary cycling are all good options. Reduce your activity if you’re experiencing physical discomfort.
- Start (or keep up) pelvic floor exercises. Pregnancy Info notes that "pelvic floor muscle training (e.g., Kegel exercises) can be performed every day to reduce the risk of urinary incontinence."
- Keep caffeine to 300mg a day. Health Canada recommends a maximum daily caffeine intake of 300 mg for people who are pregnant. Health Canada puts one 8oz (237ml) cup of brewed coffee at about 135mg — so roughly two cups is the ceiling, and that total includes tea, cola and chocolate.
- Check any medication with your provider. Pregnancy Info advises that "ideally, you should not take any medication during pregnancy unless you and your health care provider determine that it is necessary" — and that natural or herbal products can also carry risks and should be discussed first.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big is my baby at 14 weeks pregnant?
At 14 weeks pregnant, your baby is about 87 millimetres — roughly 8.7cm — from crown to rump and weighs about 45 grams, according to Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic describes it as "almost 3 1/2 inches (87 millimeters) long" and "about 1 1/2 ounces (45 grams)." Length is measured crown to rump at this stage because the legs are still curled.
What symptoms are normal at 14 weeks pregnant?
At 14 weeks pregnant, many women find nausea easing — Pregnancy Info, from the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada, notes that morning sickness usually eases up by the 12th week. Tender breasts, constipation, backaches, headaches, mood swings and leg cramps can continue, all of which Pregnancy Info lists among common pregnancy symptoms. Some women have very few symptoms, which is equally normal. Any vaginal bleeding, however, is not routine — Pregnancy Info advises contacting your health care provider as soon as you notice any bleeding.
Is the second trimester really easier?
Often, yes. Pregnancy Info notes that mild nausea and vomiting "usually starts around the sixth week of pregnancy and eases up by the 12th week," and many women find their energy returns in the second trimester. It isn’t guaranteed — some women feel nausea for longer — but for most, week 14 sits in a steadier stretch.
How much should I be eating at 14 weeks pregnant?
Pregnancy Info states that "in the second trimester you need about 340 extra calories per day." It notes this generally equals 2 or 3 additional servings from Canada’s Food Guide’s food groups — such as a piece of toast and a cup of milk. It’s about a modest, quality-focused increase, not eating for two.
How much caffeine is safe at 14 weeks pregnant?
Health Canada recommends a maximum daily caffeine intake of 300 mg for people who are pregnant. Health Canada puts one 8oz (237ml) cup of brewed coffee at about 135mg, so roughly two cups a day is the ceiling — and that total should include tea, cola and chocolate, which also contain caffeine.
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