14 weeks pregnant: baby development and diet tips

BABY DEVELOPMENT
This week your baby’s toenails are beginning to develop. And with a dermis under the epidermis, her skin is continuing to develop. Her thyroid works and is now manufacturing thyroid hormone. From this week, your baby starts to get a whole lot more active inside you, and her movements are more coordinated. She now weighs around 110g and is about 12 cm in length from coccyx to crown.

YOUR BODY
If you’re feeling good right now, and a lot of women do during their second trimester at 14 weeks pregnant, take advantage of it. This may be a great time to travel, to do things with your partner. You might not be able to do it later on in your pregnancy. It is also the perfect time to reward yourself – with a visit to the hairdresser, or an evening out with friends. You got over the first hurdle! So whatever is fun for you, take the time to treat yourself.

NUTRITION
Fats and essential fatty acids are, well, essential in your diet at 14 weeks pregnant. However, few of us are at risk of not getting enough. As 1 teaspoon of fat has over twice the calories as 1 teaspoon of protein (egg white) or carbohydrate (potato), an easy way to help keep weight gain in check is to be aware how many extra fat calories are added in your diet. Here are some practical tips for fat intake. First of all, use a light hand when adding fats while cooking. Use only enough to grease your pan and explore different ways of cooking (steaming, baking) that don’t require added fat. Also, choose “healthy” vegetable oils that are lower in saturated fat, compared to solid animal fats such as butter or lard. Some are irreplaceable sources of essential fatty acids for you and your baby, such as canola and walnut oils. And, don’t forget about the importance of DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), a fat found in some fish, such as salmon, that helps support your baby’s brain and eye development.

TIPS
Thinking about going on holiday and wondering if you can, at 14 weeks pregnant? No problem. Going on holiday in the fourth or fifth month of pregnancy is fine. You can still move quite normally and do almost everything you want. Things to think about: On car journeys, remember to stop for a break every two hours. That usually happens anyway, since you drink more liquid than usual. You shouldn’t sit for too long with your legs at an angle. And you should stand up frequently, especially if flying (flying is generally okay until the seventh month, but check with your doctor). While travel to hot countries is not risky in itself, it can be less pleasant with a swollen belly. Remember that medical services and hygienic conditions are often not as good as conditions at home.

Please note: If injections are necessary or you need travel sickness medicine, this must be discussed with your doctor.