Pregnancy: 14 weeks

How the child grows:

This week, big changes are happening: your baby can now squint, frown, grimace, write, and even suck his thumb! Thanks to impulses from the brain, his facial muscles perform various exercises. His kidneys produce urine, which he releases into the amniotic fluid around him. If you have an ultrasound now, you may see your baby sucking his thumb.

In addition, the baby has grown and is now 9 cm long and weighs 43 g. By the end of this week, his arms will be longer and more proportionate to the rest of his body. Very fine down called lanugo will appear all over his body. His liver is starting to produce bile, and his spleen is helping to produce red blood cells. Although you won't be able to feel his movements and kicks yet, his arms and legs are more flexible and active.

Important: Each baby's development is unique. Our information is designed to give you a general idea of fetal development.

Changes in the expectant mother

Welcome to the second trimester! Your energy will return, your breasts will be less sensitive, and your nausea will subside. The top of your uterus is slightly higher than your pubic bone, which may be enough to make a small belly appear. The telltale signs of pregnancy are beginning to appear.

• Is it necessary to know the sex of the unborn child?

Boy, girl, or surprise? Sixty-four percent of pregnant women in a BabyCenter survey said they wanted to know the sex of their baby beforehand, while the rest preferred to wait. "I decided I wanted to know the sex of my baby at birth," Jessica says, but Michael disagrees: "I think that's old-fashioned. Gifts aren't just for Christmas!" If you're still undecided about whether you want to know the sex of your baby before birth, consider the pros and cons. And if you decide to keep it a secret until after birth, be sure to let your doctor know so he or she doesn't accidentally let it slip during an ultrasound or review of your baby's results.

Benefits of certainty:

• Many women report feeling more connected to their baby if they know its gender.
• You can prepare your older child for the arrival of a little brother or sister.
• You can narrow down your list of baby names.
• You can choose children's clothes and furniture for the children's room in advance.

Benefits of waiting:

• You and your partner will experience the utmost delight and surprise on your child's birthday.
• The desire to know the sex of the baby can motivate you during the most difficult moments of childbirth.
• You follow the tradition of your parents.
• There will be no errors - 100% guarantee!

This week's activity: Sign up for a prenatal class. These include Pilates, yoga, and swimming. The physical activity will help strengthen your muscles and relieve tension. Plus, you'll meet other pregnant women, which can be helpful and fun.

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