Finding out who's in there
This month often brings the return of visible energy and, for many, the first small bump. Inside, the baby's proportions start looking less top-heavy as the body catches up to the head, and it can now make small, coordinated movements — though these usually aren't felt yet. The placenta is now fully formed and doing the heavy lifting of nourishing the pregnancy.
Baby this month: about 14 cm — crown to rump, about the size of an avocado · about 140 g
≈ 14 cm — about the size of an avocado
Illustration enlarged for clarity — the amber marker shows true relative size
What's developing right now
Continues hardening from cartilage to bone, visible on ultrasound as brighter structures.
Still thin and translucent, with blood vessels visible underneath.
Now fully formed and functioning as the main source of nutrients and oxygen.
Developed enough for small, coordinated movements, though they're usually too gentle to feel yet.
What your body is doing
- A small bump may start becoming visible, especially in a second or later pregnancy.
- Energy levels often improve as the second trimester settles in.
- The uterus is rising out of the pelvis, which can ease bladder pressure a little.
- Some people notice a pregnancy glow as blood flow to the skin increases.
Eating for this month
Calcium needs start rising this month as the baby's skeleton hardens, alongside continued iron needs to support expanding blood volume. Steady energy from balanced meals matters more now that appetite has often returned. This is a good month to settle into a rhythm rather than chase any single nutrient.
Checkups commonly done this month
- A quad screen or similar blood test for chromosomal conditions, in places where it's offered — commonly done around weeks 15–17, schedules vary by country and doctor
- Routine blood pressure, weight, and urine checks at prenatal visits
- Discussion of the anatomy scan scheduled for next month
Contact your doctor promptly if…
Bleeding or unusual vaginal discharge
Severe or persistent abdominal pain
Signs of a urinary tract infection, such as burning or urgency, which are worth treating promptly in pregnancy
A fever that doesn't resolve quickly
Questions people ask
When will I feel the baby move for the first time?
Most people notice the first flutters, sometimes called quickening, somewhere between weeks 16 and 22. It often feels more like gas bubbles or a gentle tapping than a distinct kick at first, and first-time parents frequently notice it a little later than those who've been pregnant before.
Is it too early to find out the baby's sex?
It depends on the method. Ultrasound around this time can sometimes give a reasonably confident answer, though accuracy improves at the anomaly scan next month. Blood-based screening tests, where available, can indicate sex earlier, often by week 10 or so.
Sizes and milestones are typical ranges — every pregnancy runs on its own clock. Educational content; your prenatal care team's guidance always comes first.