Week 14 is moving into the fourth month of pregnancy and the Second Trimester. This trimester is often referred to as the "honeymoon phase" because many moms regain their energy, stop feeling the need to vomit, and start feeling ravenous with hunger. You may also notice an increase in your sex drive and start appreciating the cool changes in your body. However, some symptoms aren't as fun and might require a little at-home help to keep them under control.
Nasal Congestion
Your body is getting ready for the pregnant weeks ahead and after birth, where it will be continually called upon to nourish and support the growth of a tiny human being. There will be a noticeable uptick in your red blood cell count, with about 25% of this new volume being directed to your uterus to support the growing placenta and baby. The rest will be dispersed throughout your body. Because of this increase in fluid and an increase in your estrogen and progesterone, the mucous membranes in your body can swell, and you may experience a chronic stuffy nose. This stuffy nose is all about swelling and has little to do with the snot-filled stuffy nose you may experience during sickness. To help combat this symptom, you'll want to ensure you're drinking enough water. You should avoid overheated, dry environments and excess air conditioning. You might want to think about investing in a humidifier to help find some non-medicinal relief. A humidifier can help bring balance to your personal space by adding moisture into the air that might be absent due to air conditioning, forced air heating, or a naturally dry climate. Using one while sleeping can help ensure a good night's rest.
Showing
This is the week where many first-time mothers begin to "show" as the uterus pushes forward and up and out of the pelvis. This visible bump can be exciting for you and your partner, making pregnancy feel more real than ever. If you haven't already told your employer or family and friends you are expecting, you should consider doing this before your body gives you away. You're not legally required to tell your employer, but it could get awkward as you begin to show if you keep your secret for too long. Only you can decide when it is the best time to tell, but to avoid the elephant in the room situation, you may want to consider sooner rather than later at this point.
Showing also means your body will strangely become public property, or at least that is what others would have you think. It is not uncommon to have friends, family, and even strangers reaching out to touch the bump as they are strangely drawn to your burgeoning belly like a moth to a flame. While this practice is oddly common, it doesn't mean it is acceptable, and we encourage all moms-to-be to feel comfortable setting boundaries early and often to avoid being touched in a way that wouldn't be acceptable if you weren't pregnant.
Reference Sources
- American Pregnancy Association - Week 14
