14 weeks pregnant: constipation, dizzy spells and TCM

At 14 weeks pregnant, your baby's arms and legs are fully developed and can move vigorously at times, KKH says, though you won't feel it yet. Your appetite may be coming back as the early symptoms fade. A few new ones tend to take their place, and constipation is near the top of the list.

Your baby at 14 weeks

The fluid around your baby is building up. KKH's planner says there was only about 30ml at 11 weeks; about halfway through pregnancy there's around half a litre, and by 40 weeks about a litre. It cushions your baby, stops it sticking to the membranes, and lets it float and move.

Those moving limbs will make themselves felt soon. KKH says you might feel the first movements around 16 to 22 weeks, and HealthXchange says most first-time mums notice them at 18 to 20 weeks.

What's changing for you

KKH's planner lists what to expect over weeks 13 to 16:

• gradual weight gain
• your breasts continuing to grow, with darker nipples
• dizzy spells, which can last until about week 20; avoid standing for long hours and getting up suddenly
• constipation; KKH suggests high-fibre food, plenty of fruit and enough water

Your womb is rising out of your pelvis and can now be felt through your tummy. Your doctor will measure it at each visit from here. For other aches and how to ease them, see common pregnancy discomforts by trimester.

TCM in pregnancy: check first

If you're thinking of using Traditional Chinese Medicine, KKH asks you to be careful and to consult your specialist first. Some herbs may help with pregnancy symptoms, but others are toxic, and wrong use of TCM can lead to miscarriage or harm the baby. Ginseng, a common herb, should be avoided in pregnancy, KKH says.

KKH's advice is to check with both your specialist and an experienced TCM practitioner before taking any herbs. Using TCM without checking with your doctor is also on KKH's list of pregnancy don'ts. That includes herbal soups and tonics offered by family: check before you take them while pregnant.

Week 14 in Singapore

As your appetite returns, our guide to eating well in pregnancy has Singapore meal ideas, and foods to avoid keeps the risky ones off your plate.

When to call the hospital

Fainting with chest pain or breathlessness, bleeding, fluid leaking or painful tightening of the womb need a same-day check.

Where to go: KKH runs a 24-hour walk-in Urgent O&G Centre (Basement 1, Women's Tower) for pain and bleeding in pregnancies under 22 weeks. Milder bleeding or pain before 16 weeks can be booked into its Early Pregnancy Assessment Unit for the same or next working day. Other hospitals have their own O&G urgent services, so ask yours where to go.

Frequently asked questions

Can I take TCM at 14 weeks pregnant?

Only after checking with your specialist. KKH says some herbs are toxic in pregnancy, inappropriate use can cause miscarriage, and ginseng should be avoided.

Why do I feel dizzy at 14 weeks pregnant?

Your blood pressure falls as your blood vessels relax, KKH explains. Avoid standing for long and getting up suddenly. Dizzy spells can last until about week 20.

When will I feel my baby move?

KKH says around 16 to 22 weeks. HealthXchange says most first-time mums notice the first movements at 18 to 20 weeks.

14 weeks pregnant is how many months?

About three and a half months, counted from the first day of your last period.

Week by week. Previous week: 13 weeks pregnant. Next week: 15 weeks pregnant. Every week from 4 to 40: pregnancy week by week.