Weeks 14 to 18 of Your Pregnancy: Care Instructions

Around this time, you may start to look pregnant. Your baby is now able to pass urine. And the first stool (meconium) is starting to collect in your baby's intestines. Hair is starting to grow on your baby's head.

You may notice some skin changes, such as itchy spots on your palms or acne on your face.

At your next doctor visit, you may have an ultrasound. So you might think about whether you want to know the sex of your baby. Also ask your doctor about flu and COVID-19 shots.

Tips for weeks 14 to 18 of pregnancy

How to reduce stress

Ask for help when you need it.
Try to avoid things that cause you stress.
Seek out things that relieve stress, such as breathing exercises or yoga.

How to get exercise

If you don't usually exercise, start slowly. Short walks may be a good choice.
Try to be active 30 minutes a day, at least 5 days a week.
Avoid activities where you're more likely to fall.
Use light weights to reduce stress on your joints.

How to stay at a healthy weight for you

Talk to your doctor or midwife about how much weight you should gain.
It's generally best to gain:
- About 28 to 40 pounds if you're underweight.
- About 25 to 35 pounds if you're at a healthy weight.
- About 15 to 25 pounds if you're overweight.
- About 11 to 20 pounds if you're very overweight (obese).

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.

When should you call for help?

Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:

You have severe vaginal bleeding. You have soaked through one or more pads in an hour, and the bleeding is not slowing down.
You have chest pain, are short of breath, or cough up blood.
You have sudden, severe pain in your belly that does not go away.
You passed out (lost consciousness).

Call your doctor or midwife now or seek immediate medical care if:

You have a fever.
You have vaginal bleeding.
You are dizzy or lightheaded, or you feel like you may faint.
You have signs of a blood clot in your leg (called a deep vein thrombosis), such as:
- Pain in the calf, back of the knee, thigh, or groin.
- Swelling in your leg or groin.
- A color change on the leg or groin. The skin may be reddish or purplish.
You have symptoms of a urinary tract infection. These may include:
- Pain or burning when you urinate.
- A frequent need to urinate without being able to pass much urine.
- Pain in your low back (below the rib cage and above the waist).
- Blood in your urine.
You have belly pain.
You think you are having contractions.

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor or midwife if:

You have vaginal discharge that smells bad.
You feel sad, anxious, or hopeless for more than a few days.
You have other concerns about your pregnancy.

Where can you learn more?

Go to http://www.healthwise.net/patientEd

Enter I453 in the search box to learn more about "Weeks 14 to 18 of Your Pregnancy: Care Instructions".

Current as of: April 30, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Ignite Healthwise, LLC education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Current as of: April 30, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider.