Fingerprints form, hiccups begin

What's developing this week

Fingerprints are forming. Those tiny swirls on your baby's fingertips become uniquely theirs this week. Meanwhile, lanugo, a fine downy hair, starts covering their body for temperature regulation.

Your baby's practicing breathing. Amniotic fluid goes in and out of those developing lungs like a dress rehearsal. The diaphragm's moving too, which might cause tiny hiccups (you won't feel them yet, but they're happening).

Taste buds are waking up. What you eat flavors the amniotic fluid, giving your lemon-sized companion their first culinary impressions. No pressure, but maybe skip the garlic-heavy lunch if you're feeling indulgent.

You might notice

• A tiny bump emerging. That 'is it a bump or tacos?' phase often ends around now.
• Less nausea. For many, morning sickness fades by week 14 (though some holdouts persist).
• New cravings. Suddenly passionate about pickles? Hormones plus nutrient needs make odd combos sound genius.

What to keep an eye on

Big energy shifts. That second-trimester boost might hit this week, or it might take another few. Either way, sudden dizziness can sneak up when you stand too fast. Blood volume's still increasing, so take it slow.

• Round ligament pain. Those sharp tugs at your sides? Normal (but startling). Your uterus is stretching to accommodate the lemon-sized tenant.
• Nosebleeds or stuffiness. Increased blood flow swells mucous membranes. Humidifiers and saline spray help.
• Skin changes. Darker nipples, a faint linea nigra, or sudden acne, all thanks to hormones.

On the horizon

The NT scan window closes soon. If you're doing first-trimester screening, this is typically the last week to complete the nuchal translucency ultrasound (usually paired with bloodwork).

• Schedule your 16-week prenatal visit
• Ask about the quad screen if you're considering it

Around 14 weeks, many people start feeling those first flutters, like a goldfish brushing against the inside of a plastic bag.