The Fourth Month of Your Pregnancy

From Tiny Flutters to Baby Bumps

“By the second trimester, many pregnant people experience increased energy - and their baby can now make facial expressions and respond to sounds.” – NHS

Welcome to the second trimester! Month 4 (weeks 14–17) is often called the “honeymoon phase” of pregnancy - and for good reason. You might notice your energy returning, your appetite increasing, and your baby bump beginning to show. Inside the womb, your baby is busy developing bones, facial expressions, and even starting to hear your voice.

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Week 14: Baby is Smiling… and Frowning!

Your baby is about the size of a peach. Their facial muscles are now developed enough to make tiny expressions, and they’ve started growing hair and eyebrows. Internally, the kidneys, spleen, and liver are hard at work. You might be feeling an energy boost, an increase in your appetite (especially if you felt nauseous during the previous weeks) or you might feel mild aches as your body is adjusting.

Tip: Start bonding with your baby by chatting or singing - soon, they’ll be able to hear you!

Week 15: Baby is Becoming More Aware

Your baby is now about the size of an apple, growing more coordinated and responsive to light. Their ears are moving into position, and taste buds are forming! You might slowly notice your growing bump or waistline, your breast are likely tender and you might feel some swelling of your hands or feet.

For Your Partner: Start meaningful conversations about postpartum support, routines, or even baby names!

Week 16: First Flutters and Baby Kicks

Baby is now the size of an avocado and possibly letting you know that they are there! Those first flutters feel like bubbles or pops - and they’re the beginning of baby communication. At first you might not make the connection but soon you will realise that what you are feeling is not air, but your baby!

This week your baby starts to hear your voice so make sure you start talking to them more! A few other things that are taking place right now are that your baby's bones continue to harden, they have their own fingerprints (yes! that is true and what is responsible for the creation of them is the amniotic fluid). Also, their skin starts becoming more opaque and is covered with soft, fine hair (called lanugo) which keeps your baby warm.

Tip: Book a Parent Path antenatal class or start practicing relaxation techniques together.

Week 17: Baby’s Gaining Fat and Flexibility

At about the size of a pear, your baby is practicing breathing movements and gaining a little fat to keep warm after birth. They’re also moving more and more! Probably by now, your bump is more noticeable (my bump the first time started showing after the Christmas holidays so I initially thought it was because I ate too much during the holidays!). Slowly, you might also notice backaches or round ligament pain, possible shortness of breath as your body is making more space for your baby to grow and an increased appetite.

Partner Tip: Time to create a baby essentials list, research infant safety, and offer support with household tasks or shopping! Why not take the initiative for some of these things?

Final Thoughts: Month 4 and Beyond

Month 4 is when pregnancy starts to feel more “real” - your baby’s growing fast, and you’re likely feeling more connected. Whether you're prepping for antenatal classes, building your birth plan, or daydreaming about names, you're laying the foundation for a strong parenting journey. If you haven't started yet, buy a few maternity clothes and start some Kegel exercises to keep your pelvic floor muscles strong, something that will help you during labour but also during your recovery from birth.

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