You are 14 weeks and 2 days

He's well developed on the outside, but complex changes are happening as your baby's internal organs mature.

180 days until your due date

Your baby's neck is growing, and he looks more and more human. Inside, the thyroid gland, which first forms at the base of the tongue, gradually moves down to sit in the neck over the windpipe (trachea). It's producing the hormone thyroxine, using iodine carried across the placenta from your body.

The kidneys are starting to work. The nephrons, the tiny units that filter the blood and remove waste, are lengthening and maturing. New nephrons will keep forming until week 37, and the kidneys grow by about 1 mm a week throughout pregnancy.

Ask a Doctor

I've developed a dark vertical line down the middle of my belly. What is it?

This is the linea nigra, caused by changes in skin pigmentation. It's extremely common, affecting 90 percent of pregnant women in some way, and often more noticeable on darker skin.

You may also notice darker skin around your nipples and darker freckles, moles, or birthmarks. A few women get brown patches on the face called chloasma, or the "mask of pregnancy." These changes are caused by extra estrogen affecting the skin's pigment-producing (melanin) cells. They're normal and usually fade after the birth.

Good to know

Working during pregnancy

Most employers are supportive when an employee is pregnant, but if problems arise, employment law protects you:

You can't be fired during pregnancy unless you breach the terms of your agreement.
You can't be laid off because you're pregnant or on maternity leave, although a legitimate layoff unconnected to your pregnancy is allowed.
Your employer has extra responsibilities, including keeping your workplace safe. For example, you should be protected from lifting heavy loads, standing for long periods, or handling toxic substances.
If you need time off for a pregnancy-related reason, your employer must hold your job for as long as it would for employees on sick or disability leave.

This is general information based on NHS guidance, not medical advice, and every pregnancy is different. Talk to your midwife or GP about anything that worries you. If your baby's movements slow down or change, or you have bleeding, severe pain or leaking fluid, call your maternity unit straight away. In an emergency, call 999.