15 weeks pregnant

25 weeks until you meet your little bundle of joy! This week will bring you a surge of energy, and your appetite may be back on track as your nausea and vomiting subside. To know more about what you can expect this week, take a look below!

Your Baby's Development at 15 Weeks

As your uterus grows to be the size of a grapefruit, your 15-week foetus will be about 6.5 inches in height and 114 gms in weight. Here's what you can expect with his growth this week:

Movements

Your little one is slowly becoming an expert in moving his whole body. He can now move his arms and legs and also stretch and make breathing motions.

Ears

Your baby's outer part of the ear is growing and becoming more recognizable, while his inner ear is still developing. Your baby might not be able to hear just yet, but it will soon happen.

Skin

At this stage, your little one's skin is very thin and translucent, giving a clear view of his blood vessels and skeleton.

Bones

Your baby's bones are hardening – a few bones in the skull, spine, shoulders, collar bone, and long bones. His hands and feet bones are also hardening.

Other developments

Your little one is working on his breathing, sucking and swallowing actions to prepare himself to survive outside your comfy womb. Your baby has also started kicking, curling toes and moving those little arms and legs, but you won't feel the foetal movements just yet.

15 Weeks Pregnant Symptoms

Here's what you can experience this week:

Swollen feet and legs

You may experience a different symptom called oedema this week. Oedema is a swelling that commonly occurs in your ankle, lower legs, feet, or even hands and arms. During pregnancy, your body retains fluid, which results in oedema. However, your feet may also swell due to relaxin, which loosens ligaments in the feet and causes the bones to spread. Soak your feet in a cool foot bath and elevate them while sitting or sleeping to help reduce the swelling.

Swollen and bleeding gums

When you brush and floss your teeth, you may experience red, swollen gums that feel sensitive and tend to bleed. This may happen due to pregnancy hormones that increase the chances of inflammation and gum disease, like gingivitis. Gingivitis leads to an increased risk of preterm birth. Rinse with saltwater and brush using a softer-bristled toothbrush to help alleviate the discomfort and irritation. Consult your dentist for expert advice. Make sure you follow a dental care routine of brushing and flossing daily. Don't miss your dental appointments every six months.

Nasal congestion

Your nose might feel stuffed constantly, or you might suffer from nosebleeds. This is normal and mostly happens due to pregnancy hormones that cause the mucous membranes to swell and dry out. Stay hydrated and use saline nasal drops for relief.

Lower back pain

This is the most common pregnancy symptom. Try maintaining a good posture and wearing low-heeled or flat shoes that provide good support. Practice moderate exercises that help strengthen the back muscles to alleviate lower back pain.

Weight gain

Now that morning sickness has subsided, you may have regained your appetite. This might help you gain a little more weight. As your little one is growing, your 15 weeks pregnant belly may start to appear more noticeable.

Pregnancy brain

Thanks to the hormonal changes, lack of sleep, and stress, you might feel more forgetful lately. Use notes or smartphone to make lists and create reminders. This will help you to stay more organised.

Spider veins

Due to pregnancy, increased blood volume and changes in circulation can lead to thin, red veins under the skin of your face or legs. Practice regular exercise and try elevating your feet while sleeping or sitting to help improve your circulation. This also reduces your chances of getting spider veins, which usually fade after you give birth.

Urinary tract infections

During pregnancy, your chances of contracting UTIs increases. If you feel any pain while peeing or experience a strong urge to pee immediately, accompanied by fever or back pain, talk to your doctor right away. He/she will prescribe antibiotics that will help prevent a bladder or kidney infection.

15 Weeks Pregnant: Things to Consider

Here is a list of some things to remember:

• Exercise: Keep your energy levels up and help tone your muscles by practising mild exercises like walking, swimming, or yoga. Talk to your doctor before beginning a new exercise routine. You can also use an app or some tracking device that displays your daily activity.

• Hospital or birth centre: Consider a hospital or a birth centre that is accredited as it is safest. You can also take suggestions from your doctor. Once you've decided on the hospital or birth centre, try arranging a hospital or birth centre tour if possible. While you're in your second trimester, utilise this time to research more on other labour and delivery options available. For example, know what comfort measures you can take advantage of and who can accompany you during labour and delivery.

• Music sessions: As your little one can now hear muffled sounds, try spending some time listening to your favourite music together every day. This way, you can also relax and lower your stress levels.

• Sex drive: Openly communicate with your partner. Talk to your doctor about any questions about sex during pregnancy. Remember, it's completely natural for you or your partner's sex drive to be different during pregnancy. Pregnancy hormones, your growing belly, your feelings about the changes, and any other symptoms can make an influence on you.

Precautions & Tips at Fifteenth Week of Pregnancy

Make a note of the following tips as they can come in handy this week:

• Preeclampsia: It generally develops at a later stage in pregnancy, usually after the 20th week. The symptoms include a sudden onset of high blood pressure, severe swelling of the hands and face, some organs not working normally and passing of protein in the urine. If your preeclampsia is considered high-risk, your doctor might recommend a low dose of aspirin for you. A small daily dose of aspirin after the first trimester can help reduce preeclampsia.

• Baby's fundal height: One of the simplest ways to determine a baby's size is to note the size of the expecting mom's uterus. Your doctor will likely begin to measure the distance between the top of your pubic bone and the top of your uterus to check your baby's growth and position. This measurement is called the fundal height.

• Amniocentesis: Dead cells and chemicals in the amniotic fluid can provide a wide range of information. Your doctor might extract amniotic fluid from your uterus through amniocentesis to assess your baby's health and diagnose birth defects and chromosomal abnormalities. Amniocentesis is usually offered between 16 to 20 weeks to expecting mothers at high risk for genetic or chromosomal issues. After the procedure is completed amniotic fluid is sent for testing to check for conditions like Down syndrome.

• Healthy fare: Make sure you squeeze in some time for a quick lunch break, even if it means eating a sandwich and a fruit. Stash your pantry and refrigerator with dried fruits and nuts, dry cereal, crackers, wrapped cheese sticks, hard-boiled eggs, yoghurt and cottage cheese containers.

• Breakfast: Make breakfast your priority, even if it means eating a simple toasted cheese sandwich. Wake up 15 minutes earlier, if you don't find time for breakfast usually. Try sleeping a little earlier at night to help with your morning mood. If you find yourself always in a rush, prepare your breakfast the night before.

• Snack before exercise: It is essential to eat something 30 minutes before you exercise. Follow up your workout with a short snack. Try eating bananas and drinking orange juice, as they contain plenty of potassium, which is essential for quick energy. You can also add a little protein like a hard-boiled egg or a cheese stick.

• Healthy weight gain: It is best to stay within the recommended weight guidelines to enjoy a safe, healthy pregnancy. The amount of weight you must gain depends on your weight while you conceived and your BMI. Talk to your doctor for a healthy pregnancy weight gain plan. Excess weight gain can lead to pregnancy complications.

15 Weeks Pregnant: At Your Doctor's Office

Here's what you can expect at this week's prenatal appointment:

Second-trimester screening

Your doctor may recommend a second genetic test, which can be done between 15 and 22 weeks. Your blood will be tested for four different substances that will detect any chromosomal abnormalities or birth defects. It is known as maternal serum screening, quadruple screening, or multiple marker test.

Questions to ask

Prenatal visits make for the perfect time and place to get your queries and concerns resolved. Here's what you can ask your doctor:

• Why do I experience dizzy spells? How can I prevent or treat them?

• Are there any risks of any genetic tests? What benefits will be offered during the second trimester?

• Is amniocentesis recommended for me?

• Will a dental X-ray cause any harm to my baby?

• What can I do to manage stress?

Track your baby's development with our week-by-week expert tips on pregnancy.