What to Expect When 15 Weeks Pregnant

by

Being 15 weeks pregnant marks an exciting milestone – you’re nearly halfway through your pregnancy! At 15 weeks, your baby is the size of a navel orange and going through major developmental changes as their bones, muscles, and organs continue to form.

This stage brings noticeable physical changes for mom too. As your belly grows more obvious, you may start wearing maternity clothes and need to adjust your fitness routine. Hormone surges can also cause symptoms like heartburn, trouble sleeping, dizziness, and occasional headaches. Don’t worry, these are all normal parts of pregnancy.

Read on to learn more about what to expect during week 15 of pregnancy. This in-depth guide covers your baby’s development, common symptoms, tips for self-care and preparation, and frequently asked questions.

Key Takeaways: 15 Weeks Pregnant

  • Your baby is around the size of a navel orange and making major physical developments. Their skeleton is hardening, sex organs are forming, and movements are becoming more coordinated.
  • Common physical symptoms include a growing belly, breast changes, dizziness, stuffy nose, increased vaginal discharge, and occasional headaches along with ongoing fatigue and nausea.
  • Take care of yourself by eating nutritious foods, staying hydrated, exercising safely, getting plenty of rest, and connecting with your support system.
  • Use this time to research childbirth classes, meet with your doctor to discuss genetic testing options, and feel your baby move by lying still in the evenings.

Your Baby’s Development at 15 Weeks

At 15 weeks, your baby is around 4 inches long from crown to rump and weighs approximately 2.5 ounces. The size of a navel orange, their body is starting to fill out as muscles and organs grow.

Some major developments taking place include:

  • Bones hardening: Your baby’s skeleton starts off as soft cartilage that begins to harden into bone starting around week 13. This process isn’t complete until around week 33.
  • Sex organs developing: External genitalia are forming into either a penis and scrotum or clitoris and labia. The sex organs aren’t fully developed enough to see on an ultrasound quite yet.
  • Kidneys maturing: The kidneys start producing urine this week which builds up in the amniotic fluid swallowed by your baby. This fluid will be urinated out after birth.
  • Movement increases: As muscle tissue develops, your baby can open and close their fists, move their arms and legs, stretch, and turn their head. The movements are becoming more coordinated each day.
  • Hair and nails growing: Fine, downy hair known as lanugo begins to cover your baby’s entire body for warmth. Their fingernails and toenails are starting to grow too.
  • Facial features emerging: Details like your baby’s eyes, ears, mouth, and nose become more defined. Their eyes can blink and sense light filtering in through your belly.
  • Swallowing amniotic fluid: Your baby is gulping down several ounces of amniotic fluid per day which aids in the development of their digestive system.

Your baby’s organs and nervous system are maturing rapidly. Their circulatory system is also developing blood vessels, capillaries, arteries, and veins. The heart beats around 140 times per minute.

Common Symptoms in Week 15 of Pregnancy

How are you feeling at 15 weeks pregnant? Many of the early pregnancy symptoms you experienced in the first trimester may be tapering off but new ones can emerge too. Here are some common changes and symptoms around 15 weeks:

  • Skin changes: Darkened nipples, development of the linea nigra down the abdomen, mask of pregnancy (dark splotches) on the face, and itchy skin or rashes due to hormonal changes. Stretch marks may appear on the belly, breasts, thighs, and buttocks as your body expands.
  • Breast changes: Fuller, heavier breasts in preparation for milk production. Possible stretch marks, veins, or leakage of colostrum. Tenderness may increase.
  • Increased vaginal discharge: More vaginal discharge is normal as your body ramps up estrogen production and increases blood flow to the vagina. The discharge is usually thin, milky white, and mild smelling.
  • Dizziness and headaches: Changing hormone levels, fatigue, dehydration, hunger, or stuffy rooms can trigger mild dizziness or headaches. Sudden, severe headaches should be evaluated by your doctor.
  • Stuffy nose and nasal congestion: Hormones cause the mucous membranes to swell, blocking nasal passages. Congestion and nosebleeds are very common during pregnancy.
  • Bloating and constipation: Progesterone relaxes muscles in the intestines, slowing digestion and causing bloating and gassiness. Drink lots of water and eat high-fiber foods to help avoid constipation.
  • Heartburn: The growing uterus puts pressure on the stomach, causing acids to back up into the esophagus. Avoid trigger foods, eat smaller meals, don’t lie down after eating, and ask your doctor about antacids.
  • Increased urination: The growing uterus puts pressure on the bladder causing more frequent urination. Urinary tract infections can also trigger frequent peeing. Stay hydrated.

Along with these common symptoms, ongoing fatigue, food aversions, occasional nausea, and mood swings are also still possible at this stage of pregnancy.

15 Weeks Pregnant – Self-Care and Preparation

Making sure you take great care of yourself and prepare for childbirth are important during week 15 of pregnancy. Here are some self-care and preparatory tips:

Diet and Nutrition

Eating a balanced diet is crucial. Increase protein intake, snack frequently to control nausea, stay hydrated, and take your prenatal vitamin each day. Focus on getting plenty of:

  • Protein – Meat, poultry, fish, eggs, beans, nuts
  • Fruits and vegetables – For vitamins and minerals
  • Whole grains – For digestion and energy
  • Calcium – Found in dairy, kale, broccoli
  • Iron – Spinach, red meat, beans, lentils, chicken
  • Healthy fats – Nuts, olive oil, avocado

Safe Pregnancy Exercise

Exercising for around 30 minutes per day maintains fitness and can help relieve aches, pains, and stress. Focus on low impact activities like walking, swimming, yoga, and light strength training. Talk to your doctor before beginning any new workout regimen. Avoid contact sports, activities with risk of falling, or exercising to the point of exhaustion. Stay hydrated and listen to your body.

Sleep and Resting

Make sleep a priority by maintaining good sleep habits. Go to bed and wake up at the same times daily, limit naps, create a restful environment, and don’t eat, drink caffeine, or exercise right before bed. Use pillows for support and try relaxation techniques if having trouble falling asleep. Don’t sleep for prolonged periods on your back.

Staying Hydrated

Aim for around 80-100 ounces of water and other hydrating fluids each day. Signs of dehydration include dark urine, dry mouth, fatigue, dizziness, and headaches. Drink plenty of water after exercise and with fiber intake to prevent constipation.

Connecting with Support Systems

Don’t isolate yourself! Venting fears or concerns with sympathetic ears helps relieve stress. Prioritize time with your partner and participate in community groups for expectant mothers. Online forums let you connect with those experiencing similar changes too.

Buying Maternity Clothes

A growing belly means it’s time to graduate to maternity clothes for comfort! Look for stretchy, loose or low-waist styles with room to accommodate changes. Don’t buy too far in advance – purchase as needed during your pregnancy. Shop clearance racks and consignment stores for deals.

Stretch Mark Prevention

Moisturize daily with lotions containing vitamin E, cocoa butter, or shea butter to keep skin hydrated and supple. Massage your belly, hips, thighs, and breasts in a circular pattern to increase circulation and prevent stretch marks. Stay hydrated and eat foods rich in vitamin C too.

15 Weeks Pregnant – Preparation and Planning

Around 15 weeks is a great time to:

  • Research childbirth classes: Look into options for childbirth classes at your hospital or independent centers. Register early to secure a spot. Classes teach birthing techniques, pain management, newborn care, and more.
  • Learn about genetic testing: Meet with your doctor to discuss available genetic testing options like amniocentesis or cell-free DNA tests. Testing can identify certain chromosomal abnormalities and health conditions.
  • Confirm your healthcare team: Make sure your obstetrician, pediatrician, anesthesiologist, and anyone else assisting with the birth is confirmed. Schedule appointments and verify they will be available when needed.
  • Feel first movements: Lie quietly in the evenings when baby is active to perceive the very first sensations of movement, known as quickening. These early flutters feel like popcorn popping or butterflies.
  • Research newborn care classes: Look for classes on breastfeeding, newborn care and safety, infant CPR, and adjusting to parenthood offered in your community. Online courses are an option too.
  • Take a childbirth class tour: If you plan to take childbirth classes, call your hospital or local class centers to schedule a tour so you can see the facilities ahead of time.
  • Hunt for baby gear bargains: Start making a list of needed infant items and watch for good deals on big ticket products like cribs, car seats, strollers, and nursery furniture. Research reviews before you buy.
  • Check in with insurance: Contact your health insurance to learn about your maternity and newborn benefits and costs. Also check on covered prenatal testing, lab work, newborn care after discharge, breast pumps, and pediatrician visits.
  • Look into counseling support: Meet with a therapist trained in supporting expectant and new mothers for reassurance navigating all the changes pregnancy brings. Your mental health matters.

FAQs: 15th Week of Pregnancy

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about week 15 of pregnancy:

Is my baby’s gender apparent at 15 weeks?

Your baby’s genitals are starting to develop around 15 weeks, but it is usually too early for an ultrasound technician to determine gender. External sex organs do not finish developing until around week 18-20, the most common time parents can learn their baby’s sex if they wish.

What tests are typically done at 15 weeks pregnant?

Standard testing around 15 weeks includes a quad marker blood screening, which measures levels of 4 hormones/proteins to assess risk of chromosomal conditions. You’ll also have the triple marker test for risk of neural tube defects and an anatomy scan ultrasound to evaluate fetal development and growth.

How much weight should I gain by 15 weeks pregnant?

Most women should gain around 1-4 pounds in the first trimester, and 1 pound per week in the second and third trimesters for a total of 25-35 pounds. Focus on eating healthy and exercising rather than obsessing over the scale.

When will I feel fetal movement at 15 weeks pregnant?

Most women feel the first sensations of their baby moving, called quickening, between weeks 14-16. Lie quietly every evening and concentrate to notice tiny flutters that feel like popcorn popping inside. Don’t worry if you don’t feel distinct movements yet, they are coming soon!

Is spotting or bleeding normal at 15 weeks pregnant?

Any bleeding or spotting should be evaluated promptly by your doctor, though does not necessarily indicate miscarriage or problems. Causes could include irritation to the cervix, subchorionic hematomas, sex, or minor uterine abnormalities. Bleeding is common but should always be checked out.

Week 15 Means You’re Nearly Halfway There!

Entering week 15 means you’re almost halfway through your pregnancy – isn’t that exciting? In just 25 more weeks, you’ll get to meet your precious baby. Pregnancy is a journey filled with amazing developmental changes happening beneath the surface. Take good care of yourself and enjoy observing your body’s transformations. Before you know it, your newborn will be here!