Week 15 of Pregnancy

Key Takeaways at Week 15

• Hair is starting to develop on your baby's eyelashes, brows, and a little bit on their head

• You're ideally in the "honeymoon" stage of pregnancy, which means most of the unpleasant symptoms have subsided and you're feeling less exhausted and more like yourself

• Depending on your pre-pregnancy weight, you'll probably need roughly 300 additional calories every day. So, certainly, you are eating for two—with some restraint

• If this is your first pregnancy, you may see a little visible bump. If you are pregnant again, you may already have a larger tummy

• The Multiple Marker Screen (MMS, often known as the Triple or Quad Screen Test) may take place between now and week 20. These provide a risk assessment for certain neural tube malformations and chromosomal abnormalities

• If you are in Week 15 of your pregnancy you are in the second trimester and in the fourth month

• 25 more weeks remaining in your pregnancy

Baby's Movement and Development at Week 15

You probably can't feel it yet, but an ultrasound will show that the baby is moving a lot now that it can move all of its limbs and joints. They may even be sucking their thumb or smiling. Baby's eyes will remain closed for many months, but they can already detect light.

There's also a lot going on with the baby's organ development in week 15. Some organs and body components, like the ears (which are beginning to hear) and intestines, are beginning to migrate into their proper positions in or on the baby's body. The baby's lungs are also developing, but they will continue to breathe healthily in amniotic fluid until delivery. As their lungs grow, your baby may even be hiccupping within your tummy.

• Baby Weight- Around 70 grammes
• Baby Length- 4 inches long
• Baby Size- Comparable to a navel orange

Pregnancy Symptoms and Body Changes This Week

Your body changes rapidly during week 15 of pregnancy. As your baby develops, so will you, and you may feel specific pregnancy symptoms throughout this period.

• Along with pregnancy brain, you may feel headaches and dizziness
• As your body changes, varicose veins may form in your legs
• If you're experiencing shortness of breath, it might be because organs are pushing on your lungs as your body prepares to welcome the baby
• The increased blood flow throughout your body may induce nosebleeds and swollen gums
• While you may have overcome morning sickness, you may still be experiencing heartburn
• You may continue to have discomfort in your groin and lower abdomen as your muscles and ligaments strain to accommodate your developing uterus.
• Many of the difficult first-trimester symptoms will disappear, and your appetite and libido will return
• If you have not yet shown, you may do so soon. Many mothers, particularly first-time mothers, may not see a prominent baby bump until week 16

Body Changes This week

You're probably feeling fantastic! If you've been physically active and eating good, nutritional foods, you'll notice a significant improvement in your mood and energy, as well as a healthy weight gain. While you may be experiencing some of the typical pregnancy symptoms, you may also be eager to face all of the responsibilities ahead of you in preparation for the baby. Enjoy this wonderfully precious time of anticipation by shopping for pregnancy clothing, creating a baby registry, and arranging the nursery.

15-Week Ultrasound

If you choose to undergo a Multiple Marker Screen (MMS, also known as a Triple or Quad Screen Test), blood will be drawn between weeks 15 and 20 of your pregnancy. This screening checks the levels of various proteins and hormones in a pregnant woman's blood to determine the baby's risk of neural tube defects and chromosomal abnormalities.

Amniocentesis is another optional test that is generally performed between weeks 15 and 20. This invasive test detects neural tube defects, chromosomal abnormalities, and other genetic problems. It is generally regarded as safe, but there are certain dangers, so consult your doctor before this test. If you have an abnormal triple or quad test, or if your baby is at risk of genetic problems, you should consider an amnio.

The doctor will use an ultrasound to examine the inside of your tummy and then insert a needle into the amniotic sac to collect a sample of fluid to be analysed. All of these assessments might be stressful; in between, take some time to treat yourself.

Your Baby Bump at Week 15

Your belly is changing dramatically by now. During the first trimester, your uterus still fits comfortably within your pelvis. However, it is now extending to suit your developing baby, and it will eventually exceed your pelvis and move higher up in your belly. Every expectant mother's body is unique, and the pace of growth may vary significantly. That is why, at week 15, it is quite normal not to show much or have an apparent baby bump.

If you're pregnant with twins, your pregnancy is most likely progressing quickly, and you're probably showing by now.

If you weren't overweight before pregnancy, the recommended 15-week-pregnancy weight gain is roughly half a kg per week, so keep eating about 300 more calories per day and try to make them healthy calories wherever feasible. If you see a significant or rapid increase in weight, call your doctor immediately. This might indicate a dangerous pregnancy complication called preeclampsia.

Tips for Week 15

Being 15 weeks pregnant is a significant milestone for both you and your baby. Here's some additional professional advice on how to transition to this new stage while keeping you and your baby safe.

• Your body is developing, and you'll have some fluid retention, so try a pair of slip-on shoes one size (or perhaps two sizes) larger than you normally wear
• Do not miss breakfast. Your body and baby need it
• By now, you're gaining up to 1kg every week, so make sure you're consuming the correct and healthy meals for your kid
• Speaking about relaxation, at 15 weeks the baby has grown enough to exert pressure on your inferior vena cava blood artery while you lie on your back. To avoid blood flow issues, begin sleeping on your side (ideally on the left for improved blood circulation). A pregnancy pillow may assist you in finding the most comfortable posture, allowing you to catch some much-needed sleep

Checklist for Week 15

• Schedule your multiple marker screening (if you choose one)
• Schedule an amniocentesis, if you are having one
• Estimate your daycare expenditures and develop a budget
• Treat yourself to some comfy new sneakers
• Consider who's coming to your baby shower

Frequently Asked Questions on Week 15 of Pregnancy

1. What are the best methods to treat heartburn during pregnancy?
   Heartburn, often known as acid reflux, is an undesirable but frequent pregnancy symptom. Progesterone causes this discomfort by relaxing your oesophagus, causing food combined with digestive enzymes to go back up and lead to a burning sensation. During pregnancy, you may alleviate discomfort by sitting upright for at least two hours after a meal, avoiding caffeine, avoiding acidic fruits and juices, eating multiple little meals/snacks rather than large meals, and skipping larger meals just before bed. In addition, numerous over-the-counter medications are deemed safe for use during pregnancy.
2. Where is the baby at 15 weeks in my stomach?
   Your baby's present home is the amniotic sac in your uterus. The uterus starts four or five inches below the navel. At 15 weeks, it weighs about 240 grams. You'll know precisely where your baby is once you feel the first flutters of activity, which might occur within the following several weeks.