Wow! You're now 15 weeks pregnant! You're well into the second trimester by this point, and likely very excited about the growth your baby is experiencing. You probably have a lot of questions about what changes are occurring with you and your baby. We've got all the info for you right here, so read on to find out more!
Key Points
- Your immune system is compromised, so you need to take extra precautions to protect both your health and the health of your baby.
- If you haven't started pelvic floor exercises, you should. They can help reduce or prevent leakage.
- Your baby is now about the size of an orange!
Body Changes at 15 Weeks Pregnant
At 15 weeks of pregnancy your uterus is just popping up above the pubic bone and you may begin to show. There can be great variation in the time your pregnancy becomes visible. This usually occurs between 14 and 20 weeks. If this is your second or third pregnancy, you are probably “showing” sooner than a first-time mom because your abdominal muscles are a bit more relaxed.
Along with looking pregnant, you may start feeling some of the side effects that come with pregnancy. Pregnant women are also more susceptible to common illnesses, in part because their immune systems are compromised during pregnancy. Take extra precautions to avoid germs that cause illnesses by washing your hands with warm water and soap for at least 30 seconds.
Some of the side effects that may show up are:
- Urinary tract infection
- Abdominal pain
- Stuffy nose
- Leaking breasts
- Nosebleeds
- Hair changes
- Skin changes
If you experience abdominal pain in your second trimester, it is most likely caused by your enlarging uterus. The pain usually occurs when you are sleeping or when you move quickly. This is common, and you can ease the pain by applying heat, taking your time rising and sitting, and avoiding sudden movement. If the pain persists or intensifies notify your care provider immediately.
Nosebleeds and stuffiness is due to the mucous membranes being soft and swollen. This is caused by the increased blood flow brought on by pregnancy hormones. Try using a humidifier to keep the air moist in your home.
Your skin may show some pigmentation. A dark line may appear down the center of your abdomen, and your nipples may darken. You're less likely to notice any of this if you are very fair-skinned. If you are olive, black, or brown-skinned, the coloration will be visibly darker than the rest of your skin.
You may experience constipation during pregnancy. Increase your fluid and fiber intake, and eat more fruit and vegetables. Prunes are excellent at helping with this.
Your Baby's Growth at 15 Weeks Pregnant
Your baby is a about the size of an orange by week 15, being between 4 and 4 and ½ inches long and weighing more than 1 ½ ounces. This week your baby may start producing lanugo, which is fine hair that will cover your baby's body up until a few weeks before birth.
Your baby's bones are starting to get harder during pregnancy at 15 weeks, and will continue to do so throughout your pregnancy. Your baby is spending most of their time practicing breathing, by inhaling and exhaling amniotic fluid. This helps your baby's air sacs develop during pregnancy.
Your baby continues to form taste buds at this point in time. Your baby's legs are longer than their arms at this point. Eyebrows and hair may appear, and if your baby is going to have dark hair the hair cells which color it will start to produce their color.
What Should I Be Doing At 15 Weeks Pregnant?
There are several things you should be doing at 15 weeks pregnant to ensure your pregnancy continues to go smoothly. If you have any questions or concerns about what's happening with your body or your baby, ask your doctor.
Monitor your vaginal discharge. You may begin experiencing more vaginal discharge at this stage. It should be clear, white, or creamy. If you notice that it is abnormally colored or has blood in it, contact your doctor immediately.
Tell your employer. If you haven't told your employer about your pregnancy, now would be a good time to do so. It's a good idea to tell them once you've entered your second trimester, since the odds of miscarriage are low and notifying your employer will give you certain legal protections.
Stay away from any areas known to have the Zika virus. The Zika virus is known to cause damage to a baby, so it's critical that you avoid any areas that are known to have this virus. If you have no choice but to travel to one of these areas, or you live in an area known to have Zika virus, speak to your doctor about the precautions you need to take.
Start doing pelvic floor exercises. If you haven't started doing some basic pelvic floor exercises yet, now would be a good time to start. Pelvic floor exercises can help prevent leakage when you cough, laugh, jump, or sneeze. Speak to your doctor or midwife if you have any questions about getting started.
Conclusion
So there you have it. All you need to know about being 15 weeks pregnant. If you have any questions or concerns, get in touch with your doctor. Make sure you keep all of your prenatal appointments, and do what you can to keep you and your baby safe. This is an exciting time for you! Feel free to check out some of our other articles; we have dozens of articles on pregnancy, childbirth, and life with a newborn.
The information in this article should not be taken as professional medical or legal advice. Always seek the advice of a doctor for any medical questions or concerns. Always seek the advice of a qualified attorney for any legal questions or concerns. Moms Who Think is not responsible for any outcomes that may arise as a result of actions taken based on information we provide. It is your responsibility to do your own research and to take the appropriate measures to protect your health. It is also your responsibility to do your own research regarding legal matters.