Congratulations on week 15 of your pregnancy! You are likely starting to show a bit by now, but you haven’t hit the point of feeling like you’re ready to pop. Here’s a guide of what to expect during week 15 of your pregnancy.

During week 15 of your pregnancy, you might start to experience some new symptoms or see an increase in the intensity of existing symptoms. Here are some common symptoms that pregnant women experience during this time:

  • Fatigue: You might find yourself feeling more tired than usual as your pregnancy progresses. This is perfectly normal and is caused by the increased demand on your body as it works to support both you and your growing baby. To combat fatigue, make sure to get plenty of rest and try to take it easy when you can. Drink plenty of fluids and eat healthy foods to keep your energy levels up. Avoid caffeine if possible, as it can make fatigue worse. 
  • Nausea and vomiting: Many pregnant women experience nausea and vomiting, especially during the first trimester. If you’re still experiencing these symptoms during week 15, try eating small meals throughout the day instead of three large ones. Avoid spicy or greasy foods, as they can make nausea worse. And make sure to drink plenty of fluids throughout the day to stay hydrated. 
  • Bloating: Many pregnant women also experience bloating during this time. This is caused by the hormone progesterone, which relaxes the muscles in your intestines and slows down digestion. To combat bloating, try eating smaller meals more frequently throughout the day and avoid constipating foods. Getting regular exercise can also help relieve symptoms of bloating by keeping things moving along smoothly in your digestive system. 

As your baby grows, so does your body. During week 15 of pregnancy, you might start to notice some changes in your body, including: 

  • An increase in urination: As your baby grows and puts pressure on your bladder, you might find yourself urinating more frequently than usual. If you are experiencing pain, foul smelling urine or an excessive need to urinate then it’s important to see your GP or midwife as these could be signs of a UTI (urinary tract infection).
  • Darkening of the skin around the nipples (areolas): The skin around your nipples may start to darken as your pregnancy progresses as a result of hormones affecting skin pigmentation. 

Your baby is growing rapidly at this stage in development, here’s what’s happening with them during week 15: 

  • Their head is now proportional to the rest of their body thanks to rapid growth in their neck area. 
  • Their taste buds are now developed enough that they can taste different flavours from inside the womb through the amniotic fluid. 
  • They’re also starting to develop fingerprints at this stage which will be unique to them just like yours are unique to you! 

During week 15, your baby is the size of an orange. Their bones are beginning to harden and their eyesight is also improving and they can now distinguish between light and dark. By week’s end, your baby will be about 4-5 inches long and weigh about 3 ounces.  

References:

NHS – https://www.nhs.uk/start4life/pregnancy/week-by-week/2nd-trimester/week-15/