15 Weeks Pregnant

Pregnancy Body Changes

At 15 weeks of pregnancy your uterus is just popping up above the pubic bone and you may begin to show. There is a 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 the muscles of your abdomen are a bit more relaxed, and the uterus tends to fall forward more easily because of the relaxation of the supporting ligaments.

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 after using public areas.

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 due to the increased flow of blood in your body 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 centre 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

Your baby is a about the size of an orange by pregnancy week 15, between 4 and 4 and ½ inches long and weighing more than 1 ½ ounces. This week your baby will 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 his 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 his 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.

Back to Pregnancy Week by Week Calendar