Learn what’s happening in week 15 of pregnancy and find out how your baby is developing.
At 15 weeks, you’re probably feeling pretty great, despite the noticeable changes in your appearance.
Your body is finally looking pregnant, even though your baby is still tiny and the size of an orange. Your baby is kicking those tiny legs, although you’re still not able to feel the movements.
At this stage of pregnancy, many women begin to experience increased libido. If you’re having a normal pregnancy, it’s perfectly safe to have sex during this time.
What Happens in Your Body in Pregnancy Week 15?
You may start to experience some new symptoms of pregnancy this week, such as nosebleeds and body aches.
Due to the increased levels of hormones estrogen and progesterone, your blood supply is also increased. It puts a lot of pressure on the small capillaries in the lining of your nose and gums, which leads to nosebleeds and bleeding gums.
At 15 weeks, you may still feel the typical signs of pregnancy like nausea and vomiting. But don’t worry, because you’ll be getting your appetite back soon.
Changes in Your Body at 15 Weeks Pregnant
There are some noticeable changes in your body at this stage of pregnancy. You might notice that your belly and your breasts and nipples are getting larger.
Another physical change that you might notice is the appearance of a dark line running down your belly called “linea nigra”.
This is something some women develop during pregnancy and you don’t have to worry about it because the line will fade after you give birth.
You might notice other strange pregnancy symptoms at 15 weeks such as skin darkening. This affects 90% of pregnant women and usually happens around the nipples, armpits, navel, and inner thighs. This skin darkening usually fades a few months after your baby is born.
Your Baby at 15 Week of Pregnancy
Your baby is still very small, but there’s a lot happening during week 15. Your little one is large as an orange and is quickly growing bigger each day.
The skeleton is starting to develop bones and your baby is already moving its arms and legs. You’ll be able to feel the little movements soon.
Your baby is as long as four and a half inches now. He/she can now recognize light, flavors, as well as the sound of your voice.
At this stage, babies are busy practicing breathing, swallowing, and sucking so that when they leave your comfortable womb, they’ll have all the skills that are necessary to survive.
Pregnancy Week 15 Tips
By week 15, you will probably have your appetite back after a few months of living on crackers. Even though you’re now eating for both you and your little one, keep in mind that any extra calories you consume should be nutritious.
Experts recommend an additional 300 calories per day to your healthy diet. The extra calories should come from fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, and low-fat dairy, foods. It will provide you with protein, folic acid, and calcium.
During your second trimester, you may be gaining a pound per week, so try to eat healthy foods. This is the right time to sign up for prenatal yoga that combines gentle exercise modified especially for your changing body with breathing techniques.
