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Welcome to the third week of your fourth month as a pregnant woman. You are about three and a half months pregnant and have about twenty-five more weeks to go. It may seem like time is rushing by; not long ago, your baby was tiny, but now, it is up to the size of an apple. You must be feeling better and more relaxed compared to your first trimester.
In just a few weeks to come, you will be able to feel your baby’s movement, and before you know what’s happening, you will give birth to your baby.
Your baby’s bones are beginning to ossify. The skeleton would be visible in an X-ray. Bones in the spine, skull, shoulder, hands and feet have started hardening.
Your little one’s skin is still thin, allowing developing bones and blood vessels to show through.
Organs are starting to fall into place, specifically your baby’s ears and eyes. They continue to move to their proper positions on the baby’s face and head.
Your baby’s bones are beginning to ossify. The skeleton would be visible in an X-ray. Bones in the spine, skull, shoulder, hands and feet have started hardening.
Your little one’s skin is still thin, allowing developing bones and blood vessels to show through.
Organs are starting to fall into place, specifically your baby’s ears and eyes. They continue to move to their proper positions on the baby’s face and head.
How much your baby has grown in the last few weeks is amazing. This week, your baby is developing other facial features that were not present before. Not only are these features developing, but they are also moving gradually to where they are supposed to be.
Your baby’s skin is incredibly thin at this stage, and those tiny blood vessels are visible beneath the surface. The ears are taking shape, becoming more defined, while the eyes are shifting closer to the nose from the sides of the head, giving your baby a more familiar appearance.
The bones are starting to ossify, which means they’re beginning to harden and if you were to take an x-ray, you’d see the skeleton forming.
Your baby is now developing their natural fur coat to regulate their temperature in the womb. This is a soft and fine layer of hair known as lanugo, derived from the Latin word ‘lana’, meaning wool. This protective hair covers their entire body, ensuring their skin stays safe and maintains optimal warmth within the womb, though – your baby won’t be born covered in it; it naturally sheds towards the end of pregnancy.
This week, your baby has also started to grow their eyebrows and eyelashes to protect their eyes.
This week is an exciting time as your baby starts to tune into the sounds around them, including the comforting sound of your voice. If you haven’t already, consider chatting with your bump daily and playing music you enjoy, knowing that your baby is learning all of this, too. While their auditory experience may be limited, they can distinctly hear the rhythm of your heartbeat, and the noises made by your digestive system.
This week and the next two or three weeks (weeks 15 to 18) is the time for you to start carrying out some important tests on your baby. These tests, such as amniocentesis and non-invasive blood tests, are carried out to detect abnormalities such as down syndrome.
By the 15th week of pregnancy, you might start feeling more confident in your pregnant self and experiencing what some people called the ‘pregnancy bloom’—that radiant glow associated with expecting mothers. Your bump is likely becoming more prominent, just enough to showcase your growing baby.
For some, especially if this isn’t your first pregnancy, you might start feeling gentle flutters or air bubbles, which are your baby’s movements. First-time expectant mothers might have to wait a few more weeks before experiencing this sensation.
As your body adapts to mid-pregnancy, your emotions may fluctuate. Maintaining open communication with your partner and sharing your feelings is important. You might experience various emotions, from anxiety about the pregnancy to excitement about the future.
Additionally, your sex life may change during this period. Your feelings about sex can intensify or diminish as your body changes.
At 15 weeks pregnant, your belly is undergoing a significant transition. During the first trimester, your uterus is comfortably nestled inside your pelvis. However, it’s now stretching to accommodate your growing baby and will soon outgrow the pelvis, moving higher up in your abdomen.
The rate of growth varies among expectant mothers, so it’s normal not to show much or have a noticeable baby bump at this stage. It may take a bit longer for the belly to protrude for first-time pregnancies. If you have been pregnant before, the uterus has already been stretched in subsequent pregnancies, so a bump may appear earlier.
If you’re expecting twins at 15 weeks, your belly is likely expanding faster, and you may already be showing.
These tummy troubles are due to the hormones wreaking havoc on your system. Pay attention to which foods trigger your symptoms and try to avoid them. Also, discuss with your doctor which stomach remedies are safe for you during pregnancy. It’s a good idea to have some pregnancy-safe antacids on hand—they provide relief and offer much-needed calcium for you and your baby’s health.
About 20 percent of pregnant women experience nosebleeds due to increased blood volume and blood vessel expansion in the nose. While these nosebleeds are usually harmless, you must inform your healthcare provider if you experience frequent occurrences. If you notice very heavy bleeding or if the bleeding persists despite applying pressure for 30 minutes, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention.
If you’re experiencing bleeding gums while brushing or flossing during pregnancy, you’re not alone. Most pregnant women develop swollen, red, and tender gums due to pregnancy gingivitis, which is a mild form of gum disease. This condition is partly attributed to hormonal changes that make your gums more susceptible to the bacteria in plaque.
According to certain studies, neglecting gum health during pregnancy, especially when it progresses to periodontitis, might be connected to a higher chance of experiencing complications like pre-eclampsia, preterm birth, low birth weight, and intrauterine growth restriction.
Take proactive steps to care for your teeth and gums. This includes brushing gently twice a day, flossing daily, and scheduling regular checkups and cleanings with your dentist. It’s perfectly safe to visit the dentist while pregnant; be sure to inform them about your pregnancy.
You may have bid farewell to the nausea and food aversions that often accompany the first trimester, allowing you to enjoy food again. If you begin your pregnancy at a healthy weight, you’ll typically aim to gain around a pound per week for the remainder of your pregnancy.
You’ll need approximately 340 extra calories daily to support your growing baby during the second trimester. A great way to ensure you get these extra calories is by incorporating healthy, nutrient-packed pregnancy snacks into your diet.
This week, a condition known as oedema may develop, characterised by swelling in the feet, lower legs, and occasionally the hands and arms, with swollen feet and ankles being common symptoms.
Edema occurs when the body retains excess fluid, a common phenomenon during pregnancy. Swollen feet may be attributed to the hormone relaxin, which causes ligaments in the feet to relax and bones to spread. To alleviate some swelling, consider soaking your feet in a cool foot bath and elevating them whenever possible.
Pregnancy increases the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs). If you experience symptoms such as pain during urination, a sudden urge to urinate, fever, or back pain, it’s important to inform your healthcare provider. They may prescribe antibiotics to prevent the infection from progressing into a more serious bladder or kidney infection. Prompt treatment is essential to ensure you and your baby’s health and well-being.
Some women may experience forgetfulness, difficulty concentrating, or increased absent-mindedness, commonly called “pregnancy brain.” Research on the existence of the pregnancy brain has produced mixed results. Some studies have indicated that pregnant women may have poorer memory or decision-making skills because of severe memory problems.
However, these cognitive changes may be attributed to poor sleep, heightened emotions, and increased mental load during pregnancy. Regardless of the exact cause, it can be helpful to cope with these symptoms by making lists, finding ways to relax, and prioritising good sleep habits.
If you become easily out of breath during pregnancy, it could be due to several factors. Firstly, your growing uterus is pressing upward on your lungs, making it more difficult to take deep breaths. Additionally, the increased blood volume during pregnancy means that your heart has to work harder to circulate blood throughout your body. This increased workload can contribute to feelings of breathlessness.
Pregnancy can sometimes trigger headaches, but there are ways to find relief if you’re experiencing this symptom. Increasing your water intake, resting in a darkened room and applying an ice pack to your head or neck can help alleviate the pain. However, if the headache persists or becomes severe, it’s important to contact your healthcare provider for further evaluation and guidance.
These tummy troubles are due to the hormones wreaking havoc on your system. Pay attention to which foods trigger your symptoms and try to avoid them. Also, discuss with your doctor which stomach remedies are safe for you during pregnancy. It’s a good idea to have some pregnancy-safe antacids on hand—they provide relief and offer much-needed calcium for you and your baby’s health.
About 20 percent of pregnant women experience nosebleeds due to increased blood volume and blood vessel expansion in the nose. While these nosebleeds are usually harmless, you must inform your healthcare provider if you experience frequent occurrences. If you notice very heavy bleeding or if the bleeding persists despite applying pressure for 30 minutes, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention.
If you’re experiencing bleeding gums while brushing or flossing during pregnancy, you’re not alone. Most pregnant women develop swollen, red, and tender gums due to pregnancy gingivitis, which is a mild form of gum disease. This condition is partly attributed to hormonal changes that make your gums more susceptible to the bacteria in plaque.
According to certain studies, neglecting gum health during pregnancy, especially when it progresses to periodontitis, might be connected to a higher chance of experiencing complications like pre-eclampsia, preterm birth, low birth weight, and intrauterine growth restriction.
Take proactive steps to care for your teeth and gums. This includes brushing gently twice a day, flossing daily, and scheduling regular checkups and cleanings with your dentist. It’s perfectly safe to visit the dentist while pregnant; be sure to inform them about your pregnancy.
You may have bid farewell to the nausea and food aversions that often accompany the first trimester, allowing you to enjoy food again. If you begin your pregnancy at a healthy weight, you’ll typically aim to gain around a pound per week for the remainder of your pregnancy.
You’ll need approximately 340 extra calories daily to support your growing baby during the second trimester. A great way to ensure you get these extra calories is by incorporating healthy, nutrient-packed pregnancy snacks into your diet.
This week, a condition known as oedema may develop, characterised by swelling in the feet, lower legs, and occasionally the hands and arms, with swollen feet and ankles being common symptoms.
Edema occurs when the body retains excess fluid, a common phenomenon during pregnancy. Swollen feet may be attributed to the hormone relaxin, which causes ligaments in the feet to relax and bones to spread. To alleviate some swelling, consider soaking your feet in a cool foot bath and elevating them whenever possible.
Pregnancy increases the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs). If you experience symptoms such as pain during urination, a sudden urge to urinate, fever, or back pain, it’s important to inform your healthcare provider. They may prescribe antibiotics to prevent the infection from progressing into a more serious bladder or kidney infection. Prompt treatment is essential to ensure you and your baby’s health and well-being.
Some women may experience forgetfulness, difficulty concentrating, or increased absent-mindedness, commonly called “pregnancy brain.” Research on the existence of the pregnancy brain has produced mixed results. Some studies have indicated that pregnant women may have poorer memory or decision-making skills because of severe memory problems.
However, these cognitive changes may be attributed to poor sleep, heightened emotions, and increased mental load during pregnancy. Regardless of the exact cause, it can be helpful to cope with these symptoms by making lists, finding ways to relax, and prioritising good sleep habits.
If you become easily out of breath during pregnancy, it could be due to several factors. Firstly, your growing uterus is pressing upward on your lungs, making it more difficult to take deep breaths. Additionally, the increased blood volume during pregnancy means that your heart has to work harder to circulate blood throughout your body. This increased workload can contribute to feelings of breathlessness.
Pregnancy can sometimes trigger headaches, but there are ways to find relief if you’re experiencing this symptom. Increasing your water intake, resting in a darkened room and applying an ice pack to your head or neck can help alleviate the pain. However, if the headache persists or becomes severe, it’s important to contact your healthcare provider for further evaluation and guidance.
Increased vaginal discharge is common among many women during pregnancy. The heightened blood flow in your pelvic area can stimulate your body to produce more of the milky fluid known as leucorrhoea, which plays a vital role in maintaining vaginal cleanliness and preventing infection.
If you’re dealing with a vaginal infection, it’s probably that you have thrush, a prevalent yeast infection. Symptoms include a lumpy white discharge, itching in the vaginal area, and discomfort during urination or sexual intercourse. To help prevent thrush, consider wearing loose cotton underwear, using unperfumed soap or body wash.
Pregnancy loss during the second trimester is rare but they can still occur. Watch out for feelings of abdominal pain and bleeding. They may indicate a miscarriage. Approximately 1 to 5 percent of pregnancies end in miscarriage between the 13th and 19th weeks of gestation.
Pregnancy can worsen chronic illnesses. Conditions like hypertension and diabetes can cause a lot of harm to you and your baby. Take all prescribed medication and exercise regularly. Also, regularly checking your blood pressure or blood sugar level is important.
While you may feel energetic at 15 weeks pregnant, it’s important not to overexert yourself. Taking breaks to rest, elevate your feet, or even nap can be beneficial. These measures can help alleviate common discomforts such as headaches, backaches, and muscle fatigue, often experienced during pregnancy.
Listening to your body’s cues and giving yourself the rest you need can contribute to your overall well-being and help manage pregnancy-related symptoms effectively.
Hormonal changes can sometimes lead to gum bleeding or tooth looseness. If you experience these symptoms, it’s advisable to visit your dentist. Your dentist can guide you on maintaining healthy gums and teeth throughout your pregnancy and address any specific issues or discomforts you may be experiencing.
During pregnancy, your body experiences a metabolic increase, which can lead to feeling warmer than usual. Therefore, it’s essential to stay cool and comfortable during exercise. Opt for loose, breathable, stretchable workout attire, including cotton underwear, to ensure maximum comfort.
Additionally, select a supportive bra to provide adequate support for your growing breasts without causing discomfort during movement. It’s also wise to check the condition of your sneakers and replace them if necessary to reduce the risk of injury or falls. Wear the appropriate footwear for your fitness routine to maintain stability and support.
Drinking plenty of clean, fresh tap water daily is crucial during pregnancy. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, fluoride in tap water supports your baby’s tooth development and strengthens protective enamel. Staying hydrated helps maintain saliva flow, aiding digestion, and keeps you mentally alert.
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common during pregnancy and can be bothersome. To minimise the risk of UTIs, stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. After urination, wipe from front to back to prevent bacteria from entering the urethra. Before and after intercourse, emptying your bladder can help flush out bacteria.
void skipping breakfast even if you’re on the go; try to eat something small or prepare meals beforehand. Your body requires more calories than usual during pregnancy, so it’s essential to plan healthy snacks packed with nutrients. Consider options like nuts or seeds, hummus with vegetables, berries, or a green smoothie to ensure you get the necessary nourishment.
While you may feel energetic at 15 weeks pregnant, it’s important not to overexert yourself. Taking breaks to rest, elevate your feet, or even nap can be beneficial. These measures can help alleviate common discomforts such as headaches, backaches, and muscle fatigue, often experienced during pregnancy.
Listening to your body’s cues and giving yourself the rest you need can contribute to your overall well-being and help manage pregnancy-related symptoms effectively.
Hormonal changes can sometimes lead to gum bleeding or tooth looseness. If you experience these symptoms, it’s advisable to visit your dentist. Your dentist can guide you on maintaining healthy gums and teeth throughout your pregnancy and address any specific issues or discomforts you may be experiencing.
During pregnancy, your body experiences a metabolic increase, which can lead to feeling warmer than usual. Therefore, it’s essential to stay cool and comfortable during exercise. Opt for loose, breathable, stretchable workout attire, including cotton underwear, to ensure maximum comfort.
Additionally, select a supportive bra to provide adequate support for your growing breasts without causing discomfort during movement. It’s also wise to check the condition of your sneakers and replace them if necessary to reduce the risk of injury or falls. Wear the appropriate footwear for your fitness routine to maintain stability and support.
Drinking plenty of clean, fresh tap water daily is crucial during pregnancy. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, fluoride in tap water supports your baby’s tooth development and strengthens protective enamel. Staying hydrated helps maintain saliva flow, aiding digestion, and keeps you mentally alert.
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common during pregnancy and can be bothersome. To minimise the risk of UTIs, stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. After urination, wipe from front to back to prevent bacteria from entering the urethra. Before and after intercourse, emptying your bladder can help flush out bacteria.
Avoid skipping breakfast even if you’re on the go; try to eat something small or prepare meals beforehand. Your body requires more calories than usual during pregnancy, so it’s essential to plan healthy snacks packed with nutrients. Consider options like nuts or seeds, hummus with vegetables, berries, or a green smoothie to ensure you get the necessary nourishment.
Your pregnant partner might experience a surge in energy, which presents a great opportunity to plan a fun activity together. You could suggest joining a yoga class or swimming to maximise their energy boost. Alternatively, consider taking a day trip to enjoy quality time together and create lasting memories.
If your partner has difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep at night, you can take several supportive measures to help her. Firstly, assist her in adjusting her pillows to achieve maximum comfort. Giving her a foot rub or back massage right before bedtime can help induce relaxation, making it easier for her to drift off to sleep.
Additionally, if you need to get up during the night or before her in the morning, be considerate of her need for uninterrupted sleep. Keep noise to a minimum and be mindful that it may take her a while to fall asleep if she is awakened.
Your baby will develop a natural fur coat called lanugo, which helps regulate its temperature in the womb. This lanugo covers most of the baby’s body until it is shed before birth.
Your baby measures around 3.981 inches and weighs about 70 grams, comparable to an apple.
By the 15th week of pregnancy, you may feel more confident and experience the ‘pregnancy bloom’.
For first-time pregnancies, it may take a bit longer for the belly to show, while in subsequent pregnancies, the uterus has already been stretched, so a bump may appear earlier.
Pregnancy gingivitis, a mild form of gum disease, affects most pregnant women due to hormonal changes.
Vaginal infections, particularly thrush, are prevalent during pregnancy and may cause symptoms such as a lumpy white discharge, itching, and discomfort during urination or sexual intercourse.
During pregnancy, your body experiences a metabolic increase, which can lead to feeling warmer than usual. Therefore, it’s essential to stay cool and comfortable during exercise.
You can help your partner sleep better by adjusting her pillows for comfort and offering foot or back massages before bedtime to induce relaxation.
At 15 weeks, you can start talking to your baby to help them become familiar with your voice, which can provide comfort after birth.
This week, your baby weighs about 70 grams and measures about 3.981 inches, about 11 centimetres. More practically, your baby is the size of an apple this week. Their legs have grown longer than their arms, and their total height has increased since the past week.
If your baby isn’t well eno
By the 15th week of pregnancy, you might start feeling more confident in your pregnant self and experiencing what some call the ‘pregnancy bloom’—that radiant glow associated with expecting mothers. Your bump is likely becoming more prominent, just enough to showcase your growing baby.
For some, especially if this isn’t your first pregnancy, you might start feeling gentle flutters or air bubbles, which are your baby’s movements. First-time expectant mothers might have to wait a few more weeks before experiencing this sensation, but it’s not too far off.
ugh to be held, alternative ways exist to stay close to them. One method is gentle touch, known as hand hugs or containment holds. With your baby lying on their back, place one hand softly on their head and the other gently on their tummy or around the feet. When touching your baby, avoid stroking, as this can be overwhelming for them.
Hand hugs can help soothe a fussy baby and provide comfort. Additionally, seeing your baby breathe and relax in response to your touch can also bring you comfort.
How much your baby has grown in the last few weeks is amazing. This week, your baby is developing other facial features that were not present before. Not only are these features developing, but they are also moving gradually to where they are supposed to be.
The ears are taking shape, becoming more defined, while the eyes are shifting closer to the nose from the sides of the head, giving your baby a more familiar appearance. The bones are starting to ossify, which means they’re beginning to harden and if you were to take an x-ray, you’d see the skeleton forming.
Your baby’s skin is now covered in a soft layer of hair called lanugo, which protects their skin inside the womb. This hair starts to fall off towards the end of pregnancy. Also, their eyelashes are starting to grow for added eye protection, and they might be listening to sounds around them. The sounds of your heartbeat and stomach are particularly clear to them.
That sensation you might be feeling in your belly could be an early greeting from your baby! First-time mothers might experience this later in pregnancy, typically between 16 and 22 weeks. However, some women, including those who have been pregnant before, may feel early movements as early as 13 weeks pregnant. Even if you haven’t felt your baby move yet, you’ll likely see them wriggling around during your next ultrasound appointment.
Pregnancy’s gestation period is often described in weeks, although months are also used. At 15 weeks pregnant, you’re likely in your fourth month of pregnancy. If you’re wondering about your due date at 15 weeks pregnant, your healthcare provider will assist you in determining it. However, in the meantime, you can use our Due Date Calculator to estimate when your baby might arrive, which can be exciting as you anticipate meeting your little one.
This week, your baby weighs about 70 grams and measures about 3.981 inches, about 11 centimetres. More practically, your baby is the size of an apple this week. Their legs have grown longer than their arms, and their total height has increased since the past week.
If your baby isn’t well eno
By the 15th week of pregnancy, you might start feeling more confident in your pregnant self and experiencing what some call the ‘pregnancy bloom’—that radiant glow associated with expecting mothers. Your bump is likely becoming more prominent, just enough to showcase your growing baby.
For some, especially if this isn’t your first pregnancy, you might start feeling gentle flutters or air bubbles, which are your baby’s movements. First-time expectant mothers might have to wait a few more weeks before experiencing this sensation, but it’s not too far off.
ugh to be held, alternative ways exist to stay close to them. One method is gentle touch, known as hand hugs or containment holds. With your baby lying on their back, place one hand softly on their head and the other gently on their tummy or around the feet. When touching your baby, avoid stroking, as this can be overwhelming for them.
Hand hugs can help soothe a fussy baby and provide comfort. Additionally, seeing your baby breathe and relax in response to your touch can also bring you comfort.
How much your baby has grown in the last few weeks is amazing. This week, your baby is developing other facial features that were not present before. Not only are these features developing, but they are also moving gradually to where they are supposed to be.
The ears are taking shape, becoming more defined, while the eyes are shifting closer to the nose from the sides of the head, giving your baby a more familiar appearance. The bones are starting to ossify, which means they’re beginning to harden and if you were to take an x-ray, you’d see the skeleton forming.
Your baby’s skin is now covered in a soft layer of hair called lanugo, which protects their skin inside the womb. This hair starts to fall off towards the end of pregnancy. Also, their eyelashes are starting to grow for added eye protection, and they might be listening to sounds around them. The sounds of your heartbeat and stomach are particularly clear to them.
That sensation you might be feeling in your belly could be an early greeting from your baby! First-time mothers might experience this later in pregnancy, typically between 16 and 22 weeks. However, some women, including those who have been pregnant before, may feel early movements as early as 13 weeks pregnant. Even if you haven’t felt your baby move yet, you’ll likely see them wriggling around during your next ultrasound appointment.
Pregnancy’s gestation period is often described in weeks, although months are also used. At 15 weeks pregnant, you’re likely in your fourth month of pregnancy. If you’re wondering about your due date at 15 weeks pregnant, your healthcare provider will assist you in determining it. However, in the meantime, you can use our Due Date Calculator to estimate when your baby might arrive, which can be exciting as you anticipate meeting your little one.
1. American Pregnancy Association. 15 Weeks Pregnant.
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Water Fluoridation Basics.
3. Davies, S.J., Lum, J.A., Skouteris, H., Byrne, L.K. and Hayden, M.J., 2018. Cognitive impairment during pregnancy: a meta‐analysis. Medical Journal of Australia, 208(1), pp.35-40.
4. Dugan-Kim, M., Connell, S., Stika, C., Wong, C.A. and Gossett, D.R., 2009. Epistaxis of pregnancy and association with postpartum hemorrhage. Obstetrics & Gynecology, 114(6), pp.1322-1325.
5. John Hopkins Medicine. Medical Conditions and Pregnancy.
6. Kumar, A., Basra, M., Begum, N., Rani, V., Prasad, S., Lamba, A.K., Verma, M., Agarwal, S. and Sharma, S., 2013. Association of maternal periodontal health with adverse pregnancy outcome. Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Research, 39(1), pp.40-45.
7. Medical News Today. Your pregnancy at 15 weeks.
8. Michels, T.C. and Tiu, A.Y., 2007. Second trimester pregnancy loss. American family physician, 76(9), pp.1341-1346.
9. NHS. Week 15.
10. Now baby. Week 15 of Pregnancy.
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