15th week of pregnancy

• You are in the “honeymoon” phase of pregnancy, which means that the most unpleasant symptoms have subsided and you feel more energized and alive.
• Depending on your pre-pregnancy weight, you may need to eat an average of 300 extra calories per day. So yes, you are eating “for two”, but it is important to eat in moderation.
• If this is your first pregnancy, you may have a small bulge in your belly. If you have been pregnant before, your belly may even be a little more prominent.

During this period, you can be informed about the “Multiple Marker Screening” (MMS, also known as Triple or Quadruple Screening Test), which can be performed up to 20 weeks. This test assesses the risk of certain neural tube defects and chromosomal abnormalities.

Are you feeling attractive? At 15 weeks pregnant you may have high energy levels, which can cause a spike in your libido. Don’t worry; as long as your baby is unaware of what is happening and your doctor has not imposed any restrictions, sexual intercourse will not harm the baby or pose a threat to your pregnancy.

Baby Development in the 15th Week of Pregnancy

You may not be able to feel it yet, but at 15 weeks your baby may look quite active on ultrasound! She may be moving all her joints and limbs now, sucking her thumb or showing tiny smiles. Your baby’s eyes will still be closed for a few months yet, but they are already starting to detect light. Isn’t that interesting?

At 15 weeks, important steps are being taken in your baby’s organ development. Some organs and body parts are slowly settling into their proper places, for example, the ears are beginning to hear and the intestines are beginning to move. The lungs continue to develop but will continue to “breathe” in the amniotic fluid until birth. Your baby may even be hiccupping at 15 weeks, but it’s hard to feel it at this stage.

How big is a 15-week-old baby?

At 15 weeks pregnant, your baby is about the size of a pear. At around 7 centimeters long and weighing 70 grams, your baby’s proportions are becoming more natural; its legs are now longer than its arms.

How many months does 15 weeks of pregnancy correspond to?

15 weeks pregnant means that you are about 3 months pregnant. But since pregnancy lasts a total of 40 weeks, it is actually a little longer than 9 months. This is why doctors usually follow the pregnancy week by week.

15th Week of Pregnancy Ultrasound

If you choose to have a Triple or Quadruple Screening Test, blood will be taken for this test between 15 and 20 weeks. This screening measures the levels of certain proteins and hormones in the expectant mother’s blood and provides a risk assessment for neural tube defects and chromosomal abnormalities.

Amniocentesis is an optional test that is usually performed between 15 and 20 weeks. This invasive test can diagnose neural tube defects, chromosomal abnormalities and other genetic disorders. Although it is considered safe, it carries some risks, so it is important to discuss this in detail with your doctor. If the Triple or Quadruple Test results are abnormal, or if your baby is at high risk of genetic abnormalities, you may consider amniocentesis.

During amniocentesis, the doctor uses ultrasound to insert a needle into the amniotic sac where the baby is and take a sample of fluid. Such tests can be stressful; remember to take some time to pamper yourself in between. You deserve it!

15 Weeks of Pregnancy: Can the Sex of the Baby be Determined?

A 15-week ultrasound is a bit early to find out the sex of the baby; you should wait for an ultrasound between 18 and 22 weeks to get a clearer result. However, if you choose to have amniocentesis, you can also find out the sex of your baby as a result of the test.

15 Week Pregnancy Symptoms

How are your 15th week symptoms going? Here are some of the symptoms you might feel this week, some pleasant and some not so pleasant!

Increased Sexual Desire: Now that your energy is back, you may feel more energized in the bedroom. However, if you feel too tired with other symptoms of the 15th week, this is completely normal.

Nosebleeds This unpleasant symptom is caused by a combination of increased blood volume and sensitized nasal tissues. Although it is usually harmless, you should inform your doctor if nosebleeds become very severe.

Heartburn, gas and indigestion: Hormones are to blame for these stomach problems! You can try to reduce them as much as possible by paying attention to the foods that trigger your symptoms. Don’t forget to ask your doctor about safe medicines that can help with stomach problems. Consider taking some of the safe antacids during pregnancy; they are also good for calcium!

Swollen gums: Your gums become more sensitive during pregnancy. Therefore, you should pay extra attention to your dental care. Brush your teeth regularly, floss gently and keep up with your dental check-ups.

Shortness of breath Are you feeling tired quickly? As your baby grows, it takes up more space in your belly, which can make it harder for your lungs to expand.

If your babies are twins, the symptoms may be slightly more intense than if you are carrying a single baby. You may still be dealing with nausea, as high hormone levels in the first trimester make you more likely to experience morning sickness. But don’t worry, this will soon start to ease. If you are experiencing severe or worrying symptoms, make sure you see your doctor.

How Do You Feel at 15 Weeks Pregnant?

How should you feel this week? You probably feel great! If you are physically active and eating healthy, this will boost your mood and energy and contribute to healthy weight gain. You may be experiencing the common symptoms of 15 weeks, but it’s also a time when you feel ready to start preparing for your baby. Buying maternity clothes, creating a baby shopping list, planning the nursery… Enjoy this exciting time!

15 Weeks Pregnant Belly

At 15 weeks pregnant, your belly is going through a big change. In the first trimester it fit comfortably inside the pelvis of your uterus, but now as your baby grows, your uterus is expanding and will soon start to protrude towards the top of your pelvis. Every expectant mother’s body is different, so it is completely normal not to have a prominent belly this week or to see a prominent bulge. For example, in your first pregnancy, your belly may appear a little later. However, in the second and subsequent pregnancies, your belly may appear earlier because the uterus stretches earlier.

If you have twins, your uterus may be expanding at a faster rate and you probably have a prominent belly now.

At 15 weeks, the recommended weight gain is about half a kilogram per week, unless you were overweight before pregnancy. You should continue to take in about 300 extra calories a day and try to make sure that these calories come from healthy foods if possible. If you notice sudden or rapid weight gain, report it to your doctor immediately. This could be a sign of pre-eclampsia, a serious pregnancy condition.

Can I Feel Baby Movements at 15 Weeks?

Did you feel a stirring in your tummy? This could be an early greeting from your baby! First-time moms tend to feel this movement a little later, usually between 16 and 22 weeks. Those who have been pregnant before may start to feel slight movements as early as 13 weeks. Even if you haven’t felt it yet, you will probably see your baby’s movements at the next ultrasound!

Recommendations for the 15th week of pregnancy

It’s time to put your health first. Here’s what you can do to feel your best:

Schedule a Dentist Appointment

If your gums are bleeding or you feel like your teeth are loose due to hormone fluctuations, it might be a good idea to visit your dentist. By having a check-up during this trimester, you can prevent potential problems.

Rest whenever you can

You may be energized, but it’s important not to overdo it. Putting your feet up or taking a short nap can help with headaches, backaches and overworked joints, which are common in 15 weeks.

Start lying on your side

Speaking of rest… At 15 weeks, your baby is now big enough and can put pressure on your lower main vein (vena cava) when you sleep on your back. You should start sleeping on your side (preferably on your left side) to avoid obstructing blood circulation. A pregnancy pillow can help you find the most comfortable position and help you sleep.

Research Childbirth Preparation Courses (Pregnancy School)

You have a lot to do to prepare for birth and the second trimester can go by quite fast. Now is the time to explore the options for childbirth preparation courses and enroll in the one that best suits your goals.

Frequently Asked Questions and Myths

Pregnancy information can be confusing for expectant parents. Here are some common questions and myths surrounding the 15th week of pregnancy, and realistic answers to these questions:

To-Do List for the 15th Week of Pregnancy

Reminders for this week:

• If you are considering a Triple or Quadruple Screening Test, make your appointment.
• If you are planning an amniocentesis, make an appointment for this test as well.
• Start researching childcare options in your area (daycare waiting lists can be long!).
• Estimate childcare costs and create a budget.
• If you haven’t already, start making your baby shopping list.

You can use features within the app to organize all your to-do’s, such as to-do lists, pregnancy symptoms and My Christmas.