15 Weeks Pregnant: Symptoms, Belly Size & Ultrasound

15 weeks pregnant is a milestone to celebrate and savor. Find out what to expect when you’re 15 weeks pregnant, find out whether you can feel baby yet and what your uterus looks like. What size is a 12-week-pregnant uterus? What are the 8th week symptoms? When does baby start to move?

Your baby at week 15 of pregnancy

By week 15, your unborn baby is able to move her arms and legs and bend at the elbows. Now that she’s becoming bigger, you can feel a lot of her wiggles.

Right about now, your little one is the size of a modest apple or orange. Her skeleton continues to lengthen and develop normally. The thin, translucent skin and obvious veins of an infant belie the fact that she is actually older than a baby.

Also, a very fine hair called lanugo is starting to grow on your kid. Until about the 26th week of pregnancy (week 28 of your pregnancy), it will continue to expand.

15 weeks pregnant is how many months?

When you are 15 weeks pregnant, you are officially in 4 months of your pregnancy. Just another 5 months to go! Congratulations, you’ve already made great progress!

How big is your baby at 15 weeks pregnant?

Your baby, also known as a foetus, is currently about 70 gm in weight and 10.1 cm in length from head to bottom which is about the size of a apple, or pear.

15 weeks pregnant: baby’s development

The formation of fetal blood cells in the bone marrow begins around week 15. For the rest of the infant’s life, the bone marrow will be the site of blood cell production.

They should begin to pick up sounds around now. The sounds of the outer world and your own digestive system may be audible to her or him, though they may be muffled. Your words and your own heartbeat will be heard by them.

Light sensitivity also begins to manifest in the eyes. If you lie in bed with your eyes closed, you might still be able to see a brilliant light emanating from somewhere beyond your stomach.

Development of the cilia has accelerated since they first appeared 13 weeks after fertilization. The cilia on the surface of the cells that border the airway resemble microscopic hairs.

The cilia in your respiratory system pick up debris and mucus and sweep them up towards your throat, protecting your lungs from infection. About 200 cilia will be present on each of the mature cells that border the airway.

Your body at 15 weeks pregnant

While your pregnancy clumsiness may be frustrating, at least you have something to show for it! Your belly grows day by day as your unborn baby gets bigger. If you haven’t bought maternity pants yet, you’re probably thinking about it as you can barely button your jeans.

In your 15th week of pregnancy, your uterus is halfway between your pubic bone and belly button. You may feel Braxton Hicks contractions. These painless and random contractions can be thought of as your body warming up for the big event of birth. If you have more than five per hour, if they come at a steady pace, or if they’re accompanied by intense cramps or backaches, call the doctor.

You finally look pregnant! As your bump grows, your internal organs are shifting positions to make room for your baby-to-be. Less room means you may not be able to eat large meals, but instead you’ll need to eat more frequently to stay satisfied. Because of cramped tummy space, you may have heartburn, indigestion, and flatulence. Your blood flow has increased to provide extra nutrients—meaning more trips to the bathroom for you. You may also notice that you’re retaining water.

Pregnancy Brain

Dropped anything lately? Tripped over nothing? Forget something you always remember—like the date? You may be experiencing a common complaint in pregnancy—scatterbrain. “Some of my patients call it ‘placenta brain,’” says Dr. Joanne Motino Bailey, PhD, a certified nurse-midwife and a professor of women’s studies at the University of Michigan. While there are no studies to support the existence of pregnancy scatterbrain, notes Dr. Bailey, there are some changes in your body which may account for your sudden clumsiness.

Changing center of gravity

The first reason you may be stumbling is obvious—you’re getting bigger. As your belly grows outward, your whole center of gravity is thrown. After walking perfectly for years, your body now has to constantly realign itself to keep you upright—no wonder you’re tripping.

While your baby-to-be is well cushioned in your belly, falling wouldn’t be good for either of you. Opt for sneakers or flats instead of high heels. Take stairs slowly. And be mindful of your movements to avoid any serious spills.

Retaining water

Another reason you may think your losing your mind—your gripping sensation may be different because you’re retaining water. Your swollen fingers may make it more difficult to pick something up. (Think about how much harder it is to grab something up with fuzzy gloves on.)

Loosened joints

For your belly to house your growing baby, your skin, muscles, and joints stretch and loosen. A pregnancy hormone, appropriately called relaxin, triggers this change. Just like you need to keep in mind your changing center of gravity, remember that your muscles aren’t as tight as in pre-pregnancy days—take it easy!

Fatigue

“We all know that we’re not at our best when we’re tired,” says Dr. Bailey. “During pregnancy your body is under a great deal of stress, but it’s hard to take the time out for an extra hour of sleep, which is really what you need.” So it’s not surprising that your constant state of tiredness may leave you not as sharp as in pre-pregnancy days.

If however, you find yourself overly clumsy, let your healthcare provider know about it. There may be something more going on than loose joints and lack of sleep.

You may be now experiencing the happiest pregnancy symptom of all—your baby is most likely a regular wiggler now! You may begin to feel a fluttering in your uterus.

Having Trouble Sleeping at 15 Weeks Pregnant

Having difficulties sleeping is a common pregnant symptom, and it’s especially common in the second and third trimesters, when other pregnancy symptoms peak and a growing belly makes it difficult to find a comfortable sleeping position.

When you’re 15 weeks pregnant, it could hurt to sleep on your stomach, but studies indicates that lying on your back puts more strain on the vena cava, the main blood vessel that returns blood to the heart.

Your blood circulation will increase if you sleep on your left side, which will also be good for your uterus, kidneys, and fetus. If you’re having trouble falling asleep, try placing a pillow between your knees and another under your stomach. If the problem persists, consult your doctor.

15 weeks Pregnant: Wellness and Nutrition

What should you avoid during pregnancy? Doctors agree that you should avoid the following:

Activities that may cause you to fall, or that place pressure or force on your belly
Intense, overly vigorous exercise – if you’re too out of breath to talk, you’re probably exercising too hard.
Drinking alcohol, smoking, and caffeine (ask your doctor how much caffeine you should consume each day)
Sweeteners such as saccharine and herbal sweeteners (ask your doctor if artificial sweeteners are appropriate)

Prescription and over-the-counter medications (check with your doctor about what’s safe during pregnancy)
Paint, cleaning products, and solvents can expose you to chemicals and fumes. Acrylic and latex paints are generally considered safe. However, you should consult your doctor before helping around the house or in the nursery.
Saunas and hot tubs
Chemical treatments for your hair, such as dye and perms

Early pregnancy symptoms at 15 weeks

At the end of the first trimester, or week 15, you will enter a new phase of your pregnancy. The second trimester of pregnancy consists of months four through six. This week, you should begin to feel less anxious.. Some women feel nauseous and tired right away, while others don’t begin to experience symptoms until later in the first trimester. At this stage of your pregnancy, you may continue to experience physical symptoms,

Breast changes and tenderness

Tenderness and slight alterations in the shape of your breasts are common pregnancy symptoms around the 15th week. The hormones estrogen and progesterone are responsible for these alterations, which help your body get ready for breastfeeding after giving birth. You might find that your breasts are more sensitive to touch and feel fuller than usual.

Fatigue (constant tiredness or weakness)

One of the most typical symptoms of early pregnancy is fatigue, which frequently starts at this point. Although there are many causes of exhaustion during pregnancy (including changes in hormone levels), some research indicates that inadequate sleep brought on by nighttime awakenings from unpleasant sleeping positions may also be a role.

Heartburn or gas

There may be a rise in heartburn and flatulence during the 15th week of pregnancy. This is because progesterone produces a decrease in the tone of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) muscle, which typically prevents stomach acid from entering the esophagus. This can cause heartburn and discomfort by allowing stomach acid to flow back up into the esophagus. Try spreading your meals out more, staying away from items that are known to cause heartburn (such spicy foods), and drinking lots of water.

Mood swings and crying spells

The 15th week of pregnancy is a vulnerable time for women, when they are more likely to experience mood swings and crying spells. Until your hormone levels settle, this will have an impact on your mental and emotional well-being. This is a common occurrence for pregnant women; one study indicated that 75% of women felt emotional shifts like irritability or depression in the first trimester.

Food cravings, aversions, or both

During your 15th week of pregnancy, It’s common to crave foods that are high in protein, such as meat and cheese, which are essential for your baby’s development. You may also have strong aversions to certain foods, like vegetables or fruits that you normally enjoy eating but now find repulsive. This is normal—just make sure you don’t completely eliminate any food groups from your diet.

Pregnant stretch marks

In the 15th week of pregnancy, stretch marks, sometimes called striae gravidarum, may occur on the belly. Stretch marks form when the skin is forced apart and then stretched beyond its natural elasticity, as happens during rapid growth or weight gain (like pregnancy)

Indigestion, or constipation

During the 15th week of pregnancy, you may suffer gastrointestinal issues like indigestion or constipation. Pregnancy hormones like progesterone and estrogen might increase the likelihood of gastrointestinal issues including indigestion. These hormones slow down digestion by relaxing the digestive tract, preventing food from being swallowed whole. You can reduce the frequency and severity of indigestion during pregnancy by cutting out on high-fat and sugary foods and eating more often, smaller meals (like sweets or fried foods).

Increase in visible veins

In most cases, varicose veins in pregnant women are quite safe. They occur because of stress on the big vein (the inferior vena cava) that transports blood from the lower body to the heart. Itching, discomfort, and even pain are possible side effects of having varicose veins. Thankfully, once you’ve given birth, they typically disappear. Varicose veins can be treated if they cause you discomfort or pain. If you have any questions regarding how to treat your particular symptoms, you should talk to a doctor.

No symptoms at 15 weeks pregnant

Yes, it is possible to be 15 weeks pregnant with no obvious signs of pregnancy at all! It’s important to remember that every pregnant lady is unique. If you’re one of the happy few who never gets morning sickness, for instance, you may relax and enjoy your pregnancy. But if you do have symptoms, you should definitely pay heed to them. If you are pregnant and have any health concerns, you should always consult your doctor.

15 weeks pregnant belly size (baby bumb)

When you’re 15 weeks pregnant, you’ll probably notice that you look more pregnant than you did before. Your 15 weeks pregnant belly size will be largely determined by how many pregnancies you’ve had.

It may take a while for you to develop a proper baby bump if this is your first pregnancy. In contrast, if you have had previous pregnancies, your muscles are more lax and you’ll show more of a 15 weeks pregnant bump.

Around this time, you may also notice a dark line running from your belly button to your pelvis. It’s known as “linea nigra”, and it’s completely normal among pregnant women. After delivery, it will fade, so don’t worry!

You will gain more weight than you did in the first trimester because your baby will need nutrients to grow and develop. To gain 1 pound per week, doctors recommend eating approximately 300 extra calories per day. During week 15 of pregnancy, you should be able to feel the uterus halfway between your pubic bone and your belly button.

15 weeks pregnant ultrasound

Prenatal screening for neural tube defects and chromosomal abnormalities is performed by measuring the levels of specific proteins and hormones in the expecting mother’s blood. Amniocentesis is another option for expecting mothers to choose between weeks 15 and 20.

A sample of the amniotic fluid surrounding your unborn baby can be tested for genetic abnormalities through a technique called amniocentesis. A little amount of amniotic fluid is removed during the process by putting a needle through the abdominal wall and into the uterus.

The amniotic sac is punctured and fluid is taken for testing. After collecting the fluid, it is tested to look for fetal genetic abnormalities. For several reasons, including an abnormal screening result or a family history of chromosomal problems, amniocentesis is typically performed on women aged 35 and up.

The importance of prenatal vitamins during pregnancy

During pregnancy, you need a greater amount of folic acid and iron. Why? Here are some reasons:

Folic acid prevents neural tube defects

These defects affect the fetal brain and spinal cord in a significant way. Preferably, you should begin taking extra folic acid three months before you become pregnant.

The placenta and baby require iron to develop

The body uses iron to make blood to supply oxygen to the baby. Additionally, iron helps prevent anemia, a condition in which the blood lacks healthy red blood cells

It’s important to consult your doctor or healthcare provider to find out which are the best prenatal vitamins to take before pregnancy, and how to calculate your expected delivery date.