At 15 weeks pregnant, you may be in the “honeymoon” phase of pregnancy. Only 25 weeks of pregnancy left!
Many pregnant women consider this an ideal time to work on that pre-baby to-do list. Week 15 might also be a good time to look into local childbirth classes and begin planning your baby shower. You may want to start learning to sleep on your left side to promote circulation and blood flow during pregnancy.
Additionally, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), elective genetic testing is available in the second trimester and can be done between week 15 and week 20. These genetic screenings can detect neural tube defects and chromosomal abnormalities. If you had the NIPT in the first trimester, you may not need additional testing. Talk to your health care professional about whether or not these pregnancy screenings are right for you.
Your baby at 15 weeks is the size of a grapefruit. Curious about what they do all day? Your little one is doing more than just floating in your amniotic sac, even if you can’t feel it. They can now move all of their joints – during your next ultrasound, they may look like they’re taking an aerobics class!
Week 15 Pregnancy Symptoms
Bleeding Gums
You might be experiencing less morning sickness, but brace yourself for some new second-trimester symptoms. Have you noticed your gums looking redder and more swollen than usual? You may also experience soreness and bleeding during your regular brushing and flossing.
Pregnancy hormones are tied to an increase in inflammation and gum disease, such as gingivitis, which can be linked to preterm labor. You’ll want to maintain a dental hygiene routine. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), you can take care of your teeth by brushing twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush, gently flossing once a day, and keeping up with your regularly scheduled dental appointments.
Occasional Headaches
Headaches during pregnancy are quite common and can be caused by a lot of things including hormones, stress, and fatigue.
Pregnancy-related headaches should dissipate quickly after birth. However, be sure to talk to your doctor about any persistent headaches or if your headaches don’t go away upon delivery of your baby.
For headache relief during pregnancy, place a cool compress on your forehead or the back of your neck and sit in a dark, quiet room. While your doctor may have you avoid ibuprofen (Advil) and naproxen (Aleve) when pregnant, acetaminophen (Tylenol) is generally considered safe for occasional use. Make sure to talk to your doctor or pharmacist for personalized advice.
If your headache persists for more than 2 or 3 hours or is accompanied by other symptoms such as a fever or sudden swelling in your hands and feet, contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Pregnancy Brain
Is your memory feeling hazy these days? You might be experiencing “pregnancy brain.” This frustrating pregnancy symptom might be caused by an increase in gray matter in your brain, according to this recent study. Researchers suggest that this increase might be your brain’s way of maturing or specializing as you prepare for motherhood.
If you suffer from pregnancy-induced brain fog, you may forget meetings, whether you turned off the stove, or even your own phone number. This forgetfulness is extremely common in pregnancy. The good news is that it's temporary!
If you’re feeling extra scatterbrained, try making lists and reminders on your phone or computer to help you stay organized.
Baby on Board
At week 15 of pregnancy, your baby measures around 4¾ inches long and weighs about 2.5 ounces. Thanks to those extra calories you're consuming, your baby and your belly are ready for some major growth.
Under Construction: Skin and Blood Vessels
A 15-week fetus has started developing skin. However, their skin is so translucent that blood vessels are visible just below the surface. Thanks to your baby’s heart, these blood vessels are moving up to 100 pints of blood every day. As your baby begins to pack on the pounds, their skin becomes more opaque.
Under Construction: Taste Buds
Your baby is forming taste buds this week, but don’t worry about whether or not they liked what you were craving for dinner. Your baby can’t taste what you’re eating yet. Their taste buds will continue to develop over the next few weeks.
What to Wear This Week
Our Seamless Classic Maternity Bra was made with expectant mothers in mind. This bra has a feminine, flattering, and versatile fit with a smooth silhouette that disappears under clothing. It features convertible, low-profile straps and no nursing clips, making it a great option to wear under maternity tanks and other maternity shirts.
As your bump grows, you might find that your everyday underwear is getting more uncomfortable. Our Under-the-Bump Bikini Underwear features a low-rise, notched waistband that won’t roll over and full rear coverage.
This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice that has been medically reviewed. Please reach out to your health care team with any questions.
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