How Many Months Are 15 Weeks Pregnant?
At 15 weeks, you are three-and-a half-months pregnant. You are in the second trimester by this week and may start to feel less nauseated in the mornings. Keep reading to learn what is going on with your baby, the symptoms to expect, and how to take care of yourself this week.
How Big Is Your Baby At 15 Weeks?
At 15 weeks, the baby is as big as an apple (1). They measure 3.98in (10.1cm) in length and weigh 2.47oz (70g) (2). Next, we tell you how the baby’s organs are growing.
The Baby’s Development This Week
In the 15th week, your baby’s organs are changing as follows. With the baby’s growth, you will also continue to experience certain physiological changes.
What Symptoms Of Pregnancy Do You Experience In The 15th Week?
The physiological changes you experience now include:
Changes In The Body at 15 Weeks
Physical changes experience include:
The pregnant belly bump is usually not visible during this week. However, second-time moms may notice a slight increase in their belly size.
There is an increase in the breast size, and the areola becomes darker. The blue veins around the breast area become prominent due to the increased blood flow.
The linea nigra gets darker.
The changes in hormonal levels make your hair look fuller, thicker, and shinier.
Emotional changes:
Strange dreams, as a result of pregnancy fears.
Mood swings.
Variation in sexual desire
Anxiety
When To Call The Doctor?
If you have any of the following symptoms, then get in touch with the doctor (9):
Fever (100.4 degrees or higher) Pelvic pain other than cramping Less urination or dark-colored urine Severe vomiting Shortness of breath Bleeding or discharge from vagina
If your pregnancy is going smooth and normal, then you can schedule a regular OB/GYN appointment.
Your OB/GYN Visit
If an appointment is scheduled with the doctor this week, the following tests will be done:
Weight check
Blood pressure
Second-trimester screening (10): Several blood tests including the maternal serum screening test (MSS), a blood test similar to the one done during the first trimester, are scheduled at this time. These tests are referred to as ‘multiple markers’ or ‘quad screen’ tests.
They are done to determine the level of four substances namely AFP, estriol, inhibin, and human chorionic gonadotropin in the blood to evaluate the risk of:
Down syndrome Trisomy 18 Neural-tube defects (NTDs) such as spina bifida in the fetus. Defects in the abdominal wall of the fetus
While this screening test is not 100% accurate, it can help determine the chances of having chromosomal abnormalities and refer to the next diagnosis.
Amniocentesis (11): It is a diagnostic test carried at 15 to 20 weeks of pregnancy. This test is done if the results of the screening test are not normal. A small amount of the amniotic fluid taken from the womb is tested to check for any genetic abnormalities (like cystic fibrosis, sickle cell disease, and heart defects) and congenital disabilities (like neural tube defect or spina bifida).
Some tests may not be safe for you, so talk to your doctor before getting any diagnostic procedures done. When the going is good, you can make it better by following some tips.
Tips To Follow
Here are a few tips you can follow for a healthy pregnancy:
Eat smaller meals at regular intervals.
Drink a lot of water and keep yourself hydrated.
Follow a healthy diet that includes meat, cereals, pulses, dairy products, fresh fruits, and vegetables. The right amount of calorie intake during the second trimester is 2,200 calories per day (12).
Engage in light workouts to keep yourself active and healthy.
Avoid consumption of caffeine and alcohol as it can affect the baby’s development.
Rest properly and try to sleep on your left side.
In the case of nausea, drink lemonade, eat watermelon or sniff a lemon.
Avoid skipping meals or lying down immediately after having meals.
Avoid uncooked, spicy, deep-fried, and fatty foods.
Take vitamin supplements (folic acid, vitamin B6) along with iron and calcium daily.
Wear comfortable and breathable clothes.
Avoid wearing heels and switch to flats and slippers.
Avoid taking medicines without your doctor’s permission.
Stay connected with family and friends.
Pregnancy is a journey that a couple undertakes together. So, your partner also plays a vital role in supporting you through this phase of life.
Tips For Dad-to-be
Here is what your partner can do to support you during this phase of pregnancy:
Accompany you to your prenatal appointments.
Help you with the daily household chores.
Go for daily walks with you.
Plan for an outing to make you feel refreshed.
Begin planning for welcoming your newborn.
Go for maternity wear shopping.
