Second Trimester: 15 Weeks Pregnant

Don’t be surprised (or better, be excited!). Once you reached week 15, you are starting to show some baby bump. Even the people around you is starting to notice your cute baby bump. Here are the information that you need to know – what is going on with your baby, your body changes and the common symptoms when you are 15 weeks pregnant.

The Size of My Baby

Your baby is growing really quick from past two weeks with a measurement of 10.1cm and weighs about 70g this week. He is currently in a size of a grapefruit.

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Baby’s Growth Development

• Ears and eyes

Now, your little one is starting to look more and more like a baby. His ears on the left and right are placed well. The eyes are starting to move from the side of his head to the front of the face. During this week, his eyes are starting to get more sensitive toward light. Even with his closed eyes, he can register bright light.

• Hard at practicing!

Your baby is practising very hard on breathing, sucking, and swallowing as he his preparing for the real world. Also, you may not feel it (yet), but he is moving frequently in your belly.

• Taste bud

During this stage, your baby’s taste bud is getting in form. At the same time, he may start to get hiccups every now and then. You might be able to feel the rhythmic flutters when your baby gets it.

Common Symptoms in Week 15

When you are 15 weeks pregnant, you will have these symptoms. Some of the symptoms are common while some may be new to you. But, worry not as these symptoms will not put you in danger.

• Heartburn and indigestion. This might not be something new for you. Heartburn and indigestion are commons until towards the end of your pregnancy. You are probably getting hungrier, but the heartburn is not allowing you to comfortably have your meal. Try to eat in a smaller amount of food every hour rather than taking a large meal at a time.
  
• Dizziness and faintness. You will (still) feel dizzy because of the imbalance and changing rate of sugar level in your body. Also, the changes of blood flows might cause the dizziness and faintness. If you are feeling like you are going to faint, sit down and put your head in between your legs. This will prevent you from falling and end up hurting yourself.
• Nose bleeding. The blood vessel in your nose will expand during pregnancy. The increase of blood supply will put more pressure on those delicate vessels, which then causes blowout more easily. This is why it is common for pregnant woman to get nose bleeding. You just have to sit down and lean forward a bit, but keep your head higher than your heart to stop the bleeding.
• Pregnancy Memory. You might start to be more forgetful. You can even forget the simple things. This is because, your brain cell volume is decreasing during pregnancy. Prepare a sticky notes or save a reminder in your phone about anything important such as appointments and things that you plan to do.
  
• Breath. If you notice that you’re easily out of breath, it might be because your growing uterus is pushing on the lungs, making it harder for you breath. The increase in blood during pregnancy is also one of the reasons. This is because, your heart has to work harder during this time in order to circulate it in your body. Thus, the increased workload can make you feel short of breath.

My Pregnant Belly in Week 15

A big transition of your pregnant belly will begin this week. During the first trimester, your uterus still fit nicely inside your pelvis. But now, it will stretch to accommodate your growing baby and will soon outgrow your pelvis and sit higher up in your belly. 

If this is your first pregnancy, your belly could take a little longer to begin showing off. While, if this is your second pregnancy or beyond, your uterus had stretched. So, your baby bump might show earlier if this is a repeat pregnancy.

When you are 15 weeks pregnant, you are recommended to gain only two pounds. So you just have to follow the meal plan that you had like the previous week.

You can eat about 300 extra calories per day, but make sure your meal consists of healthy food. If you notice drastic or sudden weight gain, notify your doctor right away. This could be a sign of a serious pregnancy condition called preeclampsia.

To-do List during Week 15

• Learn about preeclampsia

Preeclampsia generally develops late in pregnancy (after week 20). It is characterized by a sudden onset of high blood pressure, severe swelling of the hands and face, and signs that some organs may not be working normally, including protein in the urine.

If you are considered high-risk for preeclampsia, ask your doctor about low-dose aspirin. Taking a small daily dose after the first trimester can reduce preeclampsia by 24%.

• Your breakfast is a must

Similar to everyone else, never skip your breakfast! Set an alarm for you to get up early in the morning to have some breakfast for you and your baby.

A slice of bread with a glass of milk will do. If you are always in a rush to go for work in the morning, make sure that you prepare any simple-healthy meals the night before.

Tips When You are 15 Weeks Pregnant

• Be creative and productive. Fill your time with some fun activities. Do some arts and craft, gardening or watching your favourite movie. Make sure you are doing something that excites you and good for your fetus as well. 
• Foods to try. Eat more iron-rich foods such as red meat, spinach, apricot, broccoli, raspberries, and eggs.
• Aroma/fragrances. If previously, you might asked to avoid essential oils during your first trimester, now you can use it for some relaxing properties. Dab diluted peppermint oil on your temples to relieve headaches. You can also take a quick sniff of lavender before you go to bed to help you sleep. Add a drop of sweet orange and grapefruit to a diffuser for a midday mood boost. This will give you a peaceful and relaxing mind.

Keep yourself more comfortable during this time. Normally, you will be going through a more relaxing second trimester, though you might experiencing some cramps here and there.

Stay tuned for the updates when you are 16 weeks pregnant and until then, you can start browse through the essential baby items that you need at Motherhood.com.my.