Your Baby is the size of a

Apple

Do you feel like painting the nursery this week? Make sure you choose a paint brand approved for pregnant women. You’ll also want to steer clear of changing the kitty’s litter and gassing up your car if you can help it. Your apple-sized baby’s legs are longer than their arms; and though his or her eyes are still fused shut, they can now sense light in your womb. Remember, everyone carries differently, try not to compare your bump to others’!

Week 15

Length : 10.1 cm

Weight : 70 g

Week 15
Length : 10.1 cm
Weight : 70 g

Your Baby is the size of a

Apple

Do you feel like painting the nursery this week? Make sure you choose a paint brand approved for pregnant women. You’ll also want to steer clear of changing the kitty’s litter and gassing up your car if you can help it. Your apple-sized baby’s legs are longer than their arms; and though his or her eyes are still fused shut, they can now sense light in your womb. Remember, everyone carries differently, try not to compare your bump to others’!

At 15 weeks, your little one's legs are now longer than their arms, and their bones are getting harder and stronger! Their skin is still thin and transparent, but they've developed a thin layer of hair to help protect their body. This layer of hair, called lanugo, is present on every part of your baby's body, even the fingernails!

Your baby is also moving amniotic fluid through their nose and upper respiratory tract. This action helps the primitive air sacs in the lungs develop. And even though your little one's eyes will remain fused shut until around 26 weeks, they can actually sense light in your womb!

By week 15, it's possible you've gained about 5 pounds. There's no need to worry if it's a little more or less than that. And even though your morning sickness and fatigue have subsided, you shouldn't be surprised if you still experience an unexpected symptom or two.

Painful urination, abdominal discomfort, blood in your urine, and a frequent urge to urinate are all signs of a urinary tract infection (UTI). UTIs are more common in pregnant individuals because muscles in your urinary tract relax and slow the flow of urine, giving bacteria a better chance to grow into an infection. If you feel these symptoms and suspect a UTI, it is important that you tell your midwife or doctor these symptoms. If a UTI is left untreated, it may lead to pregnancy complications.

Higher amounts of estrogen may cause your mucus membranes to swell or produce extra mucus. This, as well as increased blood in your body, means you may feel like your nose is constantly stuffy. If your stuffy nose is accompanied by sneezing, coughing, or a sore throat, you may have a cold or are suffering from allergies. Your stuffy nose may even lead to a small nosebleed.

Check with your midwife or doctor if you have any concerns or questions. In the meantime, you should avoid irritants, like cigarette smoke and air pollutants, which worsen nasal congestion. You can also use a humidifier at night, adding moisture to the air, which should help lower nasal congestion. Likewise, a good old-fashioned hot shower can also provide some relief.
        

From an increased libido to a stuffy nose and constipation, here is a list of the symptoms you may encounter this week.

Increased energy: the second trimester is known for providing a “boost” of increased energy. This is most likely due to the fact that nausea is decreasing and the placenta is taking over a lot of the heavy lifting for processing nutrients for your growing baby. Enjoy the surge of energy and take advantage of it to do some nesting or fun things you may have to take a break from once the baby arrives. 

Increased libido: pregnancy can have a direct effect on libido in both directions. If you are experiencing a heightened sex drive, this may be in response to increased blood flow causing heightened sensitivity, paired with a boost of energy and positive mood. Communicate with your partner so they can be supportive and enjoy!

Increased appetite: as nausea subsides and growth picks-up, your appetite may be growing too! Enjoy your newfound appetite as many favorite foods may taste better than ever during pregnancy! 

Round ligament pain: As your uterus begins to stretch to accommodate your growing baby, surrounding ligaments will also stretch. This may result in short, sharp pain. Rest is the best solution for round ligament pain, but talk to your healthcare provider if you are experiencing continuous pain that is not stopping.

Nasal congestion and/or nose bleeds: pregnancy rhinitis is a common symptom where the mucous membranes lining the nose become inflamed. Additionally, increased blood volume can lead to enlargement of veins (including those in the nose.) This can result in congestion, a runny nose, and even nosebleeds. Check with your healthcare provider before medicating any congestion, and be sure to familiarize yourself with best practices for nosebleeds.

Heartburn and/or indigestion: Increased levels of progesterone cause your digestive system to slow down so nutrients can be more easily absorbed, but this can result in digestive discomfort including heartburn and indigestion. Talk to your medical care provider about options for relief if you’re feeling too uncomfortable.

Constipation, gas, and/or bloating: like heartburn, hormonal changes that slow digestion can also trigger constipation, bloating, and/or gas. Take care to stay hydrated, up your fiber intake, and talk to your doctor if you are still experiencing constipation.

Headaches, faintness, and/or dizziness: hormonal changes will continue to affect everything in your body during pregnancy. That, and increased blood flow, may  be responsible for headaches and/or dizziness that you may experience. Take time to be sure you are well-hydrated and getting enough rest. Talk to your healthcare provider if headaches and dizziness is frequent, especially if accompanied by additional symptoms such as blurred vision or heart palpitations. 

Larger breasts: as your breasts continue to respond to hormonal changes and prepare for lactation, you may notice an increase in size. Breast size has no bearing on milk production however, so don’t fear if you are hoping to breastfeed and don’t notice much significant change.         

Newborns can seem incredibly small and fragile. This causes many new parents to worry - obsessively worry - about everything, like their baby's fragile, paper-thin fingernails, which often tear too easily, and those teensy, tiny toes, which make peas look more like marbles. But babies are very resilient, especially when you consider their journey through the birth canal, which will even turn the shape of a few babies’ heads into a temporary cone! While you certainly don't have to worry about breaking your baby during a diaper change, there are some things you can do to keep your little one safe. And it never hurts to be prepared.

CPR Training

Check into infant CPR training. Parents who learn the basics of CPR may feel more prepared for any potential emergency. With the number of hospitals offering regular classes nowadays, you're left with little room for excuses! Plus, you may find it easier to participate in a class like this now, before you have a large belly or a new baby in tow. Once your baby arrives, you'll be happy for the days you're able to find enough time to take a shower and wash a few dishes. Meaning, the time you'll need to take a reoccurring class may be even harder to come across.

Keep safety in mind as you put your nursery together. This means the bassinet your great-great-grandfather slept in, albeit a family heirloom, should not be reused if there's a fraction of possibility your little one could get trapped between its railings. Everything you purchase, everything previously used and/or handed down to you, should meet the present-day safety recommendations set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Due to health concerns and safety issues, there are a few major items you should avoid borrowing or buying if they've been previously used, gently used, or are "like new." For example, experts recommend you always purchase new mattresses, car seats, cribs, and breast pumps.

Make Sure to Do Your Research

When considering crib bumpers and sleep positioners, do your research. These two products have gained bad reputations and amassed serious safety concerns over the years. Before deciding whether to use them, and make sure whatever you choose properly meets today’s child safety and injury prevention guidelines.

Are you planning to paint walls in a nursery? Make sure you choose a brand of paint approved for pregnant people because, similar to why you shouldn't be gassing up your car or changing the kitty's litter, certain paints have chemical fumes that can be harmful to your unborn baby, It is impossible to eliminate all possible safety hazards in a home, but research and preparation can help you to focus on the things you can do to keep baby safe. Of course, you still won't be safe from diaper blowouts.

At a Glance

  • Baby brain: It’s unknown for sure exactly why pregnancy seems to cause an increase in forgetfulness, loss of concentration, and general “scatter-brained” behavior.
  • Strong bones: Ossification is the process of bone formation. Your baby’s bones will continue to grow throughout childhood, but this is a big step!
  • Good taste: Your baby is beginning to form taste buds, which will be fully formed around 20 weeks.
  • Nosebleeds: Increased blood volume and blood vessel expansion can lead to nosebleeds during pregnancy.
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Louise Broadbridge

Expert Midwife

Hi, my name is Louise, I am a registered senior midwife, founder of Let's Talk Birth and Baby antenatal classes and the face behind instagram's The Honest Midwife. I have taught over 100,000 expectant parents since starting my antenatal classes which have 5* reviews.

Why not try for yourself - FREE Pregnancy Yoga Class with me?

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The information on the Your Baby Club website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always discuss any health concerns with a qualified healthcare provider and carefully review all guidance that comes with any medications or supplements before taking.