Week fifteen is an exciting one in your pregnancy. Your pregnant belly is starting to show as your baby grows quickly! There might be some odd jabbing pains on the side of your bump. These round ligament pains are normal and can be alleviated by rest.
What else happens at fifteen weeks pregnant? Well, we are here to tell you! Keep reading to see what happens during your fifteenth week of pregnancy, including common symptoms, what to avoid eating, and more.
What’s Coming Up In The Article?
- What Does It Mean To Be 15 Weeks Pregnant?
- Can You Detect Pregnancy At 15 Weeks?
- Should You Get An Ultrasound At 15 Weeks Pregnant?
- Can You Detect A Heartbeat At 15 Weeks Pregnant?
- What Are The Common Symptoms When You Are 15 Weeks Pregnant?
- How Big Is A Baby At 15 Weeks Pregnant?
- What Are The Common Miscarriage Symptoms At 15 Weeks Pregnant?
- What Precautions Should I Take To Maintain My Health At 15 Weeks Pregnant?
- How Do You Calculate Your Due Date From 15 Weeks Pregnant?
- What Body Changes Should You Expect At 15 Weeks Pregnant?
- How Can You Prepare For Pregnancy?
Key Points
- The baby is the size of a navel orange
- The baby now has a soft layer of hair over their body, eyebrows, and eyelashes forming
- The baby can now hear your voice, heartbeat, and sounds your digestive system makes
- The baby’s heartbeat can be heard outside of the body through a Doppler machine
- The baby’s movements might be felt as flutters for some women
- The common symptoms are swollen and bleeding gums, pains in your stomach, and indigestion and heartburn
- There is no need for weight gain at this point; a balanced and varied diet to maintain your health is best
What Does It Mean To Be 15 Weeks Pregnant?
At fifteen weeks pregnant, you are in your second trimester. You have missed three periods and are starting to develop a visible baby bump! Your pregnancy hormones are starting to level off and reduce, restoring calmness after the mood swings.
Your baby is growing quickly and is now the size of an apple. Your baby’s development is progressing, too, with eyelashes and eyebrows forming. Your baby’s eyes are now sensitive to light, and they can hear you! You can talk to your baby, and they will hear you, along with your heartbeat and the sounds of your digestive system. You can tell your baby how excited you are to meet them!
At fifteen weeks pregnant, you are at a higher risk of urine and vaginal infections, like thrust. Ensure you are wearing loose cotton underwear and use unperfumed soap.
Can You Detect Pregnancy At 15 Weeks Pregnant?
Yes, you can detect pregnancy at fifteen weeks. You will have missed three periods at this point, and your fourth period will not appear. Home pregnancy tests will still generate a positive test result. You should take a pregnancy test if you have missed your last three periods.
Home pregnancy tests measure human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels in your urine. hCG, the pregnancy hormone, increases in your body for the first three of pregnancy before starting to dip. At fifteen weeks, your hCG levels are still high enough to deliver a positive test result.
You can also have your pregnancy confirmed by your doctor. They can perform a blood test to measure your hCG levels to confirm a pregnancy. They might also perform an ultrasound, which will show you your baby for the first time, hear their heartbeat, and give your doctor a chance to date your pregnancy and run any tests to ensure your baby is developing normally.
Should You Get An Ultrasound At 15 Weeks Pregnant?
You can have an ultrasound at fifteen weeks pregnant if you want. An ultrasound at fifteen weeks will show your baby’s body growing, and you might even see your baby’s movements! It is perfectly normal for your baby to be wriggling at the ultrasound, so you might not get a perfect picture.
An ultrasound at fifteen weeks isn’t essential, but you can have one if you would like. You should have had your first ultrasound scan by fourteen weeks. Speak to your doctor to book your ultrasound if you have not already had one. Unless your doctor recommends it, you don’t need an ultrasound at fifteen weeks if you have just had your first scan.
You can pay for a private scan if you wish, and you will see your baby’s body growing. Their features will be more defined than your previous scans and can be a good way to chart their fetal development. You can also see the amniotic fluid, sac, and placenta more clearly in later scans.
A fifteen week ultrasound might be recommended if your healthcare provider wants to check on your baby’s growth or perform other tests. Speak to them about this if you have any questions.
Are Any Other Scans Or Tests I Should Consider At 15 Weeks Pregnant?
You can have an Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP) test at fifteen weeks pregnant. This is performed between weeks 15 and 20 of pregnancy and is a blood test that measures AFP levels.
AFP is a protein that developing babies make, which passes from your baby into your blood. Certain genetic conditions can release more or less AFP than is normal. Abnormal levels in AFP can indicate a genetic disorder like a neural tube defect or Down’s syndrome.
Abnormal AFP levels can also be because your estimated due date is wrong or you are pregnant with multiple babies. Your AFP will be higher if you have more than two babies.
You can also have screening tests for other genetic conditions, but this is your choice. Your doctor can guide you on whether you need to do this.
Can You Detect A Heartbeat At 15 Weeks Pregnant?
Yes, you can detect a heartbeat at fifteen weeks pregnant. Your baby’s heartbeat can be heard through an ultrasound; you’ll have heard this at your first ultrasound scan!
You can also hear the heartbeat in your second trimester through a Doppler machine. This is a handheld device that looks like a microphone that is placed on your stomach to detect the heartbeat. You will be invited to have a Doppler scan in your second trimester to hear your baby’s heartbeat.
You can also purchase home Doppler machines to hear the heartbeat whenever possible! Your baby’s heart rate is slowing slightly, with an average of 110 to 160 beats per minute (bpm) from now until week twenty-six.
What Are The Common Pregnancy Symptoms At 15 Weeks Pregnant?
At fifteen weeks pregnant, the common pregnancy symptoms include bleeding and swollen gums, indigestion and heartburn, and pains on the side of your stomach. These pains are known as round ligament pain and can feel like a sharp pain on your sides. Resting can help to alleviate these pains.
Is There Any Change To HCG Levels At 15 Weeks Pregnant?
Your hCG levels drop at fifteen weeks pregnant, with average levels between 12,540 and 69.747 mlU/ml.
Should I Expect Any Cramping At 15 Weeks Pregnant?
Cramping can happen at fifteen weeks pregnant. You might also notice pains on the sides of your stomach, or leg cramps can be common.
Will I Experience Morning Sickness At 15 Weeks Pregnant?
Morning sickness can happen at fifteen weeks pregnant, but the sickness is subsiding for many women.
Will My Breasts Feel Tender At 15 Weeks Pregnant?
Your breasts might feel sore or tender at fifteen weeks pregnant. They might also start to feel full as your first milk comes in. Not every woman will experience this at fifteen weeks pregnant.
Will I Have Food Cravings At 15 Weeks Pregnant?
Food cravings can happen at any point in your pregnancy, including week fifteen. As your sickness subsides and your appetite returns, you might notice unusual food cravings.
Will I Pass Urine More Frequently At 15 Weeks Pregnant?
You might pass urine more frequently at fifteen weeks pregnant. This should subside as your womb moves up and away from your bladder.
Will I Feel Tiredness Or Fatigue At 15 Weeks Pregnant?
Tiredness or fatigue can still happen at fifteen weeks pregnant. You should notice that your energy levels start to increase as soon as your hormone levels dip.
Will I Feel Bloated At 15 Weeks Pregnant?
Feeling bloated is common at fifteen weeks pregnant. Eating smaller meals throughout the day and avoiding eating late at night can help with bloating.
Will I Get A Headache At 15 Weeks Pregnant?
Headaches are common at fifteen weeks pregnant. Women who suffer from headaches before pregnancy tend to experience more headaches than pregnant women.
Will I Experience A Metallic Taste In My Mouth At 15 Weeks Pregnant?
You might have a metallic taste in your mouth at fifteen weeks pregnant. This symptom is common during your first trimester but should subside in your second.
Will I Have A Heightened Sense Of Smell At 15 Weeks Pregnant?
You might have a heightened sense of smell at fifteen weeks pregnant. It is more common in your first trimester but can also happen in your second trimester.
Can You Experience Shortness Of Breath At 15 Weeks Pregnant?
Shortness of breath typically doesn’t happen until later in your pregnancy. Speak to your doctor if you are experiencing shortness of breath at fifteen weeks pregnant.
Is It Normal To Get Diarrhea At 15 Weeks Pregnant?
Diarrhea is normal at fifteen weeks. There is no need to worry unless there are other symptoms and the diarrhea passes in forty-eight hours. Contact your doctor if it does not pass.
Can You Get Vaginal Discharge At 15 Weeks Pregnant?
Vaginal discharge can happen at fifteen weeks pregnant. You might notice more discharge at fifteen weeks as your body works to keep your vagina clean and infection free.
Will I Experience Lower Back Pain At 15 Weeks Pregnant?
Lower back pain can happen at fifteen weeks pregnant. You might also experience pain along the sides of your stomach.
Will I Experience Mood Swings At 15 Weeks Pregnant?
Mood swings can happen at fifteen weeks pregnant but tend to subside at the end of your first trimester.
Is Spotting Normal At 15 Weeks Pregnant?
Spotting is normal at fifteen weeks pregnant. You should monitor it, though, and speak to your doctor if there are any changes or if the bleeding continues for more than twenty-four hours.
What Other Symptoms Are Common When 15 Weeks Pregnant?
The following symptoms are also common at fifteen weeks pregnant:
- Urine infections
- Vaginal infections
- Brown patches or darkened skin on the face
- Oily and spotty skin
- Shinier and thicker hair
- Dizziness
- Swollen hands and feet
- Constipation
- Nosebleeds
- Feeling hot
How Big Is A Baby At 15 Weeks Pregnant?
At fifteen weeks pregnant, your baby is about the size of an apple. They measure 10.1 cm from head to bottom and have continued to grow their lanugo, a soft layer of hair over their body.
They now have eyelashes and eyebrows developing, and their eyes are sensitive to light. At fifteen weeks pregnant, your baby will start to hear! You can talk to your baby, and they will hear you, your heart beating and your digestive system’s noises.
Can You Feel The Baby At 15 Weeks Pregnant?
Some women start to feel their baby move at fifteen weeks. These early movements are known as fluttering and are very subtle; you have to be very still and pay attention to notice them.
Don’t panic if you don’t notice these; most women don’t feel their baby move until eighteen to twenty-two weeks pregnant!
What Are The Common Symptoms Of Miscarriage At 15 Weeks Pregnant?
At fifteen weeks pregnant, the common miscarriage symptoms are blood or bloody discharge from your vagina, back pain, or abdominal pain. You might also notice that any pregnancy symptoms you had, like sore breasts or sickness, pass.
The bleeding might start light and quickly become heavier, followed by pains that can feel like your period cramps. These can be painful as your uterus is squeezing to push the contents out. This can be similar to labour, and some women feel contractions, too.
You should speak to your doctor immediately if you have any of these symptoms.
What Are The Chances Of Miscarriage At 15 Weeks Pregnant?
The chance of a miscarriage at fifteen weeks pregnant is less than 1%. Research by the American Journal of Epidemiology found that between 14 and 20 weeks, the average chance of miscarrying is below 1%.
This does not consider other factors that can impact miscarriage rates, like previous complications, medical conditions, age, or weight. Speak to your doctor if you have any concerns about this.
What Precautions Should I Take To Maintain My Health At 15 Weeks Pregnant?
Several precautions you should take to maintain your health at fifteen weeks pregnant are outlined below.
Take Prenatal Vitamins
Continue taking or start taking prenatal vitamins if you haven’t already. You can take a prenatal multivitamin, but ensure it has the correct dosages of iron and calcium. Prenatal vitamins will give you and your baby the vitamins and nutrients you need for a healthy pregnancy.
You can speak to your doctor about the correct dosage and any recommendations they might have.
Eat A Balanced Diet
Weight gain concerns many women during pregnancy, but you don’t need to worry about putting on weight at fifteen weeks pregnant. Instead, focus on eating a healthy and balanced diet throughout your pregnancy.
Opt for lean protein, carbohydrates, healthy fats, and fruits and vegetables. This will give your body the fuel and nutrients it needs, which your baby will enjoy. You can speak to your doctor about a healthy weight to maintain or aim for during your pregnancy if you have any concerns.
Stay Hydrated
Alongside a healthy diet, you will want to stay hydrated during pregnancy. Drinking water during pregnancy helps to circulate nutrients around the body, helps form the amniotic fluid around the fetus, and aids digestion, according to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG).
The ACOG recommends drinking eight to twelve cups of water daily to stay hydrated throughout pregnancy.
Stop Smoking
You should stop smoking as soon as you discover you are pregnant. Smoking during pregnancy can cause serious health problems. The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that smoking while pregnant can cause your baby to be born early, have a birth defect, or die from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
Speak to your doctor for support to stop smoking if needed.
Are There Any Foods I Should Avoid At 15 Weeks Pregnant?
At fifteen weeks pregnant, the following foods should be avoided.
- Raw juices and smoothies
- Highly processed foods
- Soft cheeses
- Unpasteurised dairy and dairy products
- Unwashed fruits and vegetables
- Raw sprouts
- Organ meat
- Raw or undercooked eggs
- Deli or processed meat
- Raw or undercooked meat
- Raw or undercooked fish
- Seafood with high mercury content
Are There Any Drinks I Should Avoid At 15 Weeks Pregnant?
You should avoid all alcoholic drinks at fifteen weeks. You should also limit your caffeine intake, as more than 350mg of caffeine daily has been linked to miscarriage in stillbirth.
Research by the Royal College of Midwives found this and offered guidance that no more than 200mg of caffeine a day should be consumed during pregnancy.
Are There Any Supplements I Should Avoid At 15 Weeks Pregnant?
You should avoid high doses of vitamins A, C, and E while pregnant, as these can be harmful to your baby. You should also avoid any supplements that state they are unsuitable for pregnant women to consume. Check the label before taking any supplements, and speak to your doctor if you have any questions.
Can I Exercise While 15 Weeks Pregnant?
Yes, you can exercise at fifteen weeks pregnant, but you must take care. You should avoid all contact sports, like boxing, football, and rugby, exercises where you could fall or involve excessive bouncing, like horseriding, and exercises at 2,500m above sea level.
Gentle exercises like walking, yoga, and swimming are recommended while pregnant. You can continue with your usual exercise as long as you feel comfortable, but you might find that you need to cut your workout short if you feel tired or make adjustments as your baby bump grows.
Your doctor can provide guidance here if needed.
Is It Safe To Travel When 15 Weeks Pregnant?
Travelling at fifteen weeks pregnant is considered safe, but there are a few precautions you should take. Speak to your doctor if you have high blood pressure or deep vein thrombosis before flying. You should also consult your doctor before travelling if there are any complications with your pregnancy.
Before travelling to another country, check if there are any vaccinations you need or advisories that pregnant women should consider.
Are There Any Acitivites I Should Avoid At 15 Weeks Pregnant?
The following activities should be avoided at fifteen weeks pregnant.
- Roller coasters, bumper cars, and water slides
- Motorcycles and four-wheelers
- Contact sports
- Diving
- Downhill skiing
- Gymnastics
- Hot Yoga
- Hot pilates
- Horseriding
- Hot tubs
- Sauna
- Scuba diving
- Skydiving
- Snowboarding
- Waterskiing
- Cleaning cat litter
- Horseriding
- Hot tubs
- Sauna
- Scuba diving
- Skydiving
- Snowboarding
- Waterskiing
- Cleaning cat litter
Is It Safe To Have Sex When 15 Weeks Pregnant?
It is safe to have sex at fifteen weeks pregnant unless your midwife or doctor has told you otherwise.
How Should I Sleep At 15 Weeks Pregnant?
You should sleep as normal at fifteen weeks pregnant. You might find that you are sleeping more than usual, but this is normal. Speak to your doctor if you are sleeping poorly or sleeping a lot during the day.
What Position Is It Safe To Sleep In When 15 Weeks Pregnant?
At fifteen weeks pregnant, you should sleep on your left side. The American Pregnancy Association recommends sleeping on your left side to provide the best circulation for you and your baby.
How Do You Calculate Your Due Date From 15 Weeks Pregnant?
The best way to calculate your due date at fifteen weeks pregnant is to use the date of your last menstrual period. Known as the LMP method, this is how most due dates are calculated. Take the first day of your last period and count forward forty weeks or 280 days to see your estimated due date. You can use due date calculators online to work this out, too.
At this stage in your pregnancy, your doctor will also give you a due date if you haven’t already. This is done at your first ultrasound, the dating scan. Your baby is measured on the ultrasound, and their development is examined to provide you with a due date.
These due dates are just estimates rather than guaranteed delivery dates. Most women will give birth before or after their due date, so don’t panic if yours passes without the sign of a baby!
What Body Changes Should You Expect At 15 Weeks Pregnant?
There are a few changes to expect at fifteen weeks. Swollen and bleeding gums are common, caused by hormonal changes in your body. You can care for your gums by brushing softly and using an alcohol-free mouthwash.
Your pregnant belly will start to show as your baby continues to grow! As they grow, so does their placenta, amniotic fluid and sac they are in. All of this needs somewhere to go so your body will stretch and make room. This can cause some round ligament pains, but these will pass with some rest.
You can also expect swollen hands and feet and feeling itchy and sore.
What Is Your Body Doing During This Process?
Your body is working hard during this process! The increased blood volume around your pelvic area causes your body to produce more discharge than usual. This is to keep your vagina clean and to prevent infection. It should be clear or milky in colour.
Any chances you notice should be reported to your midwife, including:
- Changing colour
- Changing smells, especially a strong fish smell
- Changing texture, like frothy or cottage cheese
- Feeling pain when urinating
- Feeling sore or itchy
Your body is also sending nutrients to the placenta to feed your baby. You must fuel your body with the right foods to ensure your baby gets all the nutrients it needs to grow and develop.
How Can You Prepare For Pregnancy?
There are several ways you can prepare for pregnancy; let’s look at them now.
Book A Docotor’s Appointment
Book an appointment to see your doctor if you have not already. You can expect to make several visits to your doctor throughout pregnancy for tests and checkups, and to answer any questions you might have. You should also speak to your doctor if you are trying to conceive; they can offer guidance and support and run any tests necessary.
Speak to your healthcare provider about booking your doctor’s appointment.
Make Lifestyle Changes
You should make some lifestyle changes, too, including stopping smoking, drinking alcohol, and taking illegal drugs. All of these will ensure a healthy pregnancy and reduce the chance of complications during pregnancy.
It can also help you to conceive, with research by the CDC showing that women who smoke find it harder to conceive. You can speak to your doctor if you need support making these lifestyle changes.
Stay Active
You should also stay active as much as possible. This will help to keep you fit and active and can help you maintain a healthy weight for pregnancy. You might need to make adjustments to your workout or exercise regime, especially once you are pregnant. The more active you are now, the more active you are likely to be during pregnancy, ensuring you can stay active and fit.
Eat A Healthy Diet
You should also eat a healthy and balanced diet to help prepare for pregnancy. This will provide your body with the fuel and nutrients you need. Not only will it ensure that you get the right nutrients, but your baby is, too!
Enjoy a diet of lean protein, healthy fats, carbohydrates, fruits and vegetables. You can still enjoy your usual treats, but aim to enjoy a balanced and varied diet that keeps you satisfied and full all day.
Join A Childbirth Class
It’s never too early to join pregnancy or childbirth classes. These will provide you with the information you need for the next weeks and months of your pregnancy and allow you to ask any questions about birth.
Not only are these classes helpful, but they are full of moms to be that you can meet! They are a great way to make friends, which could support you throughout your pregnancy. You can find childbirth classes advertised online or on social media for you to find your nearest class.
Final Thoughts
Week fifteen of pregnancy is an interesting one. Your baby is growing quickly, with a layer of fine hair over their body and eyelashes and eyebrows forming. There might be some pain across the sides of your belly as your baby bump starts to grow, but this will pass. The increased blood flow might cause more discharge than usual, but providing there are no unpleasant symptoms, like changes in colour or smell, this is nothing to worry about.
Don’t forget to check back in next week to see what week sixteen of your pregnancy brings!