15 Weeks Pregnant — Your Baby Is The Size Of A Donut

Welcome to Scary Mommy’s pregnancy week by week guide! We’re here to give you all the info about what to expect when you’re expecting: be it week by week symptoms, your baby’s development, your changing body, or ultrasounds and appointments. Here’s everything you need to know about week 15.

Your Body at Week 15 Pregnant

Your Belly Is About to Pop

Once you pop, the fun don’t stop. At least that’s the message your baby is sending you this week as your pregnant belly finally shows signs of popping. If you haven’t already done so, you can transition into your maternity clothes for extra comfort.

Since your morning sickness has (hopefully) subsided, you might notice that your appetite is back and you are putting on weight. Per the American Pregnancy Association, the average woman will have gained about five pounds by pregnancy week 15. It’s also completely normal if you have gained a little more or less than this.

Your Energy is Back

Since you’re in your second trimester, the early pregnancy fatigue that reigned supreme in the first few months has been replaced with Energizer-bunny levels of stamina and vigor. Which is good since you have some hardcore nesting and planning to do before the baby arrives.

Your Libido is on Fire

Let’s talk about sex, baby! All that energy is about to come in handy since your hormones are flinging your sex drive through the roof. Increased blood flow to your vulva and the ensuing sensitivity is one of the reasons why you may find yourself in the mood all the time. Enjoy it, you’ll have a whole other reason to stay up nights in a few short months.

Your Baby at Week 15 Pregnant

At 15 weeks pregnant, your baby is about the size of a donut, weighing in at 2 ounces and about 4 inches long. They are also hiccuping, somersaulting, and doing all kinds of gymnastics in your belly. While you can’t feel the movements quite yet, you might be able to detect a hiccup here and there.

Your baby’s bones begin to ossify this week, and the facial features begin to shift — the eyes move towards the center of the face and the ears are developing on the outside. Your baby is also practicing for all those 3 a.m. feedings by drinking amniotic fluid, peeing it all back out and is even sucking their itty bitty thumb.

Your Symptoms and Health at Week 15 Pregnant

You Should Schedule a Dental Visit

In the immortal words of Fergie, it’s all about that flossy, flossy. This is because a surge in hormones and increased blood flow can make your gums feel swollen, sensitive, and easily bleed during brushing. This is completely normal and is typically called pregnancy gingivitis. It’s important to see your dentist for a check up in your second trimester so they can monitor the symptoms and keep infections at bay. Flossing, brushing your teeth twice a day with a soft brush, and warm salt water rinses can help alleviate discomfort.

Welcome to Second Trimester Headaches

While you should never shrug off pain and discomfort, the increase in blood volume results in pregnancy headaches for some women. This symptom is usually caused by dehydration, posture, caffeine withdrawal, and blood flow and you should consult your OB if they persist and before you take any medication.

Contact your doctor right away if you are experiencing severe headaches during pregnancy, especially your third trimester, since it might be connected to high blood pressure and a sign of preeclampsia.

Deciphering Your Body Aches and Pains

As your baby grows and your baby bump is on full display, your body takes all these changes in weight and balance and shifts along with it. As you grow bigger, the hormone relaxin is released to, well, relax the joints and ligaments in your pelvis, causing some back or joint pain. Per the Mayo Clinic, stretches, physical activity, a belly support band, and proper posture might alleviate some of that discomfort.

Pregnancy Heartburn

Congratulations, your appetite is back just in time for your esophagus to feel like it’s on fire. Heartburn is a common pregnancy symptom during the second and third trimester of pregnancy, and that’s because hormones like progesterone and relaxin slow down digestion and relax esophageal muscles, which in turn allows acid to make its way back up.

Thankfully, there’s something you can actively do to lessen just how bad your heartburn is. Steer clear of spicy or greasy foods, avoid large meals in lieu of several small ones during the day, try not to lie down right after eating, and elevate your head at night.

Double Trouble

Your babies are growing so fast! Wonder if all that moving around has made them realize they have a roommate, yet?

You’re likely experiencing more heartburn than your one-baby peers. Your body is producing more hormones than theirs in order to support two babies. But as annoying as heartburn is, keep eating those several small meals per day. Experts recommend women carrying twins up their calorie intake to around an extra 600 per day. After all, you’re eating for two – excluding you!

The contents of this article have been medically reviewed by Ruth A. Tessler, M.D. in July, 2019.

Written by Maia Efrem.

Follow Preggo Nancy’s pregnancy journey week-by-week and share in her joy, her symptoms, and even her pregnancy cravings.

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