You’re now well into the second trimester! By this point, most moms have obtained some relief from morning sickness, and if you’re taking progress pictures, you may be seeing some visible changes in your body!

Meanwhile, your baby is getting ever closer to being ready for birth! If you’ve been waiting to make announcements, you’re now at the point when the risk of a pregnancy loss has dropped drastically. Also, as much as your nausea may have disrupted your routines in the past several weeks, you’ll soon be planning maternity leave, so it may be time to share with your employer and loved ones.

Your Baby’s Development At 15 Weeks

Your baby is growing rapidly and is now about 6.5 inches long — or a bit longer than a dollar bill. The average weight is about 4 ounces, or about the weight of a deck of cards.

Some moms say they are aware of the baby’s movement at this point, although feeling the movement (also called quickening) is officially considered to happen between week 16 and week 25. Moms who have had a previous pregnancy may feel movement earlier than those who have not. The feeling can be a sensation like bubbles in your abdomen.

Your baby may hear you speaking to him now, although it’s not clear that babies have any reaction to sound at this point. By the time your baby is born, they will recognize your voice. It’s often recommended to read or sing to your baby in utero as a way of bonding and connecting.

Your baby’s taste buds are developing. Many moms will report that their fetuses respond to different foods. Still, the first real evidence of this came from a 2022 study by the Association for Psychological Science that showed different reactions in fetuses on ultrasounds when their mothers consumed carrots or kale. Evidence shows that newborns are affixed to food smells that correspond to foods their mothers consumed during pregnancy. The study above was done on third-trimester fetuses, so it’s unclear how aware your baby may be of your flavor choices.

Your baby’s legs are finally growing to a proportional length, although his head is still far ahead of the rest of his body in size. His eyes are not yet open, but he can sense light. He’s also beginning to inhale and breathe in amniotic fluid. Don’t worry, that’s completely okay for his lungs right now!

Quick Overview: Baby's Development At 15 Weeks Pregnant:

• Baby is now about 6.5 inches long, roughly the length of a dollar bill.
• Weighs approximately 4 ounces, about the weight of a deck of cards.
• Some moms may feel movement (quickening), though it’s officially expected between weeks 16 and 25.
• Moms with previous pregnancies may feel movement earlier.
• Baby may hear your voice, though reactions to sound are unclear.
• Taste buds are developing, and research suggests fetuses may respond to different foods.
• Legs are now proportional, but the head remains larger relative to the body.
• Eyes are still closed but can sense light.
• Baby is beginning to inhale and exhale amniotic fluid, which is safe for lung development.

Mother’s Symptoms At 15 Weeks

Weight Gain & Back Pain

Many moms don’t gain weight in the first trimester, but now you may notice changes on the scale. The average weight gain is around 5lb, but this can vary depending on several factors, including your pre-pregnancy weight. If you worry that you’re gaining too much or too little, speak to your doctor about what weight gain trajectory they recommend as healthiest for you.

Even though your overall weight gain may be minimal or nonexistent, your uterus has gotten heavier, putting more strain on your ligaments and back muscles. Most women will have back pain at some point during pregnancy, and you may already be experiencing it. You may get some relief by using a belly band, and wearing supportive shoes, Keeping up regular exercise can strengthen your back muscles, but know your limits and don’t strain your body!

Digestive Symptoms

Heartburn and indigestion can be debilitating during the second trimester of pregnancy. Some OTC meds are considered safe, particularly the most basic antacids like Tums or Rolaids, as well as milk of magnesia, but others (like those with sodium bicarbonate and those with aspirin) may not be, so be sure to check that you’re purchasing medications that won’t affect your baby.

Constipation is also common. Stool softeners are typically considered to be safe, but laxatives, especially those with stimulant ingredients, can cause harmful effects during pregnancy, including contractions, so ask your doctor before using stronger meds.

You can also try dietary changes to reduce discomfort for any digestive symptoms. For heartburn and indigestion, these include curating a diet that doesn’t set off those symptoms as much (not so easy if you’re craving spicy foods and citrus fruits), eating smaller, more frequent meals, and having the last meal of the day several hours before lying down. You can also try sleeping in a more reclined position.

For constipation, you can try eating more fiber and drinking more water.

Cravings are also a part of pregnancy. As long as you’re craving foods that are safe and reasonably healthy (it’s okay to indulge in snacks sometimes, but in moderation!), you can eat what your body asks for. However, you should speak to your doctor if you notice persistent cravings for non-foods. They may recommend a nutritional supplement or a dietary change to support your body’s needs.

UTIs & Vaginal Discharge

Clear or whitish discharge is normal throughout pregnancy. You should only be concerned if it changes color or has a strong odor, which can be a sign of infection. You may choose to use a panty liner or menstrual pad to help prevent staining and discomfort. Do not use tampons during pregnancy!

You may also be more prone to urinary tract infections. If you have pain when you pass urine, let your doctor know.

Breast Changes

Most women will have less breast tenderness by this point in pregnancy, but the increased weight may still be uncomfortable. You may notice other changes, including enlarged areolas, visible veins, and even leaking colostrum.

Choose a supportive bra, and consider using disposable or reusable breast pads to absorb any leakage. If you notice cracking or bleeding of your nipples, speak to your provider. They may recommend a saltwater rinse, warm compresses, or over-the-counter lanolin but may prefer to offer prescription medications to prevent infection.

Headaches, Breathing, & Dizziness

Headaches are common in the second trimester of pregnancy. Staying hydrated and getting enough rest may reduce the frequency and intensity of headaches. Most doctors recommend acetaminophen (Tylenol) as the preferred OTC pain reliever during pregnancy since ibuprofen may increase the risk of miscarriage, and aspirin may affect the baby’s circulation.

You may also experience shortness of breath or dizziness. If you have these symptoms, stop what you’re doing and sit or lie down until they pass.

If any of these symptoms are severe, if your headache doesn’t ease with OTC meds, or if you pass out or have chest pain, contact your doctor immediately.

You may also find that your body’s temperature regulation doesn’t operate at its usual level, and you may overheat while carrying out normal activities. Make sure to stay hydrated!

Cramps, Bloating, Swelling, & Pain

Some cramping, bloating, and pain are normal during pregnancy.

You may have leg cramping late at night. Some swelling or bloating, especially in the legs, ankles, and feet, is also expected. However, severe or sudden swelling, facial swelling, or swelling that is more significant in one leg than the other can all be signs of pre-eclampsia, and you should contact your doctor.

Harsh cramp-like pain in the lower abdomen extending into the groin may be round ligament pain. Though it can be severe enough to be scary, it’s a typical pregnancy symptom.

If pain is not relieved through position changes, OTC pain medications, or a warm bath, it can warrant a call to your doctor. You should also call if any bleeding accompanies the pain.

Skin & Hair

You may notice changes in your skin and hair thanks to hormonal changes.

Some women find that their hair is oilier or drier, but for many women, the main change is that their hair seems to be fuller and falls out less. The downside is that you may also have thicker hair on other parts of your body, including legs and arms, and that hairs may even show up where they don’t usually, like your back or chest.

Skin, too, may go through hormonal changes, becoming oilier or dry, and you may have acne breakouts or rashes. Before using an acne product, ensure it’s safe during pregnancy since some can affect your baby.

Nasal/Sinus Symptoms

During pregnancy, especially in the third trimester, but earlier for some women, you may experience pregnancy rhinitis. This is when you have a congested or stuffy nose for several weeks without a cold or other illness to cause it.

Some women also have nosebleeds. Pregnancy rhinitis, drying out the nasal passages, can be a factor in this, as can hormones making the blood vessels more fragile and a higher blood volume overall putting more pressure on the blood vessels. If bleeding continues for more than 20 minutes, is heavy, or comes with dizziness, lightheadedness, or shortness of breath, contact your doctor.

15 Week Pregnancy Symptoms Quick Recap:

• Weight gain may become noticeable, averaging around 5 lbs but varying by individual.
• Back pain due to the increasing weight of the uterus and added strain on ligaments and muscles.
• Heartburn and indigestion can become more intense during the second trimester.
• Constipation is common due to hormonal changes and organ pressure.
• Cravings for unusual foods or non-food items (pica) may occur.
• Clear or whitish vaginal discharge is normal, but changes in color or odor may indicate infection.
• Increased risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs), with symptoms like painful urination.
• Breast tenderness may decrease, but increased weight, enlarged areolas, visible veins, and colostrum leakage may occur.
• Headaches are common in the second trimester.
• Shortness of breath and dizziness may happen due to changes in blood circulation.
• Overheating may occur due to altered temperature regulation.
• Leg cramping, especially at night.
• Bloating and swelling, particularly in the legs, ankles, and feet.
• Sudden or severe swelling, especially in the face or one leg, could indicate pre-eclampsia.
• Round ligament pain, a sharp, cramp-like pain in the lower abdomen and groin.
• Skin changes, including oily or dry skin, acne breakouts, or rashes.
• Hair changes, with fuller hair on the head and potential increased hair growth in new areas.
• Pregnancy rhinitis causes persistent nasal congestion without illness.
• Nosebleeds are potentially linked to pregnancy rhinitis, increased blood volume, or fragile blood vessels.

When To Contact Your Doctor

When visiting your doctor, ask for his protocol for after-hours concerns. This may be a nurse call line or other after-hours number at the practice or an answering service. The after-hours protocol may even be the local emergency department in some areas!

You can always use this number or plan if you’re not sure whether a current concern should be handled at the next appointment, whether it calls for emergency care, or something in between.

Severe cramping or pain (including headache) that doesn’t ease with treatment (OTC meds, change of position, warm bath, hydration) should be reported to your doctor, especially if it comes with bleeding. Any heavy bleeding warrants immediate emergency care.

You can call your doctor between appointments for signs of infection. He may schedule an earlier appointment or prescribe antibiotics.

Signs of dehydration, including long periods without passing urine, severe dizziness, and fainting, call for emergency care. Severe nausea and vomiting that could raise the risk of dehydration should be reported to your doctor (who may send you to the emergency room for IV fluids or call in anti-nausea meds). Vomiting blood necessitates immediate emergency care.

Signs of pre-eclampsia include severe headaches that don’t get better, swelling in the face or uneven swelling (more in one leg than the other), pain below the ribs, and sudden onset of vomiting, so contact your doctor immediately for these symptoms.

As always, speak to your doctor if mood swings, depression, or anxiety become severe.

What Should Mom Be Doing At 15 Weeks?

It’s time to talk to your doctor (at your appointment this week or at your next appointment) about whether amniocentesis will be a part of your pregnancy. This screening can be important for some high-risk patients, but does carry some risks, so your doctor will share risks and benefits with you to determine whether it’s needed.

Try to eat a healthy diet with the nutrients your baby needs to grow strong. Take a daily multivitamin if needed. Don’t take ‘eating for two’ too literally — during the second trimester, you typically need about an extra 340 calories per day.

Choose clothing that is comfortable and supportive, including a supportive bra, a belly band if needed, and comfortable shoes.

Keep active as long as you can safely do so. If your duties at work may interfere with your safety (lots of heavy lifting, exposure to chemicals, etc) discuss with your doctor what accommodations you may need to request, then speak to your employer.

Be cautious with exposure to cleaning chemicals and other potentially hazardous substances. Don’t change cat litter boxes. When you use cleaning products, make sure you’re in a well-ventilated area. Avoid introducing new chemicals or cleaners you don’t usually use, and consider using soaps and detergents that are gentle and unscented, especially if you notice new skin sensitivity.

Quick Recap Of What Mom Should Be Doing At 15 Weeks Pregnant:

• Discuss amniocentesis with your doctor, especially if you are in a high-risk category.
• Eat a healthy diet with necessary nutrients and consider a daily multivitamin if needed.
• Avoid overconsuming calories, as the second trimester only requires about 340 extra calories per day.
• Wear comfortable, supportive clothing, including a supportive bra, belly band, and comfortable shoes.
• Stay active as long as it is safe, and consult your doctor if your work involves heavy lifting or chemical exposure.
• Limit exposure to hazardous substances, including cleaning chemicals and cat litter boxes.
• Use well-ventilated spaces when using cleaning products.
• Avoid introducing new chemicals, soaps, or detergents, especially if experiencing new skin sensitivities.

What To Look Forward To

Feeling your baby move (sometimes called ‘quickening’) can happen any time in the next few weeks. It tends to come earlier for subsequent pregnancies than for first pregnancies, but may happen any time between week 16 and 24.

If you chose to have Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT) earlier in pregnancy, you’ve likely gotten back results confirming your baby’s sex and ruling out some genetic conditions. If you haven’t yet heard those results, you will soon!

Your second ultrasound is coming up and is another opportunity to get a peek at your baby and possibly learn the sex. This is typically between weeks 18 and 22.