How’s your second trimester treating you so far, mummies?
At 15 weeks pregnant, you may notice your energy returning, your appetite increasing, and things heating up again in the bedroom.
In this honeymoon period of pregnancy, you can finally let your hair down and live a little.
You may also notice more subtle changes in your body as your baby is growing inside you.
Here’s a detailed look at what’s happening to your baby and your body during this exciting stage.
Your Baby at 15 Weeks of Pregnancy
Although tiny, your baby is undergoing significant developments behind the scenes.
At this point, they look more and more human-like, with opposable thumbs, a fully formed face and proportional body parts.
Now that you are 15 weeks pregnant, your baby is now about 10 to 11 centimetres long and weighs around 70 grams, roughly the size of an apple.
Here’s their ongoing progress at this stage of pregnancy:
- Skeletal development: Your baby’s skeleton is transforming from soft cartilage to bone. While their bones are hardening, they remain flexible enough to facilitate a smooth journey through the birth canal. However, they won’t fully harden until they’re a toddler.
- Gender reveal: By this stage, your baby’s external sex organs are nearly fully developed. If you’re curious about your baby’s gender, an ultrasound can usually provide a clear answer.
- Movements: Your little one is practising a range of movements. They can turn their head, make fists, and even point their toes. Most of these actions are reflexive at this stage, but they are essential for your baby’s muscle development. Your baby is also beginning to attempt more complex movements, such as clenching a fist or flexing their fingers.
- Breathing and hiccups: Your baby is learning how to breathe by moving amniotic fluid through their lungs. This practice may occasionally cause hiccups, which you might even feel later in your pregnancy.
Other notable milestones include the positioning of their ears and increased responsiveness to their environment.
All of this is preparing them for a life outside the womb.
Your Body at 15 Weeks of Pregnancy
The second trimester often brings relief from early pregnancy symptoms, but new experiences emerge. Your body is adapting to support your growing baby, and you may start noticing both subtle and significant changes.
While you might notice a small baby bump, it’s still possible for others to miss the signs of your pregnancy—particularly if you haven’t gained much weight yet.
Here are some other changes you may notice as you progress forwards in your second trimester:
- Varicose veins: Nearly half of all pregnant women develop varicose veins, especially in the legs. Hormonal changes and increased blood volume can cause veins to swell and become visible.
- Enhanced libido: Hormonal surges and increased sensitivity in the pelvic region may lead to heightened sexual arousal. Many women find that sex during the second trimester is particularly enjoyable, as nausea diminishes and energy levels improve.
- Cravings: Your appetite might return as morning sickness subsides, leading to cravings for specific foods.
- Appetite: Progesterone slows down the digestive system, limiting the amount you can eat at one time. So, while your appetite might improve, you may experience heartburn and some gas.
Vaginal discharge may increase, and occasional nausea might still linger, though these symptoms are typically less intense than during the first trimester.
Increased blood flow to the skin is the reason behind that ‘pregnancy glow’ people talk about when they’re expecting.
Leg Swelling
As your blood volume increases and hormonal changes kick into overdrive, you may experience some swelling (particularly in the legs).
This is called pregnancy oedema and is normal during pregnancy. As your growing uterus exerts pressure on veins in the lower body, blood flow slows down, causing fluid to pool in your legs, ankles, and feet.
You can usually manage leg swelling at home without medical supervision.
When resting, elevate your legs above heart level to encourage blood flow back to the heart and reduce pooling in your legs.
Avoid crossing your legs when sitting, as this can restrict circulation further.
It’s also important to alternate between sitting and standing, as staying in one position for long periods worsens swelling.
Incorporating light exercise, such as walking for 30 minutes daily, can significantly improve blood circulation. Invest in a good pair of compression stockings (especially if you intend to travel by plane).
While some swelling is normal, if it becomes severe, appears suddenly, or is accompanied by other symptoms such as headaches or blurred vision, consult your healthcare provider.
These could signal a more serious condition, such as preeclampsia.
More Prenatal Screenings
The second trimester often involves additional prenatal testing to monitor your baby’s development.
Between weeks 15 and 20, your healthcare provider may offer a ‘quad screen’ or multiple marker test.
This blood test can indicate the risk of chromosomal abnormalities such as Down syndrome or neural tube defects like spina bifida.
If the quad screen results suggest a higher risk, you may consider an amniocentesis, typically performed between weeks 15 and 21.
This invasive test has a 99% accuracy rate for detecting chromosomal disorders and genetic conditions like cystic fibrosis and Tay-Sachs disease.
However, it carries a small risk to your baby, so discuss it thoroughly with your healthcare provider.
Enjoy This Exciting Time to the Fullest, Mummies!
Now is the time to truly enjoy the honeymoon period of your pregnancy.
While there are still plenty of challenges, don’t let the negative symptoms hold you back from enjoying this new era of heightened energy and sensuality.
This stage offers plenty to celebrate.
Embrace the changes, keep up with prenatal care, and cherish the milestones along the way.
References
- Curtis, G. B., & Schuler, J. (2016). Your Pregnancy Week by Week (8th ed.). Hachette Books.
- Kaye, P. (2021). Your Pregnancy: Week by Week. SPCK Publishing.
- Riley, L. (2006). You and Your Pregnancy: Your Ultimate Week-by-Week Pregnancy Guide. Meredith Books.
- Shanahan, M. K. (2002). Your Over-35 Week-by-Week Pregnancy Guide. Da Capo Press.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.
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