Week 15 of Your Pregnancy
182
Days to go
70
gm
Pregnancy Symptoms
Few of the symptoms which you may notice at fifteen weeks are:
Varicose veins
Your growing uterus puts pressure on the leg veins, especially the large vein that carries blood to the heart. Due to this, you may see and feel some bluish-purple veins that look like a knot and are irritating. These are mainly visible on the thigh area. Varicose veins are not harmful to the baby, and this condition is not solely related to pregnancy. If you already have varicose veins, pregnancy can worsen the situation. It can also be hereditary, so try not to sit or stand for long hours. Move around to ensure undisturbed blood circulation in the legs. Varicose veins may worsen during the third trimester because of the fully grown baby and heavy tummy. They will disappear after the delivery.
Weight Gain
You will start gaining some weight slowly from this stage, and pregnancy weight gain is inevitable. Your BMI targets are different now, and this is to support the growth of your baby. Understand the calorie intake you need for your body to support a healthy pregnancy. Take good care and be vigilant about your eating habits. Sometimes increased appetite can also contribute to extreme weight gain during pregnancy. It is better to indulge in healthy cravings to avoid unhealthy weight gain.
Increased Sex Drive
Towards the end of the first trimester and the start of the second trimester, many pregnant women experience an increase in sex drive. While part of it is due to your changing hormone levels, an increased blood flow to the pelvic area also results in an increased sex drive. For most pregnant women, sex during pregnancy is safe. However, in certain cases, women may need to abstain. You can talk to your gynecologist to know whether sex will be safe for you during this period.
Occasional headaches
Anxiety, stress, and hormonal spikes can contribute to occasional headaches during pregnancy. Try to meditate and include yoga in your daily routine. Talk to your doctor if you are concerned about headaches during pregnancy.
Gum diseases
Many pregnant women develop tooth and gum problems during pregnancy. Factors such as acidity and continuous throwing up can damage your oral health. Try to avoid junk when you crave sweets. Set an appointment with your dentist, and ensure a regular dental checkup.
Round Ligament Pain
Pregnancy leads to many changes in the body. As your growing uterus needs more space to expand, the ligaments present around them tend to relax and stretch to accommodate. This stretching can cause pain and discomfort. Try to get some good rest, use a pregnancy belly belt, and talk to your doctor if it is getting worse or unbearable.
Heartburn
Acidity or heartburn can continue throughout the pregnancy. Pregnancy hormones alter your digestion to take good care of your growing baby inside. You can deal with it by having frequent and small meals and avoiding junk, colas, and oily and spicy foods.
Mood swings
Dealing with many body changes can contribute to being moody during pregnancy. These oscillations may continue throughout, and you need to stay calm, listen to music, read books and meditate to counter mood swings during pregnancy.
Baby's Development
How big is your baby?
Baby’s Length: 4 inches(10 cm)
Baby’s Weight: 70gms .
Your baby is now the size of a Pear and is busy doing acrobatics inside your womb! Following are the development of your fetus this week.
By this week some women may begin to show the baby bump as their body starts to grow to accommodate the growing baby. The baby meanwhile is busy doing acrobatics inside your womb! They are moving their arms and legs, kicking, and curling toes. They are also practicing breathing, sucking and swallowing motions which will prepare them for life in the outside world.
The baby’s skin is very thin and transparent allowing for the developing blood vessels to show through it.
The facial features are also getting in proper position this week. The ears, which were till now at the side of the neck, are moving to the sides of the head. The eyes too are moving from the side of the head toward the front of the face.
Baby’s legs are growing longer than their arms and they can bend their knees and elbows now.
Another notable development is that the baby’s sense of hearing is now well developed. So, now is a good time to talk to your baby bump.