15 Weeks Pregnant

15 Weeks Pregnant

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15 weeks pregnant is how many months? This is the fourth month or the second trimester.


What to Expect at 15 Weeks Pregnant

At fifteen weeks the baby’s cardio-vascular system is developing rapidly, you can even see the vessels. The transparent skin of the fetus acquires reddish or pinkish color. The pigment of the hair color starts to appear. The heart is able to pump 20 liters of blood per day.

The intestines start to function well receiving the bile secreted by the liver, then feces are produced. The kidneys function well, and the fetus often exerts the urine in the amniotic fluids. The amniotic fluid is cleaned enough times during the pregnancy to make the baby feel comfortable in the mother's womb.

Quite often, a pregnant woman at this stage wonders why a brown line running between the belly-botton and the lower abdomen has appeared. This strange phenomenon is explained by the changes in hormones and the secretion of a pigment. After the birth of the baby, when the body recovers and comes to the familiar state, this line will disappear, so there is no reason for panic.

You mustn’t squeeze the stomach during the pregnancy, it’s very harmful for the further development of the baby. Buy special clothes for pregnant women. Modern shops offer nice clothes even for women with big belly. Take care of yourself, wear loose and comfortable clothes. Using ultrasounds and modern technologies, it is possible to know the exact date of your baby’s birth.

What is Happening With the Baby at 15 Weeks

15 Weeks Pregnant 1This stage is very special, because many important organs of the fetal starts to develop. Central nervous system is developing, in the future it will have to control the whole body. The process of the development of the cerebral cortex and the division of nerve cells lasts one month. Therefore, you have to treat yourself very gently and carefully during the pregnancy.

The taste buds are already formed; the fetus now can clearly distinguish the taste of the mother’s food. If the fetus is male, at this term he starts to produce testosterone (male hormone).

Heart of the baby pumps blood (28 liters per day) around the body. The gallbladder produces bile, which forms the first feces. The kidneys produce urine well. The amniotic fluid, in which the baby excretes urine is constantly cleaned. The process of respiration of the fetus is already advanced.

At the fifteenth week, lungs are developing through swallowing and spitting water. All the muscles of the baby are also developing actively. The glottis is now open as the voice cords are already formed.

The baby's bones are growing and starting to get harder. The baby begins to move, turns and bump, opens and closes her fists, which contributes to the active development of joints and muscles. The consists of several layers, but remains transparent, the blood vessels are still visible. The hair begins to grow and thicken, the eye brows and eye lashes are forming and become visible.

The fetus itself acquires standard shapes and sizes of the body parts. He looks more human like now. Unlike the embryo, now the fetus’ legs are longer than the arms. Fingers and ears are formed and have a distinguished shape. At the 15th week the baby weighs approximately 70 grams (2.5 ounces) and reaches 10 cm (4 inches) in length. The womb of the expectant mother has enough place to make the growing baby feel comfortable.

Changes in the Shape of the Belly

The growing baby increases in size, and the pregnant woman's belly is also growing bigger. Some moms feel the changes in shape even few months after the conception, but some women have no big bellies, just their waist slightly increases.

Only at the fifteenth week, the belly starts to grow rapidly. The other common change associated with the belly is a brown line running down the belly-botton. It’s not strange or awful. This is quite normal. After the birth of the baby, it will disappear.

15 Weeks Pregnant Belly Pictures Showing

15 Weeks Pregnant 2

15 weeks pregnancy photos

Images: bellies at 15 weeks 4 days pregnant.

Pains in the Abdomen

Due to the growth of the uterus, most pregnant women feel pain and cramping in the abdomen. One of the reasons of the pain is the stretching of the uterus’ muscles.

The pain is quite tolerable and does not cause unpleasant sensations, it is safe for both the child and the expectant mother, and there is no need to go to the hospital. The abdominal pain along with bleeding, back pain and contractions is the reason to call your doctor. These are serious symptoms not to ignore. That might be a miscarriage, causing a premature delivery, that is very dangerous for the baby and in some cases even for the life of the mother. The most important thing is to go to the hospital or call an ambulance immediately to prevent irreversible consequences.

The back pain or lumbar pains, painful urinating and a high temperature, which you can’t break. Don’t postpone visiting your doctor, if you have these symptoms. This suggests that the pregnant has kidney problems (pyelonephritis), that is a serious condition affecting the baby.

Some expectant mothers have tailbone pains. It can be caused by different reasons. It might be a pinched nerve or a shift of the internal organs, as well as the tailbone might be pressed by the uterus. Having the pain of this nature, try to avoid sitting for a long time, especially on soft sittings. Certain poses, especially the cat position can provide relief. The expectant mothers can wear a pregnancy belt to support the back. Consult your doctor about it. If you have tailbone pain after the birth of the baby, contact your doctor. Besides the pregnancy belt prevents the appearance of stretch marks. There are belts, which you can both use during the pregnancy and then after the birth to shape your belly.

Headaches can also appear on the fifteenth week of pregnancy. You can take a pill of "Paracetamol", but only as the last resort, if the recipe below isn’t of help. As it is not desirable to take drugs while pregnant, try this method: walk slowly outdoors enjoying surroundings or weather, then eat something delicious with a cup of tea, don't forget to take a nice shower and relax in comfort. The headache will pass by itself.

Ultrasound Scan at 15 Weeks

By this term, you have already made few ultrasound scans. So you can see the changes in the fetal development and size comparing it with the first ultrasound. Impatient parents can already learn the baby’s sex. During the ultrasound you can watch every slightest movement of the baby in the screen.

On request, you can take a snapshot or even a record of the fetal activity in the womb. At the fifteen week of the pregnancy baby heart makes approximately 150 beats per minute, pumping 28 liters of blood.

Miscarriage at 15 Weeks

The 15th week of pregnancy is usually a safe period, but anomalies in the fetal development or other complications of pregnancy may trigger a spontaneous abortion. If during the 15th week a woman experiences a severe uterine bleeding and abdominal pain, it might mean a spontaneous abortion, which can be stopped if treated urgently.

When the contractions start and the pain becomes unbearable, this signals a placental abruption. In this situation the miscarriage is inevitable. A miscarriage in the 15th week of pregnancy can be incomplete, which happens when fetal membranes rupture but only some of the fetal tissues come out.

Сause Miscarriage at 15 Weeks

Spontaneous abortion is caused by different reasons.

Here are the main ones:

  • Induced abortion;
  • Genetic defects;
  • Rh disease;
  • Infectious inflammatory disease;
  • Hormonal disorders.

Spontaneous abortion at the 15th week can be dangerous for a woman’s life. The open cervix allows pathogenic germs to pass through and cause inflammatory diseases. A miscarriage at the 15th week is similar to a natural childbirth. A woman experiences severe abdominal pain, which leads to a cramp-like pain in the lower abdomen, which is caused by the uterine contractions. The cervix effaces, opens up and the waters break; the fetus comes out with the water. A uterine bleeding during the spontaneous abortion at this period of pregnancy is usually minor.

15 Weeks Ultrasound Pictures

15 Weeks Pregnant 3

15 Weeks Pregnant Ultrasound Gender

15 Weeks Ultrasound Boy:

15 Week Ultrasound Boy

15 Weeks Ultrasound Girl:

15 Week Ultrasound Girl

15 Weeks Ultrasound Twins

15 weeks ultrasound twins pictures

New Sensations

No need to be afraid of nosebleeding. It may happen at this stage, of course, the feeling is not nice, but this symptom is not treated, it can be only tolerated like nasal congestion, which can also disturb the pregnant woman. Some women during pregnancy might have large brown or yellow pigmentation spots, they will fade after the baby’s birth, you just have to wait a little. The nipples become darker because of the melanin secretion.

Calcium is essential for the development of the baby, and the expectant mother empties all their stocks of calcium for the fetal development. The pregnant may have breaking nails, legs cramps and even teeth crumbling. Lack of calcium has a bad impact on the pregnant woman, so you need to take measures to prevent it: take vitamins rich in calcium, as well as eat food rich in this substance.

Distraction, forgetfulness and poor attention, this is a very frequent sign at the 15th week of pregnancy. It is recommended not to relax and to lead an active life as long as possible. This does not mean that you have to neglect your doctor’s advice, but if there are no contraindications, you should not stay all pregnancy in a clumsy or prone position.

Sexual Life During Pregnancy at this Term

If there are no contraindications and dangers for the baby, sex at the fifteenth week of pregnancy is not prohibited, and even helpful in some cases. The sex activity secretes the hormone of happiness (endorphins), which positively affects the emotions of the expectant mother. Positive emotions of the mother are transferred to the baby that can even in the womb feel her mood.

Sex is also good for the muscles of the uterus. However, the intercourse has to be very careful, try to avoid extreme positions. Rough sex is neither recommended during the pregnancy, it is better to opt for a calm and moderate intercourse.

Bleeding and spotting

Bleeding suggests that it is necessary to avoid sex for some time and let your body rest. In case of a sudden bleeding, see your doctor immediately, he will determine the precise cause and help to prevent it.

At this term bleeding not necessarily means a threat of a miscarriage. There are many reasons for it. A cervical or abdominal damage might be to blame. The erosion also starts with the blood vessels’ burst and the bleeding can begin. It’s impossible to determine the cause on your own.

Secretions at Fifteenth Weeks Pregnancy

You must consult your doctor if after the bleeding appeared brown or creamy discharge.

You will have to have a smear test on infections if:

  1. Discharge has a very strong and unpleasant fishy smell;
  2. Discharge of a heterogeneous texture, resembling cottage cheese or lumpy;
  3. Yellow or green purulent discharge;
  4. Visible stains on linen;
  5. Discharge accompanied by unbearable, burning sensation in the genital area, or unpleasant pain during urination, fever, swelling of the genital organs.

Body Temperature at 15 Weeks

Unlike the first trimester, the body temperature does not rise at the fifteenth week. However, there are cases, especially in the evening when the temperature is above normal. It is not a reason for panic, it is quite normal if you lack other symptoms. If the temperature is above 38 °C (100 °F) for one day, you’d better consult your doctor.

This abnormal, moreover it is very dangerous for your baby. In such cases, you should have a pill of "Paracetamol" or other medication with it. Do not abuse drugs, in such a situation it is not really good for the unborn baby. The fever suggests that you may have infectious diseases of different nature. It could be the flu, inflammation of the kidneys, etc.

Colds During Pregnancy at this Term

A pregnant woman needs to be careful not to catch a cold. The disease has a negative impact on the baby. Any viral disease accompanied by fever is destructive for the placenta. Antiviral drugs are not intended for the pregnant, so it would be very difficult to select an appropriate treatment.

The pregnant shouldn’t self-medicate, if you’ve noticed the symptoms of a cold, you need to consult your doctor immediately. He can prescribe the right treatment that won’t harm the fetus. If you fell ill, don’t force yourself, you need a quiet rest and regular sleep. Drinking a lot of fluids and light food will make you good. Do not forget about vitamins. If you have a sore throat, gargle with herb infusions, such as camomile or sage.

You can also use salt and soda solutions. If you have a cough, but the temperature is normal, it is possible to do inhalations and rub your body. Tea tree oil is a good remedy for the running nose for the pregnant. Do not use in case of an allergy. At the fifteenth week of pregnancy, the placenta is able to protect the baby from many viral diseases and other unpleasant factors.

15 Weeks Pregnant: A Complete Guide on 15th Week of Pregnancy

Alcohol at 15 Weeks Pregnancy

If placenta protects the baby from adverse external factors at the fifteenth week , it does not mean that it will save the baby if the mother drinks alcohol. Alcohol drinks get directly to the baby and cause a great damage to his body. Throughout the pregnancy, alcohol is prohibited.

It happens quite often that a pregnant woman wants any alcoholic beverage, it means that her body lacks of protein. However, this does not mean that you need to have this drink; it should be replaced with such products as lean meat or nuts which are rich in proteins. As soon as the body replenishes its protein supplies, you will no longer want to have an alcohol drink.

Correct and Healthy Eating

Proper nutrition during pregnancy plays a very important role for both the woman and the baby. Carbohydrates, fats and proteins are essential for the proper development of the fetus. A varied diet is needed during pregnancy. The pregnant woman’s diet must include fruits, vegetables, dairy products and cereals, eggs and meat, of course.

Fats of vegetable origin rich in the vitamin E are very useful for strengthening the placenta. Buy vegetable oils, and get a habit of adding them to your meal. Seeds and nuts are also good for your health. Protein is the most important substance; you should eat plenty of it.

Meat dishes are very important in the diet of the pregnant woman. The pregnant should normally eat 200 grams of meat per day, alternating it with fish, for example every other day.

Condition of the Uterus

The doctor will assess the uterus during the ultrasound. Normally the uterine muscle (miometrium) should be 2.5 cm (1inch) thick. At this term, you can palpate the uterus through the abdomen. It’s located between the pubis and the belly-button.

Screening at 15 Weeks Pregnancy

At this term, it is called the second trimester screening. The second screening is conducted between the fifteenth and the seventeenth weeks of pregnancy. Screening can determine the percentage of the risk to have a baby with disabilities, such as Down syndrome or a neural tube defect. A special ultrasound scan and tests are made, they can identify risks, but not make a specific diagnosis.

Screening at this stage is considered more accurate, because it includes three tests. Unconjugated estriol, general hCG and AFP tests. Therefore, some doctors do not conduct the first screening. Figure 1:350 is very unfavorable during screening. Additional tests are to be made to confirm the risk of the high level. A woman has the full right to refuse this procedure as it is unable to present the accurate results.

Test Results

You must start passing tests at this term no later than the twentieth week. Triple test is the name of the main test at this term. As a rule, at the fifteenth week of pregnancy hCG level begins to decline markedly. Is not normal if the hCG levels are too high or low. It might be explained by the wrong gestational age. In case of abnormal discharge, it’s necessary to make a smear test on infections immediately.

You shouldn’t miss check-ups in order to make the required tests in the due time appointed by the doctor who monitors you and your baby. The diverse nature of urine tests are necessary for the monitoring of the pregnancy. You should listen to the doctor’s advice to be on the safe side.

During the persistent growth of the baby in the womb, the belly respectively is growing bigger, and it’s difficult to find a position for a good night's sleep which will be both comfortable for the woman and for the fetus. There is a rule that you need to sleep on the left side.

Dangers at this Term of Pregnancy

  • Problems with the kidneys or adrenal glands concern the women expecting a boy. This problem means that the produces testosterone. You must tell your doctor about it and he will appoint treatment for the kidney disease.
  • Appropriate and safe test at this term includes the amniotic fluid composition test. This test is prescribed to women who have genetic diseases or appointed by the doctor individually.
  • Rhinitis of pregnancy, one of the problems, which include nasal congestion at the 5th week of pregnancy.
  • Brown pigmentation spots cover the face skin, but after the birth of the baby, they will disappear.

How To Behave in Order to Avoid Problems During Pregnancy

  • Pay attention to the skin of the abdomen. Buy an efficient anti stretch mark cream that prevents their appearance. Do not forget to apply it regularly. Otherwise after the delivery it won’t be easy to get rid of them, which don't bring any joy.
  • Teeth are one of the main factors that affect the health of the entire body. Take extra care of them. Start to treat caries.
  • It’s better to sleep on the side, preferably on the left one. Select a comfortable position for both yourself and the baby. For convenience, you can use a pillow.

Video Guide: 15 weeks pregnancy

The Twin Pregnancy at 15 Weeks

At the 15th week, each of the twins weighs about 60 grams (2 ounces) and is about 10 cm (4 inches) length. At this term, they train their lungs making breathing movements with a closed glottis. They develop muscles responsible for breathing, but water doesn’t get to the lungs.

Each of the babies is curled in the womb in the so-called embryonic pose. However, they have enough space to move freely. A woman pregnant with twins, has a bigger belly than those bearing one baby. The mother can’t still feel they moving, however the twins are no different from other children in size and development.

Twins at this term are still very slim. Their small bodies are covered with lanugo hair. The babies can wrinkle the nose and frown. Movements become coordinated, and limbs are proportional to the body. During this week babies learn to suck, they can suck a thumb or the umbilical cord. They are forming an individual day regimen. Basically, the babies sleep and awake once per hour. The skin folds are filled with a cheese-like lubricant, it is the secretion of the glands. It protects the fetus from the exposure to moisture and eases his way out during the delivery.

9 Comments

  • Lillian says:

    Now I am on the 15th week, everything proceed well. But I had had awful allergy to laundry detergent. Did any of you have such a problem?

  • Yasmin says:

    Today I have read that if you get a desire to eat lots of salty foods, you’re going to have a boy. If you get a desire to eat lots of something sour, you’re going to have a girl. Is it true or just a myth?

  • BEATRICE says:

    YASMIN, I FOUND THAT TO BE A MYTH. I CRAVED SOUR AND SWEET AND KEPT READING IT WOULD BE A GIRL. FOUND OUT LAST WEEK I AM HAVING A BOY 🙂

  • Yasmine says:

    I literally eat both sour and sweet I just don’t know what I’m having 15 weeks 1 days but I’m not even showing though

  • Ngilameng says:

    wow! I am a mother 2be, I’m happy.

  • Lillian says:

    I am 15 weeks pregnant where is my baby located?

  • Newmama says:

    I had a huge desire to eat sour but I m expecting a boy

  • Ugo says:

    Am fourteen weeks pregnant and my foot is paining me what is the cause of it

  • gopal says:

    there is no eating in two month she didn’t eat and have rice beer instead of food what happen then later on?

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