Pregnancy Week 15

What does my baby look like, and how big is it?

You're now in the fourth month of your pregnancy, and your baby is roughly the size of an apple.

Around this time, your baby's eyebrows and eyelashes are developing. The legs are now longer than the arms, so your baby's proportions look more balanced.

The eyes are beginning to become sensitive to light. The eyelids are still closed, but the eye structures keep developing. Your baby may also be starting to hear during this stage, picking up the sound of your voice, your heartbeat, and the noises of your digestive system.

Your baby is looking more and more like a baby

With each passing week, your fetus starts to resemble the baby you'll meet at birth. The ears are settling into a more distinct position on the sides of the head, and the eyes are moving toward their spot at the front of the face.

Your baby is rehearsing for the outside world

At this stage, your baby practices some of the basic movements that will be essential after birth, including breathing motions, sucking, and swallowing. As the chest rises and falls, your baby is working on the mechanics of breathing.

Your baby is also making small movements like kicking, curling the toes, and moving the arms and legs. But because your baby is still so tiny, you may not feel these movements just yet.

What's happening in my body?

As your baby grows quickly, the amniotic sac, amniotic fluid, and placenta surrounding your baby continue to develop too. Your belly may start to show around this time. With a first pregnancy, the bump usually becomes noticeable later, while it may appear earlier if you've given birth before.

You might feel sharp, stabbing sensations along the sides of your belly. This is called round ligament pain. Resting and putting your feet up can bring relief.

Changes in your underwear

Many women notice an increase in vaginal discharge during this stage. Increased blood flow to the pelvic area can lead to more of a milky discharge called leukorrhea. This discharge helps keep the vagina clean and protects against infection.

Contact your doctor if:

• the discharge changes color; it should normally be clear, white, or cream-colored
• it has a foul smell
• its texture changes noticeably, for example becoming frothy or resembling cottage cheese
• you have pain while urinating
• you feel itching or burning

Thrush (yeast infection)

Vaginal yeast infections can be more common during pregnancy. Shifting hormone levels can affect the balance in the vagina and make you more prone to yeast infections. Symptoms include a thick, white discharge, itching around the vagina, and burning when you urinate or during sex. Talk to your doctor about the right treatment.

Steps that may help lower your risk of thrush:

• wear cotton underwear
• use unscented soap or shower gel
• avoid sex while the discomfort is at its worst

Forgetfulness and trouble focusing in pregnancy

Some people say they feel more forgetful or scattered during pregnancy. It isn't clear whether this is truly specific to pregnancy, but fatigue, disrupted sleep, stress, and having a lot on your mind can all play a part. Jotting down things you need to remember, keeping a daily routine, and trying to sleep well can help.

Other physical changes

If you're dealing with a stuffy nose, it may be due to hormonal changes and increased blood flow to the lining of your nose. This is sometimes called pregnancy rhinitis. Humidifying the room, keeping your head slightly elevated, and drinking plenty of fluids can help. Check with your doctor before taking any medication.

Nosebleeds can also happen during pregnancy. They're usually harmless, but if they occur often or don't stop after 30 minutes of pressure, they need medical attention.

Heartburn can show up as a burning feeling in your chest. Hormonal and physical changes can trigger it. It can be uncomfortable, but it's very common in pregnancy.

You may also notice swollen, red, and bleeding gums. Pregnancy hormones can make your gums more sensitive. That's why regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups are important.

By now, early pregnancy symptoms may have eased, but new ones can appear. You might experience:

• swollen, bleeding gums
• round ligament pain on the side of your belly
• nosebleeds
• bloating
• constipation
• indigestion and heartburn
• tender breasts
• leg cramps
• dizziness
• swollen hands and feet
• urinary tract infections
• vaginal infections
• darkening skin or brown patches on your face
• oilier, more acne-prone skin
• thicker, shinier hair
• itchy skin

Some symptoms from earlier weeks may also linger:

• morning sickness
• food cravings
• a heightened sensitivity to smells
• mood swings
• milky white vaginal discharge
• light spotting

Itchy skin may become more noticeable this week. Pregnancy hormones can affect your skin, and as it stretches it can feel itchy. Using a fragrance-free moisturizer can help soothe it.

Nutrition this week

If your morning sickness has eased, you may find your appetite coming back. Eating a balanced, fiber-rich diet during this stage helps lower your risk of constipation and keeps your weight gain more steady. Your energy needs may also rise in the second trimester, so it's important to choose nutrient-dense foods.

Drinking plenty of water matters. Total weight gain in pregnancy varies from person to person; if your weight was in a healthy range before pregnancy, your weight gain may continue steadily throughout. If you notice sudden or significant changes in your weight, check with your doctor. Rarely, this can be a sign of a serious pregnancy problem.

Your baby's heartbeat may be heard

Around this time, your baby's heartbeat may be heard at some of your checkups. This is usually assessed with a device your healthcare provider uses.

At-home Doppler devices aren't reliable and can cause unnecessary worry. That's why it's best to rely on the devices your healthcare provider uses for this kind of assessment.

Hiccups and first movements

Your baby may also start hiccupping around this time. In the coming weeks, you may feel this as small, rhythmic movements. Baby hiccups aren't the same thing as baby movement.

If this isn't your first pregnancy, you may feel your baby's movements earlier, around weeks 16 to 18. With a first pregnancy, noticing them can take longer. If you're worried about movements, contact your doctor.

Is it safe to exercise during pregnancy?

If your pregnancy is uncomplicated, exercise is generally safe right up until birth. Staying active is usually better than not exercising at all, and it supports your overall health. Gentle activities like walking can be beneficial too. If you have any risk factors, check with your doctor first.

What are the screening tests in pregnancy?

In some pregnancies, additional screening tests may be recommended. Your doctor should explain which tests are needed and whether they're right for you.

Changes in your balance

You may feel better during these weeks, but as your belly grows, your balance can shift. This may be especially noticeable when you're out and about or on public transportation.

Amniocentesis

Amniocentesis is a test that can be done to check whether your baby has a genetic or chromosomal condition. It's usually performed between weeks 15 and 20 of pregnancy. Whether this test is needed and whether it's right for you should be discussed together with your healthcare provider.

Itchy skin

Itching over your growing belly is most often due to your skin stretching. A fragrance-free moisturizer can help. You may notice stretch marks too; these are usually harmless.

However, if you have severe itching, especially on your hands or feet, it can be a sign of a more serious condition and needs to be checked by a doctor.

Bleeding

Any vaginal bleeding during pregnancy, whether painful or painless, needs prompt medical attention. If this happens, contact your doctor or the appropriate healthcare service right away.

Thrush and its effect on the baby

Thrush can be common during pregnancy. It can be uncomfortable, but there's no evidence that it harms the baby. Talk to your doctor about treatment options.

Working and taking leave during pregnancy

If you need to take time off work because of a pregnancy-related health issue, how that's handled depends on the employment and healthcare rules in your country. It can help to talk this over with both your employer and your healthcare provider.