Highlights this week
Baby development at 15 weeks
Your baby is about the size of an apple
Pregnancy symptoms during week 15
Nasal congestion
If your nose is stuffed up, you can probably chalk it up to the combined effect of hormonal changes and increased blood flow to your mucous membranes. This condition is so common there's even a name for it: rhinitis of pregnancy. To get relief, try using a humidifier or vaporizer in your room at night. Elevate your head with extra pillows when you sleep, and drink plenty of fluids. You can also try saline nasal spray – but don't use decongestants or other medications during pregnancy without talking to your healthcare provider.
Nose bleeds
Keep the tissues handy: About 20 percent of pregnant women have nosebleeds thanks to increased blood volume and blood vessel expansion in the nose. These are usually harmless, but tell your provider if you have frequent nosebleeds. And if the blood flow is very heavy or doesn't stop after 30 minutes of applying pressure, call 911 or go to the emergency room.
Heartburn during pregnancy
Heartburn (also called acid indigestion or acid reflux) is a burning sensation in your chest that usually occurs after eating or at night. You may experience heartburn for the first time during pregnancy due to physical and hormonal changes (thanks, progesterone!). Although heartburn is common and generally harmless, it can be very uncomfortable. For relief, check out these strategies for handling pregnancy heartburn.
Swollen gums
If your gums are bleeding when you brush or floss, you're not alone. About half of pregnant women have swollen, red, tender gums due to pregnancy gingivitis, a mild form of gum disease. It's partly caused by hormonal changes that make your gums more sensitive to the bacteria in plaque. So don't blame yourself – but do what you can do take good care of your teeth and gums during pregnancy. Brush gently twice a day, floss daily, and visit the dentist for a checkup and cleaning. It's safe to go to the dentist while pregnant, just make sure to tell the staff that you're expecting.
Pregnancy weight gain
Hopefully you've said goodbye to first-trimester nausea and food aversions and can start enjoying food again. If you started pregnancy at a healthy weight, you'll aim to gain about a pound a week for the rest of your pregnancy. You need about 340 extra calories a day in the second trimester, and a good way to make these count is with these healthy, nutrient-packed pregnancy snacks.
Don't see your symptom?
Wondering about a symptom you have? Find it on our pregnancy symptoms page.
Pregnancy checklist at 15 weeks pregnant
Keep a pregnancy journal
Journaling is good for you! Whether you keep an actual journal or just jot down a few notes on your phone, you'll love sharing these stories with your child someday.
Start a pregnancy exercise routine
If you're feeling up to it, now is a good time to start a regular pregnancy workout. Joining a class can help motivate you to stick with it. And many women find that prenatal exercise classes are a wonderful way to bond with and get support from other moms-to-be. Some good options include water exercise, prenatal yoga or Pilates, a walking group, or a prenatal dance class.
Get our second trimester to-do list
Are you the type of person who likes to make a list and check things off? We've got you covered with our comprehensive to-do list for your second trimester, which includes everything from financial planning to signing up for childbirth classes and considering childcare.
Practice affirmations
An affirmation is a positive statement you repeat to yourself to overcome negative thinking. For example, if you have fears about giving birth, you could say to yourself, "I trust my body to know what to do," or "I am resilient, strong, and brave," or even "I got this." Using affirmations can motivate, inspire, and comfort you. In fact, research shows that affirmations can have positive long-term effects on your mental and emotional health.
15 weeks pregnant bellies
At 15 weeks, you may be boasting a belly that's clearly pregnant. It's different for every woman, though. If you're a first-time mom, you'll probably start showing later since your abdominal and uterine muscles haven't been stretched by a previous pregnancy.
You may be in that in-between place where your regular clothes feel uncomfortable but you're not quite ready for maternity clothes. But if yoga pants, stretchy skirts, and belly bands aren't doing the trick anymore, it's time to go shopping for some maternity staples. There are lots of creative ways to find affordable maternity clothes, including online secondhand stores and clothing swaps with friends.
This week's video
BabyCenter's editorial team is committed to providing the most helpful and trustworthy pregnancy and parenting information in the world. When creating and updating content, we rely on credible sources: respected health organizations, professional groups of doctors and other experts, and published studies in peer-reviewed journals. We believe you should always know the source of the information you're seeing. Learn more about our editorial and medical review policies.
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Vintzileos AM et al. 1984. The ultrasound femur length as a predictor of fetal length. Obstetrics & Gynecology 64(6): 779-82. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6390277/ [Accessed March 2022]
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Marcella Gates is executive editor at BabyCenter, the world's number one digital parenting resource, and is an expert on pregnancy and parenting. As a mom of three, she loves that her professional life is focused on supporting and empowering parents and expecting parents. Gates lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her family.
