15 Weeks Pregnant

15 weeks pregnant: second trimester growth, symptoms and what to expect

At 15 weeks pregnant, you are in the second trimester. Many people describe this as the steadier part of pregnancy because nausea and fatigue may ease, although symptoms can still come and go.

Fifteen weeks is often described as about 3 and a half months pregnant, but healthcare providers usually track pregnancy in weeks because it is more precise. If you are comparing apps or calendars, remember that month counts can vary.

Week 15 follows 14 weeks pregnant and starts the second trimester section in this calendar. Next, read about 16 weeks pregnant, when movement and appointment questions often become more relevant.

Your baby at 15 weeks pregnant

The fetus is growing quickly and is often compared with an apple or orange. Size estimates vary, but many guides place the baby at around 10 cm from head to bottom.

The legs are growing longer, the skeleton is beginning to harden through ossification and the ears are moving closer to their final position. Thin skin still makes blood vessels visible, and fine hair called lanugo may begin to cover the body.

Your baby is moving, swallowing amniotic fluid and beginning to develop meconium, the first stool. Some scans may suggest sex around this stage, but it may still be too early for a reliable answer.

Your body and symptoms

Your uterus is growing upward from the pelvis, and you may notice a small bump or mostly bloating. First pregnancies often show later than later pregnancies, so not looking pregnant at 15 weeks can be normal.

Common symptoms include more energy, a stronger appetite, nasal congestion, headaches, round ligament discomfort, constipation, breast changes, mood shifts and occasional heart palpitations. Mild, brief palpitations can happen as blood volume and heart workload increase, but chest pain, fainting or shortness of breath should be checked.

You may feel early flutters soon, especially if this is not your first pregnancy, but many people do not feel clear movement until 18-22 weeks. Not feeling movement at 15 weeks is usually normal.

Ideas

• Ask your clinician what to expect at second trimester appointments and when your anatomy scan will be scheduled.
• Choose comfortable clothing or waistbands if bloating or your uterus makes regular clothes tight.
• Keep moving with walking, swimming or prenatal exercise if your healthcare professional has not advised against it.
• Start thinking about how and when to tell your employer, if that applies to you.
• Use the pregnancy calculator if you want to compare your estimated due date with your scan dates.

Frequently asked questions about 15 weeks pregnant