15 weeks pregnant
At 15 weeks pregnant, your baby is about the size of an apple: around 10.1 cm crown to rump and 70 g. Bones are getting harder, and baby can sense light through closed eyelids.
Your baby at 15 weeks
Bones are getting harder, and baby can sense light through closed eyelids.
| Size | About the size of an apple |
|---|---|
| Length | 10.1 cm crown to rump |
| Weight | 70 g |
Your baby's bones are hardening and will show up clearly on a scan. Although the eyelids are still closed, your baby can sense light, and may move away if a bright light shines on your tummy. The legs are now longer than the arms. Taste buds are forming, and your baby is practising breathing movements, sucking and swallowing.
How far along are you at 15 weeks?
At 15 weeks pregnant you are in the fourth month of your pregnancy and the second trimester. You have about 25 weeks to go until your due date. Doctors count pregnancy from the first day of your last period, not from conception, so at 15 weeks your baby has been growing for about 13 weeks. Not sure of your dates? Use our due date calculator.
Your body at 15 weeks
Many women feel their best in the second trimester. Appetite returns and your bump starts to show.
Common symptoms at 15 weeks
Every pregnancy is different, and you may have some, all or none of these.
- Nosebleeds. Common because of the extra blood flow. Pinch the soft part of your nose and lean forward.
- Heartburn. Eat smaller meals and don't lie down soon after eating.
- Skin changes. Darker nipples, a dark line on your tummy and freckles that stand out.
- Headaches. Usually tension headaches. Rest, fluids and paracetamol if needed.
- Mild swelling. A little puffiness in your feet at the end of the day.
- Feeling warmer. Your metabolism is faster than usual.
Your checklist for week 15
- If your screening result was higher-chance, amniocentesis can be done from 15 weeks.
- If offered, have the second-trimester (quadruple) blood test before 20 weeks.
- Use sunscreen on your face every day, especially in strong Gulf or South Asian sun, to reduce melasma.
- Start wearing looser, breathable clothes; cotton is cooler in hot weather.
- Keep taking vitamin D, and iron if it has been prescribed.
Tip of the week: Protect your skin
Darker patches on the face, called melasma or the mask of pregnancy, affect many women and are triggered by sunlight. Wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher and a hat or dupatta in strong sun. Most patches fade after the birth. Avoid skin-lightening creams, especially those containing hydroquinone, retinoids or mercury.
For your partner
Energy often returns, so it's a good time to plan.
- Plan a short trip or day out
- Research your hospital and costs
- Start the baby-name shortlist
When to call your doctor at 15 weeks
Contact your doctor, midwife or maternity unit the same day if you have:
- Bleeding, tummy pain or fluid leaking.
- A severe headache that doesn't go away with rest and paracetamol.
Call your doctor or hospital straight away for bleeding, severe pain, fluid leaking, severe headache or vision changes.
Questions about 15 weeks pregnant
Can I feel my baby move at 15 weeks?
Probably not yet. If you've been pregnant before, you might notice flutters from about 16 weeks. In a first pregnancy, most women feel the first movements between 18 and 22 weeks.
What are the risks of amniocentesis?
Amniocentesis carries a small risk of miscarriage, around 1 in 200 or lower, and a small risk of infection. Your doctor will explain the benefits and risks before you decide. You don't have to have a diagnostic test if you don't want one.
Why do I get nosebleeds now?
Your blood volume rises during pregnancy and pregnancy hormones make the small blood vessels in your nose more fragile. Most nosebleeds are harmless. Sit up, lean forward and pinch the soft part of your nose for 10 to 15 minutes.