15 Weeks Pregnant

Key Takeaways at 15 Weeks Pregnant

• Prenatal symptoms: You’re hopefully in the “honeymoon” phase of pregnancy—meaning most unpleasant symptoms have faded and you’re feeling less tired and more human.
• Your diet: Depending on your pre-pregnancy weight, you probably need about 300 extra calories per day. So, yes, you’re eating for two-ish—with some restraint.
• Baby bump: If this is your first pregnancy, you may have a tiny visible bump. If it’s a subsequent pregnancy, you may be showing off a bigger belly already.
• Prenatal tests: The Multiple Marker Screen (MMS, aka, Quad Screen Test) may be happening between now and week 20. These give a risk assessment for certain neural tube defects and chromosomal abnormalities.

Feeling sexy? Now that you’re 15 weeks pregnant, you’re probably feeling high energy, and that may mean high libido too. Of course, it’s also plausible you’re not feeling super into sex right now. That’s also okay. It really can go either way; hormones are funny like that! Either way, if the mood strikes rest assured that baby has no idea what’s going on and—as long as your OB hasn’t given you any activity restrictions—sex won’t hurt baby or threaten your pregnancy.

One thing that did have me feeling good at week 15? My gorgeous hair! It was really vibing on those pregnancy hormones, and I relished every shiny, thick shampoo-commercial-worthy moment! The glow-up is real in the second trimester. Your nails and skin are hopefully also benefitting. Go plan a date night—who knows maybe you will feel frisky after all.

Video Highlights at 15 Weeks

Baby at 15 Weeks

You probably can't feel it yet, but baby's squirming a ton in there, now that they’re able to move and stretch all their limbs and joints. They may even be sucking their thumb or cracking some smiles (squeal!). Baby’s eyes will stay fused shut for several months, but they can now sense light. (How cool is that?)

There’s a lot happening with baby’s organ development during week 15 too. Some organs and body parts are starting to move into their rightful place in or on baby’s body, like the ears (which are beginning to hear) and intestines. Baby’s lungs are also beginning to develop at week 15, but they’ll still be safely breathing in amniotic fluid until birth. As their lungs continue to grow in strength, baby might even be hiccupping inside your 15 weeks pregnant belly (but, again, you probably won’t feel it yet).

How big is baby at 15 weeks?

At 15 weeks pregnant, baby is as big as a banana. The average 15-week fetus weighs about 4.1 ounces and measures 6.6 inches—and baby's proportions are becoming even more normal, since their legs now outmeasure their arms.

15 weeks pregnant is how many months?

When you're 15 weeks pregnant, you're three months pregnant. Keep in mind that pregnancy is 40 weeks long, though, meaning pregnancy is actually a bit longer than nine months—that’s why doctors track pregnancy by week, not month.

15-week ultrasound

If you’ve chosen to do a Multiple Marker Screen (MMS, aka Quad Screen Test), you’ll have blood drawn between week 15 pregnancy and week 20. This screening measures levels of certain proteins and hormones in a mom-to-be’s blood to give her an assessment of baby’s risk of neural tube defects and chromosomal abnormalities.

Amniocentesis is another elective test—it usually happens between weeks 15 and 20. This invasive test can diagnose neural tube defects, chromosomal abnormalities and other genetic disorders. It’s considered safe overall but does pose some risks, so talk it over with your doctor to decide whether or not you’ll have the procedure. You may choose an amnio if you have an abnormal triple or quad test or if baby has a higher risk of genetic abnormalities.

For the amnio, the doctor will use the ultrasound to see inside your 15-week pregnant belly and will guide a needle into the amniotic sac to gather a sample of fluid to be tested. All these tests can be stressful; in between, find some time to rest and pamper yourself. You deserve it!

Can you find out baby’s sex at 15 weeks pregnant?

It’s a little too early to learn whether you’re having a boy or girl exclusively from a 15-week ultrasound—you’ll get a much more definitive answer between 18 and 22 weeks. But if you had NIPT or decide to get an amnio test, you can find out baby’s sex as part of the results.

Pregnancy Symptoms at Week 15

Are your 15 weeks pregnant symptoms hot…or not? Here’s a bit of what you might be experiencing, from sexy (increased libido) to not-so-sexy (nosebleeds and stomach issues).

Increased sex drive

Now that your energy is back, you may be feeling more energetic in the bedroom as well. Of course, with all the other 15 weeks pregnant symptoms you may be feeling, if you’re not up to sex, it’s completely understandable.

Nosebleeds

This not-so-lovely symptom is thanks to a combination of increased blood volume (in addition to increased estrogen and progesterone) and sensitive nasal passages. It’s more inconvenient than anything; nosebleeds are usually harmless, but if it seems very heavy, call your doctor.

Heartburn, gas and/or indigestion

Blame these tummy troubles on the hormones. Pay attention to foods that are triggering your symptoms and try to avoid them. Also, talk to your doctor about what stomach remedies are safe. Stock up on some pregnancy-safe antacids, which are doubly awesome because they have lots of much-needed calcium!

Swollen gums

Your gums are more sensitive now that you’re pregnant. Take extra good care of them. Brush your teeth often and floss gently. Continue regular dental visits.

Shortness of breath

Notice that you’re easily winded? Let’s face it: It’s getting more crowded in your torso. That means it might be trickier for your lungs to expand enough to get a full breath.

If you’re 15 weeks pregnant with twins, your symptoms probably aren’t much different than they would be for a mom carrying one baby at 15 weeks. However, because higher hormone levels in trimester one may have made you more likely to have morning sickness, you may still be having bouts of nausea, which should begin to lessen soon. Let your OB know if you have any severe or concerning symptoms.

How should I feel at 15 weeks pregnant?

Wondering what you should be feeling at 15 weeks pregnant? You’re probably feeling great! If you’ve been physically active and eating healthy, nutritious food, that goes a long way toward boosting your mood and energy and maintaining healthy weight gain. While you may experience some of the common 15 weeks pregnant symptoms, you are also at a point where you may be ready to tackle all the tasks ahead of you to prepare for baby: getting maternity clothes, putting together your baby registry, planning the nursery—enjoy this incredibly special time of anticipation!

Your Pregnant Belly at 15 Weeks

Your 15 weeks pregnant belly is making a big transition. During the first trimester, your uterus still fits nicely inside your pelvis. But now, it’s stretching to accommodate your growing baby and will soon outgrow your pelvis and sit higher up in your belly. Every mom-to-be’s body is different, and the rate of growth can vary slightly. That’s why at week 15 of pregnancy, it’s completely normal to not show much, or have an obvious baby bump. For example, a 15 weeks pregnant belly for a first pregnancy could take a little longer to begin to stick out. For the second pregnancy and beyond, the uterus has already been stretched, so you might have a bump a little earlier in repeat pregnancies.

If you’re 15 weeks pregnant with twins, things are probably stretching out at a faster rate, and you’re likely showing by now.

Recommended weight gain at this stage is about around one pound per week if you weren’t overweight before pregnancy, so continue to eat about 300 extra calories per day—and try to make them healthy calories whenever possible. If you notice drastic or sudden weight gain, notify your doctor right away. This could be a sign of a serious pregnancy condition called preeclampsia.

Can you feel baby at 15 weeks?

Did you just feel a poke in your belly? It could be an early greeting from baby! First-time moms may be more likely to experience this a bit later in pregnancy, between 16 and 22 weeks, but others (including women who have been pregnant before) may feel some early movement as early as 13 weeks. Even if you haven’t felt baby yet, you’ll probably see them wriggling around at your next ultrasound!

Tips for 15 Weeks Pregnant

Time to get your priorities in order. Your health and wellness matter most. Here’s what you can do to feel your best.

Schedule a dental checkup

If your gums are bleeding, or if your teeth feel loose due to hormone fluctuations, it’s a good idea to see your dentist. Schedule a checkup during this trimester if you have any concerns.

Rest when you can

Sure, you’re bursting with energy now, but don’t overdo it. Kicking your feet up or taking a nap helps with things like headaches, which can be common at 15 weeks pregnant, back aches and overworked joints and muscles.

Pick a side

Speaking of rest, at 15 weeks, baby’s getting big enough to put pressure on your inferior vena cava blood vessel when you’re on your back. To prevent blood flow problems, you’ll want to start sleeping on your side (preferably the left for better blood circulation). A pregnancy pillow can help you find the comfiest position so you get your much-needed ZZZ’s.

Look into childbirth classes

You have a lot to do to get ready for baby’s birth day, and the second trimester will fly by as you try to get all your to-do’s done. Take the time now to explore options for childbirth classes and sign up for one that’s the best fit for your labor and delivery goals.

Wins, Challenges and Wisdom

At 15 weeks you might finally be starting to get your groove back—and it honestly may surprise you! Try not to question it and take advantage while you can. Below, moms who’ve been there share their wins and top tips for this stage of pregnancy.

• Win: “I'm so excited to be 15 weeks! My pregnancy is moving so fast, I can't wait to meet my little monster. Anyone else excited to be 15 weeks and having a fast moving pregnancy?” - krystal0707
• Challenge: “I'm currently 15 weeks with our first baby! I was super nauseas until about two to three weeks ago but feeling close to normal now—and that has me worried! I was feeling some round ligament pain for a few weeks but that has subsided too. Anyone else feeling this good at 15 weeks?! Trying to be thankful but also getting nervous.” - alexpierce88
• Wisdom: “There’s no right or wrong time to announce. Do what feels comfortable to you. There is nothing wrong with waiting, but if you want to tell a few people, tell those who will be supportive.” - ShuShuBee