Congratulations, you’re officially in your second trimester! At 15 weeks, your baby girl has grown to the size of an avocado and weighs around 2.5 ounces. Her body is starting to become more proportional, with her head now only about a third of her total length. Here’s what else you can expect in your baby girl’s development at 15 weeks:
Table of Contents
Physical Development
Your baby girl’s bones are hardening and her circulatory and urinary systems are fully functioning. She may be practicing her swallowing reflex by drinking amniotic fluid and even hiccupping, which you might feel like tiny twitches in your belly. Her arms and legs are getting longer, too, and she can now move them around with more control. You might even be able to see her move during an ultrasound!
Brain Development
Your baby girl’s brain is growing rapidly, with neurons connecting at a rate of 100 trillion synapses per second! Her senses are also developing, with her ears now in their final position on the sides of her head. She may even be able to hear your voice or other sounds from outside the womb, which is why some doctors suggest talking to your baby during pregnancy.
Emotional Development
While it might be hard to imagine your little one having emotions this early on, research suggests that babies in the womb respond to stimuli and can even feel emotions like happiness and sadness. So keep singing to her, playing music, or even just rubbing your belly – it could make all the difference in her emotional development.
What You Can Do
At 15 weeks pregnant, you can start thinking about things like baby names and nursery decor. You might also want to start shopping for maternity clothes, as your belly will continue to grow throughout your pregnancy. Don’t forget to keep up with your prenatal appointments and take care of yourself – eat well, exercise (if your doctor approves), and get plenty of rest.
Frequently Asked Questions
What precautions should I take during my second trimester?
While the second trimester is generally considered to be the easiest and most comfortable trimester, you should still take precautions to ensure your baby’s health. This includes eating a balanced diet, avoiding certain foods (like raw or undercooked meat, fish with high levels of mercury, and unpasteurized dairy products), staying hydrated, and getting regular exercise. You should also avoid smoking and drinking alcohol.
When should I start feeling my baby move?
While every pregnancy is different, most women start feeling their baby move between 16 and 25 weeks. This is called “quickening” and feels like butterfly flutters or bubbles in your stomach. If you’re not sure whether you’ve felt your baby move yet, don’t worry – it will happen soon!
Can I dye my hair or get a manicure while pregnant?
Yes, you can! While some women choose to avoid hair dye and manicures during pregnancy, there is no conclusive evidence that these treatments are harmful to your baby. That being said, it’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor if you have any concerns.
Do I need to take prenatal vitamins throughout my entire pregnancy?
Yes, you should take prenatal vitamins throughout your entire pregnancy. These vitamins help ensure that you and your baby are getting all the necessary nutrients, like folic acid, iron, and calcium. Your doctor may even recommend that you continue taking them while breastfeeding.
When should I start thinking about childbirth classes?
It’s never too early to start thinking about childbirth classes! Many classes fill up quickly, so it’s a good idea to start researching your options early on. Some women prefer to wait until later in their pregnancy to take classes, while others prefer to take them earlier so they have more time to prepare. Talk to your doctor or midwife for recommendations.