This week is a good week to tell your work that you are expecting. There are some tips below.

Your baby at 15 weeks

Your baby’s legs are now longer than the arms, and the head is now in proportion to the body. Your baby’s bones and muscles are becoming stronger every day. If you have an ultrasound at this stage, you may be able to see your baby sucking a thumb.

Your baby is exercising the facial muscles by frowning, grimacing and squinting. This is just to develop the muscles; your baby isn’t in a bad mood with you!

Your baby 4-4.5 inches long, and roughly the size of an orange.

Your body at 15 weeks

Does your belly feel much bigger than you expected at 15 weeks? Are you expecting twins? Not such a daft question, if you have a history of fraternal twins in your family or you’re over 35 (or both). More common explanations for feeling very big at this stage are; your due date is not ‘bang on’, you are suffering from bloating or perhaps you are following the old wives tale to ‘eat for two’.

If you have your due date correct then your pregnancy will become noticeable between 14-20 weeks, unless you’ve been pregnant before, in which case you’ll start to show sooner. Pregnant women gain roughly five pounds of weight at this stage. If you are concerned about the size of your growing bump or pregnancy weight gain make a note of it in your maternity notes or smart phone. Remember to ask your midwife at your next appointment.

Your enlarging uterus will probably cause some discomfort or pain in your abdominal area, so try not to make any sudden moves, and take your time when sitting and rising. This pain is perfectly normal, but if it gets worse or ceases to stop, contact your doctor.

You might start to have nosebleeds; this is because there is increased blood flow in your nasal passage, which is nothing to worry about. You will also be more vulnerable to common illnesses, such as the cold, as your body’s immune system is busy looking after your baby. Take care to avoid everyday bacteria by washing your hands regularly.

Pregnancy fact

Developing taste buds mean it’s possible for your baby to taste your food! If you want your baby to eat veg, then start eating it now!

How you’re feeling at 15 weeks

Like the past week or two, you’ll find your energy levels increase as nausea and morning sickness disappear. Hormone changes mean it’s likely your sex-drive will increase; having sex while pregnant is perfectly safe for your baby, so feel free to spend some quality time with your partner (unless your doctor has specifically said not to).

Pregnancy advice

• The start of the second trimester is usually when your doctor will discuss test options (such as amniocentesis) to determine chromosomal and birth defects, such as Down’s Syndrome. Things like your age, personal medical history and family medical history all play a role in your baby’s genetics. There can be risks involved with these types of procedures, but your doctor will discuss these in detail with you. Find out what life is like living with a child with Down’s Syndrome.
• If you decide to tell your work place you are expecting, here are some tips

14 weeks pregnant ← 15 weeks pregnant → 16 weeks pregnant

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