15 weeks pregnant: Baby’s growth, bump progress, and what to expect

An illustration of a uterus and a fetus the size of an apple representing 15 weeks pregnant.
  • Updated Dec 2, 2024
  • Published

CRAFTED BY HUMAN

Crafted by human At Femia, we provide accurate and up-to-date information at every stage of your journey, from trying to conceive, pregnancy and postnatal support. All content is created by a real person based on in-depth research and own professional experience. Femia ensures that you will receive expert advice, strict accuracy and a personalized approach from our authors/medical experts. Learn more about our editorial policy.

FACT CHECKED

Fact checked At Femia Health, we maintain the highest standards of editorial excellence in delivering content focused on helping you conceive, guiding you through pregnancy, and supporting you postpartum. Explore our content review principles to learn how we ensure the accuracy and quality of our health and lifestyle tips for every stage of your journey.

Author picture

Created with Nataliia Yermolovych, MD, Obstetrician-Gynecologist

In this article
In a nutshell

At 15 weeks pregnant, your baby’s muscles and bones are strengthening, and they’re becoming more active. You may notice increased energy, a small bump, and new symptoms like mild backaches as your body adapts.

Welcome to 15 weeks pregnant, where you’re well into your second trimester, and baby growth is accelerating! Many moms-to-be experience a renewed sense of energy during this phase, with early symptoms like nausea often subsiding. Let’s explore what’s happening with your baby and body this week, along with tips to support your well-being.

Get a pregnancy experience designed just for you

Personalized meal plans, symptom tracking, and more with the Femia

Try Femia now

15-week pregnancy symptoms

As you settle into the second trimester, some symptoms may shift, while others continue or emerge. Here are common symptoms at 15 weeks:

  • Increased energy: Many women feel more energized during this stage, as early symptoms like fatigue and nausea ease.
  • Backaches: As your uterus expands, the added weight can put pressure on your lower back, leading to mild discomfort.
  • Nasal congestion: Known as “pregnancy rhinitis,” increased blood flow can cause mild nasal stuffiness or congestion.
  • Round ligament pain: You may feel stretching sensations in your abdomen as your uterus continues to grow and move upward.
  • Visible bump: A more defined baby bump may start to appear, especially if this isn’t your first pregnancy.

👉Find out more: 14 weeks pregnant: Baby’s size, bump beginnings, and self-care tips

Your body at 15 weeks pregnant

At week 15, your uterus is growing and shifting, which may make your abdomen feel firmer as a small bump starts to show. Hormonal changes are stabilizing, often reducing symptoms like nausea and fatigue. However, your growing belly and uterus may lead to mild backaches and stretching sensations as your ligaments adjust. Staying hydrated, engaging in gentle exercise, and maintaining a balanced diet will help support both your energy levels and overall health. Using a weight gain during pregnancy calculator can help you monitor healthy weight gain and make necessary adjustments to your diet or activity level.

15-week pregnant belly

At 15 weeks, many women notice a visible bump, especially if they’re petite or have had previous pregnancies. The uterus is now moving upward, which may make your lower abdomen feel fuller and firmer. Each bump looks unique, so embrace the changes as they come.

Baby development at 15 weeks pregnancy

At 15 weeks, your baby’s skeletal system is developing rapidly, with bones hardening and muscles strengthening. The baby is making more movements, practicing essential reflexes, and even experimenting with facial expressions. The skin is still translucent, but hair follicles are forming, and tiny taste buds are developing on the tongue. Additionally, the baby’s hearing is beginning to develop, as the middle ear bones are forming, although functional hearing won’t occur until later.

15-week baby size

The 15-week fetus size is about 4 inches long, similar to the size of an apple, and weighs around 2.5 ounces. This week marks a growth spurt, with increased muscle development that will allow for more movement.

15-week ultrasound

A 15-week ultrasound can provide a detailed view of your baby’s limbs, head, and even facial features as they become more distinct. During a 15-week ultrasound 3D scan, you may catch a glimpse of your baby’s hands, fingers, and possibly even thumb-sucking. The baby is more active, though you may not feel the movements just yet.

Real-life 15-week fetus

A real-life 15-week fetus has more developed limbs, hands, and feet, with tiny fingers and toes visible on an ultrasound. Facial features are becoming more defined, and the baby’s movements are increasing as they stretch, flex, and experiment with reflexes.

15 weeks pregnant: Tests to expect

  1. Amniocentesis (optional). Amniocentesis is a diagnostic test done between 15–20 weeks to assess the baby’s health and detect genetic or chromosomal conditions. A small sample of amniotic fluid is taken under ultrasound guidance. It provides definitive results with over 99% accuracy but with a small risk of complications, including miscarriage (about 0.1–0.3%).
  2. Maternal blood tests. Routine blood tests at this stage help monitor maternal health as blood volume increases and the baby’s demands grow.
  • Complete blood count (CBC): Checks for anemia, common in the second trimester due to increased blood volume.
  • Infection screening: Tests for infections like hepatitis B and C, HIV, syphilis, and, if indicated, a TORCH panel for conditions like toxoplasmosis and rubella.
  • Blood type and Rh factor: Identifies Rh incompatibility, with Rho(D) immune globulin (RhIg) given if needed.

Ensures the mother’s health is managed, identifies infections or conditions that could affect the pregnancy, and allows early intervention if needed.

👉Find out more: 

Reaching week 16: Baby’s development, your changing belly, and health tips

17 weeks pregnant: Baby’s growth, position & belly changes

Health tips and self-care at 15 weeks pregnant

  • Stay active: Gentle activities like walking, swimming, or prenatal yoga can help manage backaches and support circulation.
  • Moisturize regularly: As your skin stretches, regular moisturizing can help alleviate dryness and itchiness, common during pregnancy.
  • Sleep on your side: If backaches persist, try sleeping on your side with a pillow between your legs to support your spine.
  • Hydrate: Drinking plenty of water aids circulation and keeps you energized as blood volume increases.
Get a pregnancy experience designed just for you

Personalized meal plans, symptom tracking, and more with the Femia

Try Femia now

Questions from the Femia community

  • How to deal with sleep issues in pregnancy?

    Establish a calming bedtime routine, avoid caffeine in the late afternoon, and use pillows for support to make side-sleeping more comfortable.

  • Are there foods I should avoid at 15 weeks?

    Continue avoiding raw fish, high-mercury seafood, unpasteurized dairy, deli meats, and undercooked meats to reduce health risks.

  • Why do I have nasal congestion during pregnancy?

    Increased blood flow to mucous membranes during pregnancy can lead to mild congestion or “pregnancy rhinitis.” Staying hydrated and using a humidifier can help.

The bottom line

At 15 weeks pregnant, your baby is growing quickly, with movements increasing as muscles and bones strengthen. You may feel more energetic and begin to notice a baby bump, while new symptoms like backaches or nasal congestion may arise. Using a pregnancy-tracking app can help you monitor your progress and symptoms. Focusing on gentle exercise, hydration, and a balanced diet will support both you and your growing baby.

Facebook
Twitter
Threads
In this article
Related articles