Your baby has reached the size of a vibrant juicy orange.

As you enter week 15 of your pregnancy, you may start noticing a positive change in how you feel compared to previous weeks.

This stage is often referred to as the “honeymoon phase” of pregnancy, as many early pregnancy symptoms are likely to have subsided. Your energy levels may have returned and overall, you may be feeling quite well. However, it’s important to remember that your pregnancy is progressing rapidly. By now, you’re already more than halfway through your fourth month. So what can you expect during week 15 and the remaining 25 weeks of your pregnancy?

Keep reading to find out more about common questions, symptoms, and fetal development during this stage.

Pregnancy Week 15 Quick Facts

• At 15th weeks, you’ve entered your forth month of pregnancy
• You have 25 weeks until your due time “Calculate your due date”
• You’re in the second trimester

Your Unborn Baby’s Size at 15 Weeks

As your pregnancy progresses and your body undergoes changes and growth, you may start to notice a visible baby bump or find that your pants fit a bit snugly. This change is due to the development of your fetus, which at 15 weeks is approximately 3.98 inches long and weighs nearly 2.5 ounces (70.9 grams). 

Pregnancy Symptoms Week 15

At week 15 of pregnancy, the symptoms can vary depending on whether you are carrying a single or twin baby. 

Single Baby:

Visible bump: Your uterus is growing and you may start to show a noticeable bump.

Skin changes: Hormonal changes can cause pigmentation changes, darkening of the skin around the nipples, and a dark line down your belly (linea nigra).

Back pain: The added weight of your growing uterus can lead to lower back pain.

Shortness of breath: Your expanding uterus can press on your diaphragm, making it difficult to take deep breaths.

Increased appetite: You may feel hungry more often as your body works to nourish your growing fetus.

Braxton Hicks contractions: These are mild, painless contractions that can occur as your body prepares for labor.

Twin Babies:

More severe symptoms: With two babies growing, you may experience more severe symptoms such as morning sickness, fatigue, and back pain.

Bigger belly: Your belly will grow faster with twin babies and you may start to show earlier.

Increased appetite: You may feel hungrier more often as your body works to nourish two growing fetuses.

Higher weight gain: Your doctor may recommend a higher weight gain during pregnancy to support the growth of two babies.

More frequent check-ups: With twin pregnancies, you will have more frequent check-ups and ultrasounds to monitor the growth and development of both babies.

Remember to consult your healthcare provider if you experience any unusual symptoms or have concerns about your pregnancy, especially if you are carrying twins.

Prenatal Tests and Doctor’s Appointments

– Single and Twin’s Baby development

Congratulations on your pregnancy! At 15 weeks, whether you are carrying a single baby or twins, your pregnancy is well underway. Here’s what you can expect in terms of prenatal tests and doctor’s appointments, as well as the development of your babies at this stage:

Prenatal Tests:

Ultrasound: You may have another ultrasound around 15 weeks to check the growth and development of your babies. The ultrasound may also reveal the gender of your babies, if you wish to know.

Genetic Testing: Your doctor may recommend genetic testing, such as amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling (CVS), if you have any risk factors or family history of genetic conditions.

Blood tests: You may continue to have routine blood tests to check your blood count, blood sugar levels, and screen for any potential complications.

Doctor’s Appointments:

Regular prenatal check-ups: Your doctor will continue to monitor your overall health and the development of your babies. You may have more frequent appointments if you are carrying twins.

Blood pressure monitoring: Your blood pressure will be checked at each appointment to ensure it remains within a healthy range.

Weight gain monitoring: Your weight gain will be monitored to make sure it is on track, especially if you are carrying twins.

Fetal heart rate monitoring: Your doctor will listen to the heartbeats of your babies to ensure they are healthy.

– Risk in the 15th week of pregnancy 

During the 15th week of pregnancy, the risk of miscarriage significantly drops as the pregnancy becomes more stable. However, there are still some risks that pregnant women should be aware of:

Preeclampsia: After the 20th week of pregnancy, women are at risk of developing preeclampsia, a severe medical condition. However, in some cases, it can occur earlier. 

Gestational diabetes: This type of diabetes develop during pregnancy. It is caused by hormonal changes and can affect the health of both the mother and the baby if not managed properly.

Infections: Pregnant women are more susceptible to infections, such as urinary tract infections and yeast infections. These can be treated with antibiotics or antifungal medications, but if left untreated, they can lead to complications.

Birth defects: Although the risk of birth defects decreases as the pregnancy progresses, there is still a small risk of them occurring during the 15th week of pregnancy. Pregnant women should continue to take prenatal vitamins and avoid any harmful substances to reduce this risk.

Developmental Milestones

Single Baby Development at 15 Weeks:

At 15 weeks, your baby is about the size of a navel orange. They are continuing to grow and develop rapidly.

Some key developments include:

Bone development: Your baby’s bones are becoming harder as they continue to ossify.

Muscle development: Your baby’s muscles are getting stronger, allowing them to move more.

Facial features: Your baby’s facial features, such as the eyes, nose, and ears, are becoming more defined.

Digestive system: Your baby’s digestive system is developing, and they may start swallowing small amounts of amniotic fluid.

Hearing: Your baby’s inner ear is developing, and they may be able to hear some sounds.

Twin Babies Development at 15 Weeks:

If you are carrying twins, their development may be slightly different due to the shared space in the womb. However, at 15 weeks, your twin babies will also be growing and developing. Some key developments include:

Placenta formation: By 15 weeks, the placentas for both babies will be fully formed and functioning to provide them with essential nutrients and oxygen.

Movement: Your twin babies may start moving more, and you may be able to feel their movements.

Organ development: Your twin babies’ organs, such as the heart, liver, and lungs, are continuing to develop.

Individuality: By 15 weeks, your twin babies may start showing individual characteristics, such as different heart rates and sizes.

Bonding: If you have fraternal twins, “they may start interacting with each other by touching or nudging each other.”

“Don’t hesitate to discuss any concerns or questions you may have with your healthcare provider during your prenatal appointments.”