Week 15 of Pregnancy

Tiny Bones, Growing Confidence

By the time you reach week 15, something shifts—not just in your body, but in your awareness. You may be noticing that your first-trimester symptoms are easing, or at least changing. The fog of nausea might be lifting. Your energy may be making a quiet return. And perhaps, for the first time, you're catching yourself daydreaming about what your baby will look like or how you'll decorate the nursery. These aren't just passing thoughts—they're signs that you've entered a new chapter of pregnancy: the second trimester, often called the "honeymoon phase."

But let's be honest—just because the toughest part might be behind you doesn't mean this journey suddenly becomes easy. The second trimester can be a bit of an emotional balancing act. You're still learning to navigate your changing body while preparing for what's to come. Every week brings a mix of reassurance and questions. That's exactly why we're here. This guide is designed to ground you, support you, and walk you through everything that's happening in week 15—from your baby's latest developments to symptoms you may not have expected, and the quiet, practical prep that sets the stage for a safer, more confident postpartum life.

So take a deep breath. Let's gently explore this week, together.

Your Baby This Week: Practicing for Life on the Outside

Your little one is now about the size of a red apple—measuring around four inches long and weighing about 2.5 ounces. And while you may not be feeling those first flutters just yet, your baby is already actively moving in the womb, kicking and flexing those growing limbs like a tiny athlete-in-training.

This week marks a few major developmental milestones:

• Longer limbs: Your baby's legs are now officially longer than their arms, which is a big shift in body proportions and coordination.
• Strengthening bones: Their once-flexible cartilage is slowly turning to bone, especially in the arms and legs. These bones will continue to harden over the coming months.
• Developing skin and lanugo: Although their skin is still translucent and paper-thin, your baby now has a soft layer of hair called lanugo covering their entire body—even their fingertips. This hair acts as insulation and protection as their skin continues to mature.
• Lung development: Your baby is beginning to inhale and exhale amniotic fluid through their nose and upper respiratory system. This breathing practice helps the lungs develop the tiny air sacs (alveoli) that are critical for life outside the womb.
• Responding to light: Even though the eyes are still fused shut, your baby can sense light changes from outside your body. Shine a flashlight on your belly and you may even be able to provoke a tiny squirm!

And perhaps the most moving development of all? Your baby is starting to form facial expressions—tiny squints, frowns, or grimaces that reflect the complex brain-to-muscle communication forming now. These aren't just adorable—they're vital building blocks in your baby's nervous system and emotional development.

Your Body This Week: Adjusting to the New Normal

At this stage, most women have gained around five pounds, though your personal number may vary depending on your pre-pregnancy weight, metabolism, and any lingering nausea. What's most important is not the number on the scale—but how you feel and how your care provider is monitoring your overall wellness.

You might notice your abdomen rounding out a bit more now. Some moms start to show, while others don't pop until closer to 20 weeks. Every bump is different.

Watch for These Common Physical Symptoms:

• Lingering fatigue: Even as energy returns, your body is still using most of its fuel to grow a human. Be kind to your limits.
• Headaches: Hormonal shifts and increased blood volume may trigger mild headaches. Stay hydrated, rest often, and talk to your provider about safe remedies.
• Dizziness or lightheadedness: Changes in blood pressure and circulation can cause occasional wooziness, especially if you stand up too quickly.
• Nasal congestion: We'll cover this in detail below—but yes, pregnancy rhinitis is real!

A Common but Sneaky Issue: Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

One symptom that deserves a closer look this week is the increased risk of UTIs. Hormonal changes in pregnancy relax the muscles of the urinary tract, slowing down the flow of urine. This gives bacteria a better chance to multiply, leading to infection.

Here's what to watch for:

• Burning or pain during urination
• An urgent need to pee—even when little comes out
• Cloudy, smelly, or bloody urine
• Lower abdominal pain or pressure

If any of these symptoms appear, don't wait. Call your provider and get checked. UTIs are easily treatable but can lead to serious complications if ignored. What I've seen work best is early reporting and prompt treatment—your care team will know exactly how to manage it safely during pregnancy.

Stuffy Nose? It's Not Just Allergies

Many moms are caught off guard by nasal congestion that shows up around this time. If you're waking up with a stuffy nose or feel like you're constantly clearing your throat, it may be pregnancy rhinitis—a condition caused by elevated estrogen and increased blood flow to your mucous membranes.

What Helps:

• Run a cool-mist humidifier at night to keep nasal passages moist
• Use saline nasal spray (non-medicated) to gently rinse your sinuses
• Elevate your head with an extra pillow to prevent nighttime congestion
• Take a warm shower or use steam therapy for natural relief
• Avoid triggers like smoke, strong perfumes, or harsh cleaning products

If your congestion is accompanied by sneezing, sore throat, or cough, it could be allergies or a mild cold. Don't hesitate to check in with your doctor for clarity and next steps.

Preparing for Baby: It's Time to Think Safety

At week 15, it may still feel early to plan for life with a newborn. But this is actually an ideal time to begin thinking about infant safety, while your energy is rising and before your bump becomes more of a physical challenge.

What I've Seen Work:

Take an Infant CPR or First Aid Class

Before the chaos of postpartum arrives, carve out time for this empowering step. Many hospitals and local organizations offer affordable, hands-on training—or virtual sessions you can take from home. Having this skill can offer peace of mind in emergencies.

Create a Safe Nursery Setup

• Anchor furniture to walls
• Use cordless window coverings
• Install outlet covers and corner protectors
• Avoid secondhand cribs, mattresses, or car seats unless you're 100% sure they meet current safety standards
• Research baby gear before adding it to your registry—some popular items (like sleep positioners or crib bumpers) are no longer recommended

Choose Low-VOC Paint and Ventilate Well

If you're decorating, opt for safer, low-chemical products. Always ventilate the space, and consider letting someone else do the painting.

Safety doesn't have to be overwhelming. It's about layering in small, informed decisions that add up to a safe, nurturing space for your little one.

Meredith's Gentle Close

Week 15 is a turning point—not just in pregnancy, but in your mindset. You're building not only a baby, but a foundation of confidence and care. You don't need to know it all right now. What matters most is your presence, your questions, and your willingness to keep learning.

Trust your instincts—they're strengthening, too. You're already doing the most important work: showing up, week by week.