Week 15 Pregnancy
You are 15 weeks pregnant and in your second trimester. Your baby is about the size of a lemon. This week's key development: Sensing the World. NHS note: Standard midwife check.
Baby's Development
Your baby is about the size of a lemon.
Sensing the World — Your baby is beginning to sense light through still-fused eyelids, and their hearing is developing. They can detect sounds from outside the womb — including your voice, which is already becoming familiar and comforting to them.
Your Symptoms
- Occasional nosebleeds
- Bleeding gums
- Growing appetite
Every pregnancy is different. You may experience all, some, or none of these symptoms — and that's completely normal. If anything concerns you, speak to your midwife.
NHS Appointments
Standard midwife check. They'll listen to the baby's heartbeat with a Doppler for the first time.
Practical Advice for Week 15
Nutrition
- Continue vitamin D and a balanced diet.
- Include fibre-rich foods to prevent constipation — fruit, veg, and wholegrains.
- Iron absorption is helped by vitamin C — have orange juice with iron-rich meals.
- Snacking on dried fruit and nuts provides energy between meals.
Exercise
- Keep up moderate activity — aim for 150 minutes per week.
- Swimming supports your growing bump and relieves pressure on joints.
- Avoid exercises that involve lying flat on your back.
- Stretch your calf muscles before bed to reduce leg cramps.
Wellbeing
- Nosebleeds and bleeding gums are common — pregnancy increases blood volume by up to 50%.
- A growing appetite is normal — eat nutritious snacks to fuel yourself and your baby.
- Talk and sing to your baby — they can hear you from around this week.
- Bonding starts now, not just at birth.
Preparation
- Your midwife will listen to your baby's heartbeat with a Doppler — a magical moment.
- Start thinking about your birth plan — not a rigid schedule, but your preferences.
- Research your hospital's visiting policies for partners and birth partners.
- Consider starting a baby registry or wish list.
Tip of the Week
Talk and sing to your baby. They can hear you and it's a lovely way to start bonding.
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Keep track of your pregnancy milestones, NHS scans, and countdown to your due date.
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Find trusted information on financial support, antenatal classes, and local maternity services.
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