15 Weeks Pregnant: Baby Size, Symptoms and UK Milestones
At 15 weeks pregnant, use this UK guide to understand baby size, common symptoms, likely NHS timing, and the practical dates to keep on your radar.
15 weeks pregnant at a glance
- You are in the second trimester.
- Your baby is roughly the size of an apple.
- Standard midwife check.
- Every pregnancy is different, so don't worry if your experience varies slightly.
You are 15 weeks pregnant and in your second trimester. Your baby is about the size of an apple. This week's key development: Sensing the World. NHS note: Standard midwife check.
This page is for general pregnancy planning and date guidance only. It is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Pregnancy dates are estimates and can change after a scan or advice from your midwife, GP, or maternity team.
If you have symptoms, concerns, or questions about your pregnancy, speak to your midwife, GP, or maternity team. For urgent help, use NHS 111; call 999 in an emergency. Read how we source and review content in our editorial policy.
Baby's Development
Your baby is about the size of an apple.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions for Week 15
How many months is 15 weeks pregnant?
What size is the baby at 15 weeks?
What are the common symptoms at 15 weeks pregnant?
Is 15 weeks in the second trimester?
Are there any NHS appointments at 15 weeks?
Tools & Calculators
Sources and further reading
Checked for UK week 15 pregnancy information guidance in July 2026.
- NHS Pregnancy Guidance
- NHS: Ultrasound scans in pregnancy
- NHS Start for Life: Pregnancy
- RCOG patient information
We prioritise official NHS and GOV.UK guidance, then relevant professional-body information where needed.
Source links are checked on the review date shown above. Your midwife, GP, maternity team, fertility clinic, or employer can give advice that is more specific to your circumstances.
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