Your Baby’s Senses Are Developing!

As A Life Health Group, we are here to provide you with the most accurate and up-to-date information at every stage of your 15-week pregnancy journey. We have prepared a comprehensive information page about "15-week pregnancy" for this joyful period. On this page, you will learn in detail what happens during the fifteenth week of pregnancy, the changes occurring in your body and your baby, what you need to pay attention to, and what the second trimester brings you.

What Does 15-Week Pregnancy Mean?

Pregnancy is calculated from the first day of your last menstrual period. At 15 weeks, your baby’s length reaches approximately 10 cm and is now about the size of an apple. This week marks a period in which your baby continues to grow steadily in the second trimester, with developing senses and increasing movements.

Your baby’s bones continue to harden, and muscles grow stronger. This week, your baby’s taste buds develop, allowing them to sense the flavor of the amniotic fluid. Additionally, your baby’s hair and eyebrows become more defined, and blood vessels can be seen beneath the skin.

What Happens to Your Body at 15 Weeks of Pregnancy?

At 15 weeks, hormonal changes and your body’s adaptation to your baby continue to cause various changes. The second trimester is generally a period when expectant mothers feel more energetic and well.

Missed Period: Your period remains absent.
Breast Changes: Your breasts may continue to grow. Nipples and areolas may darken further. The first milk, called colostrum, may continue to be produced.
Energy Levels: You may feel more energetic and better overall.
Nausea and Vomiting: Morning sickness usually disappears for most women.
Frequent Urination: The need to urinate frequently may decrease.
Emotional Changes: You may continue to feel emotionally more balanced.
Headaches: Headaches generally decrease.
Constipation: Constipation may persist. Drinking plenty of water, consuming fiber-rich foods, and regular exercise can help prevent it.
Changes in Taste and Smell: Sensitivity to taste and smell may continue to decrease.
Vaginal Discharge: Vaginal discharge may increase. This is normal, but if you notice changes in color, odor, or consistency, consult your doctor.
Skin Changes: Skin changes may continue. Moisturizing and sun protection are important. Pregnancy-related pigmentation, known as the “mask of pregnancy,” may appear.
Varicose Veins: Varicose veins may develop or existing ones may become more noticeable. Wearing compression stockings and elevating your legs can help reduce varicose veins.
Increased Appetite: Your appetite may increase. Focus on healthy and balanced nutrition.
Abdominal Growth: Your belly continues to grow more noticeably.
Back Pain: You may experience back pain. Correct posture and targeted exercises can help relieve it.
Leg Cramps: Leg cramps may occur. Regular exercise, staying hydrated, and consuming potassium-rich foods can help prevent cramps.
Nosebleeds: Hormonal changes may cause occasional nosebleeds.
Gum Bleeding: Your gums may be more sensitive and may bleed while brushing.

What Happens to Your Baby at 15 Weeks of Pregnancy?

At 15 weeks, your baby undergoes significant developments:

Taste Buds: Taste buds develop, allowing your baby to sense the flavor of amniotic fluid.
Hearing: The inner ear develops, and your baby begins to hear sounds, including your voice, heartbeat, and surrounding noises.
Vision: The eyes become sensitive to light and can detect changes in light within the womb.
Skeletal Development: Bones continue to harden.
Muscle Development: Muscles continue to grow, enabling stronger movements.
Internal Organ Development: Organs such as the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, and intestines continue to develop.
Circulatory System: Blood vessels become more visible under the skin.
Genital Development: External genitalia continue developing, and gender may be determined via ultrasound.
Hair: Hair continues to grow, and eyebrows and eyelashes become more distinct.
Lanugo: Fine hair covering the body (lanugo) becomes more noticeable.
Reflexes: Reflexes like sucking, swallowing, and grasping continue to develop.