How big is your baby at 15 weeks
15 Weeks Pregnant | Pregnancy
When you're pregnant, you have lots of questions. Our week-by-week pregnancy guide is packed with lots of useful information. From what's happening inside your body, to how your baby is developing, and tips and advice on having a healthy pregnancy – this is your one-stop pregnancy guide!
- 1st trimester
- 2nd trimester
- 3rd trimester
Our week-by-week pregnancy guide is full of essential information. From staying fit in pregnancy to advice on your maternity rights, you'll find it all here.
- Week 13
- Week 14
- Week 15
- Week 16
- Week 17
- Week 18
- Week 19
- Week 20
- Week 21
- Week 22
- Week 23
- Week 24
- Week 25
- Week 26
- Week 27
If you use public transport, you might want to order a “Baby on Board” badge to prompt other commuters into giving up their seat for you. You might feel fine now, but as you get bigger, you will be more unstable on your feet, and falling over could be stressful and even dangerous.
What's happening in my body?
Your baby is growing quickly and comes with a lot of packaging (the amniotic sac and fluid) and their own food supply (placenta). You could start getting the odd jabbing pain on the sides of your bump. This is known as "round ligament pain", putting your feet up and resting can help.
Your skin could also feel a bit itchy. It might help to use an unperfumed moisturiser, wear loose cotton clothing and have a cool bath. If the itching gets worse especially at night, talk to your doctor or midwife. Read about itching in pregnancy on the NHS website.
Changes in your pants
Have you noticed a lot of discharge in your pants? Many women get this. There's more blood flowing around your pelvic area and that can cause your body to produce more of the milky fluid called leucorrhoea that keeps your vagina clean and free from infection. See your doctor or midwife if:
- it changes colour – it should be clear, white or creamy
- it smells bad – it should smell slightly musky, not strongly of fish or anything else
- it changes texture – for example, it starts going frothy or looks like cottage cheese
- you get pain when peeing
- you feel itchy or sore
Thrush
If you have a vaginal infection, it's likely to be thrush, which is a common yeast infection.
Signs include a lumpy white discharge, itching around your vagina, and stinging when you pee or have sex.
To help prevent thrush:
- wear loose cotton underwear
- use unperfumed soap or body wash
- steer clear of sex until it's cleared up
There are more tips to beat thrush on the NHS website.
2nd trimester pregnancy symptoms (at 15 weeks)
Your pregnancy symptoms may include:
- swollen and bleeding gums (read about gum health in week 13)
- pains on the side of your belly, caused by your expanding womb (known as "round ligament pains")
- headaches
- nosebleeds
- feeling bloated (read how to cope with bloating on week 10's page and constipation)
- indigestion and heartburn (read how to cope with indigestion and heartburn on week 25's page)
- sore breasts
- leg cramps
- feeling hot
- dizziness
- swollen hands and feet
- urine infections
- vaginal infections
- darkened skin on your face or brown patches – this is known as chloasma or the "mask of pregnancy"
- greasier, spotty skin
- thicker and shinier hair
You may also experience symptoms from earlier weeks, such as:
- morning sickness (read morning sickness advice on week 5's page, weird pregnancy cravings)
- a heightened sense of smell
- mood swings (read about dealing with mood swings on week 8's page)
- a white milky pregnancy discharge from your vagina and light spotting (seek medical advice for any bleeding)
Read Tommy's guide to common pregnancy symptoms.
What does my baby look like?
Your baby, or foetus, is around 10.1cm long from head to bottom, which is about the size of an apple. The weight is around 70g, which is the same as a small bag of salad.
Your baby has been busy growing a soft layer of hair, called "lanugo", all over their body. Their eyebrows and eyelashes are also starting to develop. Your baby's eyes are now sensitive to light.
Around now, your baby will start hearing too. Talk to your baby and they will probably hear you. They will also hear your heartbeat and any noises made by your digestive system.
Action stations
Many women will tell their employer after they've had their first pregnancy scan at around 12 weeks. Once you tell your employer, you have maternity rights and can attend antenatal appointments during paid work time. You can also ask for a risk assessment of your workplace to ensure that you're working in a safe environment.
It's a good time to tone up your pelvic floor muscles. Gentle exercises can help to prevent leakage when you laugh, sneeze, cough or jump. Get the muscles going by pretending that you're having a wee and then stop the "urine" in midflow. Visit Tommy's for more ideas about pelvic floor exercises.
Ask your midwife or doctor about online antenatal classes – they may be able to recommend one. The charity Tommy's has lots of useful information on antenatal classes and preparing you for birth.
Even if you've had children before, they're still worth going to as you can meet other parents-to-be. The NCT offers online antenatal classes with small groups of people that live locally to you.
To keep bones and muscles healthy, we need vitamin D. From late March/early April to the end of September, most people make enough vitamin D from sunlight on their skin. However, between October and early March, you should consider taking a daily vitamin D supplement because we cannot make enough from sunlight.
Some people should take a vitamin D supplement all year round, find out if this applies to you on the NHS website. You just need 10 micrograms (it's the same for grown-ups and kids). Check if you're entitled to free vitamins.
It's recommended that you do 150 minutes of exercise a week while pregnant. You could start off with just 10 minutes of daily exercise - perhaps take a brisk walk outside. Check out Sport England's #StayInWorkOut online exercises (scroll to the pregnancy section). Listen to your body and do what feels right for you.
There's no need to eat for 2. You don't need any extra calories until the 3rd trimester, which starts in week 28. Try to eat healthily, with plenty of fresh fruit and veg, and avoid processed, fatty and salty foods. You may be able to get free milk, fruit and veg through the Healthy Start scheme.
You and your family should follow the government and NHS guidance on coronavirus (COVID-19):
To find out about about COVID-19 and pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding, have a look at advice on the:
Go back to week 14
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Baby Development, Symptoms and Tips
Key Takeaways at 15 Weeks Pregnant
- You’re hopefully in the “honeymoon” phase of pregnancy—meaning most unpleasant symptoms have faded and you’re feeling less tired and more human.
- Depending on your pre-pregnancy weight, you probably need about 300 extra calories per day. So, yes, you’re eating for two-ish—with some restrain.
- If this is your first pregnancy, you may have a tiny visible bump. If it’s a subsequent pregnancy, you may be showing off a bigger belly already.
- The Multiple Marker Screen (MMS, a.k.a. Triple or Quad Screen Test) may be happening in the next week or so. These give a risk assessment for certain neural tube defects and chromosomal abnormalities.
Feeling sexy? Now that you’re 15 weeks pregnant, you’re probably feeling high energy, and that may mean high libido, too. Don’t worry, baby has no idea what’s going on and—as long as your OB hasn’t given you any activity restrictions—sex won’t hurt baby or threaten your pregnancy.
Baby at Week 15
You probably can't feel it yet, but a 15 weeks pregnant ultrasound would reveal that baby's squirming a ton in there, now that they’re able to move all their limbs and joints! Baby might even be hiccupping inside your 15 weeks pregnant belly.
How big is baby at 15 weeks?
At 15 weeks pregnant, baby is as big as a navel orange. The average 15-week fetus weighs 2.5 ounces and measures 4 inches—and baby's proportions are becoming even more normal, since their legs now outmeasure their arms.
15 weeks pregnant is how many months?
When you're 15 weeks pregnant, you're three months pregnant. Keep in mind that pregnancy is 40 weeks long, though, meaning pregnancy is actually a bit longer than nine months—that’s why doctors track pregnancy by week, not month.
15 week ultrasound
If you’ve chosen to do a Multiple Marker Screen (MMS, a.k.a. Triple or Quad Screen Test), you’ll have blood drawn between week 15 pregnancy and week 20. This screening measures levels of certain proteins and hormones in a mom-to-be’s blood to give her an assessment of baby’s risk of neural tube defects and chromosomal abnormalities.
Amniocentesis is another elective test—it happens between weeks 15 and 20. This invasive test can diagnose neural tube defects, chromosomal abnormalities and other genetic disorders. It’s considered safe overall but does pose some risks, so talk it over with your doctor to decide whether or not you’ll have the procedure. You may choose an amnio if you have an abnormal triple or quad test or if baby has a higher risk of genetic abnormalities.
For the amnio, the doctor will use the ultrasound to see inside your 15-week pregnant belly and will guide a needle into the amniotic sac to gather a sample of fluid to be tested. All these tests can be stressful; in between, find some time to pamper yourself. You deserve it!
Can you find out baby’s sex at 15 weeks pregnant?
It’s a little too early to learn whether you’re having a boy or girl from a 15-week ultrasound—you’ll get a much more definitive answer between 18 and 20 weeks.) But if you decide to get an amnio test, you can find out baby’s sex as part of the results.
3D Views: My Baby, My Body
See their progress for yourself with our 3D interactive tool.
See My Baby in 3D
See My Body in 3D
Pregnancy Symptoms at Week 15
Are your 15 weeks pregnant symptoms hot…or not? Here’s a bit of what you might be experiencing, from sexy (increased libido) to not-so-sexy (nosebleeds and stomach issues) at week 15 pregnancy.
Increased sex drive
Now that your energy is back, you may be feeling more energetic in the bedroom as well. Of course, with all the other 15 weeks pregnant symptoms you may be feeling, if you’re not up to sex, it’s completely understandable.
Nosebleeds
This not-so-lovely symptom is thanks to a combination of increased blood volume and sensitive nasal passages. It’s more inconvenient than anything; nosebleeds are usually harmless, but if it seems very heavy, call your doctor.
Heartburn, gas and/or indigestion
Blame these tummy troubles on the hormones. Pay attention to foods that are triggering your symptoms and try to avoid them. Also, talk to your doctor about what stomach remedies are safe. Stock up on some antacids, which are doubly awesome because they have lots of much-needed calcium!
Swollen gums
Your gums are more sensitive now that you’re pregnant. Take extra good care of them. Brush your teeth often and floss gently. Continue regular dental visits.
Shortness of breath
Notice that you’re easily winded? Let’s face it: It’s getting more crowded in your torso. That means it might be trickier for your lungs to expand enough to get a full breath.
If you’re 15 weeks pregnant with twins, your symptoms probably aren’t much different than they would be for a mom carrying one baby at 15 weeks. However, because higher hormone levels in trimester one may have made you more likely to have morning sickness, you may still be having bouts of nausea, which should begin to lessen soon. Let your OB know if you have any severe or concerning symptoms.
How should I feel at 15 weeks pregnant?
Wondering what you should be feeling at 15 weeks pregnant? You’re probably feeling great! If you’ve been physically active and eating healthy, nutritious food, that goes a long way toward boosting your mood and energy and maintaining a healthy weight gain. While you may experience some of the common 15 weeks pregnant symptoms, you are also at a point where you may be ready to tackle all the tasks ahead of you to prepare for baby. Getting maternity clothes, putting together your baby registry, planning the nursery—enjoy this incredibly special time of anticipation!
Your Pregnant Belly at 15 Weeks
Your 15 weeks pregnant belly is making a big transition. During the first trimester, your uterus still fit nicely inside your pelvis. But now, it’s stretching to accommodate your growing baby and will soon outgrow your pelvis and sit higher up in your belly. Every mom-to-be’s body is different, and the rate of growth can vary slightly. That’s why at week 15 of pregnancy, it’s completely normal to not show much, or have an obvious baby bump. For example, a 15 weeks pregnant belly for a first pregnancy could take a little longer to begin to stick out. For the second pregnancy and beyond, the uterus has already been stretched, so you might have a bump a little earlier in repeat pregnancies.
If you’re 15 weeks pregnant with twins, things are probably stretching out at a faster rate, and you’re likely showing by now.
Recommended 15 weeks pregnant weight gain is about 1 to 2 pounds per week, so continue to eat about 300 extra calories per day—and try to make them healthy calories whenever possible. If you notice drastic or sudden weight gain, notify your doctor right away. This could be a sign of a serious pregnancy condition called preeclampsia.
Can you feel baby at 15 weeks?
Did you just feel a poke in your belly? It could be an early greeting from baby! First-time moms may be more likely to experience this a bit later in pregnancy, between 16 and 22 weeks, but others (including women who have been pregnant before) may feel some early movement as early as 13 weeks pregnant. Even if you haven’t felt baby yet, you’ll probably see them wriggling around at your next ultrasound!
“Your body is working hard to create life, and it should be cherished and nurtured during this time. One of the best ways to do this is to incorporate a few minutes of gentle yoga and mindfulness into your day to nourish your body and quiet your mind. Slow down and find your center with a child's pose, or open your aching hips with a butterfly pose." - Kelly Smith, a yoga and meditation instructor and the founder of Yoga for You.
Tips for 15 Weeks Pregnant
Time to get your priorities in order. Your health and wellness matter most. Here’s what you can do to feel your best.
Schedule a dental checkup
If your gums are bleeding, or if your teeth feel loose due to hormone fluctuations, it’s a good idea to see your dentist. Schedule a checkup during this trimester if you have any concerns.
Rest when you can
Sure, you’re bursting with energy now, but don’t overdo it. Kicking your feet up or taking a nap helps with things like headaches, which can be common at 15 weeks pregnant, back aches and overworked joints and muscles.
Pick a side
Speaking of rest…at 15 weeks, baby’s getting big enough to put pressure on your inferior vena cava blood vessel when you’re on your back. To prevent blood flow problems, you’ll want to start sleeping on your side (preferably the left for better blood circulation). A pregnancy pillow can help you find the comfiest position so you get your much-needed ZZZ’s.
Look into childbirth classes
You have a lot to do to get ready for baby’s birth day, and the second trimester will fly by as you try to get all your to-do’s done. Take the time now to explore options for childbirth classes and sign up for one that’s the best fit for your labor and delivery goals.
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Pregnancy Checklist at 15 Weeks Pregnant
Reminders for the week:
- Schedule your multiple marker screening (if you’re opting for one)
- Schedule your amnio (if you're having one)
- Pamper yourself. You've been working hard, and you deserve some "me time"
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15th week of pregnancy, baby weight, photo, pregnancy calendar | Mamovedia
Week 15 falls on the fourth month of pregnancy, time inevitably passes quickly, so enjoy every day and moment of unique emotions, feelings and experiences. Very soon you will begin to feel your baby's kicks! Oh, incredible sensations and an explosion of emotions await you, a new perception of life raging under your heart... But that will be a little later, and now we will find out what awaits you and your baby at the 15th week.
What's going on?
At the 13th week of his life, which is exactly the age the baby will be this week, the child weighs from 50 to 60 g, its height from the head to the coccyx is 9.3 - 10.4 cm . By its size, the baby is already the same as a mango :)
The baby's hair continues to develop. The first fluff of hairs appears on the head, eyebrows are barely visible, eyelashes grow. Since the hair color has already been laid down, now the baby's follicles begin to produce a special pigment that will be responsible for the dark shade of the hair.
The facial features are becoming more and more like those with which the baby will be born.
The auricles continue to develop and are already taking on the appearance of a regular ear . The baby's skin remains very thin, its color is still closer to red. Blood vessels are clearly visible through the skin.The kid loves to move very much, he becomes quite flexible. The skeleton is actively developing, bones are formed . The accumulation of calcium contributes to the strengthening of bones. The baby's legs have already stretched out and become longer than the arms. The child already knows how to compress the fist, as well as bend his arms at the elbows and wrists.
The gallbladder begins to secrete bile, enters the intestines
The first discharge from the intestines that appears after birth is called meconium. It is bile that affects their color - black-green, which sometimes scares inexperienced mothers.
The baby's bladder is already performing its function, and therefore its emptying, in the form of urine, replenishes the amniotic fluid . However, the main component of amniotic fluid is produced by cells in the amniotic sac. Updates of the fluid in which your baby is located occurs 8-10 times a day. Thus, constant sterility is maintained at the required ratio of minerals, organic substances and water.
It is difficult to overestimate the importance of the fetal bladder and amniotic fluid
This is protection, comfort and development. This is such a small universe for your child, his home and space. The kid happily explores his first habitat, bathes and basks in weightlessness. Due to the fact that amniotic fluid conducts sound well, the baby can already hear your voice, the beating of your heart and the "rumbling" of the stomach . All sounds coming to the baby from the external environment become muffled and have a pleasant sound, the lighting also does not interfere with the baby, since it is not bright. All this contributes to the full development of a healthy baby, and also makes his stay in the mother's tummy one of the most pleasant periods of life, although the memories of this period of life are hidden somewhere deep in our subconscious.
What does it feel like?
The feeling of future motherhood gets stronger with each passing week. Share your emotions with dad. If he will experience moments of joy, anxiety, happiness together with you, will be closer to his child, then the feeling of future fatherhood will also captivate his soul. Shared emotions bring together and strengthen relationships. And what emotions can be stronger than those that rage all 9 months of hope.
At the 15th week of pregnancy, the formation of the placenta is almost complete. Between the baby and the placenta there is a strong inextricable link. The placenta is now the provisional organ of the baby . In addition to feeding the baby, delivering oxygen and removing processed products, she begins to supply him with the necessary hormones and proteins. The function of synthesizing steroid hormones (progesterone and estrogen) is jointly performed by the placenta and glands of the baby, thus forming a single hormonal system well-coordinated in its work.
The uterus is constantly growing, its upper edge is already about 7.5 cm below the navel.
A brown line may have appeared in the middle of your abdomen that extends down from the navel. Under the action of hormones, a pigment substance is deposited - melanin, which painted your tummy. The line will disappear after childbirth on its own, just as it appeared.
Your blood volume has increased by almost 20%, which is reflected in the size of your heart - it has also increased . It is possible to reduce the level of hemoglobin due to the "dilution" of the blood. You may experience tinnitus and shortness of breath. Due to the increase in the size of the uterus, the ventilation of the lungs increased by 50%.
Make good use of your free time - good health helps you to plan important decisions right now . From the 27th week, as a rule, the tummy is already rounded enough that it will interfere with you to feel fast, agile and energetic.
Nutrition of the expectant mother
The recommendations of the previous weeks remain relevant in the nutrition of the expectant mother. At the 15th week, attention should be paid to foods rich in iron, calcium and magnesium . Your body will signal about their insufficiency (see Risk Factors). However, it is better not to wait for the signal, but to act ahead.
Risk factors for mother and baby
At the 15th week of pregnancy, the baby enjoys swimming in the amniotic fluid, which already contains the products of his life. Therefore, conducting a study of amniotic fluid can show the condition of the child. This analysis is recommended for women who are at risk of having a child with malformations.
Amnioncentesis (a procedure in which the required amount of amniotic fluid is taken through the wall of the uterus for analysis with a needle) determines the level of AFP protein - alpha-fetoprotein. Exceeding its level indicates a defect of the central nervous system, less than the level indicates the suspicion of the development of Down syndrome . In addition, by analyzing the amniotic fluid, you can find out gender, blood type, the level of proteins, hormones, bilirubin. All these indicators will help the doctor to more accurately diagnose, assess the condition and development of the child with various types of pathology.
When a woman's body lacks elements such as calcium, magnesium and potassium, or due to a decrease in blood sugar levels, leg cramps may occur
The hormone estrogen affects the increase in mucus and can provoke swelling of the nasal tissues . In this regard, a pregnant woman may feel nasal congestion, itching in the nose, and the like. This position is not harmful to the baby, although it can pester the mother.
Due to the increase in blood volume, which occurs to a greater extent due to the accumulation of plasma, anemia of pregnancy may develop. A low level of hemoglobin can affect your well-being - weakness, dizziness, and can also lead to oxygen starvation of the baby and impaired development. Make sure you get your iron in the form of food or medication. If you feel worse, consult a doctor and take a blood test to check your hemoglobin level.
Important!
There are no planned analyzes and examinations on the 15th week. Tests may be ordered by the attending physician. See your doctor according to the appointment schedule he gives you. Do not miss an appointment without a good reason and follow all his instructions and recommendations.
Protect your nervous system from unnecessary worries and stress. Do not react to trifles, smile and enjoy every new day!
Communicate with the baby, especially since he already hears your voice and recognizes it among thousands of others, just like your heartbeat
For relaxation, you can listen to classical music, but choose the one that you really like.
Hormones can make you feel a little distracted and forgetful. In order not to be annoyed by this state of affairs, get yourself a notebook or diary . Write down plans for the near future and for the future. There are so many pregnancy diaries out there, or this might just be your favorite notebook. There you can record the changes taking place in your body, as well as write down the sensations that you experience ... After a while, it will be interesting to plunge back into memories with the happy moments of your life.
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15th Week Pregnancy: Fetal Feeling, Size and Development
PrevNext Your Baby Has Learned to Swallow. 9005 9002 Soon he will actively drink the amniotic fluid and process it with the help of the kidneys. It does not sound very tasty, but it helps the development of the kidneys and lungs.
Your baby weighs just under 100 grams this week. He is still very small, but he moves a lot when he is awake. Previously, his eyes were located on the sides of his head, but now they are where they should be.
The ultrasound clearly shows how the baby breathes, and also makes sucking and swallowing movements. The baby begins to practice these complex skills early enough to prepare for their application in life outside the mother's womb.
At the 15th week of pregnancy, you may feel another burst of energy. You may find that you are now able to enjoy your food again and look forward to lunch or dinner instead of fearing it. Try to eat a varied diet - this is important both for your health and for the growth and development of your baby.
There is an opinion that during pregnancy a woman should not limit her diet and eat as varied as possible - then, when feeding is introduced, the baby will be more willing to try new foods. If the child's taste buds are already "charged" with amniotic fluid with a wide range of flavors, he will be more prone to experiment with meals.
I feel uncomfortable all the time!
You definitely feel pregnant. Perhaps you already have a small tummy, and if you stand for a long time, your back and legs may hurt. It is still far from the "duck walk" stage, however, already now you are walking a little differently.
When getting into bed, you can toss and turn for a long time until you find a comfortable position, especially if you are used to sleeping on your stomach. Consider buying a long pillow and putting it under your body and legs at night. It can greatly improve your sleep.
Physical changes at 15 weeks of gestation
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Don't be surprised if the shoes are too tight - you don't think so. Progesterone, the most important pregnancy hormone, is great at relaxing the ligaments of the pelvis, but its action does not end there. By the end of your pregnancy, you may need shoes half a size larger, or even a size larger.
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Even if you never had nosebleeds, don't worry if they come now. This, as well as a runny nose and stuffy nose, are the consequences of an increase in the volume of blood circulating in the body. Nosebleeds usually stop on their own, but it's important not to panic and just wait for them to pass.
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See how your skin clears up? Pimples go away, and she becomes not so spotty. Use your regular facial cleansers and moisturizers. However, your skin may become more oily - then you will need to choose other care products.
Emotional changes at 15 weeks of pregnancy
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Do you feel a special connection with nature? This is not surprising. In the second trimester of pregnancy, you are overwhelmed with hormones, and your thoughts enter into resonance with the world around you. Enjoy this special feeling. Think about massage, yoga, water aerobics or tai chi. Connecting with your inner Zen is a lot of fun, even if you don't know what it is.
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You can look at your belly at any time of the day or night to see if it has grown. Sometimes you are sure that it has become bigger, and sometimes that nothing has changed. It depends more on what happens behind the uterus, and not in it itself. If your intestines are full of gas or you are constipated, your belly will become more visible.
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The planned date of delivery is still very far away. Although you know that a new life is developing within you, there is little to see on the outside and there seems to be no end to it. Try to do something every day that brings you pleasure, and not related to work or with a child. You are still a person and you have other interests.
What happens to the baby at the fifteenth week of pregnancy
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This week, the baby is dancing inside you, constantly moving his arms and legs. No coordination of movements is observed even close, just floundering. After that, a long sleep comes to restore strength, because growing up is very tiring! Wait a week or two and you will start to feel these movements.
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Three small bones begin to form in the baby's inner ear, so he will soon be able to hear you. Sing for your child, say hello to him in the morning - this will help build a strong emotional connection that will remain between you for life.
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Your child's legs are now longer than their arms, and their head is no longer the largest part of the body. The tiny body increases in size and straightens.
Week 15 Tips
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Urinary tract infections are not uncommon during pregnancy and are quite dangerous. Try to avoid them:
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Drink plenty of water. After urinating, wipe from front to back, not the other way around.
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