Though it is quite likely that an ultrasound this week could reveal the sex of your child, sometimes it could be difficult to tell because of the baby’s position and you may have to wait a while longer. Though your baby is still quite tiny, you’ve started to gain some weight now and may be thinking in terms of maternity clothes.
Stuffy noses are common at this time; with many women having what is known as the “rhinitis of pregnancy”. Even headaches and nosebleeds are more common during pregnancy. This is the time when your pregnancy weight gain should be slow but steady – you should have gained about 5 to 10 pounds by now.
Changes in the baby
Your baby is roughly the size of an orange now and is moving around a lot, though you cannot feel anything just yet.
- The circulatory system of the baby is developing and may be visible through the skin, though you cannot see it.
- The heart is pumping as much as 25 quarts of blood per day.
- The eyes are sealed shut but baby can sense light.
- Baby is practicing sucking and breathing motions.
Changes in the mom to be
You can probably feel the top of your uterus quite clearly, now that it is out of the pelvic cavity.
- Changes you may experience right now are varicose veins, aches and pains in the abdominal region, etc.
- There could be some amount of bloating and flatulence as well.
- For most women, this second trimester is when they start to feel hungrier what with the nausea and morning sickness having abated.
- Many women start to have heartburn and indigestion. Blame that on those pregnancy hormones as well as the expanding uterus taking up more and more space.
Tips for the 15th Week
Going shopping for baby can be wonderful; there is such a tempting array of products out there.
- Don’t go overboard with the shopping. Remember there is very little that the baby will actually need and also remember that your baby may receive a lot of gifts as well. Also limit the number of maternity clothes you buy – you won’t use them for very long and there may be a lot in your wardrobe that may do quite well.
- Try and eat several small meals a day. Avoid items that trigger indigestion and gas buildup. Having smaller, more frequent meals can help alleviate the discomfort and bloating and give you plenty of energy.