Your Pregnancy Week 15
Baby
Your little one is now roughly the size of an apple. She is about 4 inches long and weighs about 2 ½ ounces. Her legs are now longer than her arms and her bones are getting harder and stronger!
At 15 weeks, her skin is still thin and transparent, but she has developed a thin layer of hair to help protect her body. This layer of hair is called lanugo and it is present on every part of your baby's body, even her finger nails!
She is also moving amniotic fluid through her nose and upper respiratory tract. This action helps the primitive air sacs in her lungs begin to develop. And even though her eyes will remain fused shut until approximately 26 weeks, she can actually sense light in your womb!
Mom
By 15 weeks, you have probably gained about 5 pounds. Don't worry if it's a little more or a little less. Even though morning sickness and fatigue may be behind you, don't be surprised if you still have an unexpected symptom or two. Below you will find descriptions of two common complaints of women during their 15th week of pregnancy.
Urinary Tract Infections (UTI's) – Pain when urinating, abdominal discomfort, blood in your urine and a frequent urge to urinate with little production are all signs of UTI's. UTI's are easier for women to get during pregnancy because important muscles in your urinary tract relax and slow the flow of urine. When this happens, bacteria have a better chance of growing, leading to an infection. If you suspect you may have a urinary tract infection, it is very important to report your symptoms to your physician because untreated UTI's can lead to complications during pregnancy.
Stuffy Nose – Hormones could be the culprit yet again! The higher amounts of estrogen in your body could be causing your mucous membranes to swell and/or produce more mucus. The increased amount of blood in your body could also be contributing to your stuffy nose, as blood vessels expand during pregnancy, causing your nasal membranes to swell. If you have any other symptoms such as sneezing, coughing or a sore throat, you may have a cold or be suffering from allergies. If you have any questions, be sure to check with your doctor!
Tips for treating a stuffy nose...
- Avoid irritants. Cigarette smoke is a big one. Pollutants in the air may also be making your congestion worse.
- Use a humidifier at night. Be sure to keep it close to your head. Adding moisture to the air while you sleep may help reduce your congestion.
- Good old fashion steam - Take a hot shower, it should provide some relief!
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