15 Weeks pregnant: Baby development, symptoms, and signs

Your body at week 15

Yeast infections

Yeast infections are more common during the second trimester of pregnancy. They are linked to pregnancy hormonal changes along with more common causes like antibiotics, high blood sugar, and vaginal intercourse [1]. Thrush, oral (in the mouth) or genital (in the vagina), is one common yeast infection during pregnancy caused specifically by the Candida fungus. 

Symptoms of yeast infections include [2]:

• White, cottage cheese-like discharge that usually does not smell
• Itching, irritation, and redness around your vagina and vulva
• Soreness, burning, or stinging sensations during urination or intercourse

If you suspect you have a yeast infection, contact your healthcare provider. Yeast infections are most commonly treated during pregnancy with cream or a suppository inserted into the vagina. Oral antifungal medications are not recommended during pregnancy. Though uncomfortable, there is no evidence that yeast infections can harm your baby [1,2].

Melasma

Melasma, also known as chloasma or pregnancy mask, is a skin hyperpigmentation condition that affects women from around the fourth month of pregnancy. Increased production of melanin, which your body naturally produces to give color to skin and hair, causes dark skin patches to develop on the face, particularly the forehead and cheeks [3]. While scientists are not sure what causes melasma during pregnancy, it is believed to be the result of a combination of hormonal factors, sun exposure, and genetic background [4]. Having previously experienced melasma in past pregnancies and having a multiple pregnancy (carrying more than one baby) has also been shown to increase your risk of melasma.

Dark spots and melasma often fade away on their own after childbirth, but can sometimes last for years. You can help prevent melasma from getting worse by wearing sunscreen, avoiding direct sun exposure as best you can, and wearing a wide-brimmed hat while outside. If you are concerned about melasma or are interested in treatments after recovering from childbirth, speak with a healthcare provider or dermatologist.

Round ligament pain

During the second trimester, your growing baby stretches the ligaments that connect your uterus to your groin. This can cause pain in your abdomen, hip, or groin area, known as round ligament pain. The pain can present differently — for some it can be brief and sharp, for others it can be a prolonged dull ache. Though considered a normal change to your body during pregnancy, round ligament pain is uncomfortable and can disrupt your day-to-day life.

Rest is one of the best ways to alleviate round ligament pain. You can also try to change positions more slowly, as movements that cause your muscles to quickly contract can worsen round ligament pain. Before you sneeze, cough, or laugh, try to bend and flex your hips to reduce any pulling on the ligaments [5]. If your pain is consistent or getting worse, ask your healthcare provider for advice on exercises and treatments that can help you.

Your baby’s development at 15 weeks

At 15 weeks, your baby’s ears are beginning to look recognizable on the outside of their head, and their eyes are moving closer to their nose as their face begins to take shape [6]. Your baby is also developing its first taste buds on its tongue. Though you might not be able to feel it yet, your baby is moving constantly!

Your baby is about the size of an orange, weighing around 2 to 2.5 ounces (57-70 grams) and measuring 4 to 4.75 inches long (10.1 to 12 centimeters) [6].

Genetic testing in week 15

There are many different kinds of prenatal genetic tests [7]. These tests, which are optional, can give parents-to-be information about the risk and prevalence of certain genetic disorders. The most common genetic abnormalities that are tested for include trisomy 21 (Down syndrome), trisomy 18 (Edward syndrome), and trisomy 13 (Patau syndrome). It is also possible to test for genetically inherited disorders, like sickle cell disease and cystic fibrosis. 

There are two main types of prenatal genetic tests:

• Screening tests tell you the risk of your baby having a certain disorder. The results are usually presented as a proportional fraction that indicates the chance, or risk, that your baby has a genetic disorder. The results can also be communicated as “positive” or “negative”. A “positive” result from a screening test means your baby is calculated to be at an increased risk of a genetic condition (or more than one), while “negative” means that no increased risk was calculated.
• Diagnostic tests tell you whether your baby has a genetic disorder. A positive test result indicates that a chromosomal abnormality is present, while a negative result means that it is not.

Prenatal screening tests are typically performed in the first and second trimesters. In the first trimester, a combined screening test uses a blood sample taken from the mother, measurement data taken from the baby’s first ultrasound, and maternal factors like age and weight. If you receive results from a combined screening that suggest an elevated risk, a further screening test is often recommended. 

A noninvasive prenatal test, known as a NIPT test, and a “quadruple” or “quad” test are both screening tests that use a blood sample taken from the mother. NIPT tests analyze fetal genetic material in your blood to assess the risks of certain chromosomal disorders and can be done from around the 10th week of pregnancy. Quad tests are usually performed between weeks 15 to 22 and screen for different abnormalities [8]. There is always a possibility of false positives or false negatives from screening tests. Your healthcare provider can give you more information about the rates of false positives and negatives in any test you take.

Only a diagnostic test can tell with certainty if your baby has a genetic disorder. There are three main types of diagnostic tests: chorionic villus sampling (CVS), amniocentesis, and percutaneous umbilical blood sampling. Amniocentesis, which relies on a sample of amniotic fluid, is the most common and can be performed from week 15 [9]. Diagnostic tests are known as invasive procedures because a testing instrument must be inserted into your body to collect fetal genetic material. For this reason, all diagnostic tests have a slight increase in the chances of miscarriage and harm to the fetus. 

If you would like to receive genetic testing, it is important to talk with your healthcare provider to discuss what test or tests are best suited for you.

Pregnancy Symptoms in week 15

Headaches 

Hormonal changes, dehydration, low blood sugar, and lack of sleep can all cause headaches during the second trimester [10]. Try to make sure you are drinking enough water and eating small, regular, healthy meals throughout the day. It is safe to treat your headache pain with over-the-counter medication. Be sure to talk with your healthcare provider or pharmacist about what medications are best to take during your pregnancy.

In some cases, a sudden or severe headache can be a sign of preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is a very serious high blood pressure disorder that commonly occurs in the second half of pregnancy. In addition to a headache that does not go away, other signs of preeclampsia include swelling in the face or hands, changes to your eyesight, nausea, and difficulty breathing [10]. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to contact your healthcare provider immediately.

Nosebleeds

Nosebleeds are common in pregnancy because of changes to your hormones and increased blood flow throughout your body. Nosebleeds can be light or heavy, and can last anywhere from a couple of seconds to over ten minutes [11]. To treat a nosebleed at home, pinch the soft part of your nose, just above your nostrils, for 10 to 15 minutes. Sit or stand upright, lean forward slightly, and breathe through your mouth to help the blood drain through your nose and not down your throat. Avoid blowing your nose or strenuous activity after a nosebleed. If the bleeding does not stop, contact a healthcare provider.

Tips in week 15

• Stretch it out: if you are experiencing round ligament pain or any discomfort in your pelvis or groin, try incorporating some stretching into your daily routine. Try a supported hip flexor stretch, sometimes called runner’s lunge, by placing your back knee on the ground and leaning over a chair, sofa, or exercise ball to open those hips. For more, check out tips for exercising during pregnancy.
• Remember sunblock: studies have shown that melasma, or hyperpigmentation, during pregnancy is related to sun exposure. Remember to use sunscreen regularly, even on those cloudy days!
• Consider telling your work about your pregnancy: many women share news of their pregnancy with their workplace in the second trimester. If you feel comfortable doing so, consider telling your employer. Depending on where you live, you have certain maternity rights, and it’s good to familiarize yourself with the legal benefits available to you, such as antenatal care, maternity leave, and other forms of support.

Natural Cycles from pregnancy planning through birth

If you enjoyed reading this article, consider checking out the Natural Cycles app! As the first FDA Cleared birth control app, Natural Cycles can support your reproductive health from pregnancy planning all the way through birth and postpartum. Use NC° Follow Pregnancy to track your pregnancy symptoms and receive weekly updates with the changes going on in your body and your baby’s development. You can also use the app to access articles and references about reproductive health issues during your pregnancy.