Growing stronger, week by week 💛

Week 15 is a steady, quiet one. Your little one is getting stronger every day, and you may notice a few small changes of your own.

📌 Week 15 at a glance

• Trimester: Second
• Baby's size: about the size of an apple (around 10 cm)
• Still to come: roughly 25 weeks (a typical pregnancy lasts around 40 weeks)

🌱 Your little one this week

At 15 weeks, your baby is about 10 cm long from head to bottom, roughly the size of an apple, and weighs around 70 g. A soft layer of fine hair called lanugo is growing all over the body, and the eyebrows and eyelashes are starting to develop. The bones are hardening, and the legs are now longer than the arms. Your baby moves around a lot, stretching and kicking, even though you may not feel it yet.

The eyelids are still closed, but your baby's eyes are now sensitive to light. Hearing is starting too, so if you talk to your baby, they will probably hear you, along with your heartbeat and the gentle noises of your digestive system.

🌷 And how about you, Mum?

Extra blood flow and pregnancy hormones can swell the lining of the nose, so some mums notice a stuffy nose, and gums that bleed a little when brushing. These are common and usually settle after the baby is born.

Your skin may feel a little itchy as it stretches. An unperfumed moisturiser, loose cotton clothes and a cool bath can help. If the itching gets worse, especially at night, please tell your doctor or midwife.

More vaginal discharge is also common in pregnancy. If it changes colour or smell, or you feel itchy or sore, please check with your doctor or midwife.

You may also feel that your bump is growing, or you may not see much change yet. Both are normal. Every body carries a pregnancy differently.

🍽️ Food for thought: potassium

Potassium is a mineral that helps muscles and nerves work normally and contributes to normal blood pressure.

Everyday foods that contain potassium include:

• Bananas
• Sweet potato (keledek) and other potatoes
• Beans and lentils
• Avocado
• Coconut water and leafy greens

If you'd like personal guidance about food or supplements, your doctor, midwife or dietitian can help.

✨ Little things that may feel nice

• Many mums find a soft toothbrush more comfortable when gums feel tender
• Sipping fluids through the day can feel easier on a stuffy nose
• Dental check-ups are a good idea during pregnancy
• Comfortable shoes can feel nice as your body changes
• As your bump grows, you may feel less steady on your feet, so don't be shy about asking for a seat on public transport

🩺 Coming up

Your mid-pregnancy scan is coming up in a few weeks, and some mums like to start planning antenatal classes around now. Your doctor or midwife can tell you what to expect and when, based on where you are.

👨‍👩‍👧 Partner's corner

Around now, your baby is starting to develop the ability to hear. Talking or reading aloud to the bump can be a sweet way to start bonding, and there's no need to say anything fancy.

❓ Quick questions

Why is my nose so stuffy?
Pregnancy hormones and extra blood flow can swell the lining of the nose. It's common and often settles after the baby arrives.

Can I feel my baby move yet?
Some mums feel faint flutters from about 16 weeks, and many feel them later. If you haven't felt anything yet, that's very normal.

💛 A little moment for the two of you

Your baby's bones are getting stronger and the ears are tuning in. You may not feel a thing, but every day brings more growth.

Stronger every week, little one. 🦕

Sources & further reading

NHS — 15 weeks pregnant
NHS Week 15 pregnancy guide

Ministry of Health Malaysia (KKM) — Antenatal care
KKM maternal health and antenatal care

FirstDino shares general pregnancy information for education and comfort. It is not medical advice, and every pregnancy is different. Please speak with your doctor or midwife about your own health and care.