Feelings at the 15th week of pregnancy: fetal development, changes in the mother's body

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

At the fourth month of pregnancy, the future baby is still quite tiny, but is actively growing and developing, mastering facial expressions and movements. Pregnant women also need regular physical activity. Otherwise, general malaise or discomfort in the abdomen may occur. At the 15th week of pregnancy, proper nutrition, doing feasible sports, taking vitamin and mineral complexes, lack of stress and good rest are important.

The course of pregnancy

At 15 weeks of pregnancy, fetal development and sensations are interconnected: the unborn baby continues to grow, the uterus and the amount of amniotic fluid increase. Therefore, the belly of the future mother also noticeably grows in volume. The waters, in which the child feels comfortable swimming, are updated at least ten times in one day during this period. The liquid is absolutely sterile; the body maintains its stablecomposition necessary for the normal development of the fetus. The waters protect the child from accidental impacts, help the digestive and excretory systems, lungs develop in a timely manner.

What happens at 15 weeks pregnant? The feelings of a woman who understands that she is carrying a long-awaited baby is hard to describe. The second trimester is a relatively favorable period, when toxicosis, drowsiness, constant fatigue and fears of the first screening are already receding, but other problems are possible. Increased production of melanin provokes the appearance of pigmentation on the skin, so that a woman may notice the appearance of a dark strip that goes down from the navel. Pigmentation may appear on the face, arms and neck, the space around the nipples darkens.

The so-called pregnancy mask is becoming an aesthetic problem for many women. Expectant mothers with dark hair and fair skin are more susceptible to this symptom. The inner surface of the thighs may darken, dark circles appear under the eyes, around the nose and on the cheeks. Pigmentation usually disappears a couple of months after the baby is born, but for now, you just need to try to avoid prolonged exposure to the sun, use sunscreen and do not go out without a wide-brimmed hat.

Due to the increased volume of the abdomen, many expectant mothers find it difficult to find a comfortable sleeping position, especially if a woman used to prefer to sleep on her stomach. For a while, you will have to forget about this pose. Seriously harm a babyimpossible, but the woman herself will be simply uncomfortable to relax like that. The best solution during pregnancy is to sleep on your left side, although in this position it can be difficult to fall asleep at first. Feelings at 14-15 weeks of pregnancy suggest that it is time to get a special comfortable pillow (crescent, U- or L-shaped).

What happens in the body?

In the absence of he alth problems and any complications of pregnancy, the expectant mother can lead her usual lifestyle, but we must not forget to listen to her body. Feelings in the 15th week of pregnancy will tell you if something goes wrong. The body's reaction to fatigue or improper diet will follow almost immediately. In general, the second trimester is the most comfortable time. The woman is already clearly aware that she will become a mother, to some extent got used to her new condition, and the fear of childbirth and the problems of the third trimester are still far away.

Due to the long-awaited improvement in well-being, the expectant mother can be energetic and active at work, but do not overexert yourself. Good rest is important (including during the day if you feel tired) and a sufficient amount of sleep. You should not give up regular physical activity and intimacy (if the doctor sees no contraindications), but in everything you need to observe the measure. A woman may become distracted and forgetful, which is normal during pregnancy.

Feelings in the abdomen at 14-15 weeks of pregnancy may not be the most pleasant, because due to the pressure of the uterus and the displacement of the internal organs (uterusneed room to grow) defecation delays may occur. To avoid this, you need to consume more fiber, observe the drinking regimen, exclude sweet and starchy foods from the diet. Pregnant women can use glycerin suppositories to eliminate a delicate problem, but it usually turns out to be enough to normalize the diet.

Feelings of a future mother

At the 15th week of pregnancy, the sensations (photos of happy expectant mothers do not even suggest that something might be wrong) may not be very pleasant. Many women complain of dizziness and weakness. This can be either a variant of the norm or indicate a lack of hemoglobin. To avoid fainting, you can kneel or tilt your head forward a little, or better just lie down to rest. The condition of absent-mindedness, which often occurs in the second trimester, greatly interferes with everyday life. This will pass with time, but for now it is better to keep a notebook for important notes and enlist the support of loved ones.

Due to the intensive growth of the uterus, back pain can occur, which is especially susceptible to women who experience excessive stress or refuse to exercise at all. To alleviate your condition, you should pay attention to calm gymnastics, water aerobics, yoga for pregnant women and other relaxing practices. You can take warm baths with essential oils and herbs (but only after the approval of a doctor). Need more rest, sleep on a comfortable mattress.

Eating large amounts of food at one meal canlead to indigestion or heartburn. It is better to eat often, but little by little, so as not to overload the digestive system, which is already experiencing increased stress. Attention should be paid to the quality of nutrition, the intake of special vitamin and mineral complexes recommended for pregnant women. In no case should you ignore the recommendations of the supervising doctor.

Periodic headaches become an unpleasant sensation at the 15th week. Migraine can be caused by hormonal changes in the body of the expectant mother, stress or fatigue. Rest in a quiet, dimly lit room, apply a cold compress to your forehead, take a cool bath, or take a walk outside to relieve pain. Not all painkillers can be taken during pregnancy, so if you have a severe headache, it is better to consult a doctor. The gynecologist will recommend a drug that will not harm the fetus.

Future baby

The fifteenth week of pregnancy is an important stage in the development of the fetus. The cerebral hemispheres of the future baby are covered with convolutions and grooves, the formation of the cerebral cortex begins. This is a long process that will take the entire next month. During this period, the nervous system passes the active stage of formation, the respiratory system develops. Taste buds are formed, the endocrine glands of the fetus, for example, sebaceous and genital, work.

At the 15th week of development, male fetuses begin to produce the hormone testosterone. In itthe vocal cords are already fully formed, the glottis opens, the cardiovascular system is actively developing. Vessels are visible through the thin skin of the baby. Normally, the skin can be reddish, which is explained by the intensive work of a small heart, which pumps more than twenty liters of blood per day.

In the body of the fetus, the production of pigments that determine hair color begins. The work of the intestines is activated, because the liver already secretes bile that enters the large intestine. The kidneys are functioning, the child's bladder is often emptied. The baby is already beginning to hear voices, so it's time to talk to him. In addition, the child may react to light: frown and cover with palms if a strong light source is directed at the stomach.

What does the baby look like?

At the 15th week of development, the size of the unborn baby is comparable to a small orange. The height is 11 cm, and the weight is about 60-80 grams. The child's legs have already become a little longer than the handles. Movements become smoother due to the fact that the joints have formed. The future baby is still spacious in the uterus, and the amniotic fluid provides warmth and comfort. By the way, the temperature of amniotic waters is always slightly higher than body temperature.

First movements

The most long-awaited sensation in the stomach at the 15th week of pregnancy is the stirring of the unborn baby. When can an expectant mother feel this magic? During the first pregnancy, a woman feels movements at about 18-20weeks, but if this is already familiar, that is, with the second and subsequent pregnancies, you can feel the “butterfly flutter” already at 15-18 weeks. At 15 weeks of pregnancy, movements (sensations are still very weak) can already be felt, but after these first movements they will gradually become stronger and more regular. As the baby grows, expectant mothers learn to guess when he moves his arms and legs, turns over.

How is mom's life changing?

Feelings of a woman at 15-16 weeks of pregnancy can be completely different: someone enjoys their new status and does not feel tired at all, while others face difficulties, for example, insurmountable fatigue and forgetfulness. The baby is growing rapidly, so he needs trace elements and vitamins in the required amount. If the substances entering the mother's body are not enough for full development, then leg cramps may begin.

Common causes of this condition are lack of magnesium, calcium and potassium. Unpleasant sensations at the 15th week of pregnancy may be associated with a decrease in blood sugar levels. In order to identify such conditions in time, you need to regularly take tests and monitor your condition. It is important to consume vitamin complexes and eat well.

Most often, dizziness, drowsiness and morning sickness by the 15th week of pregnancy already recede, the frequency of urination normalizes. However, other problems may arise: respiratory failure, nasal congestion, changes in blood pressure,headache, constipation or intestinal discomfort.

Nasal congestion, cough and headache, itchy nose are not necessarily signs of a cold. During pregnancy, the body actively produces estrogen, which increases the amount of mucus and provokes swelling of the tissues in the nose. This condition does not pose a danger to the baby, but for the pregnant woman herself it is associated with discomfort. A woman's sleep is disturbed, irritability increases, at the 14-15th week, a feeling of fatigue seems to haunt the expectant mother.

With reduced pressure, fatigue and weakness are also felt, and insufficient contraction of the uterine fibers can cause insufficient blood supply to the tissues of the fetus. Prevention of hypotension is daily walking, a he althy diet, contrast showers, moderate physical activity and water aerobics in the pool (preferably under the guidance of an experienced trainer).

With increased pressure, the risk of developing preeclampsia increases, changes in the vessels of the placenta can become a complication. Pressure rises due to excess weight and significant weight gain, stress, insufficient compensatory capabilities of the body, and insufficient physical activity. In the presence of a hereditary factor, disorders of the thyroid gland, adrenal glands, kidney disease or diabetes, you need to monitor the pressure daily in order to take the necessary measures in time with an increase in performance.

If there are no sensations at the 15th week of pregnancy, this is also an optionnorms. Some women endure an interesting situation very easily, do not experience swelling and mood swings, do not know what hormonal surges and toxicosis are. If the doctor does not see deviations, then everything is in order. Very soon the baby will begin to move, and the woman will definitely feel that a new life is growing and developing inside her.

Gynecologist recommendations

At the 15th week, the development of the fetus and the feelings of the expectant mother should be under the close supervision of the doctor observing the pregnancy. The gynecologist will prescribe the necessary tests, and, if necessary, give specific recommendations. General advice usually relates to nutrition, control of weight gain, the need for regular walks in the fresh air. In sports, you need to exclude jumping and strength exercises, and visiting the pool will be a great alternative to fitness.

What feelings at the 15th week of pregnancy can bother the expectant mother? Almost any sudden change in well-being can alert. Despite the fact that the second trimester is a favorable period, you need to urgently call an ambulance if a woman faints, she has a severe fever, sharp pains, or, for example, there are atypical (especially bright red) discharge from the genital tract. It is advisable to visit a dentist and generally begin to closely monitor the condition of the oral cavity, because this is one of the critical periods for tooth decay.

Possible problems

By the end of the day, the expectant mother may feel heaviness in her legs. It's not uncommonindicates the development of varicose veins. Varicose veins occur due to a violation of the outflow of blood and pressure of the uterus on the pelvic organs. Difficulties can also arise for the reason that the volume of circulating blood begins to increase, by the 15th week of pregnancy - by 20%. Because of this, nosebleeds and some problems with the work of the heart (increased blood pressure, drops, chest pain) can be observed. Any changes in heart rate should be cause for medical attention as soon as possible.

In order to prevent varicose veins, you need to wear special compression underwear, do aqua aerobics, walk more in the fresh air, refuse to wear high heels, preferring comfortable shoes. If you are prone to varicose veins, you need to monitor your weight and try not to go beyond the norm of weight gain. In the first 13 weeks, weight gain is usually extremely small (1-3 kg), and some women even lose a few kilograms during toxicosis. But by the 20th week of bearing the crumbs, the pregnant woman is gaining 4-5 kg.

Required tests

If the sensations at the 15th week of pregnancy do not cause concern about the he alth of the expectant mother, no special tests are needed. If desired, a woman can do an additional ultrasound. Especially impatient are those future parents who during the first screening (10-12 weeks) failed to find out the sex of the child. You can do another ultrasound or wait for the second mandatory screening (18-22 weeks). The purpose of this diagnostic procedure is to identifypossible complications of pregnancy and deviations in the development of the unborn child.

In the second trimester, a test is performed that includes a biochemical blood test for the level of AFP and hCG, free estriol. According to some doctors, the triple test is more reliable than the double test, which is carried out in the first trimester. If for some reason a pregnant woman missed the first screening, then it is imperative to do an ultrasound scan and donate blood at the genetic center in the second trimester.

In addition, before each visit to the doctor (at this time, the pregnant woman visits the antenatal clinic once every three weeks, if there is no need to more often monitor the condition of the expectant mother and child), it is recommended to take a general urine test. Quite often, a blood test is also prescribed: general, biochemical, for the presence of antibodies, AIDS, HIV and other serious diseases.

Helpful tips

Even if it seems that all the difficulties are over, you need to monitor your he alth. Women are usually very interested in reading about the development of the fetus at 15 weeks of pregnancy, sensations at different times. This information can really come in handy, but you need to limit the flow of negativity. Stress during pregnancy is absolutely useless.

Be sure the expectant mother should pay attention to her menu. Unpleasant sensations in the abdomen at the 15th week of pregnancy are not uncommon, so doctors advise you to carefully monitor the diet. By the second trimester, the breasts are already enlarged enough, so this is the time to pick upcomfortable and soft underwear. The waist is smoothed and the tummy is rounded, so it is better to choose clothes that are spacious and loose. It would be nice to find special pants or jeans for pregnant women and forego high heels.

Don't get upset over trifles or get nervous. It is better to start buying the first little things for the future baby. You can already talk with the baby, sing songs, turn on music, talk about how parents love and wait for him. You can talk to the baby about yourself, but he will definitely be pleased to hear the voice of mom or dad. A pregnant woman needs more rest. If there is no strength at all, you can take vacation or sick leave from work. It is necessary to consult a doctor, because malaise may be associated with he alth problems. But in most cases, forgetfulness, fatigue and drowsiness during pregnancy are completely normal.