Welcome to week 15. 25 weeks to go!
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Baby
Your baby peach grows in week 15 to about the size of an apple. Just ten weeks ago, they were the size of an apple seed. Your little boy or girl is 6.6 inches (16.7 cm) from head to heel and weighs 4.1 ounces (117 grams).
Your baby has hiccups, but they can’t yet make a sound because their trachea contains fluid, not air. The intestinal tract continues to develop. Your baby’s legs are growing longer than its arms, and they look more like a baby. By now, the ears are where they should be on the sides of the head. The eyes are moving from the side of the head to the front of the face. Although their eyelids are still fused shut, they can sense light and will keep getting better at detecting light and dark.
Your baby spends most of their time practicing breathing, sucking, and swallowing. They are also active with kicking, curling their toes, and moving their arms and legs. Soon you will be able to feel them moving.
Mom
You may be finding yourself getting winded easily. No need to worry; this is your uterus pushing up against your diaphragm, which makes it more challenging for the lungs to expand. Relax and take deep breaths. If you have difficulty keeping up with your usual cardio routine, tone it down.
Ideally, you have gained about 5 pounds and can expect to gain more. One study that examined over 18,000 pregnancies found that just 25.8% of women gained weight within the recommended ranges, with 21.3% gaining less and 52.9% gaining above. This was across the board for all women regardless of their pre-pregnancy weight. Instead of focusing on the scale, ensure you are fueling your body and your baby with a healthy diet, incorporating exercise, and getting good sleep.
Tip for Dads and Partners
In addition to eating healthy, mom should drink plenty of water. You can help them by handing them a glass of water and reminding them to stay hydrated. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends drinking 64-96 ounces (1.9-2.8 liters) of water daily. It may also help to replace sugary drinks in your fridge, like soda, with sugar-free alternatives like sparkling water.
Want more evidence-based information to navigate your pregnancy and birth?
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