Your Baby’s Face is Forming — Week 15 Updates

Your Baby Is Getting More Active

This week, your little one is developing rapidly! Their legs are now longer than their arms, and they’re constantly moving—though you can’t feel it just yet. Taste buds are forming, tiny eyebrows are sprouting, and their facial features are becoming more defined. Plus, if you have an ultrasound coming up, you may be able to find out your baby’s sex!

Baby Development at 15 Weeks

Taste Buds Are Taking Shape

Your baby is forming taste buds, and nerve connections to the brain are starting to develop. However, they aren’t actually tasting what you eat just yet—nutrients from your meals pass into the amniotic fluid, but the ability to recognize flavors comes later.

First Movements in the Womb

Your baby is now moving their arms and legs, bending their tiny joints, and even making facial expressions. While these movements are happening all the time, you won’t be able to feel them for a few more weeks.

Pregnancy Symptoms at 15 Weeks

Nasal Congestion

If you’ve been dealing with a stuffy nose, it’s likely due to hormonal changes and increased blood flow to your mucous membranes. Known as pregnancy rhinitis, this common symptom can be eased with a humidifier, extra pillows while sleeping, and plenty of fluids.

Nosebleeds

Around 20% of pregnant women experience nosebleeds due to increased blood volume and expanded blood vessels. While usually harmless, frequent or heavy nosebleeds should be mentioned to your provider.

Heartburn and Indigestion

Thanks to pregnancy hormones, you may start experiencing heartburn or acid reflux. To find relief, try eating smaller meals, avoiding spicy foods, and staying upright after eating.

Swollen and Bleeding Gums

Hormonal changes can make your gums more sensitive, leading to pregnancy gingivitis. Be sure to brush and floss regularly and schedule a dental checkup if needed—it's completely safe to visit the dentist while pregnant.

Weight Gain

If morning sickness is behind you, you might be enjoying food again. Now is the time to start gaining about a pound per week. Aim for an extra 340 calories daily with nutrient-packed snacks to support both you and your baby.

Pregnancy Checklist at 15 Weeks

✅ Start a Pregnancy Journal — Capture your thoughts and experiences to look back on later.
✅ Try a Prenatal Exercise Routine — Activities like yoga, Pilates, and walking can boost your energy and ease pregnancy discomforts.
✅ Plan for the Second Trimester — Consider financial planning, childcare options, and prenatal classes.
✅ Practice Affirmations — Positive self-talk can help ease worries about labor and birth.

15 Weeks Pregnant: Your Growing Belly

At 15 weeks, your belly is becoming more noticeable, though the size and shape can vary from person to person. If this is your first pregnancy, your bump may still be small, as your abdominal muscles haven’t stretched before. However, if you’ve been pregnant before, your belly might be showing earlier.

What’s Happening to Your Belly at 15 Weeks?

As your uterus expands to accommodate your growing baby, you might start feeling a stretching sensation in your lower abdomen. Some women also experience round ligament pain—a sharp or dull ache on the sides of the belly, especially when changing positions quickly. This happens because the ligaments supporting your uterus are stretching as it grows.

How Big Should My Belly Be?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer! Some women have a noticeable bump by now, while others still fit into their regular clothes. Factors like body type, muscle tone, and whether this is your first pregnancy all play a role in how your belly looks.

Weight Gain and Belly Growth

By 15 weeks, you may have gained around 5−10 pounds, depending on your starting weight. If you had morning sickness earlier, you might just be starting to put on weight now. In the second trimester, most women gain about a pound per week.

Clothing Tips for a Growing Belly

If your regular clothes are getting tight, but you’re not quite ready for maternity wear, try:

• Belly bands to extend the life of your regular pants
• Stretchy leggings and skirts for comfort
• Loose-fitting tops and dresses to accommodate your growing bump

This is also a great time to shop for a few maternity essentials, like supportive leggings or a belly-friendly pair of jeans!

When Will My Belly Pop?

For first-time moms, the belly usually becomes more pronounced around 16−20 weeks. If this isn’t your first pregnancy, you may show earlier because your muscles have already stretched before. Either way, your bump will continue to grow in the coming weeks as your baby develops!

What’s Next?

As your belly grows, you may start feeling slight movements from your baby in the next few weeks! In the meantime, stay comfortable, listen to your body, and enjoy watching your bump take shape.