Overview of that week      

Your baby is as big as a giant peach and is constantly growing every second. At the fifteenth week, your baby’s facial features are becoming more defined and the ears and eyes are moving into place.

You might be enjoying this phase in your pregnancy where your symptoms have eased. Some women even like to call the second trimester the “honeymoon phase” of pregnancy where they can have the most fun. If you haven’t already started, plan ahead to make the most out of this period.

Baby development

Not only is your baby now as big as a peach, but fine hairs called Lanugo start to cover the skin with peachy fur. The Lanugo protects the baby throughout the pregnancy and falls off around the 34th week. 

If you look at your baby in an ultrasound scan, you would notice that your baby has see-through or translucent skin. This is because your baby hasn’t started to gain fat yet. The skin shows the blood vessels that are moving blood inside your baby.

Body changes and symptoms in mother

Along with your baby, there will be some changes in your body as well. 

Linea Nigra

You might notice a dark vertical line appearing on your belly known as Linea Nigra, which will only fade away after delivery. It is also more commonly known as the pregnancy line. This is caused by the high amount of estrogen, progesterone and melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH) during pregnancy. 

Thicker hair

One good thing that comes out of the increase in hormones during pregnancy is the probability of having thicker hair. The hormones cause a burst of hair growth and slows down your hair shedding cycle. But this also means that hair all over your body will grow quicker and much thicker during this phase. 

Breast leaks

Leaking a long time before you actually deliver your baby is actually normal and a way to know that your body is preparing for the arrival of your baby. You can use nursing pads to keep your clothes dry if your breasts are leaking. 

Appetite

You are growing a human being inside of you. It is natural for your body to require more nutrients than usual to function normally during this time. As a result, you might have an increased appetite. 

Bleeding gums

Have you noticed that your gums have become extra sensitive these days? They might bleed a little when you brush or flush. It is not something that you should be too concerned about. However, you should make sure that you take care of your dental hygiene and visit your dentist regularly to ensure that your health is not compromised during pregnancy. 

What should you do and don’t

• Maintain a good oral hygiene practice and visit your dentist on appointments. 
• Eat small meals throughout the day. Include food from all the nutrition groups and avoid fried, sugary and processed food. 
• Use a supportive bra to provide comfort to your back. 
• Start wearing loose maternity clothes to remain comfortable. 
• Keep adding pictures, notes and memories to your pregnancy journal. 
• Keep a to-do-list diary for proper planning of your second trimester.
• Add a regular exercise routine to your to-do-list.