Era health

Baby development at 15 weeks

Published 05 March 2025 | Written by Dr Bruce B. Lanier

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Baby development at 15 weeks

Sense of taste

Your baby is forming taste buds, and nerves begin connecting them to the brain. By about 20 weeks, your baby's taste buds will be fully formed. During pregnancy, molecules of what you eat pass through your bloodstream and make it into your amniotic fluid. But your baby doesn't actually taste what you're eating – so don't worry that they won't enjoy what you're having for dinner.

Baby movement

Your baby's legs are growing longer than their arms now, and they can move all of their joints and limbs. Your active baby is moving constantly, though you can't feel it yet.

Your baby's face

Your baby is looking more like a little person, with eyelids, eyebrows, eyelashes, nails, hair, and well-defined fingers and toes. If you could see inside your womb, you'd catch your baby sucking a thumb, yawning, stretching, and making faces.

Pregnancy symptoms during week 15

Nasal congestion

If your nose is stuffed up, you can probably chalk it up to the combined effect of hormonal changes and increased blood flow to your mucous membranes. This condition is so common there's even a name for it: rhinitis of pregnancy. To get relief, try using a humidifier or vaporizer in your room at night. Elevate your head with extra pillows when you sleep, and drink plenty of fluids. You can also try saline nasal spray – but don't use decongestants or other medications during pregnancy without talking to your healthcare provider.

Nose bleeds

Keep the tissues handy: About 20% of pregnant women have nosebleeds thanks to increased blood volume and blood vessel expansion in the nose. These are usually harmless, but tell your provider if you have frequent nosebleeds. And if the blood flow is very heavy or doesn't stop after 30 minutes of applying pressure, call 911 or go to the emergency room.

Heartburn during pregnancy

Heartburn (also called acid indigestion or acid reflux) is a burning sensation in your chest that usually occurs after eating or at night. You may experience heartburn for the first time during pregnancy due to physical and hormonal changes (thanks, progesterone!). Although heartburn is common and generally harmless, it can be very uncomfortable. For relief, check out these strategies for handling pregnancy heartburn.

Swollen gums

If your gums are bleeding when you brush or floss, you're not alone. About half of pregnant women have swollen, red, tender gums due to pregnancy gingivitis, a mild form of gum disease. It's partly caused by hormonal changes that make your gums more sensitive to the bacteria in plaque. So don't blame yourself – but do what you can do take good care of your teeth and gums during pregnancy. Brush gently twice a day, floss daily, and visit the dentist for a checkup and cleaning. It's safe to go to the dentist while pregnant, just make sure to tell the staff that you're expecting.

Pregnancy weight gain

Hopefully you've said goodbye to first-trimester nausea and food aversions and can start enjoying food again. If you started pregnancy at a healthy weight, you'll aim to gain about a pound a week for the rest of your pregnancy. You need about 340 extra calories a day in the second trimester, and a good way to make these count is with these healthy, nutrient-packed pregnancy snacks.

Pregnancy checklist at 15 weeks pregnant

Keep a pregnancy journal

Journaling is good for you! Whether you keep an actual journal or just jot down a few notes on your phone, you'll love sharing these stories with your child someday.

Start a pregnancy exercise routine

If you're feeling up to it, now is a good time to start a regular pregnancy workout. Joining a class can help motivate you to stick with it. And many women find that prenatal exercise classes are a wonderful way to bond with and get support from other moms-to-be. Some good options include water exercise, prenatal yoga or Pilates, a walking group, or a prenatal dance class.

Get our second trimester to-do list

Are you the type of person who likes to make a list and check things off? We've got you covered with our comprehensive to-do list for your second trimester, which includes everything from financial planning to signing up for childbirth classes and considering childcare.

Practice affirmations

An affirmation is a positive statement you repeat to yourself to overcome negative thinking. For example, if you have fears about giving birth, you could say to yourself, "I trust my body to know what to do," or "I am resilient, strong, and brave," or even "I got this." Using affirmations can motivate, inspire, and comfort you. In fact, research shows that affirmations can have positive long-term effects on your mental and emotional health.