15 Weeks Pregnant: Baby's Senses, Symptoms & Safe Exercise

15 Weeks Pregnant: Baby's Senses, Symptoms & Safe Exercise

At 15 weeks pregnant, your baby is about the size of an apple and their senses are developing. They may be able to sense light through their closed eyelids, and tiny eyebrows and eyelashes are starting to grow. With more energy, it's a great time to get moving and start planning.

Baby's size
About the size of an apple (around 10cm, 70g)
Big development
Senses developing, and eyebrows and eyelashes growing
Common symptoms
Itchy skin, a blocked nose, nosebleeds and baby brain
This week
Find an exercise routine you enjoy

What's happening this week

Your baby is very active, with stronger muscles and joints that are moving constantly. They're also practising breathing, sucking and swallowing.

Senses

Tuning in

Your baby's eyes are still closed, but they may be able to sense light. Their ears are nearly formed, and they'll start responding to sounds over the coming weeks.

Features

Tiny details

Eyebrows, eyelashes and hair are starting to grow, and fingernails and toenails are forming. The skin is still thin enough to see blood vessels through it.

Body

More in proportion

Your baby's legs are now growing longer than their arms. Their bones are continuing to harden, and soft lanugo hair covers their body.

Symptoms at 15 weeks pregnant

Many people feel their best in the second trimester, but a few new symptoms can appear around now:

  • Itchy skin. Mild itching on your bump and breasts is common as your skin stretches. Moisturiser and loose, cotton clothing help.
  • Thrush. Hormone changes make vaginal thrush more common. It causes itching and thick, white discharge. See your GP or pharmacist for a treatment that's safe in pregnancy.
  • Baby brain. Forgetfulness and trouble concentrating are common, possibly due to hormones and interrupted sleep. Lists and phone reminders help.
  • Nosebleeds and a blocked nose. Extra blood flow makes the lining of your nose swell. A humidifier, saline spray and an extra pillow at night can help.
  • Swollen gums. A soft toothbrush helps. Keep brushing twice a day, floss daily and see your dentist.

See your doctor if you have severe itching, especially on your hands and feet or at night, or a nosebleed that doesn't stop after 20 minutes. Go to your nearest emergency department if you have bleeding, strong pain or a gush of fluid from your vagina.

Exercise in the second trimester

Staying active boosts your mood and energy, helps with healthy weight gain and can prepare your body for labour. Aim for 150 to 300 minutes of moderate activity a week, and check with your doctor or midwife before starting anything new.

Great choices

  • Walking
  • Swimming and water aerobics
  • Stationary cycling
  • Pregnancy yoga and Pilates, with a trained instructor
  • Pelvic floor exercises
  • Light strength training

Best avoided

  • Contact sports, like netball, football and martial arts
  • Activities with a high risk of falling, like skiing, horse riding and climbing
  • Scuba diving
  • Hot yoga or exercising in extreme heat
  • Lying flat on your back for long periods later in pregnancy

Stop and get advice if you feel dizzy, short of breath, have chest pain, bleeding or contractions while exercising.

Quitting smoking and vaping

If you still smoke, it's never too late to stop. Quitting as early as possible gives your baby the biggest benefit, but stopping at any stage of pregnancy helps. Cigarette smoke contains thousands of chemicals, including nicotine and carbon monoxide, which reduce the oxygen and nutrients reaching your baby and raise the risk of premature birth and low birth weight.

Vapes aren't a safe alternative in pregnancy, as they still contain nicotine and other chemicals. Talk to your GP about quitting support, or call Quitline on 13 7848 for free help.

Bringing your partner along

With your energy returning, it's a good time to reconnect with your partner, if you have one. While you've been dealing with early pregnancy symptoms, they may have felt a little on the outside. Invite them to antenatal appointments, share what you're learning each week and plan together. When you're ready to start preparing, our pregnancy checklist and sleep list are good places to start.

Your to-do list for week 15

Helpful for this stage

The pregnancy listWhat you'll need to feel comfortableSee the list Pregnancy and birth booksReading for the months aheadShop books MaternityComfort essentials for pregnancyShop maternity

Week 15 FAQs

Can my baby hear me at 15 weeks?

Not quite yet. Your baby's ears are nearly formed, and they'll start responding to sounds over the coming weeks, usually from around 18 to 24 weeks. Your voice and heartbeat will be among the first sounds they hear.

Is itchy skin normal in pregnancy?

Mild itching on your bump and breasts is common as your skin stretches. See your doctor if you have severe itching, especially on your hands and feet or at night, as it can be a sign of a liver condition called cholestasis that needs checking.

How do I treat thrush when pregnant?

Thrush is common in pregnancy and is usually treated with an antifungal cream or pessary. See your GP or pharmacist first to confirm it's thrush and get a treatment that's safe in pregnancy.

What exercise is safe at 15 weeks pregnant?

Walking, swimming, cycling on a stationary bike, and pregnancy yoga or Pilates are all good choices. Avoid contact sports, activities with a high risk of falling, and scuba diving. Check with your doctor or midwife before starting anything new.

Is vaping safer than smoking in pregnancy?

No. Vapes aren't a safe alternative in pregnancy, as they still contain nicotine and other chemicals. If you're finding it hard to quit, talk to your GP about support, or call Quitline on 13 7848.

This article is general information and isn't a substitute for advice from your doctor or midwife.

Sources: