15 Weeks Pregnant Symptoms

Are your 15 weeks pregnant symptoms hot… or not? Here’s a bit of what you might be experiencing, from sexy (increased libido) to not-so-sexy (nosebleeds and stomach issues) at week 15 pregnancy.

• Increased sex drive. Now that your energy is back, you may be feeling more energetic in the bedroom as well. Of course, with all the other 15 weeks pregnant symptoms you may be feeling, if you’re not up to sex, it’s completely understandable.
• Nosebleeds. This not-so-lovely symptom is thanks to a combination of increased blood volume and sensitive nasal passages.
• Heartburn, gas and/or indigestion. Blame these tummy troubles on the hormones. Pay attention to foods that are triggering your symptoms and try to avoid them. Also, talk to your doctor about what stomach remedies are safe. Stock up on some antacids, which are doubly awesome because they have lots of much-needed calcium!
• Swollen gums. Your gums are more sensitive now that you’re pregnant. Take extra good care of them. Brush your teeth often, floss gently, and see your dentist for regular checkups.
• Shortness of breath. Notice that you’re easily winded? Let’s face it; it’s getting more crowded in your torso. That means it might be trickier for your lungs to expand enough to get a full breath.

If you’re 15 weeks pregnant with twins, your symptoms probably aren’t much different than they would be for a mom carrying one baby at 15 weeks. However, because higher hormone levels in trimester one may have made you more likely to have morning sickness, you may still be having bouts of nausea, which should begin to lessen soon. Let your OB know if you have any severe or concerning symptoms.

15 WEEKS PREGNANT BELLY

Your 15 weeks pregnant belly is making a big transition. During the first trimester, your uterus still fit nicely inside your pelvis. But now, it’s stretching to accommodate your growing baby and will soon outgrow your pelvis and sit higher up in your belly. Every mom-to-be’s body is different, and the rate of growth can vary slightly. That’s why at week 15 of pregnancy, it’s completely normal to not show much, or have an obvious baby bump. For example, a 15 weeks pregnant belly for a first pregnancy could take a little longer to begin to stick out. For the second pregnancy and beyond, the uterus has already been stretched, so you might have a bump a little earlier in repeat pregnancies.

If you’re 15 weeks pregnant with twins, things are probably stretching out at a faster rate, and you’re likely showing by now. Step away from the Doritos! Recommended 15 weeks pregnant weight gain is about 1 to 2 pounds per week, so continue to eat about 300 extra calories per day—and try to make them healthy calories whenever possible. If you notice drastic or sudden weight gain, notify your doctor right away. This could be a sign of a serious pregnancy condition called preeclampsia.

You probably can’t feel it yet, but a 15 weeks pregnant ultrasound would reveal that baby’s squirming a ton in there, now that he or she is able to move all limbs and joints! Baby might even be hiccupping inside your 15 weeks pregnant belly.

If you’ve chosen to do a Multiple Marker Screen (MMS, a.k.a. Triple or Quad Screen Test), you’ll have blood drawn between week 15 pregnancy and week 20. This screening measures levels of certain proteins and hormones in a mom-to-be’s blood to give her a more accurate assessment of baby’s risk of neural tube defects than the first trimester screening offers.

Amniocentesis is another elective test—it happens between weeks 15 and 20. This invasive test can diagnose neural tube defects, chromosomal abnormalities, and other genetic disorders. It’s considered safe overall but does pose some risks, so talk it over with your doctor to decide whether or not you’ll have the procedure. You may choose amnio if you have an abnormal triple or quad test or if your baby has a higher risk of genetic abnormalities.

For the amnio, the doctor will use the ultrasound to see inside your 15-week pregnant belly and will guide a needle into the amniotic sac to gather a sample of fluid to be tested. All these tests can be stressful; in between, find some time to pamper yourself. You deserve it!