I cannot believe I’m already 15 weeks pregnant and I took my pregnancy test 11 weeks ago now! I have one more week before I hit four months into my pregnancy. How did that happen? I cannot believe how time is really flying now.
I am still experiencing some pregnancy symptoms – I woke up with a really stuffy nose and thought I was catching a cold, but I then consulted Google and found that it’s normal around the 15th week of pregnancy to feel congested.
I don’t feel like the constipation is getting any better either, even though I feel like I’m eating a lot of fibre. I’m eating cereal for breakfast, eating wholemeal bread and eating lots of fruit and veg, so I hope my clean diet will make a difference soon.
I also bought some Bio-Oil* for my bump because it is definitely getting bigger. I want to avoid getting stretch marks and I’ve been told by my friends that Bio Oil is the best for stretch marks. I really like Palmers Cocoa Butter* too and have been using that for my whole body – the smell is so delicious as well!
The baby is about 10cm now! I measured 10cm against my belly and s/he is still so teeny tiny. I have felt no flutters yet either – apparently, it feels like gassy bubbles in your stomach, so I’m looking forward to feeling the kicks and prods from my baby, who apparently is acting like a gymnast this week.
My theory test is coming up, so I bought my theory book at lunch to study, but the food has made me so sleepy that I can’t concentrate on the questions. I need to drive to places, so I have to focus on getting my license before the baby is born – fingers crossed!
A fun fact – 15 weeks pregnant size– The baby is small enough to fit into the palm of your hand – about the size of an orange!
The foetus at 15 weeks is working on their sense of smell now, but they can’t detect any smells yet.
Your baby development at 15 weeks – Their tiny chest can inhale, which kick-starts the olfactory system
Your baby is sucking their thumb and wriggling about at the moment. These movements are great for coordination and building strength. You are unlikely to feel these movements yet, although some people say they can feel little flutters in their tummy, especially if your placenta is in the back wall.
Your 15 week old foetus is practising breathing by swallowing amniotic fluid
Your baby in 15 weeks of pregnancy is speeding up their weight gain too!
Your baby’s external genitalia is now complete
The placenta is now developed and is transporting all the oxygen your 15-week baby needs
Foetal development – your baby’s tastebuds are formed and functioning
15 weeks pregnant baby size –
15 weeks of pregnancy – what to expect?
Week 15 of pregnancy what to expect – Your morning sickness may have reduced (after the terror nausea of the first trimester!) and you might have regained your energy now or are feeling a little depressed – both are normal reactions, but be sure to mention them to the doctor or midwife if you are worried about your mental health. They are there to help with the emotional side of pregnancy too.
15 weeks pregnant symptoms – You may have felt some backache and constipation. Exercise is great to help move things along. Just 30 minutes a day will suffice.
What happens 15 weeks pregnant – You may notice changes in your hair and skin during the 2nd trimester, which will bring about that legendary ‘glow’. If you haven’t experienced this glow yet, don’t worry, it will come for you soon!
You may think about birth now and what options are available out there.
15 weeks pregnant belly –
Your next steps – what to do at 15 weeks pregnant
What to do 15 weeks pregnant – Keep drinking lots of water as the hormone progesterone is slowing down the movement of food through your system, which is why you may feel a little constipated.
What to eat 15 weeks pregnant – Seek fibre-rich foods and if you need a little extra help, prune juice or gentle medication can work a treat!
Having sex won’t harm your 15-week foetus unless your doctor has advised against it. Double-check with your doctor if you’re feeling frisky and are unsure whether you are ok to proceed. You don’t need contraception!
How does 15 weeks pregnant feel? Your emotional well-being is very important during pregnancy – staying cool, calm and collected will help your little baby to stay the same – and develop properly too!
Pregnancy checklist at 15 weeks pregnant – Have you had your blood tests yet? If not, that’s due to come soon! Hopefully, you should have had your scan by now.
Tips for 15 weeks pregnant – It may be time to find a new way of sleeping as your bump grows – you can support your bump with maternity pillows, which help you sleep on your left side more comfortably.
You can start thinking about baby names this week, although don’t stress too much about it as you still have time! We didn’t come out with our fourth’s baby name until 37 weeks!
Every bump and body is different, but how 15 weeks pregnant looks like to the average person:
Key takeaways at 15 weeks pregnant – These are just general ideas of how you and your baby are getting on. Don’t forget that every baby develops differently. If you are concerned about your baby’s development, please consult your doctor or midwife.
FAQ
What are signs of a healthy pregnancy at 15 weeks?
Other questions asked were:
What is normal at 15 weeks pregnant?
Is 15 weeks pregnant safe?
How safe is 15 weeks pregnant?
Is it ok to feel normal at 15 weeks pregnant?
How should I feel at 15 weeks pregnant?
Can you feel baby at 15 weeks?
How do I know my baby is ok at 15 weeks?
What does 15 weeks pregnant feel like?
Can you feel your baby at 15 weeks?
I’m not a doctor, but many women find the second trimester, which includes the 15th week of pregnancy, easier because the intensity of first-trimester symptoms decreases and more positive signs follow, Here are some signs that might suggest a healthy pregnancy around the 15-week mark:
Growing Belly: By 15 weeks, your uterus is growing and your belly might show a bit more.
Decreased Nausea: For many women, nausea and vomiting may decrease or completely go away by the second trimester.
Increased Energy: The fatigue of the first trimester often decreases, and you might feel more energised.
Foetal Movement: Around this time, some women might feel the baby moving. It’s often described as feeling fluttering or gas bubbles. If you are a first-time parent, you might not feel these movements until closer to 18-25 weeks.
Good Heartbeat: During prenatal visits, your medical professional might use a Doppler device to let you hear the baby’s heartbeat. A strong, regular heartbeat can be a positive sign.
Absence of Severe Pain: While some aches and pains are normal because of the growing uterus and hormonal changes, the absence of severe pain is a good sign.
Absence of Severe Cramping or Heavy Bleeding: While some spotting can be normal, heavy bleeding or severe cramping can be cause for concern.
Clear or Milky Vaginal Discharge: An increase in a clear or milky vaginal discharge called leukorrhea is common in pregnancy because of an increase in hormone production.
Absence of Severe Swelling: Some swelling in the feet or hands can be normal, but sudden swelling of the face and hands can be a sign of preeclampsia, a serious condition.
Stable Weight Gain: While weight gain rates can vary, steady weight gain (as recommended by your healthcare provider) can be a sign of a healthy pregnancy.
Each pregnancy is unique, and what one person experiences can differ from another. If you have concerns about your pregnancy or any symptoms you are experiencing, consult with your midwife or doctor to get accurate and personalised advice.
What should I do at 15 weeks pregnant?
At 15 weeks pregnant, you’re in the second trimester, which many women find to be the most comfortable and enjoyable phase of pregnancy. Here are some general suggestions for what you might do or expect during this time:
Prenatal Care: Continue with regular prenatal check-ups. Your healthcare provider might use a Doppler device to let you hear the baby’s heartbeat during these visits.
Start Planning for Maternity Leave: If you’re working, now might be a good time to familiarise yourself with your workplace’s maternity leave policies and start planning accordingly.
Consider Maternity Wear: As your belly grows, you might find your regular clothes becoming uncomfortable. Consider investing in some maternity wear or look for loose, comfortable clothing.
Stay Active: If your healthcare provider agrees, continuing or starting a gentle exercise routine can be beneficial. Activities like walking, swimming, or prenatal yoga can be good options.
Balanced Diet: Ensure you’re getting a balanced diet with adequate folic acid, iron, calcium, and protein. Drink plenty of water and consider discussing any vitamin or supplement needs with your doctor.
Educate Yourself: Consider reading books or articles on pregnancy, childbirth, and parenting. Joining a prenatal class can also offer valuable information and the chance to meet other expectant parents.
Document Your Pregnancy: Many women enjoy keeping a pregnancy journal or taking regular photos to document the changes in their bodies and to remember this special time.
Plan Finances: Babies come with expenses, so it might be a good time to budget or set aside money for baby-related costs. You can also create a baby wishlist to help loved ones contribute to the cost of the new baby.
Limit Caffeine and Avoid Harmful Substances: Limit caffeine intake and, of course, avoid alcohol, smoking, and any medications not approved by your doctor.
Foetal Movement: Pay attention to your body. In the coming weeks, you might feel the baby’s movements.
Think About the Future: Consider where the baby will sleep, whether you’ll breastfeed or bottle-feed, and other decisions you’ll need to make in the coming months.
Skincare: Because of hormonal changes, your skin might become more sensitive or show changes like the darkening of areolas or the appearance of a linea nigra (a dark line running down the middle of your abdomen). Use sunscreen when out, and consider moisturising to prevent or reduce stretch marks.
Dental Health: Pregnancy can affect dental health, so regular check-ups and good oral hygiene are crucial.
Communicate with Your Partner: Discuss plans, feelings, and any concerns about the pregnancy, childbirth, and parenting together.
Relax and Rest: While it’s great to stay active and prepare, remember to give yourself time to rest and relax.
What fruit is 15 weeks pregnant?
Other questions asked were:
How big is baby at 15 weeks?
How big is my baby at 15 weeks?
Your 15 weeks foetus is the size of a navel orange or an apple. It’s important to note that these comparisons are approximate and are used mainly for illustrative purposes. The exact size of the foetus can vary from one pregnancy to another. The foetus is typically about 4 inches (10 cm) long from crown to rump and weighs around 2.5 ounces (70 grams) at this stage.
Is 15 weeks considered 4 months pregnant?
Other questions asked were:
What is 15 weeks in months?
How many months is 15 weeks?
15 weeks is how many months?
Is 15 weeks pregnant 4 months?
How many 15 weeks pregnant in months?
What is 15 weeks pregnant in months?
How much is 15 weeks pregnant in months?
Is 15 weeks pregnant far along?
What trimester is 15 weeks pregnant?
15 weeks pregnant is how many months?
Pregnancy duration is typically counted in weeks, not months, because it offers a more precise measurement. The average pregnancy lasts about 40 weeks from the first day of the last menstrual period (LMP).
However, when converting weeks to months for a rough estimate, the process can be confusing because months have varying numbers of days. If you divide the 40 weeks of an average pregnancy by 4 weeks (assuming each month has roughly 4 weeks), you’d get 10 months, which is longer than the commonly stated “nine months of pregnancy.” This discrepancy occurs because most months have slightly more than 4 weeks.
15 weeks pregnant in months is about 3.5 months pregnant. You’ll be entering the fourth month, but you won’t complete it until around 17-18 weeks.
Should I have a baby bump at 15 weeks?
Other questions asked were:
What does a 15th week of pregnancy belly look like?
What does 15 weeks pregnant look like?
Do you show 15 weeks pregnant?
Your 15 weeks pregnant bump might be noticeable, or it might not show much at all. Both scenarios are entirely normal. Everyone’s body is different, and pregnancies can vary even for the same woman.
If you have concerns about your pregnancy or the development of your baby bump, it’s essential to consult with your healthcare provider. They can provide reassurance and guidance tailored to your specific situation.
What should I expect from a 15 weeks pregnant ultrasound?
An ultrasound around the 15-week mark can provide several insights into the development and health of your baby. Here’s what you might expect from a 15-week ultrasound:
By 15 weeks, many of the baby’s vital organs have formed, and the ultrasound technician or doctor may assess the baby’s developing body parts, including the brain, spine, heart, kidneys, and limbs.
The foetus is moving, flexing, and kicking, even if you can’t feel it yet. During the ultrasound, you might see some of these movements.
You should be able to see and hear the baby’s heartbeat. The heart rate will be monitored, and its rhythm will be checked.
Depending on the baby’s position and the clarity of the images, it might be possible to determine the baby’s gender at this stage, although many healthcare providers wait until the 18-20 week anatomy scan when the genitalia is more fully developed.
The position of the placenta might be noted, as its placement can impact delivery methods later on.
The technician might check the amount of amniotic fluid to ensure it’s within a normal range.
If you’re expecting more than one baby, the ultrasound can provide insights into their development and the condition of the shared or separate placentas.
The baby will be measured, including the size of the head, abdomen, and femur (thigh bone). These measurements help determine the baby’s growth and ensure it’s on track for its gestational age.
While the detailed anatomy scan is usually done between 18-22 weeks, some structural abnormalities might be visible at 15 weeks. If there are any concerns, a follow-up scan or more detailed scans might be recommended.
Sometimes, the ultrasound might also look at maternal structures, such as the cervix, to ensure it’s of an appropriate length and closed, especially if there’s a history or risk of preterm labour.
It’s essential to remember that while ultrasounds can provide a lot of information about the baby and pregnancy, not all issues or conditions can be detected via ultrasound. If there are any concerns or abnormalities, your healthcare provider will guide you through the next steps, which might include further testing or consultations with specialists.
How to sleep 15 weeks pregnant?
Sleeping comfortably during pregnancy can become a challenge as your body changes and grows. Your pregnant belly at 15 weeks might not be very large, but you may notice some discomfort or changes in your preferred sleeping position.
Many healthcare professionals recommend sleeping on your side, especially the left side, as it can improve blood flow to the foetus and help with your kidney function, potentially reducing swelling. Side sleeping can also help prevent your uterus from pressing against your liver, which is on your right side.
Support your growing belly and body with pregnancy pillows, such as C-shaped or U-shaped pillows, which can provide support for the neck, back, belly, and legs. If you don’t have a pregnancy pillow, use regular ones to support your belly by placing one underneath it and between your legs to ease hip or lower back pressure.
As your pregnancy progresses, sleeping on your back can cause your uterus to press on the major vein that returns blood to your heart, potentially reducing blood flow to the foetus. It can also increase backaches and digestive issues.
If you’re experiencing heartburn or acid reflux, which is common during pregnancy due to hormonal changes and the growing uterus pressing on the stomach, elevating your head with pillows can help.
Drink plenty of water throughout the day, but consider reducing fluid intake in the evening to minimise nighttime trips to the bathroom.
Activities like reading, listening to soothing music, taking a warm bath, or practising relaxation exercises can help signal to your body that it’s time to wind down. Loose-fitting, soft pyjamas or nightgowns can make sleep more comfortable.
Avoiding caffeine in the evening and large meals right before bedtime can help you sleep better. With your healthcare provider’s approval, regular exercise can help you tire out in a good way, making it easier to fall asleep. However, avoid vigorous activity right before bed.
Some pregnant individuals experience leg cramps during the second trimester. If you get them at night, stretching your calf muscles before bed might help. If you get a cramp, straightening your leg and gently flexing your foot toward your shin can provide relief.
Many pregnant women find they feel warmer than usual. A cooler bedroom can help you sleep more comfortably. Using a fan or keeping windows open, if the weather permits, can also be beneficial.
What to buy at 15 weeks pregnant?
At 15 weeks pregnant, it’s still relatively early in your pregnancy journey, but it can be an excellent time to prepare, especially if you want to spread out expenses over time or take advantage of sales and discounts. Here are some items you might buy or research:
Maternity Clothes: As your body changes, you might find your regular clothes becoming tight or uncomfortable. Start with basics like maternity jeans, leggings, and tops. Also, consider bras designed for pregnancy, as your breast size and shape might change.
Pregnancy Pillow: These are specially designed pillows to support your growing belly and help you sleep more comfortably.
Books: Consider buying or borrowing books about pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and baby care. Knowledge can help ease anxiety and prepare you for what’s ahead.
Prenatal Vitamins: If you haven’t already, ensure you have a good supply of prenatal vitamins to support your and your baby’s nutritional needs.
Stretch Mark Cream or Oil: While genetics play a significant role in whether you get stretch marks, some women swear by creams or oils to keep their skin hydrated and elastic.
Comfort Items: Think about items that can help you relax, like bath oils, comfy slippers, or relaxation music.
Journal / Pregnancy Planner: Documenting your pregnancy journey can be therapeutic and create a lovely keepsake.
Baby Gear Research: Start researching bigger items like car seats, cribs, strollers, and baby monitors. Even if you’re not buying them now, understanding your options can help you make informed decisions later.
Baby Clothes: While it’s still early, picking up a few cute outfits or essential baby clothes can be exciting. Just remember, you might receive many clothes as gifts if you’re having a baby shower.
Nursing Bras and Tops: If you plan on breastfeeding, start looking into nursing bras and tops.
Baby Shower Planning: It might be a good time to think about your baby shower. Consider researching themes, making guest lists, and registering for items you’d like.
Classes: Look into childbirth, breastfeeding, and newborn care classes. Some popular ones might fill up quickly, so consider registering in advance.
Safe Skincare Products: Pregnancy can make your skin more sensitive, and there are certain ingredients you should avoid. Consider buying pregnancy-safe skincare products.
Healthy Snacks: As your appetite increases, having healthy snacks on hand can help ensure you’re getting proper nutrition.
Dental Care: Pregnancy can affect your oral health, so investing in good dental care products, like a high-quality toothbrush, is a good idea.
Remember, there’s no strict timeline for when you should buy these items, and what’s essential for one person might not be for another. Focus on what feels right for you and your unique situation. It’s also a good idea to check with friends and family who’ve recently had babies; they might offer insights or even hand-me-downs.
At 15 weeks pregnant, your body is experiencing changes, and comfort becomes a priority when choosing what to wear. Here are some ideas on what you might wear during this stage of pregnancy:
Maternity Jeans and Pants: By 15 weeks, many women find their regular pants uncomfortable. Maternity jeans and pants come with a stretchy band that accommodates your growing bump.
Empire Waist Tops and Dresses: These cinch just below the bust and flow outward, providing plenty of room for a growing belly.
Stretchy Leggings: Comfortable and versatile leggings can be paired with longer tops or tunics for a chic and comfy look.
Layered Looks: As pregnancy progresses, your body temperature might fluctuate. Layering can help you adjust to changing temperatures easily.
Wrap Dresses: These are both stylish and adjustable, making them perfect for a growing belly.
Belly Bands: These are stretchy bands that you can wear over your regular pants or skirts, allowing you to leave them unbuttoned.
Flowy Tunics: These can be paired with leggings or skinny jeans for a comfortable, relaxed look.
Comfortable Underwear: Your regular underwear might feel tight. Consider buying maternity underwear or sizes up in more stretchy, soft fabrics.
Maternity or Stretchy Bras: Your breasts might have grown, so you’ll need bras that are comfortable and provide good support. Some bras are designed to expand with you.
Maxi Dresses: Long, flowy maxi dresses can be both stylish and comfortable, perfect for accommodating a growing belly.
Adjustable Waistbands: Skirts or pants with drawstrings or elastic waistbands can be adjusted as you grow.
Cardigans: These can be worn open and adjusted for your comfort level. Plus, they’re great for layering.
Flat or Supportive Shoes: As pregnancy progresses, some women experience swelling in their feet or find that their balance shifts slightly. Flat shoes or those with good arch support can be more comfortable and safer.
Support Tights or Leggings: These can provide extra support for your legs, especially if you’re on your feet a lot.
Jumpsuits with Stretch: Maternity jumpsuits with some stretch can be a comfortable all-in-one outfit, provided they are easy to get on and off, especially when considering frequent bathroom trips.
Open-front Jackets and Coats: As your belly grows, open-front styles will accommodate it more easily than buttoned or zipped styles.
When choosing to clothe at 15 weeks pregnant, the main thing to prioritise is comfort. It’s a good idea to try on clothing and see how it feels on your changing body. Also, invest in pieces that can grow with you throughout your pregnancy, ensuring versatility and value for money.
What not to do at 15 weeks pregnant?
While you may feel more energetic and comfortable during the second trimester, there are still some precautions to keep in mind. Here are things you might avoid at 15 weeks pregnant:
Heavy Lifting: Avoid lifting heavy objects to prevent strain on your back and pelvic area. If you need to pick something up, squat down and lift with your legs, not your back.
Certain Foods: Avoid foods that have a higher risk of containing harmful bacteria or toxins, such as:
Raw or undercooked seafood, eggs, and meat.
Unpasteurised milk and cheeses.
High-mercury fish like shark, swordfish, tilefish, and king mackerel.
Deli meats (unless heated until steaming).
Alcohol and Drugs: Continue avoiding alcohol, recreational drugs, and any medications not approved by your healthcare provider.
Tobacco and Secondhand Smoke: Smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke can increase the risk of premature birth, low birth weight, and other complications.
Hot Tubs and Saunas: High body temperatures can be harmful during pregnancy. Avoid prolonged exposure to hot tubs, saunas, and steam rooms.
High-Impact Activities: Activities that have a high risk of falling or trauma to the abdomen, like horseback riding, skiing, or certain contact sports, should be avoided.
Certain Medications: Always check with your healthcare provider before taking any medications, including over-the-counter ones.
Excessive Caffeine: While moderate caffeine intake is considered safe, it’s best to limit your consumption to about 200-300 mg per day.
Laying Flat on Your Back: Especially later in pregnancy, lying flat on your back for extended periods can cause the weight of the uterus to compress major blood vessels, potentially reducing blood flow to the fetus.
Exposure to Harmful Chemicals: This includes certain household cleaners, pesticides, or solvents. Always check labels and use them in well-ventilated areas if necessary.
X-rays: If you need dental work or another procedure requiring X-rays, inform your technician or dentist that you’re pregnant so they can take necessary precautions.
Excessive Exercise: While staying active is beneficial, don’t push yourself too hard. Stay hydrated, and avoid overheating.
Travel Without Precautions: If travelling, especially to areas with infectious disease outbreaks or where healthcare might be subpar, discuss plans with your healthcare provider.
High Heels: Your centre of gravity changes as your belly grows, increasing the risk of falls. Consider switching to more stable footwear.
Raw Sprouts: Raw sprouts, like alfalfa or mung bean, can contain harmful bacteria. Consume them cooked.
Should I be feeling braxton hicks at 15 weeks pregnant?
Braxton Hicks contractions, often described as “practice contractions,” are tightening sensations in the uterus that aren’t regular and don’t lead to labour. They are a normal part of pregnancy and can start as early as the second trimester.
However, feeling Braxton Hicks contractions at 15 weeks would be relatively early. While it’s not impossible, many women don’t notice them until later in pregnancy, often in the third trimester. Some women might not feel them at all or might not recognise them until they are more pronounced in the later stages of pregnancy.
At 15 weeks, if you’re feeling tightening or cramping sensations, it could be due to:
Stretching of the uterus: As your baby grows, your uterus expands, which can cause sensations of stretching or mild cramping.
Gas or bloating: Digestive issues can sometimes be mistaken for uterine contractions.
Normal uterine activity: The uterus is a muscle and can occasionally contract even when you’re not in labour.
If you’re unsure about the sensations you’re feeling or if you experience any of the following symptoms, contact your healthcare provider:
Regular and increasing contractions.
Pain or cramping, especially if it’s one-sided.
Vaginal bleeding or spotting.
Any discharge that is watery, mucus-like, or bloody.
Lower back pain or pelvic pressure.
Any other symptoms that feel unusual or concerning to you.
Remember, always trust your instincts. If something feels off or you’re uncertain about what you’re experiencing, it’s always a good idea to reach out to your healthcare provider for guidance and reassurance.
Can you run at 15 weeks pregnant?
If you were a regular runner before pregnancy and have no medical complications, it’s generally considered safe to continue running during pregnancy, including at 15 weeks. However, there are some important considerations and precautions to keep in mind:
Consult Your Healthcare Provider: Before continuing or starting any exercise regimen during pregnancy, including running, always consult with your doctor or midwife. They can provide guidance tailored to your specific situation.
Listen to Your Body: Your body is going through significant changes, and it’s essential to be in tune with how you feel. If you experience pain, discomfort, or any alarming symptoms, stop and rest.
Stay Hydrated: Pregnancy increases your fluid needs, and staying hydrated is even more critical when exercising.
Avoid Overheating: It’s essential to prevent your body temperature from rising too much during pregnancy. Run during cooler parts of the day, wear breathable clothing, and listen to your body’s signals.
Adjust Your Pace: As your pregnancy progresses, you might find that you need to decrease your speed or the distance you run.
Watch Your Balance: Your centre of gravity changes as your belly grows, increasing the risk of falls. Be cautious, especially on uneven terrains.
Wear Proper Footwear: Good supportive shoes can help minimise the risk of injury and provide better support as your body weight increases.
Monitor Heart Rate: While there isn’t a definitive “safe” heart rate for all pregnant women, it’s a good idea to avoid over-exertion. A general guideline is that you should be able to carry on a conversation while running.
Consider Terrain: It’s best to run on flat and even surfaces to reduce the risk of trips and falls.
Avoid High-impact Training: Intense interval training or hill sprints might be too jarring during pregnancy. Consider adjusting your routine to be gentler.
Signs to Stop and Call Your Doctor: If you experience any of the following, stop running and contact your healthcare provider:
Vaginal bleeding or fluid leakage
Dizziness or feeling faint
Chest pain
Shortness of breath
Calf pain or swelling (which could indicate a blood clot)
Regular painful contractions
Reduced foetal movement (later in pregnancy)
Any other unusual symptoms or pain
Remember, every pregnancy is unique. What might be okay for one person may not be for another. It’s crucial to be aware of how your body feels and to prioritise safety and well-being for both you and your baby.
Can you find out baby’s sex at 15 weeks pregnant?
In the UK, the NHS (National Health Service) usually offers two ultrasound scans during pregnancy: the first (dating scan) at around 8 to 14 weeks and the second (anomaly scan) at around 18 to 21 weeks. It’s during this second scan, the anomaly scan, that many parents find out the sex of their baby.
At 15 weeks, the baby’s genitals may have developed enough to be visible on an ultrasound. However, the official NHS anomaly scan is performed a few weeks later when the anatomy is clearer and more easily distinguishable. If you’re attending a private clinic or service, they might offer a gender scan as early as 15 or 16 weeks, but this varies among providers.
If you’re interested in finding out your baby’s sex at an earlier stage than the usual NHS anomaly scan, you would typically:
Seek a Private Scan: Many private ultrasound clinics in the UK offer gender scans from 15 or 16 weeks onward. They typically charge a fee for this service. Ensure the clinic is reputable and uses trained sonographers.
NIPT (Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing): This blood test is available privately in the UK and can determine the baby’s sex, among other things. However, it’s often more expensive than a private ultrasound scan and is mainly used for screening for chromosomal abnormalities.
Let the Sonographer Know: If you’re having a scan around 15 weeks (for whatever reason) and wish to know the baby’s sex, inform the sonographer at the beginning of the session. However, keep in mind that, even if the sonographer makes a prediction, there’s still a chance of inaccuracy this early on.
Understand the Limitations: It’s essential to know that determining the baby’s sex at 15 weeks might not be as accurate as later in pregnancy. The position of the baby, the clarity of the ultrasound, and other factors can influence the ability to identify the gender.
Remember, while many parents are eager to find out the sex of their baby, the primary purpose of ultrasound scans during pregnancy is to check the baby’s development and well-being. If you choose to find out the sex earlier through a private scan, always do your research and select a reputable provider.
At 14 weeks pregnant, I attended a friend’s birthday on Saturday, which involved some “light” lunch at a really busy pub, and watching England v USA in the world cup. I felt really uncomfortable, as I wasn’t able to sit in one place for too long, but the pub was crammed with people and the toilets were quite far away. I still had to endure that horrible taste in my mouth after lunch, so I resorted to water for the rest of the night (after drinking one too many pineapple juices).
By the end of the match, I felt physically and emotionally drained. Even my facial muscles sagged I was that tired. As I walked home with hubby, I burst into tears. I think it was because of pregnancy fatigue and hormones, but I kept thinking, “Is this it for me and my social life now?” I felt like I wasn’t ready to give up my youth just yet, and that made me cry even more.
I also had a terrible headache, which I put down to the excessive crying. Hubby reassured me I was going to be a great mum and that I could enjoy going out properly after the baby was born. Nevertheless, I got home and crashed out for about twelve hours. Plus, I really needed the energy as I had another birthday to go to the next day. Thankfully, this birthday was for only a couple of hours.
Getting up on Monday morning was a nightmare. I couldn’t open my eyes at work all day and I walked around like a zombie. I couldn’t believe Saturday night had drained me so much, so I made a mental note to put my social life on hold until after I’d given birth.
Getting home was also torturous. People at Green Park tube station were like vipers trying to get onto the same tube. I got pushed back and forth, and at one point, someone accidentally pushed my belly. It wasn’t hard, but I jumped at him and told him to, “Stop standing on top of me. I’m a pregnant lady!” What made it worse was that I was desperate to go to the loo, even though I’d just been before I had left work.
A nice lady heard me and ushered me to the front of the carriage. Until I got off the train, she made sure no one pushed me, which was really sweet of her. On the way home, I was secretly worried about whether there was any damage, as I felt a few cramps afterwards. The next day I asked work if I could change my hours, so I wouldn’t have to deal with the rush hour again.
I also needed to get some maternity clothes, as nothing fitted me anymore. After work, I looked around some shops to see if anything caught my eye. New Look, Next and H&M had some nice clothes which didn’t look too frumpy. It was also getting warmer outside, so I was looking for some decent maxi dresses that would cover my ever-growing bump.
I couldn’t find any dresses that I liked, so I found some stretchy black trousers from New Look for work, which were really comfortable, and a couple of loose-fitting tops from H&M. I found going to the nearest car boot sale at the weekend was a bonus too. So much stuff is given away for next to nothing, so hubby and I went a bit nuts the weekend before and bought two bags full of baby clothes.
Hubby was scheduled to play squash with his friends in the evening, so I had decided that when I got home, I would sit in front of the sofa, watch Friends and The Simpsons, and stuff my face with hubby’s pre-made fajitas – Yay! I kept getting really hungry, stuffing my face, then paying the price afterwards with that horrible taste in my mouth and a stomach that felt like it was going to explode.
I needed to remember to eat small meals slowly as, before the pregnancy, I used to inhale large quantities, so the habit was hard to break. I kept getting back pain on the right side of my back, under my ribs. I couldn’t work out whether it was back pain or wind, but if it was back pain, then it might have had something to do with the size of my boobs. They had definitely grown a size, so I had to factor in shopping for bras as well. This pregnancy lark was expensive!
A fun fact – The baby is about 8cm long and weighs about 40g! About the size of a lemon!
How big is your baby at 14 weeks pregnant? Your foetus at 14 weeks has doubled its weight since last week and looks like a tiny little person.
Your baby at 14 weeks pregnant will be covered in hair called lanugo which is temporary and its aim is to keep your baby warm in your tummy. It’s a normal part of foetal development.
Highlights at 14 weeks pregnant – Your baby is using all of your protein to help build strong muscles
Baby development at 14 weeks – Your baby is moving his/her knees and elbows, giving him/her a much greater range of motion.
And your baby will do many spins and somersaults in your belly now and can even stand up in your womb!
Your baby’s development at 14 weeks – Your baby’s pancreas and liver are producing fluids now
Your baby is getting all their food and oxygen from the placenta via the umbilical cord, so make sure you feed them nice healthy and delicious food!
14 weeks pregnant – your symptoms
Pregnancy symptoms coming up in week 14 – You may experience an increase in appetite
Week 14 pregnancy symptoms – Your nausea/morning sickness should be subsiding now
Your body at 14 weeks of pregnancy should be enjoying the golden trimester now, but if you’re still experiencing morning sickness from the first trimester, try eating small amounts of plain food throughout the day to keep your energy up. Potatoes and cereal are good because they are bland.
Your common symptoms this week may also include a bit of backache if you’re overdoing it. You may still be relatively small, but you will feel the weight of your belly if you overdo it.
Pregnancy symptoms during week 14 may include heartburn because of your slower than normal digestive system. Try eating fresh fruit and vegetables to combat the digestion.
Your pregnancy checklist at 14 weeks pregnant should include fresh fruit and veg to give you that much-needed fibre if you are experiencing constipation too!
Your body at 14 weeks pregnant – Are you experiencing round ligament pain?
2nd trimester pregnancy symptoms at 14 weeks – Make sure you’re eating a range of food packed with vitamins and minerals to stay healthy and regular.
Pregnancy symptoms week 14 – Have you experienced pregnancy brain yet? Apparently, studies have shown that ‘baby brain’ is down to you using one part of your brain during pregnancy more as you prepare to bond with your baby.
Pregnancy symptoms at week 14 – Your uterus is growing continually and will be the size of a peach now.
Tips for 14 weeks pregnant – Keep up with your dental health and brush well twice a day. Floss regularly too.
14 weeks pregnant lifestyle – Stay active now to increase your health and stay regular. Regular exercise has been known to combat constipation as well.
Have you told your friends and family yet? Or are you holding on a bit more to your secret?
14 weeks pregnant checklist – Have you told work that you’re expecting yet?
What to expect at 14 weeks – You should have had your nuchal scan where the sonographer tested your baby’s measurements and the amount of spinal fluid at the back of their head.
Key takeaways at 14 weeks pregnant – From now on, you will be asked to supply urine samples to check for conditions such as pre-eclampsia and gestational diabetes.
What to expect at 14 weeks pregnant – checklist – You may have been given your own personal growth chart too and had extra blood tests to test for disorders like Patau’s and Down’s Syndrome
14 weeks pregnant – questions for your healthcare provider
How much weight should I gain?
Which prenatal vitamins do you recommend?
How frequently should I be exercising?
What exercises should I avoid?
Can I have sex at pregnancy week 14?
What food and drink should I avoid to protect baby in 14 weeks of pregnancy?
What complications/conditions should I be looking out for?
What medications are safe to use during pregnancy?
Am I at risk for any conditions or complications?
Which number should I call if I have any questions or concerns?
What delivery options are available and who will deliver my baby?
Are you worried about pregnancy weight gain?
Check out this pregnancy weight gain checker to provide you with a guide on typical normal weight gain levels during pregnancy:
Note: These are just general ideas of how you and your baby are getting on. Don’t forget that every baby develops differently. If you are concerned about your baby’s development, please consult your doctor or midwife.
Commonly asked questions about 14 weeks pregnant
Here are some commonly asked questions about 14 weeks pregnant. If you have a question, please share it in the comments below.
What should I be feeling at 14 weeks pregnant?
You should feel less tired and sick now. Your energy levels pick up and your appetite should return, but don’t forget, your baby doesn’t need any extra calories, so don’t overeat!
How many months is 14 weeks pregnant?
Other questions asked were:
14 weeks pregnant is how many months?
What is 14 weeks pregnant in months?
14 weeks pregnant is considered as 4 months pregnant.
What is the baby’s size at 14 weeks pregnant?
Other questions asked were:
How big is a baby at 14 weeks?
Your baby – What does 14 weeks pregnant look like?
What does 14 weeks pregnant look like?
How big is a pregnant belly at 14 weeks?
What does your pregnant belly at 14 weeks look like?
How big is my baby at 14 weeks?
What does your 14 weeks pregnant belly look like?
How big is baby at 14 weeks?
What does a 14 weeks pregnant belly look like?
How does your stomach feel at 14 weeks pregnant?
What is size of baby at 14 weeks?
How big is a 14 week foetus?
Your little one is the size of a kiwi fruit, at around 8.5cm long, from head to bottom.
You still may not see 14 weeks pregnant bellies protruding yet. However, as your uterus has now expanded to fill your pelvis, you may feel a soft, smooth oval bump.
14 weeks baby movement – should I feel anything yet?
Other questions asked were:
Can you feel baby at 14 weeks?
Can I feel my baby at 14 weeks?
Your baby is dancing around in your belly, but you probably won’t feel it yet. Your midwife should be able to hear a heartbeat using a monitor placed on your tummy.
Can baby feel my pregnant belly rubs?
Your baby is too small to feel belly rubs. At around 26 weeks they’ll start to respond to their mother’s touch.
Is week 14 pregnancy cramping normal?
You may feel cramping in your stomach, which is common in pregnancy, and even sharp pains on both sides of your tummy, which gets worse when you move. This is called round ligament pain and is caused by your womb stretching as your belly grows.
How do I prevent getting varicose veins during pregnancy?
Take frequent breaks and move around as much as possible. Do not cross your legs when you sit and lift your feet up when seated. Daily low impact exercise is helpful, provided your doctor has okayed for you to exercise during pregnancy.
What are the danger signs of pregnancy for second trimester?
Danger signs to look out for during the second trimester are:
Change in type of vaginal discharge, either watery, bloody, or mucousy.
Any lower abdominal/pelvic pressure or low, dull backache
Abdominal cramps which feel like period pains, either with or without diarrhoea
Why am I so tired at 14 weeks pregnant?
You can feel tired, emotional and even nauseous during this time because of hormonal changes during pregnancy. The key is to take it easy and make time to rest. Accept help where you can and only do as much as you can withstand.
Can I be 14 weeks pregnant and not know it?
Other questions asked were:
Is it normal to not feel pregnant at 14 weeks?
If you don’t have any symptoms, especially if you have an irregular period, then you may be pregnant and not know it.
What causes back pain at 14 weeks pregnant?
Yes, you can get back pain due to round ligament pain and your body stretching for labour. This can put a strain on your joints and pelvis, causing back pain.
Where is baby located at 14 weeks?
Your uterus is now rising out of your pelvic region and into your lower abdomen, where your baby will kick around.
What are 14 weeks pregnant symptoms of miscarriage?
Some symptoms and warning signs include:
Cramping and lower back and/or tummy pain
Your waters leaking or tissue discharge from your vagina
Loss or change of pregnancy symptoms
When should I start thinking about baby names?
You have until the baby is born and then even six weeks after that to register your baby’s name, so you have plenty of time!
14 weeks pregnant symptoms – what should I be looking out for?
Other questions asked were:
What are common week 14 pregnancy symptoms?
What should I expect at 14 weeks pregnant?
Some second trimester symptoms can include:
Bloatedness
Bleeding gums
Stretching and pain along the side of your belly
Headache
Nosebleed
If you’re worried about any of these symptoms, don’t hesitate and contact your doctor straight away
I hope you enjoyed the 14 weeks pregnant week-by-week guide. To find out what happens next. Go forward to 15 weeks pregnant by clicking on the blue button below.
Finally, my very first pregnancy ultrasound scan day had arrived, and I was so excited. I couldn’t concentrate on work or anything for that matter because I was finally going to meet our baby after three months of wondering what s/he looked like.
It was another beautiful hot day, so I asked to leave early to get to my appointment on time. As I got to the hospital a niggling feeling started to rise at the back of my head. What if I wasn’t actually pregnant and I didn’t have a baby in my belly? What if I didn’t take enough folic acid and the baby developed Spina Bifida? What if the baby was deformed? Hubby had to tell me to calm down and advised that I only concentrate on the positive things as I hadn’t stopped worrying for 13 weeks. He was right, I am such a worrier sometimes.
When we got to the waiting room, there were so many other pregnant women waiting to be seen. A nurse took us into the ultrasound scan room where a woman, the sonographer, was waiting patiently for us. We had paid for a DVD and as many photos as we could get, so the sonographer placed a blank cd in the machine and hit the record button. She placed some warm jelly on my belly and started moving the transceiver around. We stared at the screen on the ultrasound machine, which was blank for a couple of seconds as she tried to find the right place on my belly then, all of a sudden, a little white silhouette of a baby came into view. Hubby and I stared at the screen dumbfounded. The silhouette looked like a proper baby.
The sonographer dug into my belly to find the right place to measure the back of the baby’s neck, who measured at just 6.8cm. S/he looked so peaceful in there, just resting away and probably enjoying a good sleep. The lady prodded at my belly some more to show us the spine, brain, heartbeat and all the limbs. Everything looked perfect. The baby had woken up now and was jabbing away at my uterus. From that moment on, hubby and I decided to call the little one, ‘Boxer’, and we were both sure it was a boy as well. It was such an emotional moment for us that we finally got to see Boxer. As we were staring gooey eyed at the screen, the sonographer advised us that she was going to check the uterine artery blood flow to our baby. When she finished she took some still pictures of Boxer before she handed the cd back to us. We were brimming with pride – we finally got to meet our Boxer.
The blood test results had come back and I was measured at 1 in 15000 for Down’s Syndrome, and 1 in 25000 for heart defects which were low risk. I was so happy as I was really dreading having that amniocentesis, where they stick a needle in my bump. Phew! I thought I saw hubby shed a few tears before we left the hospital too and that caused me to want to well up as well, but I pulled it together and we left the hospital, clutching pictures of our unborn Boxer.
13 week scan of our little baby Boxer
Hubby and I had a picnic in the park and talked about how we were going to raise the baby. We decided that we were going to save up as much as we could for a deposit on a house, and we figured that a car would be really useful too, as we would need to transport the baby round to certain places. That night, I couldn’t stop staring at pictures of Boxer. This was our baby. I never thought I could feel so much love for someone who hadn’t been born yet.
A fun fact – Your baby is now about 7.5cm long from crown to rump and weighs nearly 23 grams.
Your little one’s body is catching up with their head now
Your baby’s thyroid has begun to produce hormones need to regulate bodily functions
Your baby is producing white blood cells they will need to stay healthy once born
The ears are almost in the right position at the sides of the head
Your baby is nearly doubling in weight each week now!
Your pregnancy signs and symptoms
Welcome to the second trimester! Well done for surviving the first trimester.
You should be starting to get some respite from the morning sickness now. If not then not to worry, it won’t be long now
Your energy levels should also pick up a bit as well
You will start to notice your belly growing!
Have you started to experience vivid dreams during the second trimester?
You may still be craving your favourite foods
Are you starting to experience heartburn?
Your baby is still lacking in healthy fat to keep them warm, so their skin is transparent at the moment
Your next steps
Have you been able to hold off wearing maternity clothes? It may be time to start thinking about changing your attire to accommodate your growing bump.
Exercise is a great way to control your metabolism and stabilise your system. It can also help to prevent gestational diabetes
Take pictures of your growing bump – you will start to notice it grow now
Eat lots of protein to nourish your baby and strengthen those building blocks
Your baby can taste what you eat and may shape their food preferences later in life
You may want to start telling your friends and family now
Note: These are just general ideas of how you and your baby are getting on. Don’t forget that every baby develops differently. If you are concerned about your baby’s development, please consult your doctor or midwife.
I was scheduled to have my blood tests this week. I had never actually had a blood test before, so I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I was interested to find out what my blood group was. I sat in the waiting room of the hospital with hubby, as there was a twenty-minute delay due to the number of pregnant women waiting in the waiting room. So, hubby and I used this time to discuss boys’ and girls’ names. As I people watched, it was interesting to see women of all different shapes and sizes; some hugely pregnant, some with children, and some carrying big packs from Bounty. I wondered what that pack was and whether I would be receiving a pack like too?
I was given a form to fill out my weight, diet, height etc… and, as soon as I heard my name, hubby and I were ushered into a tiny room with two nurses, a bed, and lots of equipment to administer the injections. I was very nervous as I had a fear of needles, but the nurses were really nice and patiently explained the procedure to me.One of the nurses asked me lots of questions about my family history. As I was of Mediterranean heritage, the nurse thought it was best to think about being tested for Thalassemia and Sickle cell disease. Since I was having a blood test anyway I thought I may as well suck it up and get tested for everything, so I told her to go ahead and even offered them to do some research on what was left of my blood.
The second nurse told me to lie down on the bed. I warned her that I was scared of needles, but she reassured me that she wasn’t going to tell me when it was going in or coming out. The other nurse started to tell me how exciting it was having your first baby and we discussed the different stages of pregnancy. Before I knew it, the whole thing was over. The nurse then handed me a form that contained all the answers to the questions she had asked me before the blood test. I was to give the form to the midwife at my first midwife booking appointment. And I received my Bounty pack too!
I skipped down the street, thinking I was the queen of the world! I had conquered my fear of needles and believed I could do anything at this point. It was such a beautiful hot summer’s day as well, so hubby and I sat down on the grass for some lunch before we both had to get back to work. We discussed financial plans, parenting skills and where we were going to bring up the baby. We were currently renting so we discussed the possibilities of being able to buy a house. At the moment, it’s so expensive to buy a house these days and banks require a 20% deposit. Where were we going to find that much money? Renting was expensive enough and we felt the pain of paying straight to the landlord’s pocket. How would we get out of the vicious circle and start paying towards a place of our own? Buying a property felt so far out of our reach at the moment.
A fun fact – Your baby is about the size of a fig, and is about 5.4cm long and weighs less than 14g – wow!
The placenta is now developed and is supplying your baby with oxygen
The baby’s lower body is growing and it is now catching up with the large head
Your baby’s bones are continuing to develop
Your baby’s genitals are still developing but you will have to wait until your next scan to see the gender
Your baby is developing their own unique fingerprint
Your baby is building up waste to help them make their first poop
Your baby is starting to develop lanugo which is the hair that will cover them during most of the pregnancy. You may see some lanugo during birth
Your baby’s reflexes are developing and they are starting to curl their fingers and toes – you won’t be able to feel them move yet, but they are definitely making full use of that space in your belly!
Your pregnancy signs and symptoms
Welcome to the calm after the storm of the first trimester
The placenta is lessening your hormone load so you may start to feel better at this point – you may still experience a surge in emotions though. Find other mums to talk to online – or contact me! pregnancy@motherhooddiaries.staging.tempurl.host
You may still experience food aversions, so avoid what you need and stick to what works for you
Your next steps
Continue eating a healthy and balanced diet for baby’s optimal development
Ensure you get plenty of rest during pregnancy as sleep boosts the growth hormone, which is important for your weight maintenance and foetal development
Make sure to include plenty of protein in your diet
You can continue to take your pregnancy supplements if you are unable to eat a varied diet
If you haven’t done so already, you soon should be receiving an invite to your first ultrasound. This may be the first time you see your baby and it will make all of this very real!
If you already have your 12 week scan, please share in the comments below!
11 weeks pregnant and time had been travelling really slowly. I think it may be down to the really nasty nausea that I had somehow picked up in the last week. So, I resorted to buying ginger ale (which I’ve never drunk before, but tasted really nice) and having a collection of ginger biscuits by my bedside, so I could pop some in my mouth as soon as I woke up. But the morning sickness was relentless.I’d wake up in the morning with a sick feeling in my stomach like I was about to throw up, but I wouldn’t actually throw up. I honestly didn’t know what was worse – feeling nauseous and not throwing up or actually throwing up! Perhaps I should have been thankful that I wasn’t spewing everywhere and I felt I owed that to the ginger biscuits which were the only things I could eat.
A couple of my friends had told me that they knew of people who had suffered morning sickness for the entire nine months. What a way to make me feel better! I couldn’t bear to think about having this kind of morning sickness for that long, so I erred on the side of positivity and hoped that my nausea faded in nine weeks and not in nine months. The ginger biscuits were also a handy tool when I took the tube in the mornings and braved the million different “scents” of other people. Once I sat next to a guy who had the worst body odour (heightened by the fact that I had a supersonic sense of smell) so I shoved a whole packet of ginger biscuits into my mouth before I even got to work to stop myself from throwing up. If I didn’t I probably would have heaved for the first time during my pregnancy…
I also found Peppermint tea to be quite soothing on the stomach after every meal, so I bought a couple of packets, and lots of bottled water, as I couldn’t drink anything else. I steered clear of fizzy drinks because they gave me a stitch-like pain in my back and made me feel very bloated.
I had also been subjected to tons of advice from other women like:
“Don’t drink and eat at the same time!”
“Don’t each too much food because it’ll give you bad indigestion!”
The opinions were hard. But I tried to pick up the good advice and forget about the rest. And, I did find it easier to just smile and say, “That’s great advice, thanks” rather than try and follow everything, otherwise, it became a bit too overwhelming for me.Oh and one other thing. I WANTED COFFEE!!! Work had this awesome coffee machine that made amazing coffees and the aroma was so enticing. BUT, I refused to give in. I had requested some decaffeinated coffee pods, so at least I could satisfy the craving a little. I knew giving up coffee was going to be difficult, so I just needed to get through this pregnancy. Plus, I constantly told myself that coffee would affect the baby, so it helped me to stop. I did conveniently forget that caffeine was also in hot chocolate drinks, chocolate and some nuts, so it looked as if I had a sizeable caffeine intake anyway. I hoped I hadn’t taken too much to affect the baby’s heart rate, though! We’ll see…
Another positive was that I wasn’t crazy tired anymore. I wasn’t sleeping fifteen hours a day, and I could feel my energy slowly coming back. I could get up in the morning without feeling too dead and I could even brave the tube in the mornings. But I still felt like I was on some kind of sleep-inducing drug. I may have not been sleeping all day and night, but I’m sure that if I was allowed to, it wouldn’t be so hard to do…
A fun fact – The baby is about the size of a large lime or apricot (4cm head to bottom) and weighs around 7g
Your baby is starting to look like a real baby now!
Your baby’s heart is beating twice as fast as yours and you may be able to hear it with a Doppler ultrasound at your pre-natal visit
The blood vessels in the placenta are growing to support your baby throughout the pregnancy
Your baby has a sense of smell now
Your baby’s sex organs are developing now
Your baby is practising breathing by swallowing and peeing out amniotic fluid
Your baby’s vocal cords are developing
Your baby’s arms and legs are developing
Your baby’s intestines are making their way into the abdomen
Your baby’s kidneys are functioning now, helping them to filter their blood to keep them healthy
Your pregnancy signs and symptoms
Hopefully nausea has started to subside, however, changes in hormones may meen that you will experience constipation and heartburn
Your mood swings are probably all over the place thanks to elevated hormone levels
You might be started to spot the first signs of a linea nigra, which is the line that goes down your belly
Stock up on your fruits and vegetables
Make sure you get your daily recommended intake of vitamin D to make sure your baby’s bones are developing as strong as they could be
Your next steps
Make sure you’re getting plenty of calcium to ensure your baby’s bones are growing big and strong
Make sure you’re also getting in plenty of carbs to provide you with that much-needed energy. Some great foods are whole-wheat bread and almonds, which are high in iron
I received a letter in the post with dates for my blood tests (12 weeks), translucency scan and midwife booking (13 weeks).I read the enclosed booklet that came with the letters and was amazed at how many conditions for which I was going to be tested. I sat down with my husband and went through all the different conditions and I think I scared myself a bit that night as I dreamt about having a deformed baby. Below are some of the tests that you can expect:
Infectious diseases like Hepatitis B, HIV or syphilis
If you have a higher chance of some of the diseases above, further diagnostic tests are offered like CVS (chorionic villus sampling), usually done from 11 to 14 weeks of pregnancy and Amniocentesis, usually done after 15 weeks of pregnancy. A fine needle is passed through the mother’s abdomen into the uterus to collect a mall sample of the fluid surrounding the baby.
As I was talking through these tests through with hubby, I still couldn’t really believe I was pregnant. Only mine and hubby’s family knew, so trying to act normal with my friends was really difficult. I started to feel a little more human, albeit I still found it difficult to stay awake or go anywhere near strong smells.I planned to be really good and cut out caffeine and anything fizzy. although I couldn’t really drink fizzy drinks anyway because it gave me painful wind and I would get very bloated and uncomfortable afterwards. I also wanted to aim to have my 5-a day and eat lots of carbs and proteins so our little baby could grow up to be a strong boy/girl
A fun fact – Your baby is now swallowing and kicking!
Your baby is around the size of a prune or strawberry at 3.3cm and weighs around 4g.
Baby’s vital organs are developed and they’re starting to function
Baby’s fingernails and hair are starting to appear too
S/he will start to have muscle control and can make a fist. They are also using their hands to feel their face and mouth
The baby’s nose has developed and they have a sense of smell now. This continues to develop over the next few months
If you’re having a boy, they are already producing testosterone
The baby’s head makes up half of their size, but this will change soon
Your baby’s appetite is growing fast
Your baby now has a fully formed heart which is beating faster than yours
Their tiny eyebrows are beginning to grow
Your pregnancy signs and symptoms
Your morning sickness should start to ease off soon. If so, watch out for surges in your appetite
You may still feel bloated as your digestive system slows down
You may start to lose your breath quickly when working out
Are you experiencing any back pain yet?
You might still be feeling emotional
Are you craving weird foods yet?
You may be more prone to dehydration as your body temperature increases during pregnancy. Make sure you are drinking a lot of liquids
Tiny blue lines may start to develop around your boobs – Don’t panic, your veins are expanding to carry the increased blood supply to your baby
Are you still experiencing frequent urination? And funny dreams that wake you up? Try writing them down so you can look back at them later
Your figure may start to change and you might go off sex – or want it all the time! Those ragining hormones are to blame.
Your next steps
Start some light exercise if you’re feeling up to it
Keep eating foods that are high in vitamins and rich in folate/folic acid
Record your funny dreams so you have something to look back at later
Keep taking your pregnancy bumps
Start thinking and preparing for your screening tests
Note: These are just general ideas of how you and your baby are getting on. Don’t forget that every baby develops differently. If you are concerned about your baby’s development, please consult your midwife.
This week has been an absolute nightmare. Whenever I eat or drink anything, I’d get this strange metallic taste in my mouth that tastes like… metal. It’s not that I know what metal tastes like, but I imagine that it’s this horrible lingering taste on my taste buds that I am experiencing 24 hours a day. I’ve been scared to eat because coupled with nausea, this aftertaste is tipping me over the edge. The only temporary solution to combating this terrible symptom is chewing gum or anything that has a more overpowering flavour.
But, it never lasts…
‘I’ve read it’s quite normal to experience this metal mouth, which is scientifically known as “Dysgeusia”.
I decided to draw up a healthy nutrition plan that involves consuming as many vitamins and minerals as possible, but I know this will be difficult, and expensive. I figure that if I eat a bit more fibre in my diet, it may solve the constipation problem and even get rid of that horrible metallic taste in my mouth, so I’ve started to incorporate cereals and plenty of fruit into my diet. I’ve put on weight too as I haven’t thrown up from the morning sickness YET. But, I keep wondering when the time will come when the dreaded morning sickness will catch up with me. Is tasting metal in the mouth the start of it? I still look quite dull and grey too… I thought you were meant to glow during your pregnancy?
I am also feeling pretty rubbish and depressed. I can’t even wash up because the smell from the kitchen makes me feel sick. In fact, everything makes me feel sick. I can’t go outside because even the smell of nature makes me feel sick. I just want to curl into a ball and watch some meaningless TV. I constantly taste metal in my mouth. My mood swings are all over the place. I certainly don’t want to go to work… How long is this rubbish period going to last?
Whether you were planning on getting pregnant or it happened out of the blue, you are now two months and one week into the pregnancy journey already!
You should have had your first antenatal appointment about now, which is called your booking appointment.
At 9 weeks pregnant your pregnancy symptoms come and go – you may experience lots of changes or none at all, like feeling wiped out one minute then have a burst of energy the other. Pregnancy might increase saliva production too.
You may also be experiencing that horrible metal taste in the mouth. I have with all five pregnancies!
Have you thought of baby names yet? With our fourth, we picked our girl’s name at 38 weeks pregnant!
Have you thought about car seats yet? If not, don’t worry, I’m bringing out a car seat guide very soon so watch this space!
It might be a bit early but you may be thinking about giving birth already. Read up on all the different ways to give birth and ask your doctor about birth and delivery. You can also read lots of lovely birth stories here.
Take a picture of your belly if you haven’t done so already – a weekly picture is a lovely keepsake to have to watch you grow over the months.
At 9 weeks pregnant cramping, as long as it’s mild, is normal. If cramping becomes severe or you feel lower back pain then you must seek medical advice to rule out any other symptoms.
How to sleep at 9 weeks pregnant?
You are still ok to sleep on your front or back, but when your belly gets bigger you should start to sleep on your left side. This article will go through all the best ways to sleep while pregnant.
I’m 9 weeks pregnant – no symptoms. Is this normal?
Yes, this is also perfectly normal. Either your pregnancy symptoms have yet to manifest or you’re going to have a blissful pregnancy with no nausea or fatigue. Lucky you! Physically you won’t look pregnant but your tummy may stick out due to bloatedness.
Why am I bleeding at 9 weeks pregnant?
A similar question that was asked, was, ‘Why am I spotting at 9 weeks pregnant?’
Bleeding when 9 weeks pregnant or spotting when 9 weeks pregnant may not mean any danger signs but it’s always worth checking out. Speak to your doctor if you experience blood that is bright red or you’re soaking through a pad. If you have severe cramping with your bleeding then you must seek medical advice immediately.
What to expect at 9 weeks pregnant ultrasound
An early ultrasound is generally offered for reassurance if you’ve been spotting, bleeding or experienced any cramping. Your sonographer will check to see if you have any problems with the baby’s development and also look for haematoma or cuts in the cervix if you have been bleeding/spotting. Some spotting is normal during implantation but it’s worth checking to rule out any issues.
At 9 weeks pregnant what is the risk of miscarriage?
A similar question asked, was, ‘How safe is 9 weeks pregnant?’
One case looked at the risk of miscarriage during the pregnancy stages and found there was a 0.5% chance of miscarriage at 9 weeks pregnant. For women without symptoms the risk of miscarriage after attending a first antenatal visit between 6 and 11 weeks is low (1.6% or less).
What to eat at 9 weeks pregnant?
You should look to boost your vitamin D intake and add foods like eggs, oily fish and fortified foods. Make sure you take your prenatal vitamins and eat a varied balanced diet.
What fruit is a 9 weeks pregnant baby?
Your baby is the size of a small strawberry at 9 weeks! 🙂
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What causes metallic taste in mouth when pregnant?
Some pregnant women start to develop what is called Dysgeusia where there is a distortion in the sense of taste. It’s likely caused by pregnancy hormones and may cause you to hate the food you love or enjoy the foods you hate. Sometimes it causes this sour or metallic taste in the mouth, even if you’re not eating anything. As the pregnancy progresses, the metal mouth taste should fade too.
I’m feeling flutters at 9 weeks pregnant. Is this normal?
This is quite early to feel flutters. Generally women who have been pregnant before can feel baby moving as early as 13 weeks but for some mums it may not happen until 25 weeks. You may be experiencing gas at this point as you do produce an increased amount of gas in the belly thanks to those pesky pregnancy hormones again!
Why do I have diarrhoea when 9 weeks pregnant?
Diarrhoea is a common symptom of pregnancy as your body is undergoing hormonal fluctuations to accommodate your baby’s development. Increase your fluid to avoid dehydration and monitor how long it lasts. If you constantly experience diarrhea then you may need to speak to your doctor to find ways to curb the symptom.
How to get rid of bad taste in mouth during pregnancy?
There’s not much you can do to get rid of that horrible metallic taste in your mouth as it’s most likely down to pregnancy hormones but utswmed.org have some tricks you could try:
Eat what you can and don’t feel bad if you have to avoid certain foods
Counteract that metallic taste with acids like lemonade, citrus juices, and foods marinated in vinegar (I can vouch for this – I hate whole lemons during the first trimester!)
Brush your tongue along with your teeth and rinse with mild salt or baking soda solution
Change your prenatal vitamin. Some cause more metal mouth than others
Note: These are just general ideas of how you and your baby are getting on. Don’t forget that every baby develops differently. If you are concerned about your baby’s development, please consult your midwife.
It had started to finally sink in that I was pregnant now… I felt bloated and my stomach stuck out like a balloon that was about to pop. I had also started to develop a strong aversion to meat, alcohol, cigarette smoke and, interestingly, washing up liquid, which my sister would constantly poke fun at as my way of getting out of the washing up. Hmm… come to think of it, I did feel a bit queasy when I turned on the hoover the other day…
I had managed to acquire the skill of sleeping standing up as well. I don’t think I had ever napped as much as I did in the last eight weeks – I would come home from work at 7 pm and sleep until 11 pm, only to wake up to drag myself to bed.
Another side effect of the pregnancy was nagging constipation, which seemed to be constant and frustrating. I tried everything, from prune juice (which was disgusting) to laxatives, but the struggle continued. This was definitely not an enjoyable part of the pregnancy at all. And, just in case the constipation wasn’t enough, I also had back pain in the form of wind and, at work, I had to keep running to the toilet, just to make sure I didn’t embarrass myself in front of my co-workers. Oh, and did you know that you’re also a human faucet when you’re pregnant and there’s no way of controlling it? The multiple pregnancy sources say that your kidneys are working more efficiently now, which is why you have to pee all the time. I had to tell work that it was my ‘condition’ that made me keep going to the loo, before they started to think that something was seriously wrong with me.
Travelling home with a bulging bladder was very difficult to deal with, especially when the tube was experiencing delays and I was deep in the throes of rush hour. The place was packed full of people pushing and shoving to grab a seat on the train. I wish I had a pregnancy bump so people would just let me have a seat, but I didn’t look pregnant at all, and I didn’t have the guts to ask someone to get up and offer me a seat. Mind you, a while back, a woman had actually asked me to vacate my seat on the tube because she was pregnant, but she didn’t look like she had a bump. I didn’t even question it and offered her my seat, even though I was carrying three heavy bags at the time and the man next to me was available and carrying no baggage. I remembered feeling quite peeved at the man for not offering his seat to the lady. So, I suffered quietly for an hour, wedged between two people, and squeezed my legs in the hope that I wouldn’t burst my bladder and pee on myself before I got home.
Your baby is now called a foetus and is still in the amniotic sac, getting nourishment from the yolk sac
The placenta is continuing to develop
The embryonic tail has almost disappeared
All the organs, muscles and nerves are beginning to function.
The legs are forming cartilage and lengthening
Your baby’s hands now begin to bend at the wrist and the feet are losing their webbed appearance
Eyes may appear open as the eyelids have started to grow, but haven’t fused yet. Eyes won’t properly open until around week 26
Your pregnancy signs and symptoms
You have probably missed your second period now.
Your figure may be changing now and you may need bigger bras.
Some women experience a little light bleeding during the early weeks of pregnancy. Always mention this to your midwife or GP, particularly if the bleeding continues and you get stomach pain
Your womb is the size of a lemon now
You’re probably feeling tired and your breasts are sore and enlarged
You probably feel the need to pass urine more often than usual
You may start to feel sick too
Your next steps
Contact your GP/midwife if you experience any spotting, whether that is brown or red blood – it’s probably nothing, but it’s better to be safe than sorry!
If you haven’t done so already, it may be worth getting your breasts fitted for maternity bras
If you’re feeling constipated – prune juice works a treat!
Note: These are just general ideas of how you and your baby are getting on. Don’t forget that every baby develops differently. If you are concerned about your baby’s development, please consult your midwife.
It wasn’t the most ideal of situations, but I had quit my permanent legal job back in February because I was struggling to find the motivation to enjoy the thankless stress and endless hours. So, I decided to take a few months off to sort my head out and rethink my career. About three months after the soul searching, I found out that I was pregnant…
Scared at the thought of an additional mouth to feed and only one income to live on, I searched high and low for any temp jobs that would cover my finances until birth and I finally found a full-time role at a legal consultancy in Mayfair. I felt relieved that I could contribute some sort of income, which I could at least add to savings when I wasn’t able to work anymore. But, after enjoying a few months of a relaxed, unemployed lifestyle and getting up late every day, the first day of waking up early to travel to Central London via underground was exhausting! I hadn’t even thought about the possibility that my new pregnancy was the culprit for my permanent zombie-like state, but I didn’t think the early starts and late finishes had helped much either.
It had felt like a long time since I had been on the tube and the hordes of people were making me feel slow and heavy. I had been working in the City for three years prior, so I was used to the hustle and bustle of London. But right now I just needed silence and space, and the reality was quite the opposite. Weaving in and out, past the commuters on their way to work was quite a chore and I was glad to finally reach the building where I would start my temporary placement. I immediately got to work, reviewing some legal documents and reading up on the company I was working for. It was only the beginning of the work day, but all I wanted to do was sleep, and a male employee next to me was chatting away and staring at me as if to expect a response, but I hadn’t listened to a word he had said. I just couldn’t focus or shake off this strange zonked out feeling. I wasn’t feeling sick or anything, just… weird. I tried to carry on as normal, but, by the afternoon, after rather a lot of questionable looks from other members of staff, I had to tell people that I was pregnant. I was greeted with a chorus of ‘ooooooohs’ and ‘aaaaahs’, and then the questions started.
“How many weeks pregnant are you?”
“Do you know the sex of the baby?”
“How do you feel?”
“Any cravings yet?”
It was nice that they cared, but I just wanted the room to be quiet, so I could stay hidden – in fact, I really wanted to sleep! I had read somewhere, through my thorough research that I was supposed to glow, but all I could see was grey skin in front of the mirror. Where was this glow that these internet sources promised me?
I started noticing a change in my sense of smell too. When hubby fried some eggs in the morning, I had to walk out of the room because the smell was so overbearing that it made me nauseous. This was definitely a pregnancy symptom because I love eggs.
On Friday, hubby headed off to the pub after work and asked me if I wanted to join him. I would have normally jumped at the chance, but after a very long first week back at work, my tired bones just wanted to sleep. When I got home, I instantly regretted not going with hubby, as the pangs of loneliness and depression started kicking in. It was the first time I had stayed at home on a Friday night by myself. Instead of wallowing in pity, however, I decided to invite my best mate over for some Mexican takeaway and SingStar.
I couldn’t touch any of the strong Mexican food, despite the fact that I was starving before the food had arrived. This was becoming quite a regular occurrence now and it was driving me mad. My eyes were hungry, but my unborn baby would be like, “Nope, not eating that!” So I would end up wasting so much food. I managed to coax my foetus into snacking on dry, bland nachos, which was actually a vast improvement to the bland toast and ginger biscuits that I’d managed to eat until now.
Having my best mate over for some takeaway and games had cheered me up a lot. I managed to forget about being pregnant for a little while, despite the occasional bouts of nausea when watching her scoff the Mexican food. When she had left for home, hubby had popped through the door in his drunken self and crashed out on my lap. Quite honestly, I felt like doing the same. I couldn’t believe something so small was having such an effect on me. I read, on one of the websites, that the baby was only the size of a grape, so I was surprised that this little grape had completely knackered me. But I love grapes all the same.
A fun fact – Your baby is the size of a grape!
Check me out talking about what will happen to your body during pregnancy on the NHS website here!
Your baby has grown to about 10mm long, from crown (head) to rump (bottom)
The head and brain is starting to grow rapidly
The inner ear starts to develop now
The nervous system is now starting to take shape and the nerve cells continue to multiply
The black dots that are the baby’s eyes are now visible on an ultrasound
You
You won’t feel it, but your baby is moving around in your belly!
Your emotions might be swinging up and down at the moment due to the changing level of hormones in your body. This is very normal in the early stages of pregnancy
Still, continue your moderate exercise if you have done so before because this helps relieve stress of the pregnancy on your body – it also clears the cobwebs a little bit and gives you a bit more energy. Speak to your midwife/GP first to confirm you can exercise.
Don’t take up any contact sport!
Try and eat well and keep yourself fit and healthy during these early stages of pregnancy
You may want to start telling friends and family – it is your choice
Making sure you’re eating all the right foods for the baby to develop well
Think about getting the flu shot if it’s flu season – it’s worse to get the flu during pregnancy!
Get in some light exercise if your GP/midwife has cleared it – it helps with the nausea
Take your prenatal vitamins if you are not doing so already
Note: These are just general ideas of how you and your baby are getting on. Don’t forget that every baby develops differently. If you are concerned about your baby’s development, please consult your midwife.
