Body & Life Changes
How is my body changing?
At week 15 of pregnancy baby development, you might want to consider wearing maternity clothes now. It is normal to lose or not gain weight at all during the first trimester. This is due to nausea and fatigue. But for trimester two, you will start to notice an increase in weight gain. It is recommended to gain at least a half-pound or one pound per week. At the same time, your breasts and nipples get bigger. This is because of the developing milk ducts and mammary glands for breastfeeding.
As your body adjusts, your emotions may also shift. You might feel anxious or elated as you begin to notice visible changes. An increase in libido is expected since you are gaining your energy back. Check-in with your doctor first before engaging in intercourse for safety measures.
What should I be concerned about?
At week 15 pregnancy baby development, noticeable weight changes are expected. The key is to gain slowly and steadily. The rapid increase in gained weight can lead to complications and health risks. You should also be aware of the following symptoms you might experience:
- Heartburn and indigestion: Hormones allow the muscular valve between your esophagus and stomach to relax. Heartburn is caused by this acid reflux. Moreover, acids are likely to be pushed upward since your growing uterus now crowds the abdomen. Indigestion, on the other hand, can be a result of an increase in appetite. You are hungrier now that your energy level is slowly increasing. Avoid gastrointestinal discomfort by eating meals in the right portions. Your body is still adjusting now that there are two to feed. You might want to avoid spicy and greasy food so as not to upset your stomach further.
- Nosebleeds: Hormones can induce inflammation in the body resulting in nosebleeds. This can also be caused by blood flow increase and sensitive nasal passages due to broken blood vessels.
- Swollen gums: Teeth and gums are more sensitive during pregnancy. The increase in blood flow can cause gums to swell and bleed. Go on regular dental visits to minimize risks of gum disease. Brush your teeth properly and make flossing part of your dental routine.
- Hyperemesis gravidarum: Symptoms such as fatigue and morning sickness are not as prominent during week 15 of pregnancy baby development. However, some may experience severe vomiting that requires hospitalization. Hyperemesis gravidarum is usually accompanied by dehydration, weight loss, and electrolyte disturbances. It also causes complications and perinatal outcomes like premature birth or low birth weight according to a 2018 study.
Your Doctor Visits
What should I tell my doctor?
Your next doctor’s visits from week 15 of pregnancy baby development are crucial. At this early stage, you might want to ask your doctor about preeclampsia. This condition develops late in trimester two but you might show symptoms already. These include high blood pressure and severe swelling of hands and face. Your doctor might recommend taking small doses of aspirin to minimize the risk. Moreover, contact your doctor if you experience the following. These are symptoms of premature labor:
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