Mom and Baby at 15 Weeks Pregnant

BABY DEVELOPMENT

Your little bundle of joy continues to grow strong. At 15 weeks pregnant, he/she is around 4 inches long from crown to rump (about the size of an apple or orange), and weighs 2.5 ounces. Can you believe how fast your little one has grown? Since last week, he/she has gained 1 ounce and has grown 1.5 centimeters!

• By 15 weeks pregnant, your baby's spinal cord (which started developing in the first trimester) is now completely formed. But don't stop taking your folic acid, just because the spinal cord is developed. Folic acid is important for other areas of your baby's development, so you should continue taking it throughout the rest of your pregnancy!
• During this week, the bones in your baby's body are starting to harden, changing from cartilage to bone as it calcifies. This process is called "ossification," and it will continue throughout the rest of your pregnancy.
• Your baby's arms are now long enough that he/she can stretch them in front of his/her face. His/her hands are also developing, and he/she has distinct fingers and fingertips at pregnancy week 15.
• If you were to sneak a peek inside your uterus this week, you'd notice that your baby's skin is transparent and you can see the blood vessels underneath.
• Your "bun in the oven" is spending most of his/her time practicing breathing exercises by inhaling and exhaling the amniotic fluid that surrounds him/her. This "breathing" helps your baby's air sacs develop through your pregnancy.

Fun Fact:

Although your baby's eyelids are fused shut at 15 weeks, he/she can sense light. So if you were to shine a flashlight at your stomach, your little one would probably away from the light. (Unfortunately, it's too soon for you to feel his/her movement. You will have to wait a few more weeks.)

MOM'S PREGNANCY SYMPTOMS

During pregnancy week 15, you may notice that you have a more bloated abdomen. You may even look pregnant _ some women "show" sooner than others. Your uterus has either already risen, or it is starting to rise past your hipbone.

So far, you may have gained anywhere between 5 to 10 pounds. You will continue to gain at least a pound or two as your pregnancy continues. If you're a normal sized woman, remember you should aim to gain between 25 and 35 pounds by the time your baby is ready to be born.

You may start to feel more pregnant at 15 weeks and onward. You might also be more gassy and bloated than usual, due to the higher levels of progesterone (a hormone) relaxing the muscles in your gastrointestinal tract. To prevent gas, you might want to avoid certain foods that may trigger it, such as carbonated sodas, pasta, and beans. You can also get gas relief by eating smaller meals throughout the day, instead of three big meals.

This week, you may notice that your feet and ankles are rather swollen. Water retention during pregnancy is quite common, though uncomfortable.

Fun Fact:

Talk to your baby this week. Your baby's ears are developing in the second trimester, and he/she may be able to hear you. This is a wonderful way for you to bond with your baby, and it's a fun activity too!

PREGNANCY 411

Water Retention (Edema) During Pregnancy

Did you know that it's normal for your feet and ankles to swell during pregnancy? This is called "edema," and it occurs when excess fluid collects in your tissues. Mild foot and ankle swelling is normal when you're expecting.

Edema, or swelling, is caused by multiple factors. For one, your body retains more fluid and produces about 50 percent more blood and fluids during pregnancy. In addition, as your uterus expands, it places pressure on your veins, which make it harder for the blood in your lower extremities (i.e. ankles and feet) to return to the heart. With this increased pressure on the veins, it pushes the fluid and water into your tissues.

Certain conditions can make your swelling worse. This includes not drinking enough water, hot or humid weather, standing for long periods of time, and consuming too many salty or highly processed foods.

You can improve your edema by:

• Avoid standing, or sitting with your feet on the ground, for too long. When it's possible, sit with your feet propped up. When you're lying down, keep your legs elevated with pillows.
• Don't cross your legs or ankles when you're sitting down.
• Sleep on your side. Buying a pregnancy pillow may help make this more comfortable for you. Maternity pillows are designed to accommodate your unique pregnancy size.
• Keep cool. It may help to apply cold-water compresses to the swollen areas.
• Exercise regularly. You may want to take a daily walk, swim laps in a pool, or even ride a stationary bike.
• Avoid wearing clothes that are too tight or uncomfortable.
• Keep hydrated throughout the day. Dehydration can make your swelling worse.
• Soak in water. You may want to soak in a swimming pool or a tub. Being immersed in water will temporary reduce your edema, especially if the water level is near your shoulders.

Although more common in the third trimester, edema can also occur in the second trimester. It's normal for you to experience swelling in your hands, ankles, and feet. You should call your doctor if you experience excessive or sudden swelling in your feet or ankles, if your face starts to swell, or if you notice puffiness around your eyes. These could all be signs of preeclampsia (high blood pressure and protein in your urine) - a serious pregnancy complication.

Dr. James W. Brann, M.D., is a retired obstetrician and gynecologist and editor of Women's Healthcare Topics. When you read "Mom and Baby at 15 Weeks Pregnant ", you know it is accurate and has been approved by an experienced obstetrician/gynecologist. Dr. Brann has written many articles about 15 weeks pregnant that are great references.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=James_Brann,_MD
http://EzineArticles.com/?Mom-and-Baby-at-15-Weeks-Pregnant&id=5123256