Your Pregnancy at Week 15

You should now be able to feel your growing uterus sneaking up and out of the pelvis, giving you a noticeable bump. It may now be time to change your sleeping position - sleeping on your front may not be particularly comfortable anymore. 

The recommended sleeping position for pregnancy, is on your left side as this allows for optimal blood flow for both you and baby. After 28 weeks of pregnancy, it is recommended that you avoid sleeping on your back or laying on your back for extended periods of time.

Don't worry if you cannot see or feel your bump yet as baby appears over the pubic bone at different points in pregnancy - it will come! If you can already see your tummy growing, now may be a good time to start taking some bump pictures for the album!

You may be feeling like you are full of energy and may notice an increase in your sex drive - on the other hand, you may feel the complete opposite! As always, everyone is different. In the UK, dental care is free, as are prescriptions throughout pregnancy and for the first year following your baby's arrival. 

So now is a good time to register with a dentist, if you aren't already, and book yourself a checkup. Your teeth can take a little bit of a hammering in pregnancy, so it's important to look after your pearly whites - brush and floss regularly! It's also worth noting that bleeding gums and nose bleeds can also occur during pregnancy, which is attributed to the increase in blood volume.         

Increased energy: You might notice a surge in your energy levels this week, as the fatigue of the first trimester starts to fade away. This newfound energy can be a welcome relief, allowing you to tackle daily tasks with more energy!

Increased libido: Some women experience a boost in their sex drive during the second trimester. This can be due to hormonal changes or increased blood flow to the pelvic region, leading to heightened sensations and desire for intimacy with your partner.

Increased appetite: As your baby continues to grow, your body may require more nourishment, resulting in an increased appetite. This is normal and it’s important to provide adequate nutrients for both you and your baby's development!

Round Ligament Pain: As your uterus expands to accommodate your growing baby, you may experience discomfort or sharp pains in your lower abdomen or groin area. This is often due to stretching of the round ligaments that support the uterus and is a normal part of pregnancy. Gentle stretching exercises and changing positions can help alleviate this discomfort.

Nasal congestion and/or nosebleeds: Hormonal changes during pregnancy can lead to swelling of the nasal passages, resulting in congestion and occasional nosebleeds. Increased blood volume and circulation can also contribute to this symptom. Speak to your midwife or GP if these are heavy nosebleeds or happening regularly.

Constipation: Hormonal changes and the pressure exerted by the growing uterus on the intestines can slow down the digestive system, leading to constipation in some people. Increasing fibre intake, staying hydrated, and engaging in regular physical activity can help alleviate this discomfort! Head here for more on constipation during pregnancy.

Heartburn and/or indigestion: The hormonal changes during pregnancy can relax the valve between your oesophagus and stomach, allowing stomach acids to flow back up, causing a burning sensation known as heartburn. Indigestion may also occur due to the slower digestion process. Here’s more on heartburn during pregnancy.

Larger Breasts: Your breasts may continue to increase in size and become fuller as your body prepares for breastfeeding. You may also notice changes in your breast tissue, such as tenderness or sensitivity. Wearing a supportive bra and practicing good posture can help with any discomfort you’re feeling.

Remember to take care of yourself and speak to your GP or midwife for any concerns or questions about your symptoms during this exciting time!

Newborns can seem incredibly small and fragile. This causes many new parents to worry - obsessively worry - about everything, like their baby's fragile, paper-thin fingernails, which often tear too easily, and those teensy, tiny toes, which make peas look more like marbles. 

But babies are very resilient, especially when you consider their journey through the birth canal, which will even turn the shape of a few babies’ heads into a temporary cone! While you certainly don't have to worry about breaking your baby during a nappy change, there are some things you can do to keep your little one safe. And it never hurts to be prepared.

Look into infant CPR training. Parents who learn the basics of CPR may feel more prepared for any potential emergency. Plus, it you may find it easier to participate in a class like this now, before you have a large belly or a new baby in tow. Once your baby arrives, you'll be happy for the days you're able to find enough time to take a shower and wash a few dishes. Meaning, the time you'll need to take a reoccurring class may be even harder to come across.

Keep safety in mind as you put your nursery together. This means the bassinet your great-great-grandfather slept in, albeit a family heirloom, should not be reused if there's a fraction of possibility your little one could get trapped between its railings. Everything you purchase, everything previously used and/or handed down to you, should meet the present-day safety recommendations. 

Due to health concerns and safety issues, there are a few major items you should avoid borrowing or buying if they've been previously used, gently used, or are "like new." For example, experts recommend you always purchase new mattresses, car seats, cribs, and breast pumps.

Are you planning to paint walls in a nursery? Make sure you choose a brand of paint approved for pregnant women because, similar to why you shouldn't be changing the kitty's litter, certain paints have chemical fumes that can be harmful to your unborn baby. It is impossible to eliminate all possible safety hazards in a home, but research and preparation can help you to focus on the things you can do to keep baby safe. Of course, you still won't be safe from nappy explosions!