Fetal development in pregnancy week 15:
Your baby now weighs in at about 1 ¾ ounces and is about 4 inches long. Finally the growth of the body is catching up with the head so that they the baby doesn’t look so top heavy.
The hair follicles begin to make pigment for dark haired babies and their bodies are completely covered with lanugo, fine hairs that protect the skin. These hairs will disappear before birth, usually. Hearing is becoming more sensitive and if you play music or sing your baby can hear it. Loud noises can startle the baby at this point in time. The heart is still pumping away, practicing for the larger volume of blood it will pump when born.
Babies are practicing inhaling and exhaling movements. Fingernails are completely produced and the legs are getting longer than the arms. The skeleton is getting harder and taking in calcium quickly. Muscles are developing, as is the very thin skin.
If you are going to have a triple test or amniocentesis this is the time frame for these tests. Check with your health practitioner to see if either of these procedures are right for you.
Maternal Changes
By now you are excited not only by your size but also the thought of carrying your precious cargo around. By pregnancy at fifteen weeks you may once again start noticing some new and bizarre side effects of pregnancy. Some women for example start experiencing excessive salivation by around 15 weeks pregnant. Still others start noticing they are more prone to stuffy noses right around 15 weeks pregnant. Stuffy noses often result from swelling of the mucous membranes in the nose, more so than colds. A bad cold can certainly contribute to a stuffy nose though, so be sure to wash your hands and get plenty of rest to help promote your health and boost your immune system!
Most pregnant women’s immune systems are slightly less strong during pregnancy. This provides a safer and better environment for your baby. Unfortunately this also means you are more susceptible to some common ailments during pregnancy. Take good care to eat well, get plenty of rest and exercise when possible to promote your health and well being. If you are sidelined by a cold take some time off to recuperate.
Aside from colds, some women find they are more susceptible to urinary tract infections as their pregnancy continues week by week. Urinary tract infections are a common albeit unwelcome side effect of pregnancy, much like morning sickness. They are easier for pregnant women to get because the muscles supporting the ureters tend to relax during pregnancy which can slow the flow of urine and contribute to bacterial growth.
Your healthcare provider usually tests for urinary tract infections during your first prenatal visit. If you don’t have a UTI at this time it is not too likely you will develop one later one. You may however, so it is important you are aware of any unusual symptoms including pain when urinating, abdominal discomfort or a frequent urge to urinate with little production. Blood in the urine is also a sign of a urinary tract infection. It is vital you report any symptoms you are having immediately as UTIs can lead to severe complications during pregnancy.
Dad
If mom is raiding your closet for clothes, you are not alone. However, there are products out there that you can try to help her extend the life of her prepregnancy clothes that don’t involved pins, rubber bands or stealing your clothes!
Maternity Clothes
Breastfeeding is hard enough without having to worry about finding clothes that will work. Fortunately, there are a variety of maternity outfits that help make breastfeeding much easier. The newest styles for the upcoming season at Destination Maternity are readily available to help make feeding your baby easier. Many women start looking for breastfeeding maternity wear while still pregnant, particularly nursing or maternity bras. This is an exceptional idea, particularly if you find your breasts growing and in need of more support during your pregnancy. Your breastfeeding experience should be easy, feminine and above all else comfortable.
Think cotton is the best choice for your nursing bra? Think again. Over time cotton can stretch out or lose its shape. When looking for nursing bras to complement breastfeeding, consider a bra with a cotton/Lycra or spandex and nylon blend. Don’t forget nursing covers for when you are going out in public. These come in a variety of colors and styles, and they will make breastfeeding in public much more comfortable.
Pregnancy Health Tips
In general, taking any form of medication during pregnancy is not recommended until it is absolutely necessary. Some women, however, will need to take a course of antibiotics during pregnancy. There are times when the benefits of taking a medication outweigh the risks associated with it.
Generally medications are assigned to certain categories that describe how safe or unsafe they are to use during pregnancy.
Category A medications are generally considered safe, and thus far have not proven harmful to the developing fetus during pregnancy. Only a few medications fall into this category, among them Mycostatin, a cream used for yeast infections.
Category B medications are medications that have no known association with birth defects or pregnancy related complications. They are considered safe. These include many antibiotics that can be used to treat infection in pregnancy, such as amoxicillin, ampicillin, zovirax, zithromax and clotrimazole-vaginal to name a few.
Category C medications are those that may or may not be safe. There simply isn’t enough information about them to form definitive conclusions, however there are also no confirmed reports of links to birth defects in humans. Included among these are: cipro, monistat, terazol, isonizid and certain vaccines.
Category D medications are contraindicated in pregnancy and associated with very distinct problems including birth defects. Among these drugs include the following: tetracycline, minocin and sulfa drugs.
Be sure that you discuss any condition you have with your doctor.You should understand the benefits and risks of any medication you take during your pregnancy.
Twin Tips
Tests like the quad screen may be altered because of a multiple pregnancy. In fact, for some women, this is how their twin pregnancy will be diagnosed. If you already knew that there was more than one, be sure that they use the appropriate scale for the measuring the test.