15 weeks pregnant

15 Weeks Pregnant: Your Baby’s Development

Hair today. By the end of the 15th week of pregnancy, your little one's scalp hair pattern will be established for life. Some hair might begin to sprout, although it's usually not evident for a few more weeks. Of course, this is no guarantee that your baby will be born with a full head of hair; some babies stay bald until several months after birth. Ultrafine, soft hair called lanugo is also appearing over your little one's entire body. This downy hair protects the delicate skin from the amniotic fluid and usually disappears just before or after birth.

Thin-skinned. By 15th week of pregnancy, underneath that lanugo is a fine layer of skin through which you can see blood vessels, which are already transporting blood. Mouth development continues — your little one may even be sucking on a thumb right now — and facial movements are a regular occurrence at 15 weeks pregnant.

15 Weeks Pregnant: Your Symptoms

Power surge. Many women report feeling energized in the 15th week of pregnancy. If you're one of the fortunate ones with that extra oomph, enjoy it! Take a walk, plant some flowers, or start planning the baby's room.

Not so swell. Now is also the time when you may start to notice some mild swelling, called edema, in your extremities. Swollen feet and ankles are the most common, but you may also experience some swelling in your hands, causing the rings on your fingers to fit more tightly. Edema occurs when fluid is pushed from the bloodstream into the soft tissues. As with many pregnancy complaints, it's caused by the increased blood circulating through your body and the pressure of your growing uterus on the pelvic veins. These remedies for swollen hands & feet during pregnancy can give you instant relief.

Prevention strategies. The best way to prevent edema is through mild exercise: a walk, a swim, a yoga class. Also, rest frequently with your feet elevated and be sure to drink plenty of water every day. If you experience anything more than a little fullness in your feet or hands, or if you also have puffiness in your face or eyes, contact your healthcare provider. Read on for some more pregnancy warning signs that are worth contacting your doctor about.

15 Weeks Pregnant: Your Checklist

• Help prevent swelling by walking, swimming, or doing yoga

• Rest frequently with your feet elevated and be sure to drink plenty of water.

• Investigate maternity leave options at your workplace. Get week-by-week expert tips on pregnancy to keep track of your baby’s development & to ensure well-being of both you & your baby during entire nine months journey!

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