15 Weeks Pregnant
What’s happening this week?
You’re now 15 weeks pregnant. Importantly this week, find out what medication is safe during pregnancy and what you need to avoid.
How is my baby developing?
At 15 weeks pregnant, your baby is busy practicing breathing, by inhaling and exhaling amniotic fluid. This will help your baby’s lungs to develop. Taste buds are forming in the tongue and your baby can now sense light.
Legs continue to lengthen and your baby is able to move all of his joints.
If you go for an ultrasound at 15 weeks pregnant, you may be able to see if you’re having a boy or a girl, but this may not be possible if your baby is in a difficult position.
Your baby now measures about 10 cm long and weighs about 70 grams.
15 weeks pregnant symptoms; How is my body changing?
By 15 weeks pregnant, your uterus has expanded past your hipbone and now sits about 5 cm below your belly button. You probably gained about 5-7 pounds, a little more if you’re carrying twins.
Your energy levels are up, but you may be feeling some unpleasant symptoms of pregnancy, including gas and feeling bloated, insomnia and difficulty sleeping, leg cramps during the night, heartburn during pregnancy, excessive salivation, nose bleeds and blocked and runny noses.
You’re probably starting to feel anxious or stressed about what’s coming with the new baby. Try not to worry as this may be dangerous for your baby. Make sure you have plenty of rest and enjoy your pregnancy!
What medications are safe during pregnancy?
You should not take any medication, unless absolutely essential and prescribed by your doctor. Also, make sure you inform your doctor of any prescriptions or any natural products you take.
Just because it’s natural, doesn’t mean it’s safe for your baby. General medications are classed into 4 categories to describe their safe use during pregnancy:
- Category A: safe during pregnancy. Includes, for example, folic acid pills.
- Category B: probably safe, but requires further studies. Includes, for example, antibiotics such as amoxicillin, ampicillin, and others.
- Category C: may not be safe, but there is not enough information. This group includes certain vaccines.
- Category D: not safe during pregnancy and linked to birth defects. It includes strong medication for controlling blood pressure and heart conditions.
