Week 15

Second Trimester

Sensing the World

Baby is beginning to sense light and may respond to sounds outside the womb. Development is accelerating beautifully.

This week's tip

💡 Your skin may be stretching and changing — a gentle moisturizer or oil massaged into your belly each evening can help with itching and keeps skin supple.

Baby this week

🍎

About the size of

an apple

Length

10.1 cm

Weight

70 g

Development

  • Baby can sense light — if you shine a flashlight on your belly, baby may move away.
  • Ears are in their final position and baby can hear muffled sounds.
  • Baby is practicing breathing by inhaling amniotic fluid.
  • Joints and limbs are fully moveable.
  • Taste buds are developing.

How you might feel

  • Your belly is becoming more noticeably rounded.
  • You may experience nosebleeds or bleeding gums due to increased blood flow.
  • Heartburn may become more persistent.
  • Some women notice their skin darkening in places (hyperpigmentation).

Things to do this week

  • Talk and sing to your baby — they can hear you
  • Consider a belly band or maternity clothing as your bump grows
  • Schedule dental checkup — oral health is important in pregnancy
  • Drink plenty of water and eat fiber-rich foods to manage constipation

When to contact your care team

This is general guidance, not medical advice.

  • Contact your care team if you experience severe heartburn or difficulty swallowing.

Partner tip

Talk to the bump — it may feel silly, but baby can begin to recognize voices, and it helps you bond too.