15-weeks pregnant: baby development and diet tips
Though your baby is still inside you, this is the week where everything gets set up for their sense of smell. Read more about what to expect during week 15 of pregnancy.
Baby development
Their thorax – their chest, basically - begins to rise and fall. They are irregular movements for the moment. It may be through this mechanism that their olfactory system starts to “smell” your environment, driven by the aromatic molecules in the amniotic fluid. However, your baby won’t really perceive odours for real until the seventh month, when their nervous system is sufficiently mature.
Your body
Your baby should be making their appearance in about 24 weeks. You may be feeling wonderful, thrilled to be pregnant and full of energy. Conversely, you might be feeling a bit overwhelmed, like your body is not your own. Both scenarios are totally normal. If the latter is true for you and you are also feeling a bit blue, talk to your doctor about it. They may have some solutions or be able to provide support to help you feel more yourself.
Nutrition
Feeling a bit ‘clogged up’? Constipation is a common problem during pregnancy. To prevent or ease constipation, drink plenty of water and eat foods rich in fibre, such as fresh whole fruits and vegetables, whole-grains and legumes. Don’t strain or push during bowel movements and maintain your physical activity. Speak to your doctor if you are feeling like you are constipated.
Tips
Moderate physical activity during pregnancy is recommended for healthy women. Exercise can help to maintain healthy pregnancy weight gain, as well as to improve constipation.
References
Health Link BC. Pregnancy: Hemorrhoids and Constipation. Pregnancy: Hemorrhoids and Constipation | HealthLink BC Accessed September 2021.
Public Health Agency of Canada. Physical activity during pregnancy. Physical activity during pregnancy - Canada.ca Accessed September 2021.
Related articles
A Good Pre-Conception, Pregnancy, and Post-Pregnancy Diet
Even before you conceive, every bite counts. Wait, that’s a lot to consider, right? Don’t worry, this healthy eating breakdown serves up diet information that will matter to you.
6 mins to read
7-weeks pregnant: baby development and diet tips
Your baby is already a pretty impressive 18 mm long. Though you won’t feel it yet, they’re on the move.
Read more about this week.
2 mins to read
24-weeks pregnant: baby development and diet tips
Can you feel the baby reacting to noises and your caresses yet? Towards the end of the second trimester is when some women report that this starts to happen, so be on the lookout.
3 mins to read
40-weeks pregnant: baby development and diet tips
Time’s up! You are now feeling very ready to meet your baby. Most babies arrive between 37 and 42 weeks of pregnancy. Hang in there if your baby hasn’t arrived yet!
2 mins to read
7 simple food swaps to consider before you get pregnant
Eating well now can have a positive impact on your pregnancy, as well as a lasting effect on your baby’s health.
4 mins to read
19-weeks pregnant: baby development and diet tips
Your little lodger weighs between 300 and 400 grams – weigh a grapefruit in your hand and that’s about how heavy they are. Read more to learn how baby looks at 19 weeks of pregnancy.
3 mins to read
35-weeks pregnant: baby development and diet tips
In about a month, you’ll be holding that little bundle of joy in your arms. Until then, there’s still lots of polishing and refinement going on inside you.
3 mins to read
Gestational diabetes symptoms
10 essential questions about gestational diabetes answered
6 mins to read
Did you know?
A mom-to-be does not need to eat for two
1 min to read
13-weeks pregnant: baby development and diet tips
The start of your second trimester is the start of lots of new developmental milestones for your baby. Read more about what to expect at 13 weeks of pregnancy.
2 mins to read
30-weeks pregnant: baby development and diet tips
Every day, your baby develops more, getting ready to make an entrance into the world in just under 10 weeks. Has it gone fast or is the time creeping by for you? Every mom feels it differently.
3 mins to read
8-weeks pregnant: baby development and diet tips
About the size of a robin’s egg, your little one measures about 30 mm long. Learn more about this week.
2 mins to read
25-weeks pregnant: baby development and diet tips
Two more weeks left of the second trimester. You are gearing up for the home stretch. Read more to learn what to expect during week 25 of pregnancy
2 mins to read
5 of the top nutrients your baby needs now
Learn more about the essential nutrients your baby needs now and how to choose your food wisely while you’re pregnant.
1 min to read
3-weeks pregnant: baby development and diet
You’re at the very beginning of the journey. You can’t see anything yet, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t a whole lot going on.
4 mins to read
20-weeks pregnant: baby development and diet tips
There’s so much going on in your belly this week that you may want to take a little nap after reading about it! Read more about this week.
3 mins to read
36-weeks pregnant: baby development and diet tips
From now until they make their grand entrance, your baby will continue to grow. They are already 45 cm long and weigh about 2.9 kg! Read more about this week.
3 mins to read
Pregnancy and dietary considerations
Pregnancy is exciting, exhilarating and totally different for every woman.
4 mins to read
14-weeks pregnant: baby development and diet tips
Your baby is about the size of a grapefruit! Have you felt them move or kick yet? If not, you should be able to in the next weeks! Read more about this exciting time.
2 mins to read
