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
Healthy Pregnancy Diet & Nutrition
Expecting a child gives new meaning to eating a well-balanced diet.
4 mins to read
29-weeks pregnant: baby development and diet tips
As you inch your way towards the finish line – you will be giving birth in about ten weeks! – your baby is still growing by leaps and bounds, and even opening their eyes wide now.
2 mins to read
9-weeks pregnant: baby development and diet tips
Two hearts beat as one, as the song says. In actual fact, your baby’s heart is beating just fine on its own. Read more about this week.
3 mins to read
How to program your child’s future health
What to eat during pregnancy to give your baby the best start in life.
4 mins to read
Did you know?
A mom-to-be does not need to eat for two
1 min to read
23-weeks pregnant: baby development and diet tips
Your baby’s feet are now 4.5 to 5cm in length now, and they weigh considerably over 700g. You have got around 16 more weeks to go! Read more to learn what to expect in 23 weeks of pregnancy.
3 mins 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
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
17-weeks pregnant: baby development and diet tips
Your little one now weighs more than 200g and is looking more and more like a “real” baby every day. Read more to learn what to expect during week 17 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
10-weeks pregnant: baby development and diet tips
You are already at week 10 of your pregnancy. Still another 29 weeks to go before you get to meet your little love. Learn more about what’s going on this week.
3 mins to read
Your pregnancy snack selector
Moms-to-be in their second and third trimesters need to think about adding a few more calories to their diets — make them healthy ones with these nutritious snack ideas.
3 mins to read
Pregnancy and dietary considerations
Pregnancy is exciting, exhilarating and totally different for every woman.
4 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
Healthy pregnancy diet: What to eat and avoid
A healthy, well-balanced diet is beneficial for you and the baby growing in your belly, but some nutrients are critical for the healthy growth and development of your baby.
8 mins to read
4-weeks pregnant: baby development and diet advice
Almost one month already! There are lots of things happening inside you this week.
3 mins to read
37-weeks pregnant: baby development and diet tips
Your baby tends to keep their head down, arms crossed, and legs folded up on their chest as there’s not much room to move around. They’ll be very glad to get out and stretch!
3 mins to read
18-weeks pregnant: baby development and diet tips
Lots of leaps and bounds happening in week 18, from nerve cells multiplying to the beginnings of fingerprints. Read more to learn what baby looks like at 18 weeks of pregnancy.
3 mins to read
31-weeks pregnant: baby development and diet tips
As the big day fast approaches, your little one will soon be moving into position for birth. What a clever baby! But you already knew that. Read more about this week.
2 mins to read
