Week 15 Of Your Pregnancy

This is the week when your baby first forms a fist. Hair begins to grow on the baby’s head and eyebrows become apparent. A fine down, called janugo will also cover your baby’s body.

The baby’s skeleton continues to take shape this week, with more bone building and muscle development every day.

Changes To Your Body

This week you may notice that it is harder to catch your breath than usual. This is because you are breathing for two. Take the elevator and escalator instead of exerting yourself on the stairs if you have to.

You might also be more prone to yeast infections. You may also have heavier or smellier vaginal discharge or redness or itchiness in the vaginal area. These are easily treated with topical fungal creams, but it is best to consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Lifestyle Considerations

Depending on your age or medical history, your doctor may soon suggest some prenatal tests. The two most common are the quad marker screen and the amniocentesis, both of which can be performed between this week and week 20.

The quad screen is a simple. It is a blood test that’s about 75 to 80 percent accurate in detecting neural-tube defects like spina bifida or genetic conditions like Down syndrome.

An amniocentesis is performed if the above test is inconclusive. The doctor inserts a long, skinny needle into your belly to extract a sample of fluid from the amniotic sac surrounding your baby. Examined in a lab, the amniotic fluid can reveal a number of genetic disorders as well as chromosomal abnormalities like Down syndrome and neural-tube defects.

You should be aware of the possible risks of an amniocentesis test by consulting your midwife or doctor for more information.

Good Advice

Meditation and deep breathing exercises can help if you find yourself short of breath or anxious about any tests.