You are on a good ride in your fourth month. The honeymoon period could give you certain hurdles, including varicose veins, round ligament pain, heartburn, and many more symptoms during week 15 of pregnancy. You might have forgotten your nausea and morning sickness. They are nowhere near you this week. Then, how does your body change during week 15 of pregnancy?
Without nausea and morning sickness, your body would feel rejuvenated and energetic. Your appetite increases, but be careful about what you choose to eat. While many changes await you with a growing life inside, the feeling of pregnancy starts to sink in, and you may need to take care of your health and look after your immunity.
How Does Your Body Change During Week 15 of Pregnancy?
By this week, your baby will be the size of a grapefruit, measuring about 7.6 cm in length and 28 g in weight. So, with your energy back, you can start planning for your baby. Get your doctor’s consent about your health and the destinations you may want to travel to. Below are some of the symptoms that you might experience during week 15 of pregnancy.
1. Increased Sex Drive
During week 15 of pregnancy, the continuous increase in blood flow leads to increased lubrication. You might feel an increase in your sex drive during this period. It is normal to have an increased drive, and you might be more comfortable and better than ever. You can certainly continue to have sex until you go into labor. However, it is safe to consult your doctor. Getting your gynecologist’s consent can help you stay away from complications.
What to do?
Sex during pregnancy is very regular. If you do not have any complications, get a green light from your doctor, and you can continue until you are comfortable.
2. Varicose Veins
During pregnancy, the uterus places heavy pressure on the large vein, often known as the inferior vena cava. This vein is responsible for the smooth blood flow between the heart, foot, and legs. The pressure might cause varicose veins to pop up and show out during pregnancy. The good news is that it is harmless and will go away after delivery.
Some women might feel pain, itching, and discomfort in the areas of varicose. They usually appear in the legs, genital areas, and rectum.
What to do?
Here is what you can do to overcome varicose vein pain:.
- Keep your body moving and don’t sit or stand in the same place for longer.
- Don’t keep your legs crossed while sitting
- Keep your legs elevated while sitting.
- A support hose might be helpful.
- Avoid sleeping on your right side.
3. Weight Gain
Once nausea and food aversions have faded, you might feel your stomach growl several times a day. You need an extra 300 calories in your second trimester. You are expected to put on at least one pound every week from the beginning of the second trimester. But putting on too much is not suitable for having healthy labor. However, an increased appetite might also contribute to weight gain during pregnancy. Controlling your weight is not possible or suggestible during pregnancy.
What to do?
There is nothing much that you can do about weight gain during pregnancy. It is normal and happens to everyone. Pregnancy is a beautiful phase, with many changes to embrace. But if you feel that your increased appetite is a reason for weight gain, then it is always better to choose healthy food options to munch on when your stomach growls. This will keep you and the baby happy and healthy, and it will also contribute to a well-progressing pregnancy.
4. Acidity
Acidity or heartburn, is the reaction of acid indigestion or acid reflux that occurs in the body after eating food. The physical and hormonal changes in the body may cause severe acidity during pregnancy.
What to do?
Here is what you can do to overcome acidity during pregnancy:
- Avoid consuming foods that might not suit your health, including alcohol, caffeine, carbonated drinks, and spicy and greasy food.
- Take smaller meals several times a day.
- Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.
- Eat 3 hours before bedtime.
- Dress up in comfortable attire.
5. Recurring Symptoms
Along with the above, you might continue to experience a few other common symptoms, like:
- Bleeding Hums
- Occasional Headaches
- Mood Swings
- Round Ligament Pain
During week 15 of pregnancy, your little one might have grown more, and your doctor might suggest specific screening tests to identify genetic abnormalities. For mothers who were lucky enough to get rid of morning sickness, great going! If you are still experiencing nausea and vomiting, wait for your turn to eat well. The day is not far away. Also, it is very normal to have a continued and symptomatic pregnancy. Your health is all that matters, so take care and ensure that you have nutritious food.
Happy Pregnancy!
Read Also: How Does Your Body Change During Week 16 of Pregnancy?
