WEEK 15 - little hairy baby
Baby
Your
little one is now the size of an apple. She is 4 inches long and weighs
about 2 ½ ounces. Her legs are now longer than her arms and her bones
are getting harder and stronger!
At 15 weeks, her skin is still thin and transparent, but she has
developed a thin layer of hair to help protect her body. This layer of
hair is called lanugo and it is present on every part of your baby's
body, even her finger nails!
She is also moving amniotic fluid through her nose and upper
respiratory tract. This action helps the primitive air sacs in her
lungs begin to develop. And even though her eyes will remain fused shut
until approximately 26 weeks, she can actually sense light in your womb!
Mom
By 15 weeks, you have probably gained about 5 pounds. Don't worry if
it's a little more or a little less. Even though morning sickness and
fatigue may be behind you, don't be surprised if you still have an
expected symptom or two. Below you will find descriptions of two common
complaints of women during their 15th week of pregnancy.
Urinary Tract Infections (UTI's) – Pain when
urinating, abdominal discomfort, blood in your urine and a frequent
urge to urinate with little production are all signs of UTI's. UTI's
are easier for women to get during pregnancy because important muscles
in your urinary tract relax and slow the flow of urine. When this
happens, bacteria have a better chance of growing, leading to an
infection. If you suspect you may have a urinary tract infection, it is
very important to report your symptoms to your physician because
untreated UTI's can lead to complications during pregnancy.
Stuffy Nose – Hormones could be the culprit yet
again! The higher amounts of estrogen in your body could be causing
your mucous members to swell and/or produce more mucus. The increased
amount of blood in your body could also be contributing to your stuffy
nose, as blood vessels expand during pregnancy, causing your nasal
membranes to swell. If you have any other symptoms such as sneezing,
coughing or a sore throat, you may have a cold or be suffering from
allergies. If you have any questions, be sure to check with your doctor!
Tips for treating a stuffy nose...
- Avoid irritants. Cigarette smoke is a big one. Pollutants in the air may also be making your congestion worse.
- Use a humidifier at night. Be sure to keep it close to your head. Adding moisture to the air while you sleep may help reduce your congestion.
- Good old fashion steam - Take a hot shower, it should provide some relief!