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You’re 15 weeks pregnant, Mom, and getting into the groove of the second trimester. Here’s what’s happening this week with your baby and your body.
How Big is Baby?
Little one is measuring about 4 inches long this week. That’s about the length of a standard men’s wallet.
What’s New with Baby?
During this week the baby’s musculoskeletal system is continuing to grow and develop. Hair is starting to grow on the scalp and little eyebrows are forming. And the baby’s eyes are ears are forming with ears reaching close to their final position.
What’s New with Mom?
Soak in the good times. For many women, this stage of pregnancy is pretty much symptom-free. You may be seeing your belly expand—and be in need of some new pants! You might also notice darkening of your skin around your nipples, navel, arm pits, and vulva. Other common symptoms include leg cramps and constipation.
Fun Fact
By week 15, baby’s proportions are becoming more human-like: Their legs now outmeasure their arms.
What to Know About Exercising in Pregnancy
Take advantage of the boost of energy you might be feeling at this point in your pregnancy and add in some exercise. Not only is exercise safe for expecting women, it can also help you feel your best and could even make labor easier.
“Physical activity alleviates much of the back pain and hip/pelvic pressure women experience,” says Dr. Shivani Patel, a maternal-fetal medicine specialist at UT Southwestern. “It also helps to prevent excessive weight gain and is associated with easier labor in terms of duration and pushing.” Now that’s a win!
Shivani Patel, M.D., is an associate professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at UT Southwestern Medical Center. She specializes in maternal-fetal consults and cares for women with high-risk pregnancies, babies with health issues that are detected in utero, and complications that arise during pregnancy itself.
Plus, women who stay active during their pregnancy are more successful at losing pregnancy-related weight gain in the postpartum period.
Safe exercises include running, walking, biking, and swimming. And yoga and stretching are particularly beneficial—they help you not just stay healthy but also prepare for childbirth. “It helps the baby navigate to the pelvis, opens up your pelvis, and increases your flexibility,” says Patel. You can learn five great exercises for training for labor and delivery here.
You should avoid exercises where balance is a concern or where you are at risk of injuring your abdomen (think kickboxing). Hot yoga is also a no-go as the extreme heat increases your risk of fainting.
While you get moving it’s important to pay attention to your body and slow down when needed. Stop exercising if you feel dizzy, lightheaded or breathless. Remember, even if you were an athlete before pregnancy, your body might respond differently to exercise while you’re expecting.
“Your heart rate is normally elevated by about 10 to 15 beats per minute in pregnancy and you naturally breathe a little faster due to less lung capacity from a growing uterus. You might find you cannot exert yourself to the same degree because of shortness of breath,” says Patel. “Most women will find that their ability to exercise becomes limited in some way as they progress in pregnancy.”
Physical therapy is another great way to stay active while pregnant, especially for women with restricted activity. “These therapists can help you find exercises that alleviate the aches and pain of pregnancy while taking into account your new center of gravity and keeping you safe,” says Patel. “Pelvic floor programs also help address concern for incontinence and strengthening the pelvic floor ahead of labor.”
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This blog is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute the provision of medical advice or professional services. This blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
The above article was written by DFWChild editor Amanda Collins Bernier with information provided by UT Southwestern Medical Center as part of their sponsored content.
