Pregnancy Week By Week

15 Weeks Pregnant: Development, Symptoms and Care

At 15 weeks pregnant, your baby is growing steadily and you may be adjusting to new body changes. Some people feel more energetic now; others are still tired or nauseous. This is also a useful time to make sure any screening results and next appointments have been explained clearly.

Your baby’s development at 15 weeks

Your baby’s body is growing faster than their head. Fine hair called lanugo is beginning to cover the body, and your baby may suck their thumb. These are broad descriptions of development around this stage, not a checklist you need to monitor at home.

Body changes and symptoms

As your blood circulation changes, you may notice nosebleeds, bleeding gums or mild headaches. Mention symptoms that are recurring or bothering you at your appointment. A severe or persistent headache needs prompt assessment, especially with vision changes; do not simply put it down to hormones.

Nausea does not always stop when the second trimester begins. Keep your care team involved if symptoms are limiting your food, fluids or ability to function.

When will you feel your baby?

The first movements are usually noticed between 16 and 24 weeks, sometimes earlier in a subsequent pregnancy than a first. You do not need to feel kicks at 15 weeks. Contact your maternity team immediately if movements worry you or seem reduced after you have begun noticing them.

If diagnostic testing is being discussed

Amniocentesis is a diagnostic test that can be performed from about 15 weeks. It samples the fluid around the baby to test for particular chromosome or genetic conditions. It may be offered after a higher-chance screening result or for other clinical reasons; it is not a routine requirement for everyone.

There is a small risk of miscarriage. Before deciding, ask what the test can and cannot tell you, the risks in your circumstances, how long results take and who will support you afterwards. You can accept or decline. A screening result on its own is not a diagnosis.

Practical care and the next appointment

Write down any medicines or supplements you take so your clinician can review them with you. Ask about ongoing symptoms rather than stopping prescribed treatment on your own.

Confirm who will contact you with outstanding results. If you are planning a morphology scan, ask when to book within the usual 18-to-22-week window and whether there are costs. You can also use our guide to prenatal tests to organise questions.

Pregnancy can bring up complicated feelings about family and becoming a parent. You can ask to speak privately with your midwife or GP if you need support. You do not have to have a clear explanation for how you feel before bringing it up.

When to seek medical help

In Australia, call 000 for heavy bleeding, severe abdominal pain, collapse or a life-threatening emergency. Do not drive yourself if faint or very unwell.

Contact your GP, midwife or hospital immediately for vaginal bleeding, leaking fluid, fever, vomiting that prevents drinking, persistent or worsening pain, severe headache or vision changes. Seek urgent care if you cannot reach them. Do not wait for your next routine appointment.