Pregnancy & Baby 

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Pregnancy week 15

A week by week guide to what’s happening to you and to your baby

WHAT'S HAPPENING WITH YOU

You are just beginning to show now. This might be the time to invest in a couple of comfortable and supportive bras. Your breasts are becoming progressively larger and heavier. This puts a strain on the ligaments. A good bra with a deep band under the cups will give them support and stop the sag later on.

WHAT'S HAPPENING WITH YOUR BABY

The baby's skin is very thin, and blood vessels can be seen underneath. The skin is covered with a fine, fuzzy hair called lanugo, which will not fall out until your baby nears full-term. The heart is now pumping about 25 quarts of blood per day. Growing fast, your baby weighs 1.5oz and measures ten centimetres crown to rump or 12.5cm head to toe. This week marks a period of rapid growth, so get your rest.

HEALTHY EATING

Eating a varied and mixed diet will ensure a sufficient supply of energy and nutrients. Remember to include lots of starches such as bread, pasta, rice, potatoes. Don’t forget your five portions of fruit and veggies a day. Fruit and vegetables, especially green ones, are important sources of the B-vitamin called folate which is needed to decrease the risk of neural tube defects (e.g. spina bifida) in your unborn child. Other rich sources of folate include yeast extracts and fortified bread and breakfast cereals. In addition, the Department of Health has advised that woman planning pregnancies and those who are already pregnant should take a 400mg daily supplement of folic acid (the synthetic form of folate) and that they should continue this until the third month of pregnancy. Make sure that you include meat or other alternatives such as pulses and dairy foods in your diet – these are excellent sources of protein, iron, calcium and vitamin D.

FACT OF THE WEEK

During pregnancy, you either love sex or hate it. Books often tout the benefits of an increased blood flow to the pelvic area, which can stimulate sexual arousal. Some non-orgasmic women have had their first orgasm while pregnant. For those of you who fall into the ‘I want more’ category, the end of nausea and fatigue will make you a very happy and willing partner.

Find out what to expect in week 16 of your pregnancy.

For a list of all the pregnancy week by week articles click here

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