Your baby

Your baby is growing soft, downy hair to cover the body – this usually disappears before the birth. Your little one can also grasp things now, although there’s not much around to grab hold of! He or she can also suck and swallow.

The ears have developed, and they can now hear your voice which they will be able to recognize once they arrive.

You

Pregnant at 15 weeks, you may be thinking about tests and scans and feeling better as the placenta has taken over the job of nourishing your baby.

Some women worry that the symptoms from early pregnancy have now disappeared, but you will be experiencing some weight gain. Enjoy this period as some of the fatigue is likely to return in the third trimester.

Have you got a line down the middle of your belly? Around 90 per cent of pregnant women find they get this, it’s called the linea nigra, and it’s due to the change in skin pigmentation. This line will fade once your baby is born.

What to think about

The second trimester could be a good time to go on holiday. Find out more about travelling safely during your pregnancy.

Healthy eating during pregnancy is a must. Try to incorporate Omega-3 into your diet as it is thought to enhance your baby’s development, even its IQ. This can be found in fish, walnuts and omega-3 enhanced eggs.

As you reach your second trimester you are likely to feel more confident and begin to plan ahead. Ask your family and friends to recommend their favourite baby products like buggies and car seats and start to think about your budget.

If you enjoy sports make sure you exercise safely as there are a number of activities that should be avoided during your second trimester e.g. horseriding, mountain cycling and skiing.