Second trimester
15 weeks pregnant
Baby is about the size of an apple.
Week 15 of 40 · in your second trimester · Updated
Your baby this week
Baby's bones are hardening. Hearing starts to develop.
- Bones are starting to harden — a process called ossification — though they remain flexible.
- Baby's ears are positioned correctly and the tiny bones in them are starting to function. Sounds from inside and outside your body may register.
- Eyebrows and scalp hair are beginning to grow.
Your body this week
Talk or sing to your bump — baby may be starting to hear you.
- Your uterus is about the size of a small melon, rising halfway between your pubic bone and belly button.
- Some women feel a constant nasal stuffiness (called rhinitis of pregnancy) — caused by increased blood flow to mucous membranes.
- A funny taste in your mouth (often metallic) is common.
Common symptoms
- Stuffy nose
- Metallic taste
- Stretch marks starting
- Faster heartbeat
- Forgetfulness ('pregnancy brain')
Things to do this week
- Use a saline nasal spray for congestion
- Try not to take Advil/ibuprofen — Tylenol is OK if approved by your provider
- Stay active — walking, swimming, light yoga
For partners this week
Say hello
- Start talking, reading or singing to the bump — baby's hearing is developing.
- Find an activity to do together, like walking or swimming.
Typical visits around this week
Based on a typical schedule in Ontario. Your doctor or midwife sets the actual timing.
Routine check-ups (about every 4 weeks)
Weeks 12–28
Check-ups are often about every 4 weeks until around 28 weeks. Your provider usually checks your blood pressure, weight and urine, listens to the baby's heartbeat and measures your growing belly. Some people need more visits.
Questions to ask →Questions to ask ↑
- Is my blood pressure and weight gain on track?
- Is this symptom I've been having normal?
- What should I be doing about exercise, work or travel right now?
- What's coming up before my next visit?
Coming up
Anatomy (detailed) ultrasound
Weeks 18–22
A detailed ultrasound, usually at 18–22 weeks, that looks at the baby's brain, face, heart, spine, organs, arms and legs, and checks growth and where the placenta is.
Questions to ask →Questions to ask ↑
- Can my partner come, and can we have pictures?
- Where is the placenta, and does that matter for us?
- When will my provider go over the results with me?
- If we want to know the sex, can it be shared at this scan?
A flu shot and a COVID-19 vaccine are recommended at any stage of pregnancy. The flu shot is given during flu season, so the timing depends on when you're pregnant.
When to call your doctor or midwife
Bleeding, fluid leaking, a bad headache or vision changes, or baby moving less than usual all need a call. See the warning signs and who to call →
Follow your pregnancy week by week in MyBabyBase.
A due-date countdown, a mood and symptom journal, appointments, and a safe place for your documents — all in one hub.
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Further reading from health authorities
- Pregnancy — Government of Canada (Public Health Agency of Canada)
- Your pregnancy — Pregnancy Info, from the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC)
- Week-by-week guide to pregnancy — NHS (UK)
- Pregnancy — American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)