Week 15: Sensing Light
Baby is about the size of Apple (103mm crown-rump)
Although the eyelids remain fused, your baby's eyes are becoming sensitive to light. Shine a flashlight on your belly and baby may turn away. Bones are strengthening as calcium deposits increase. The legs are now longer than the arms, and the body proportions are becoming more baby-like.
Your uterus is about halfway between the pubic bone and navel. You may notice darkening of the linea alba (now linea nigra) — a dark line running down the center of your belly. Skin changes like melasma (darker patches on the face) can appear due to increased melanin.
What is important now
If you're considering second-trimester screening tests (quad screen, cell-free DNA), discuss timing with your provider. Stay active — this is the sweet spot of pregnancy for exercise.
Common symptoms
- persistent one sided abdominal pain — contact provider
Wellness this week.
Nutrition
Calcium for bone development
- 1000mg calcium daily (dairy, fortified alternatives, leafy greens)
- Magnesium-rich foods (nuts, seeds, whole grains)
- Vitamin K from green vegetables
- Continue prenatal vitamins consistently
Exercise
Movement
Excellent time for consistent moderate exercise
Sleep
7-9 hours
Position: Left side preferred
· If leg cramps wake you, stretch calves before bed
· Magnesium-rich foods in the evening may help prevent cramps
Mental wellness
Mindfulness
The visible bump can make pregnancy feel more 'real.' Take a bump photo this week to mark the milestone.
“Your baby can sense light — they're already beginning to perceive the world.”
Your timeline.
Week 6
9 weeks ago- routine
Checkpoint 1 — Mutterpass may be issued upon heartbeat confirmation
Week 19
In 4 weeks- routineWeeks 19–22
Checkpoint 2 — Screening Ultrasound
Choice between a basic biometric scan or detailed organ scan. Measures head circumference, abdominal circumference, femur length, and checks placental position.
GoalAssess fetal anatomy and growth, check for structural abnormalities, and verify placental location.
Week 28
In 13 weeks- routine
Checkpoint 1 — GDM screening
- routine
Checkpoint 2 — Rhogam if Rh-negative
Week 29
In 14 weeks- routineWeeks 29–32
Checkpoint 3 — Screening Ultrasound
Third and final routine ultrasound. Assesses fetal growth, position (cephalic/breech), amniotic fluid volume, and placental function.
GoalConfirm appropriate growth trajectory and baby's position for delivery planning.
Week 35
In 20 weeks- self pay igelWeeks 35–37
Checkpoint 1 — GBS Testing — Self-pay/IGeL
Rectovaginal swab to screen for Group B Streptococcus colonization. If positive, IV antibiotics are given during labor to prevent neonatal infection.
GoalIdentify GBS carriers to enable prophylactic treatment during delivery.
Safety: Nosebleeds are common in pregnancy due to increased blood volume but report frequent or heavy nosebleeds to your provider.
Your journey, your rhythm.
Track your pregnancy week by week with gentle, personalized guidance.