By week 15, you may definitely be showing. That’s because your second trimester is a time of rapid growth for your baby. The second trimester is also often the most comfortable time for women. Early pregnancy symptoms may have passed, and you don’t have the aches and pains of the third trimester. Enjoy this time, it goes by fast!

What’s happening with your body?

If you step on the scale this week, you might notice you are starting to gain weight faster than you did your first trimester. Between a growing baby, an expanding uterus, increased blood volume and amniotic fluid, it’s no wonder you’re gaining weight.

While most doctors recommend a total weight gain of between 25 and 35 pounds, that figure may vary. If you started out underweight or are carrying more than one baby, your healthcare provider may suggest you gain more. Women who start pregnancy overweight may be advised to gain a little less.

One thing is for sure, now is not the time to diet. Your baby needs you to eat healthily and take in enough calories so she can continue to grow and develop. At this point, a weight gain of about a pound a week is considered ideal. But don’t stress, if you gain a bit more or less. As long as you are eating well, feel healthy and your baby appears to be on track, there is no need to worry about the scale.

You might also start to notice a small amount of fluid leaking from your breasts. Although it is too early for your milk to come in, your body may start to produce colostrum, which is a protein filled fluid and a precursor to breast milk. At 15 weeks, most women don’t produce enough colostrum to stain their shirts, but if you do, just pop a breast pad inside your bra.

What’s happening with your baby?

From crown to rump, your baby is about 11 centimeters long and as big as an orange. Your sweet little darling is also looking more like the baby you probably have imagined meeting. His eyes are in proper position on the front of his face and his ears, which were on his neck, are now positioned on the sides of his head, just where they belong.

Although he is not taste anything yet, his taste buds are forming, and he continues to practice swallowing. He is able to move all his joints and limbs and for now, he still has a lot of room to move around. Your baby’s limbs had been similar in size. But this week, his legs are becoming more proportionate and are probably longer than his arms.

A few weeks back, your baby started to make jerky movements, but now her movements are more fluid and purposeful. For example, if you have an ultrasound in the next few weeks, you may catch your baby sucking her thumb.

There are studies that suggest your baby can also hear your voice now. So if you have already been talking to your little one, now she is listening. Research also shows your baby’s eyes can react to light even though they are still fused shut. Although it’s dark inside her little home, if a light is shined on your belly, she reacts by moving.

Things to keep in mind

Hopefully, first trimester morning sickness has passed, and you are able to brush your teeth without gagging. Good dental hygiene is always important and should not be put aside during pregnancy.

Pregnancy hormones seem to affect all areas of your body, and your teeth and gums may not have escaped. You might have noticed your gums bleed a bit easier during pregnancy. That’s because your hormones may make your gums more sensitive and they can also become inflamed easier. But now is not the time to neglect your dental health. Gum disease has been linked to premature delivery.

Although your teeth and gums may be a little more sensitive, it’s important to continue to brush at least twice a day and floss gently daily. Most women can also continue to go for routine dental checkups and cleanings, although it’s best to run it by your healthcare provider first. If you do develop dental problems that require x-rays, be sure to tell your dentist you’re pregnant.