The fetus is getting stronger by the day. Bones are hardening enough to show up on an X-ray, and the inner ear structures are developing, meaning the fetus will soon begin to hear sounds. Some parents feel the first flutters of movement around this time. Use our Due Date Calculator to track your timeline.
Key Takeaways
- At 15 weeks, your baby is about 10 cm long (the size of an apple) and weighs roughly 70 grams
- Bones are ossifying (hardening) and are now visible on X-ray — the legs are longer than the arms
- The inner ear ossicles (tiny hearing bones) are forming; the baby will start responding to sound soon
- Taste buds are developing — research suggests the fetus can already detect flavors from what you eat
- Some parents (especially those who have been pregnant before) feel the first flutters of movement this week
Your Baby This Week
Size: Apple (about 10 cm, or 4 inches)
Weight: About 70 grams
- Skeleton: Bones are ossifying (hardening) and becoming visible. The legs are now longer than the arms.
- Hearing: The tiny bones of the inner ear (ossicles) are forming. The fetus cannot hear clearly yet, but will start responding to sounds in the coming weeks.
- Eyes: Still fused shut, but the eyes can sense light. If you shine a bright light at your belly, the fetus may turn away.
- Skin: Still thin and translucent. Blood vessels are clearly visible.
- Taste buds: Developing on the tongue. The fetus swallows amniotic fluid, and research suggests it can detect different flavors based on what you eat.
- Movement: More coordinated. Rolling, stretching, and thumb-sucking are common.
Track your baby's growth with our Milestone Tracker.
Your Body
- Quickening. Some people, especially those who have been pregnant before, start to feel very faint fluttery movements. First-time parents usually notice them between weeks 18 and 22.
- Weight gain becoming more noticeable. About 0.5 kg (1 pound) per week is typical in the second trimester.
- Pregnancy brain. Forgetfulness and difficulty concentrating are real. Hormonal changes and sleep disruption contribute.
- Gum sensitivity. Pregnancy gingivitis affects up to 75% of pregnant people.
What to Do This Week
- Stay on top of dental care. Brush twice daily, floss, and keep your regular dental appointments. Inform your dentist that you are pregnant.
- Talk and sing to your baby. While hearing is still developing, your voice travels through your body as vibrations that the fetus can sense.
- Discuss the anatomy scan. Your mid-pregnancy ultrasound (structural scan) will typically happen between weeks 18 and 22. Ask your provider when yours is scheduled.
- Start thinking about your baby registry. It is never too early to research what you will need. Our Baby Registry Checklist covers the essentials.
Common Questions
What does quickening feel like?
Early fetal movements are often described as flutters, bubbles, or a light tapping sensation. Many people mistake them for gas at first. The feelings become stronger and more distinct as weeks pass.
Should I be worried about pregnancy brain?
No. Mild forgetfulness during pregnancy is common and well-documented. Some studies suggest it may be related to brain changes that help prepare you for parenting, particularly in areas linked to social cognition and bonding.
FAQ
Can the baby hear at 15 weeks?
Not clearly yet — but the auditory system is actively developing. The ossicles (tiny bones of the inner ear) are forming at week 15. The fetus will begin responding to external sounds over the next few weeks, with clearer hearing from around weeks 17 to 19.
What does quickening feel like at 15 weeks?
Early fetal movements are often described as flutters, bubbles, or a gentle tapping sensation in the lower abdomen. Many first-time parents mistake them for gas. If you have been pregnant before, you may recognize the sensation sooner. True quickening is typically felt between weeks 16 and 22.
How much should I weigh at 15 weeks pregnant?
In the second trimester, an average weight gain of about 0.5 kg (1 pound) per week is typical. Total recommended weight gain depends on your pre-pregnancy BMI. For a normal BMI, the total is 11.5 to 16 kg (25 to 35 pounds) across the entire pregnancy.
Is it normal to be forgetful during pregnancy?
Yes — "pregnancy brain" is real and well-documented. Mild forgetfulness, difficulty concentrating, and mental fog are common. Research suggests hormonal changes and sleep disruption contribute, and some studies indicate the brain changes during pregnancy may support bonding and parenting readiness.
When should I schedule the anatomy scan?
The mid-pregnancy anatomy scan (also called the structural or morphology scan) is typically scheduled between weeks 18 and 22. If you are at week 15 and have not heard from your provider about scheduling it, ask at your next appointment.
Related Articles
- Pregnancy Week-by-Week Overview — see the full timeline
- Pregnancy Week 16: The Baby Can Make Faces — what comes next
- Baby Registry Checklist, everything you need for your newborn
Sources
- ACOG - Oral Health During Pregnancy
- NHS - Week 15 of Pregnancy
- Mayo Clinic - Fetal Development Second Trimester
🔧 Helpful Tools
- Due Date Calculator — Calculate your estimated due date
- Contraction Timer — Track your contractions during labor
- All Baby Tools — Browse all free tools for pregnancy and baby care
