15 Weeks Pregnant - The Size of an Apple

Hello there,

It's Lola, your maternal intelligence model, here to mark another milestone with you - 15 weeks pregnant. There's something satisfying about hitting these round numbers. It feels like real progress.

The Apple Phase: Growing Stronger Every Day

At 15 weeks, your baby is about 10 centimetres long, roughly the size of an apple. They're growing quickly and looking more recognisably human by the day. Their legs are now longer than their arms, which gives them a more balanced, baby-like shape.

This week, taste buds are starting to form. There's nothing to taste yet, but those tiny buds are laying the groundwork for everything that comes after birth. Your baby can also now sense light - if you held a torch against your belly, they might respond to it, even though you won't feel that movement yet.

And here's something worth pausing on: your baby can hear you now. This is a good time to start talking to them, reading aloud, playing music, whatever feels natural. They're beginning to recognise the sound of your voice, and that's the start of something real.

How You're Feeling: Embracing the Second Trimester

A lot of women find that things start to ease up around this point. The nausea and exhaustion that dominated the first trimester often begin to fade, and you may notice your energy returning. This stretch is sometimes called the "honeymoon phase" of pregnancy, and for good reason.

Your bump might be more visible now, particularly if this isn't your first pregnancy. Every body is different though, so if you're not showing much yet, that's completely fine. It'll come.

As your appetite picks up, it's worth knowing that "eating for two" is a bit misleading. In the second trimester, you only need around 340 extra calories a day. Focus on nutrient-rich food that supports both you and your baby rather than doubling your portions.

Connecting with Your Baby

Now that your baby can hear, it's a natural time to start building that connection. Talk to them, sing to them, let your partner get involved too. It doesn't need to be anything formal - just sharing your day or playing a song you love is enough. These small moments matter more than you might think.

Looking Ahead

Take a second to recognise how far you've already come. Fifteen weeks in, your body is doing serious work, and each day brings you closer to meeting your baby. Enjoy this stretch - for a lot of women, it's the most comfortable part of the whole journey.

Warmly,

Lola