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First trimester weeks

Congrats! During the first trimester, you’re getting used to the idea of being pregnant.

Second trimester weeks

As you enter this second trimester, your body will settle down to pregnancy.

Third trimester weeks

You've reached the third and final trimester and will be heavily pregnant by now.

Week 15 of Pregnancy

Start talking to your baby-he can hear your voice.
Like many pregnant women in the second trimester, you may now be reaping the benefits of the pregnancy "glow," as hormones improve the appearance of your skin and hair. Enjoy this time and the attention that often comes with it. Amazingly, your baby's ears have formed enough for him to hear you speaking. He'll recognize your voice-and your partner's-when he comes out into the world.

14 Weeks, 5 Days

177 days to go...

ultrasound of human fetus at 14 weeks and 5 days

Your baby today

This 3D ultrasound shows the hands held up in front of the face. The knees seem "knobby" with every bone clearly seen on the scan. The soft spot on the baby's head can also be seen: this protects the brain while still allowing for its rapid growth.

You might receive some compliments, because at this stage of pregnancy you're likely to look glowing with good health.

The terms "blooming" or "glowing" are often used to describe pregnant women, especially during the second trimester. The ideal image is a woman with thick shiny hair and perfect skin that has a healthy blush.

The improved condition of your skin is thanks to the hormone estrogen (pregnancy hormones can have positive effects, too!) and the increased blood supply to the skin; the many blood vessels just below the skin's surface give you a healthy glow, or at least stop you from looking pale and tired. The glands also secrete more oil, giving your skin a healthy-looking sheen.

Again due to hormonal changes, your hair may look thicker. Less hair than normal falls out during pregnancy and hair grows more quickly. After the birth you may find that your hair appears to be falling out more than normal as you lose the hair that's built up during the nine months. Normal hair loss is about 100-125 hairs a day; after the birth you might lose 500 hairs a day.

If you don't feel you match this picture of good health, it may just be that you can't see it yourself, especially if you're still adapting to your pregnancy. If you're looking pale and feeling tired, speak to your doctor because you may be anemic and need to boost your iron intake (see Iron-rich foods).

In the second trimester, the combination of thick, luscious hair, rosy cheeks, and fewer pregnancy discomforts may make you look as though you're glowing.

14 Weeks, 5 Days

177 days to go...

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