At 15 weeks pregnant, your baby is about 10.1 cm long, roughly the size of an apple, and is moving a lot. You may begin to feel new twinges in your lower belly, and you might notice your gums bleed when you brush.

Both are common, and both can be managed. This guide explains what is going on, what helps and how to tell a normal ache from a warning sign.

Your baby this week

Your baby's legs are now longer than the arms, and the joints can move. The skeleton is hardening, and the scalp hair pattern is forming. Eyelids are still fused shut, but your baby may sense bright light through them. Your baby can flex and stretch, kick, and turn around in the amniotic fluid.

Taste buds are forming on the tongue, and the tiny bones of the middle ear are hardening, which is a step toward hearing. The heart pumps a large amount of blood each day, and the digestive system is practising by moving amniotic fluid.

How it happens. Your baby swims in a small pool of amniotic fluid, so movement is easy. As your baby grows, the space gets tighter, and movements become more noticeable to you in the coming weeks.

Your body this week

Your uterus is growing upward, and it is supported by broad ligaments on each side. These stretch as the uterus rises, and this is one of the main reasons you may feel new aches. Your pregnancy hormones also cause the ligaments and joints to soften.

Your gums are affected too. Higher hormone levels and increased blood flow make the gum tissue more sensitive to plaque, and this can lead to swelling and bleeding.

Common symptoms at 15 weeks

  • Sharp twinges in the lower belly. These often come when you cough, sneeze, roll over or stand quickly.
  • Bleeding gums. They may bleed when you brush or floss, or look red and puffy.
  • Mild back ache. Posture is changing as your bump grows.
  • Dry or itchy skin. As your belly stretches, the skin can feel tight.
  • Heartburn and indigestion. This can continue or come back as the uterus rises.
  • Increased energy for some. Many people find this a comfortable stage.

Round ligament pain: what it is and what helps

Round ligaments are bands of tissue that support the uterus. When the uterus grows, they stretch. A sudden movement can tighten them quickly and cause a sharp, jabbing or pulling pain, usually low in the belly or in the groin, on one or both sides. It lasts a few seconds and then passes.

What helps:

  • Move slowly. Change position gently when getting up from a chair or bed.
  • Bend toward the pain. When you sneeze or cough, flex your hips and bend forward slightly.
  • Rest and warmth. A warm bath or a warm compress can ease a dull ache.
  • Stretch gently. Prenatal yoga or stretches help many people.
  • Wear support. A maternity belt or support band may ease the strain as your bump grows.
  • Ask about medicine. If you need pain relief, ask your provider or pharmacist which options are safe in pregnancy.

When belly pain is not round ligament pain

Round ligament pain is brief and eases with rest. It is not a reason to worry, but pain that behaves differently needs attention. Call your provider promptly if the pain:

  • Is severe, constant or getting worse
  • Comes with bleeding, fever, chills or pain when you pass urine
  • Comes with regular tightening that repeats at intervals
  • Is on one side and comes with dizziness or shoulder pain
  • Makes you feel unwell in another way

If you are unsure, call. Providers would always rather hear from you.

Bleeding gums and dental care

Many pregnant people notice some gum changes. The inflammation is called pregnancy gingivitis. It usually improves after birth, but it should not be ignored, because untreated gum disease can progress.

Dental care is safe in pregnancy. Regular check-ups, cleanings and necessary treatments such as fillings can go ahead, and the second trimester is often the most comfortable time. Tell your dentist that you are pregnant, and mention your medicines. Ask about the safest options if you need an X-ray or local anesthetic, since dentists can adapt care. In England, NHS dental care is free during pregnancy and for 12 months after birth for people with a maternity exemption certificate. Check what applies where you live.

To protect your gums and teeth:

  • Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, and use a soft brush.
  • Floss or use interdental brushes once a day.
  • Rinse with water after vomiting, and wait about 30 minutes before brushing. Stomach acid softens enamel, and brushing right away can wear it.
  • Limit sugary snacks and drinks between meals.
  • Book a dental visit if you have not had one in six months.

Contact your dentist if you have severe bleeding, swelling or pain that does not settle, or a lump on the gum.

Your week 15 checklist

Call your provider

Call your provider if you have severe or constant belly pain, bleeding, a fever, pain when you pass urine, or regular tightening. Get urgent help for pain with dizziness, shoulder-tip pain or fainting. This guide is general information and does not replace medical advice.

Frequently asked questions

What does round ligament pain feel like?

A brief, sharp or pulling pain low in the belly or groin, often triggered by sudden movement, coughing or sneezing. It passes within seconds and does not come with bleeding.

Is it normal for gums to bleed during pregnancy?

Yes. Hormones and increased blood flow make gums more sensitive. Good brushing, flossing and a dental check-up help.

Is it safe to go to the dentist while pregnant?

Yes. Routine dental care is safe, and the second trimester is often the most comfortable time. Tell your dentist you are pregnant.

Sources

Sources: NHS: 15 weeks pregnant; Mayo Clinic: Fetal development, the second trimester; Cleveland Clinic: Fetal development, week-by-week stages of pregnancy; NHS: Common health problems in pregnancy