Overview of Week 16 of pregnancy
During week 16 of pregnancy:
- Your baby is 4.5 inches long
- You are in trimester two
- 24 more weeks to go
- Baby’s heart is pumping 25 quarts/day
You have probably been wondering when you will start to feel those little baby kicks. For some women, they can start feeling little movements during week 16; however, for some women, it may not be until week 22. Typically, for a first pregnancy, baby kicks will be felt later rather than sooner. For subsequent pregnancies, movements may be felt sooner since you already are familiar with the feeling.
How many months pregnant is 16 weeks?
At 16 weeks pregnant, you are approximately 3 months and 3 weeks pregnant. You are in your second trimester. There are just over 5 more months left of pregnancy.
How big is baby at 16 weeks pregnant?
This week, your baby is the size of an avocado. It measures around 4.5 inches long, from crown to rump. Crown to rump measurements will continue for a few more weeks. In terms of weight, your little one is weighing in at about 3.5oz.
Baby development during week 16 of pregnancy
Eyes
At 16 weeks pregnant, your baby’s eyes can now move around and look side to side. They can perceive light as well. However, your little one’s eyes are still closed and will continue to remain like that until the third trimester.
Skin
The skin that covers your fetus’ body is currently thin and translucent. In fact, you would be able to see all of the veins underneath this thin skin.
Heart
Your baby’s heart is functioning and working hard to deliver blood throughout its body. That little heart is currently pumping about 25 quarts of blood each day.
Pregnancy Week 16 Symptoms
Glowing skin
You may have heard of pregnant women ‘glowing’ before, and now people may be starting to say that you also have the pregnancy glow. Increased blood flow through your body may bring more blood to the surface of the skin, creating a flushed, radiating look. Increases in hormones also add to this effect.
Increased sex drive
You may notice you have a higher libido now that you have reached the second trimester. This is generally caused by the continuous increase in estrogen and progesterone levels. Both of these hormones result in excess vaginal lubrication and increased blood flow to the pelvic area. In addition, now that pregnancy symptoms such as fatigue and morning sickness have dissipated, you will find you have more energy to enjoy sex.
Increased hunger
Your baby is rapidly growing and that takes a lot of work from your body so you may notice that you have increased hunger. During pregnancy, your daily caloric intake increases by a few hundred calories. These extra calories are needed to support the growth of your little one. Your nausea is probably gone by now as well, so you most likely finally have your appetite back. Make sure to pick healthy foods, full of vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
Round ligament pain
You may experience a sharp pain in your lower abdomen near the groin or hip area. This pain is known as round ligament pain. This is one of the most common complaints of pregnancy, most frequently occurring in the second trimester. If you do experience round ligament pain, the best thing to do is change positions and try to stretch the muscles out.
Swollen gums
Hormone changes in pregnancy can lead to your gums being more vulnerable to plaque. A build-up of plaque can cause swollen and bleeding gums, also known as gingivitis. It is recommended to keep up with your dental hygiene regimen and have regular check-ups with your dentist.
Pregnancy week 16 tips
Take pictures
You may not have much of a baby bump yet, but I recommend you keep taking progress pictures. These pictures will be a good memory to look back on and it is a fun way to show your belly growing throughout your pregnancy. In fact, if you have been taking pictures since the beginning of your pregnancy, you will probably already see some transformation.
Make a dentist appointment
Hormone changes in pregnancy can lead to dental problems, such as the increased risk for gingivitis (gum disease) and periodontitis (infection of the bone that holds teeth in place). Due to this increased risk, it is advisable to keep up with your regular dental check-ups. Make sure to let your dentist know about your pregnancy and avoid x-rays if possible to protect your baby from radiation.
Predict your baby’s sex
In just a few weeks, you will have your 20-week anatomy scan. During this ultrasound, if you decide to find out your baby’s sex, the ultrasound technician will be able to let you know. Leading up to this point, it may be fun to start predicting your baby’s sex. Will you have a little boy or a little girl?
Eat well
If you had morning sickness in the first trimester, you may not have been eating the healthiest things. In fact, you were probably only eating whatever you could keep down. Now, if your nausea has decreased, you may want to start thinking about how you can improve your diet to best support your growing fetus. A diet balanced in fruit, vegetables, and fiber will help you continue having a healthy pregnancy.
