16Th week pregnancy images

Ultrasound and What to Expect

Reviewed by

Kate Shkodzik, MD

Obstetrician and gynecologist

You’re on week 16 of your pregnancy, and things are really starting to gear up! Your tiny baby is not so tiny anymore, and it most definitely looks like a human baby now. By week 16 of your pregnancy, you’re 4 months in. That means you’re nearly halfway there and only have 5 more months to go!

In addition to knowing that your baby is getting stronger, you might actually experience some positive 16 weeks pregnant symptoms for a change. After those annoying first trimester symptoms, you could be truly developing your “pregnancy glow” right about now.

Learn more about what to expect when you’re 16 weeks pregnant below!

Remember when your baby used to look more like a tadpole than anything else? Those days are long gone! Instead, your baby has defined facial features, arms, and legs, and its hair will start growing very soon.

At 16 weeks, your baby already has all its vital systems in place. Now the organs need to mature to be ready to function. Also, the baby needs to gain weight and strengthen its muscles and bones. Of course, there’s still some time to go before the baby is ready to meet you. But it’s exciting to think that it has grown so much already!

How big is your baby at 16 weeks pregnant?

It's time to think about maternity clothes. Your baby is now 4.7 in (12 cm) long and weighs about 3.5 oz (100 g). In the next 3 weeks, he/she will be twice this size, and so will your belly. Right now, the baby’s size is comparable to an avocado or an orange!

Pregnancy week 16 fetal development

Your baby is now constantly doubling up in size and weight. Your baby has gotten so big that its tiny heart is pumping about 6.6 gal (25 l) of blood daily, and this quantity will only keep increasing.

In the womb, your baby at 16 weeks has complete mobility in limbs and joints. It has even started to make more purposeful movements. Their reflexes are also developing, and they might even be sucking their thumb by now! Their eyes also work, even though their eyelids are still shut. They’re making side-to-side eye movements and will turn away from light.

Tiny ears, which started out at their neck, have nearly reached their final position. Your baby isn’t just able to hear, it can also recognize your voice. Studies have shown that, after birth, they can even remember the songs they listen to inside your belly. The baby's head has almost risen; its little body is beginning to straighten. Their facial muscles are getting stronger, and they’re starting to develop facial expressions. It’s also yawning inside the womb!

16 weeks fetal development also leads to your baby looking cuter. The baby’s skin is still translucent, and they don’t have much baby fat. So, your little one looks very long-limbed and thin. Taste buds are also developing for your 16 weeks pregnant baby, and their nails are beginning to sprout.

After those unpleasant first trimester symptoms, you’ll probably be feeling much better. 16 weeks pregnant symptoms will be much more tolerable for most women. You might even find yourself regaining some of the energy you lost during your early pregnancy!

But that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t expect some new symptoms when you’re 16 weeks pregnant. These are some of the most common changes to expect at 16 weeks pregnant:

16 weeks pregnant belly

By now, you’ll have a small 16-weeks pregnant bump. During your first trimester, you might have gained weight without a baby bump in sight. Your 16 weeks pregnant belly, however, definitely says that you’re pregnant.

During your second trimester, your uterus will grow to be the size of a papaya. Right now, it’s located halfway between your navel and your pubis. The ligaments that hold your uterus in place are stretching and thickening, preparing for further growth.

Your 16 weeks pregnant baby weight gain should be around 1 pound (0. 45 kg) per week or 4 pounds (1.8 kg) per month.

16 weeks pregnant symptoms

You’re probably very happy to be rid of those uncomfortable early pregnancy symptoms, but that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t expect any changes. Your hormones are still working hard to maintain your pregnancy, which means that you can still expect some symptoms. Some of the most common symptoms when you’re 16 weeks pregnant include:

Bigger breasts: you might have thought that your breasts couldn’t get any bigger after your first trimester — think again! Your breasts will keep getting bigger in preparation for breastfeeding.
Lower back pain: as your round ligaments — the ones that hold your uterus in place — stretch, you could feel some pain. This pain is mild, and you should call your doctor if its intensity increases.
Constipation: as your uterus grows bigger, it puts pressure on other organs. Your bowels are affected by this pressure, which means that your intestinal traffic could become slower.
Varicose veins: your blood flow has increased and your uterus is pressuring the veins in your pelvis and legs. This can lead to varicose veins, especially if you’ve gained weight too quickly.
“Pregnancy brain”: many women refer to this symptom as “brain fog”, and although it might sound like it’s made up, it’s very real. During pregnancy, your brain cell ratio actually decreases, causing forgetfulness and concentration difficulties.
Thicker hair and nails: finally, some good changes! Pregnancy hormones will make your hair fall out less, and you’ll probably also have healthier nails.

If you have a 4-month prenatal appointment scheduled for this week, you could be getting a 16-week ultrasound. In addition to the ultrasound, your doctor will be performing a physical examination, measuring your belly, and ordering some tests. A urine test will determine your risk of developing conditions like gestational diabetes or preeclampsia.

Your doctor or nurse will also check on your blood pressure. Vaccines are also offered around this period, including the whooping cough vaccine. Getting vaccinated can protect your baby during pregnancy and after birth.

In your 16-week pregnant ultrasound, your doctor will probably be able to determine your baby’s gender. You’ll also get to hear the heartbeat and you’ll see your little one bouncing around inside your belly. And in happy news, your risk of miscarriage is less than 1% after seeing a normal 16-week ultrasound.

Try remedies for your stuffy nose: if you’re suffering from pregnancy-related congestion, try placing a humidifier in your room and using a neti pot.
Get healthy extra calories: you should be eating approximately 340 extra calories each day now. Try to get them from lean protein, fruits, and veggies, beans, nuts, and seeds, or pasteurized low-fat dairy.
Drink plenty of water and eat fiber: constipation is very common around this period, so your 16 weeks pregnant diet should include lots of water and fiber to improve your bowel movements.
Stay active: some women experience shortness of breath around their 16th week of pregnancy since the baby is also compressing their lungs. Try to keep exercising, but listen to your body and rest if you’re feeling dizzy or out of breath.

Sex at week 16 of pregnancy

Your nausea has gone away and your energy is back up. No wonder you have a higher sex drive around week 16 of pregnancy! Many pregnant moms report that the second trimester is great for having sex. So, don’t worry if your libido goes up around this time.

It’s normal for your partner to worry about the baby being so close while you’re intimate. But unless your doctor has expressly advised against sex, you have nothing to worry about.

Write down a list of names you like.
Start planning or working on your nursery. You only have 5 months left now, and it’s better to get this done ahead of time to avoid rushing when you’re nearing the end of your pregnancy.
Make a list of everything you need: a car seat, a high chair, a diaper bag, etc.
Schedule your next prenatal appointment — usually for week 20.
Look for maternity clothes that fit your growing bump.
Reach for healthy alternatives to your cravings.

16 weeks down, 24 weeks left! You’re nearly halfway through your pregnancy, and your baby is bigger and stronger than ever. Looking cuter, too! It’s still too early to meet him or her, but you can already start to prepare for the future months.

Enjoy your second trimester, which is many women’s favorite part of their pregnancy. Most uncomfortable symptoms have subsided, you have stronger hair and nails, and your bump is still small. Meanwhile, your 16-week baby will be getting stronger and practicing to meet you soon!

References

https://www.thebump.com/pregnancy-week-by-week/16-weeks-pregnant http://www.bounty.com/pregnancy-and-birth/pregnancy/pregnancy-week-by-week/16-weeks-pregnant https://www. parents.com/pregnancy/week-by-week/16/

17 week pregnant

18 week pregnant

19 week pregnant

Baby and You at 16 Weeks Pregnant: Symptoms and Development

Key Takeaways at 16 Weeks Pregnant

Your uterus is expanding big time—meaning that bump might show up any day now (if it hasn’t already!).
Some pregnant people can feel baby move as early as 16 weeks. If this isn’t your first pregnancy, you’ll easily recognize (and more readily identify) those signature kicks, jabs and rolls. FYI, early movement is called quickening.
Amniocentesis is an elective test that happens between 15 and 20 weeks gestation. It can diagnose neural tube defects, chromosomal abnormalities and other genetic disorders. It’s generally considered safe, but comes with a very small increased risk of miscarriage.

Now that you’re 16 weeks pregnant, things are getting pretty exciting. You may have another prenatal visit this week, where you will get to hear baby’s heartbeat again. Even more thrilling will be feeling baby kick, which could happen starting this week, so pay attention to those subtle feelings in your 16 weeks pregnant belly. Another cool fact? Baby is starting to be able to hear your voice—and they’ll recognize it at birth—so feel free to chat baby up any chance you get.

Baby at Week 16

Inside your 16 weeks pregnant belly, baby is listening to your voice, thanks to tiny bones forming in their ears. Your 16-week fetus is growing hair, lashes and eyebrows, and their taste buds are forming.

What is baby doing at 16 weeks? Growing! Baby develops a lot during the second trimester, and a 16-week fetus is no exception. The muscles and bones are taking shape, the liver and pancreas start working, lung tissue forms, toenails appear and legs develop. It’s a big week for baby!

How big is baby at 16 weeks pregnant?

At 16 weeks pregnant, baby is the size of an avocado, measuring 4.6 inches long and weighing in at 3.5 ounces.

16 weeks pregnant is how many months?

Sixteen weeks pregnant is four months pregnant—but remember, most doctors track your progress by week, not month.

16 week ultrasound

You’ll probably have a four-month prenatal visit around the time you’re 16 weeks pregnant. As usual, you’ll likely have a urine test; your OB will be checking your urine for signs of gestational diabetes and preeclampsia. You may have a 16 weeks pregnant ultrasound at your appointment, too.

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Pregnancy Symptoms at Week 16

More reason to celebrate: There are some 16 weeks pregnant symptoms that are actually good. For example, some moms-to-be find their hair and nails grow faster. Your hair might actually look thicker and more lustrous and your skin might look radiant, too. Woohoo! Here’s more of what you might be feeling at 16 weeks pregnant:

Backaches

Your aching back is a side effect of pregnancy hormones. To ease backaches, make some time for low-impact exercise. Sit and stand up straight and regularly stretch your body.

Bigger boobs

Your breasts have probably gone up several cup sizes by now and should be completely prepped for breastfeeding by the end of the second trimester.

Constipation

Getting, um, stopped up is an unfortunate result of your uterus starting to press on your intestines. Load up on fiber-rich foods and drink lots of water to keep things moving.

Forgetfulness

This is also known as #PregnancyBrain. No one knows for sure what causes pregnant women to become more forgetful. It could be biological or it could just be a result of having lots on your mind!

Dry, itchy, sensitive eyes

Blame the hormones once again! Some moms-to-be find themselves dealing with itchy, watery eyes, especially if they have allergies. You could try over-the-counter allergy medications or eye drops for dry eyes, but be sure to consult your OB before choosing one.

Glowing skin

Finally—that pregnancy glow that people are always talking about. Va va voom! Keep your skin looking its best by knowing what products to use—and what ingredients to avoid. Avoid Retin-A and salicylic acid containing products.

What should you feel at 16 weeks pregnant?

As the second trimester continues, you should be gaining more energy. Many moms-to-be enjoy glowing skin, thanks to a combination of more blood pumping through your body and hormones increasing oil production in the skin. On the flip side, you may still experience symptoms you’ve been dealing with for weeks now. Bleeding gums, leg cramps, aches and pains, skin discoloration and swelling are all common occurrences for women who are around four months pregnant.

If you’re 16 weeks pregnant with twins, your symptoms probably won’t be different than they would be for a mom carrying one baby at this point. You definitely want to keep your doctor posted on all your symptoms, though, since a twin pregnancy is considered higher risk, so your doctor will want to keep close tabs on you and your babies.

Your Pregnant Belly at 16 Weeks

Pretty soon, you’ll start feeling baby moving around in your 16 weeks pregnant belly. At first, those moves might feel like gas or a muscle twitch, but over time, as baby gets bigger and stronger, they’ll be unmistakable. If you’re 16 weeks pregnant with twins, you won’t feel kicks any earlier than a singleton mom-to-be will, but over time, twin moms definitely feel more kicking sensations.

Of course, feeling those movements comes with other issues, like having your lungs crowded by your growing babe. That could make it seem tough to catch your breath from time to time.

Should you have a baby bump at 16 weeks?

Your bump is probably making its appearance around 16 weeks pregnant, if it hasn’t popped already. There are a few different reasons behind the size of your 16 weeks pregnant belly, which include your expanding uterus and possible bloating from excess fluid in the body. And of course, your growing baby is taking up space too!

“Nothing sweeter than week 16. Around now is when that first trimester nausea has likely subsided. You may also be feeling more energetic than in the first trimester, but make sure you take it easy and get plenty of rest so you can continue to exude that beautiful pregnancy glow. “ - Rachel Miller, MD, an ob-gyn and owner and founder of Pocket Bridges.

Tips for 16 Weeks Pregnant

Here are some things to do this week.

Prevent acne breakouts

The extra oil your skin produces during pregnancy can lead to pimples, so control flare-ups with oil-free products that do the job while still being gentle enough for you and baby. Look for cleansers and treatment products with glycolic acid or benzoyl peroxide and avoid retinols, but always consult with your doctor before using an acne treatment.

Make lists

Pregnancy brain can be frustrating, so get ahead of it by making to-do lists. Whether you have a digital planner or use old-fashioned paper and pen, jotting down all you have to do—and it’s probably a lot right now!—helps you keep track of everything without missing a step.

Update your bra drawer

By now your breasts have probably grown quite a bit, and suddenly the bra spillage is real. Skip the sexy lingerie section and invest in some high-quality maternity or nursing bras to best support the girls.

Find a chair with good support

If you’re working through your pregnancy sitting at a desk, it can intensify any backaches you have. Try placing a support pillow behind your lower back, or find a comfortable ergonomic chair that keeps your back straight, not hunched over.

Pregnancy Checklist at 16 Weeks Pregnant

Reminders for the week:

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Ultrasound of the fetus, photo of the abdomen, what happens to mom and baby

What happens to the baby at 16 weeks

At 16 weeks of pregnancy, the baby undergoes numerous changes, his bones harden, and the heart works more and more intensively. His fingers and toes have formed, they now have a characteristic unique pattern.

The baby's face becomes more prominent, its features appear more noticeable than before. If the mother is rather slender, she can feel the baby swarming in the tummy as early as 16 weeks, although movements usually become noticeable at 18-20 weeks.

Even if the woman does not feel it, the baby in the womb actively waves its arms and legs, touches the umbilical cord with its fingers, touches the face and legs with them.
From time to time, the baby swallows some of the amniotic fluid in which he swims. Once in the digestive tract, this liquid helps the child's digestive system to develop. Thanks to such exercises, the baby after birth can absorb colostrum and milk. Further, the liquid is filtered by the kidneys, and then returns to the cavity in the form of urine.

At this time, the child's cerebral cortex develops intensively, furrows and convolutions appear on it. In parallel, the organs of the endocrine system begin to function: the adrenal glands and the thymus gland.

Fetal ultrasound

Second trimester ultrasound screening can be done at 16 weeks of gestation from conception. Although, as a rule, doctors send mothers for such an examination closer to the 18th week.

With ultrasound of the fetus at 16 weeks, specialists study not only possible pathologies, but also try to obtain information about the thickness of the placenta and its location, degree of maturity (normal 0-1), the amount of amniotic fluid in order to determine oligohydramnios or polyhydramnios.

The doctor examines the cervix with a vaginal probe, it should not be less than 30 mm, and the internal os should be closed.

In addition, a 16 week fetal ultrasound will allow doctors to determine the baby's weight, the circumference of his head and tummy, the length of the femur and humerus, as well as the number of heartbeats (normal 120-160 at any time).

Belly photo

By the 16th week of pregnancy from conception, the weight of the baby can already reach 150 grams, and the height will be about 12.5-14 cm. The baby is close to a pomegranate in size.

A 16-week belly photo is a good way to record the beginning of your baby's life. In slender girls at this time, the tummy already slightly protrudes forward, so it becomes difficult to hide the position. Moms with more rounded shapes may not worry about the belts on their trousers yet, but in the next couple of weeks they will feel an increase in the waist area.

What happens to the mother at 16 weeks

Since the beginning of pregnancy, the mother has most likely gained 4. 5 to 5.8 kg in weight. Such changes do not go unnoticed, so that a woman may face inconvenience. Sleeping, and just lying on your back, becomes more and more difficult, as the growing uterus begins to put pressure on the inferior vena cava, interfering with blood flow.

The cardiovascular system of a pregnant woman is exposed to a serious load at this time, so blood pressure may be lower than normal, shortness of breath may occur. It should be borne in mind that any sudden movements, such as getting out of bed, can result in dizziness and weakness in the legs.

At the 16th week of pregnancy, some mothers notice that the discharge of leucorrhoea from the vagina has increased. There is nothing to worry about, just try to wash yourself more often and wear cotton underwear.

During the second trimester, doctors recommend a diet with minimal amounts of simple sugar. It attracts microbes, and as a result, the woman has to be treated for infections.

What you may experience at 16 weeks

This is the first time many women feel the movement of the fetus. The timing is indicative, and if your baby is not fidgeting in the stomach yet, wait a couple of weeks. Sometimes being overweight prevents you from feeling the baby's movements, so control the amount of food and follow your feelings. Most of all, the baby's movements resemble the fluttering of wings, sometimes light blows. Some mothers admit that this is more like the process of gas formation in the intestines or stomach rumbling.
Brutal appetite often replaces toxicosis, so in the second trimester of pregnancy you need to watch your diet. Try to lean on healthy food, have three large meals a day and two snacks.
Frequent urination, which will be with you until the end of the term. In no case should you endure, you need to empty your bladder at every opportunity, because otherwise there is a risk of developing cystitis, which will have to be treated.
Pain in the back, some like aches, some have real acute attacks. These sensations arise from the growing uterus, which shifts the center of gravity, and the woman has to bend over. The load on the muscles of the sacrum increases, hence the pain. If it is difficult to cope with it, you can consult a doctor for analgesics. In addition, warmth and peace help, as well as special shoes and bandages for pregnant women.

There are a number of sensations during the 16th week of pregnancy, which you should definitely inform your doctor about, as they can signal problems:

persistent or severe headache;
blurred vision or flashing "flies" before the eyes;
rapidly increasing edema;
bleeding from the genital tract;
severe unrelenting abdominal pain;
persistent vomiting;
profuse watery discharge from the vagina - rupture of amniotic fluid.

Periods

Periods during pregnancy are something outside the norm. In reality, this is nothing more than bleeding, which may indicate a threat.

The causes of bleeding in the second trimester can be:

pathology of the cervix - ectopia, polyp, dysplasia;
bleeding disorders (thrombophilia) or taking blood thinners;
abruption or placenta previa.

“Losing time in such a situation can be deadly,” doctors warn. - If there is blood discharge of different volumes from brown spotting, pink to bright scarlet, you should urgently see a doctor and do an ultrasound.

Abdominal pains

At different periods, pregnant women experience pains in the abdomen on the sides. Some mothers are worried: what if this is a danger signal. However, often such pain is normal, because the baby is growing and the uterus is growing with it. It is attached to the walls of the bone pelvis by ligaments, they are stretched - and there is a pulling pain.

How to distinguish "normal" pain from a threat?

if the pain is only on one side, this is a good sign;
put your hand on the stomach, if the uterus is calm - everything is in order, but if it is like a stone, we call the hospital;
if the pain is not periodic, there is nothing to be afraid of, another thing is if it occurs every 10-15 minutes - such sensations can be an alarming sign.

Brown discharge

— At this time, bloody, brownish discharge from the genital tract is not as common as in earlier periods (up to 12 weeks). This is a serious complication and in this period requires urgent hospitalization in a hospital in the gynecological department for diagnosis and choice of treatment tactics! Such a complication, as a rule, occurs with marginal or complete placenta previa, as well as in the case of its partial detachment, - warns obstetrician-gynecologist Tatyana Mikhailova .

Frequently Asked Questions

Are cramps during pregnancy normal? And how to deal with them?

Seizures are a signal that the balance of trace elements is disturbed in a woman's body. During pregnancy, this situation is quite expected. In the second trimester, there is an active formation of the child's skeletal system, and this requires a large amount of mineral salts.

Usually, it is the mineral imbalance that causes cramps in the legs: muscle cells consume potassium, calcium, magnesium, and these elements simply do not have time to be replenished. A balanced diet can help reduce the likelihood of seizures.

We get calcium from dairy products, nuts, cabbage, eggs, but it is well absorbed in combination with vitamin D3. Many people generally forget about potassium, while every cell of the body needs it. Therefore, it is important to include foods rich in potassium in the menu. This will also help avoid swelling problems.

What are the planned indications for a caesarean section?

There is a list of absolute indications for a planned caesarean section. This list includes:

• complete or partial placenta previa;
• breech presentation of a fetus that weighs more than 3700 grams;
• transverse or oblique position of the fetus;
• narrowing of the pelvis 3-4 degrees;
• a scar on the uterus, provided that natural childbirth is not possible;
• plastic surgery on the perineum;
• certain fetal indications for malformations;
• preeclampsia;
• indications from other organs and systems.

This is not the whole list, but it reflects the main reasons for the appointment of the CS.

How to avoid stretch marks during pregnancy?

Stretch marks are small tears in the top layer of the skin due to growing belly or breasts. The formation of stretch marks depends on the individual properties of the skin (primarily on its elasticity and structure). Alas, the industry has not yet come up with a cosmetic product that would completely prevent the appearance of stretch marks in pregnant women. However, the use of cosmetic oils and other means to improve the properties of the skin, of course, will reduce the likelihood of stretch marks. But no one can guarantee that it will be effective. Try to drink water to keep your skin more elastic.

Can I have sex?

If the pregnancy is normal, there is no threat of termination of pregnancy, the length of the cervix is more than 30 mm, there is no complete placenta previa, then there are no contraindications for sex, explains obstetrician-gynecologist Tatyana Mikhailova. - The main thing is that everything is in moderation, and mom needs to carefully monitor her well-being and sensations in her body!

What should I do if my temperature rises?

If during pregnancy at any time the temperature rises, and even more so if there are signs of a cold or pain, you should contact your obstetrician-gynecologist or therapist, - explains doctor Tatyana Mikhailova.

First of all, a strong heat can have a bad effect on the well-being of both mother and baby. Secondly, the danger is self-medication. Many drugs are contraindicated for pregnant women, so you should not take pills without the advice of a doctor.

What to do if the lower abdomen is pulled?

If it hurts on one side and the pain does not come in attacks at regular intervals, it means that the stretching ligaments are just annoying. Doctors advise the woman to calm down, lie down, breathe deeply and relax. Muscle tension should go along with the pain.

Sometimes rehearsal contractions manifest such pain. At such times they should not yet be, but everyone is individual.

How to eat right?

Ideally, you should eat five times a day - three main meals and two intermediate meals. At each meal, you should try to combine foods of different types containing proteins, carbohydrates and healthy fats.

Proteins should be obtained from lean meats, eggs and dairy products, carbohydrates from foods rich in plant fiber (vegetables, fruits, whole grain bread). You can eat cereals, pasta and potatoes 1-2 times a day.
Vegetables and fruits should be eaten several times a day, fish and seafood - 2-3 times a week.

It will be useful to eat foods rich in folic acid: legumes, green vegetables, spinach, Brussels sprouts and cauliflower, bananas, oranges. It is advisable to reduce the consumption of sweets, canned foods, smoked meats, fried and fatty foods.

16th week of pregnancy, baby weight, photo, pregnancy calendar | Mamovedia

On the 16th week, the 4th month of pregnancy ends, a little more and half the way will be left behind, there are still many difficulties and experiences ahead, however, in spite of everything, time is rapidly rushing you towards your cherished dream - to become a resident of the country Happy Motherhood . There are many new and unknown: there are laughter and tears, silence and noise, joy and sometimes sadness, constant experiences and many emotions ...

So far you could only be an observer, but very soon you will become an integral part of the special country of Moms.

What's going on?

The baby also strives to meet his mother, and therefore grows and develops tirelessly. Now it has already reached the size of a small banana. His height at 14 weeks is 108 - 116 mm from crown to tailbone, and his weight ranges from 80 - 110 g .

The 16th week of pregnancy brings the following changes in the development of the baby:

The neck has developed so much that the baby can already hold his head straight. Formed facial muscles allow the child to "grimace", although so far this occurs involuntarily. Eyes and ears are already almost in place. The baby is already moving his eyes.
The legs become more and more proportional to the body . Small nails begin to appear on the limbs of the baby. The movements of the child become more and more active, their coordination increases.
Baby's glands are functioning, namely sweat and sebaceous glands . The kidneys and bladder begin to work intensively - almost every 45 minutes the amniotic fluid is replenished due to the baby's feces in the form of urine.

Photo by Lennart Nilsson

Ultrasound can already determine the sex of the baby, since the external genitalia are already clearly defined. The ovaries in girls at the 16th week of pregnancy descend into the hip region with the abdomen.

Although ear development is not completed until 24 weeks, the baby is already able to respond to sounds that reach the uterine cavity

Be careful about the music you listen to. Avoid too loud sound, harsh and non-melodious music. Ideal is listening to classical music performed by such famous composers as Chopin, Mozart, Beethoven. There are a lot of scientific works on the positive influence of classical music on the development and emotional state of the child in the womb.

There is such a thing as fetal hemoglobin, that is, inherent only to the fetus . It is more related to oxygen, and plays a crucial role in oxygenating the baby in the womb. "Adult" hemoglobin in the fetus begins to be produced from the 16th week, but this process is very slow. By the time of birth, its part is only 30%. But after birth, on the contrary, there is an active destruction of red blood cells that contain fetal hemoglobin. Thus, a newborn baby may experience physiological jaundice. Fruit hemoglobin is completely replaced by "adult" before the baby reaches 4-5 months of age.

What does it feel like?

Owners of a slender figure, as well as women expecting a second child, at the 16th week of pregnancy can expect an unforgettable feeling of the first movement of the baby. As a rule, a woman who has already given birth can feel the movements of the baby 2-4 weeks earlier than with the first pregnancy. First of all, this is due to the fact that the woman has already gone through these sensations and her subconscious mind will help to recognize them faster.

But don't worry too much if you don't feel your baby's kicks before 23 weeks. Perhaps you just mistake them for gurgling in the intestines :-) Since the baby is still small, his tremors are barely noticeable. Therefore, the period when a woman begins to feel her baby physically is quite different and depends on the activity of the baby, the sensitivity of the mother and the shape of her body.

Someone sooner, someone later, but will definitely feel this amazing contact with the baby

The movement of the baby is a new step in the relationship "mother - baby". These sensations will fill your heart with joy and happiness, will give unforgettable emotions, sharpen the instinct of motherhood... Let daddy into this whirlpool of emotions. Of course, he will never be able to feel what you feel, but he will become closer to the baby, his heart will be filled with love, new, somewhat incomprehensible, but very pleasant emotions will forever leave their mark ...

The placenta, like the uterus, continues to grow. The weight of the uterus is already 250 g. The volume of amniotic fluid at the 16th week is 250 ml. The mammary glands begin their work.

Nutrition of the expectant mother

Nutrition is one of the important aspects that affect the course of pregnancy and the development of the baby. Be responsible when planning your daily menu. Remember, breakfast is the most important meal of the day!

For lunch, it is advisable to eat liquid dishes - a variety of soups and borscht, while dinner should be light so as not to overload the stomach at night. If you begin to notice that you are constantly hungry, make sure that you always have fruits and dried fruits and vegetables on hand. But sandwiches, pastries and pies are better not to use as a snack. The result of the consumption of these products will not keep you waiting - excess weight and constipation.

Foods rich in salt should also be eliminated from your diet.

Salt in excess contributes to water retention in the body. And this, in turn, can provoke the occurrence of edema.

Risk factors for mother and child

Listen to your body. You should be alert for symptoms such as:

Brown discharge
Spotting or bleeding
Hardening of the uterus
Abdominal pain
Other symptoms that did not occur before and now confuse you.

If at least one of the above changes is detected, go to the doctor, in a critical situation, call an ambulance. Timely help can save your baby! Since the greatest threat at this stage is missed pregnancy... Take care of yourself and your unborn treasure...

Those couples who are at risk of Rhesus conflict should be especially careful

A high probability is observed under the following conditions:

Rh negative in a woman and positive in a husband;
Second pregnancy (regardless of whether the child was born), and the first child inherited a positive Rh factor;
The baby in the womb also inherited a positive Rh factor (as a rule, this information is still unknown).

The presence of the first two conditions obliges the family to always be on guard.

Important!

If your scheduled visit to the doctor falls on the 16th week of pregnancy, then in addition to standard tests - blood and urine, weight and pressure measurements, you may be offered to undergo screening examinations that will help determine the presence or absence of severe defects in the development of the baby.

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