Do you show at 16 weeks pregnant

When Do You Start Showing in Pregnancy? Baby Bump Guide

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This article was reviewed by Mahino A. Talib, MD, who is a clinical assistant professor with the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at NYU Langone.

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The initial baby bump doesn't reflect the baby's size, but rather the expansion of your uterus. kjekol/Getty Images

If it's your first pregnancy, you'll probably start to show at 12 to 16 weeks.
You'll likely show early if you're short, carrying multiple babies, or you've been pregnant before.
By week 20, your doctor will start measuring your baby bump to track fetal growth.

Pregnancy bumps are as diverse as the babies they produce.

You start to show in pregnancy at 12 to 16 weeks

If it's your first pregnancy, you'll probably start to show between 12 to 16 weeks, around the start of your second trimester. But this initial bump is not from the baby. In fact, at 15 weeks, the average fetus is 4 inches long, or about as large as an orange.

So that "baby bump" isn't from the baby's size, but rather the expansion of your uterus.

"As the uterus gets bigger with a developing pregnancy, the loops of bowel which fill the abdomen are pushed upwards and out to the sides," says Meg Wilson, MBBS, an OB-GYN at London Gynaecology.

What causes some to show early in pregnancy?

There are a few factors that might affect when you start showing:

Height: If you have a short abdomen, your bump will likely pop out sooner than for taller women with a longer abdomen. "Women who have a long abdomen may have more space for their uterus to develop upwards rather than outwards, which can give the appearance of a smaller bump," Wilson says.
Weight: If you're smaller with less body fat, you'll probably show much earlier than someone with more body fat.
Multiple buns in the oven: If you're carrying twins or multiples, you're more likely to show earlier — as early as 6 weeks. That's because your uterus will expand more to create space for the additional fetuses.
Not your first rodeo: You're more likely to show early if this isn't your first pregnancy. "The uterus is held in position at the front by the abdominal walls: skin and muscle strength," says Wilson. "For women who have had several pregnancies, the skin and muscle become weaker and the pregnant uterus can fall forward more."

How doctors track baby bump progression

By week 20, your doctor will start measuring your fundal length — that's the distance between the pubic bone and the top of the uterus. Typically, this number should correlate with your week of pregnancy.

So, for example, if your fundal length is 25 centimeters, you should be in or near your 25th week of pregnancy.

If, however, your fundal length is too high, it could indicate growth problems with the baby, like fetal macrosomia, which is when a baby is significantly too large.

On the flip side, if your fundal length is too low it could mean restricted growth, which is when the baby isn't large enough. While not all small babies suffer from restricted growth, it's worth checking in with your maternal health practitioner if you are concerned.

Note: Doctors caution, though, that the fundal length isn't a perfect measurement, and variables like weight or carrying multiple babies can change your numbers significantly.

Insider's takeaway

There are several factors that affect when your baby bump will start to show during pregnancy.

When it's your first pregnancy, it's common for your bump to start showing between 12 and 16 weeks. The initial baby bump is caused by the expansion of the uterus, rather than the size of the fetus.

If you have a short abdomen, less body fat, are carrying multiple fetuses, or it's not your first pregnancy, then you are more likely to show early.

Your doctor will begin measuring your fundal length by week 20. This measurement helps doctors track fetal growth.

Rebecca Cairns

Rebecca Cairns is a freelance writer for Insider.

Ultrasound and What to Expect

Reviewed by

Kate Shkodzik, MD

Obstetrician-Gynecologist, Former Medical Advisor at Flo

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

16 weeks pregnant - what is happening, fetal development, feeling, what the belly looks like

WHAT'S HAPPENING

At the 16th week of pregnancy, the length of the fetus will reach 11 - 11. 5 cm, and weight - 80 g. All life processes are actively going on in the body of a little man: the heart is working hard, the kidneys are regularly excreting urine, the development of the central nervous system continues. By the period of 15-16 weeks of pregnancy, the composition of the blood of the fetus has already taken shape: it, as it should be, consists of lymphocytes, erythrocytes and monocytes. It contains fetal (or "fetal") hemoglobin: it is needed for a better supply of oxygen to cells, and in a newborn its share is about 80 - 85% of the total. However, already at this time, “adult” hemoglobin also appears - within six months after the birth of a child, it will replace the fetal one.

By the 16th week of pregnancy, the baby's muscles have already grown strong enough, he has learned to hold his head evenly and turn it from side to side, move his fingers and legs. Your baby is very active: he smiles, frowns, yawns, swallows, spits, sucks his thumb and even tries to play with what he finds nearby: he grabs the umbilical cord, touches his arms and legs. And if there is more than one baby in the mother's belly, the children communicate with each other.

YOUR FEELING

During the 15-16th week of pregnancy, the uterus grows and stretches the muscles and ligaments in the lower abdomen, due to which you may feel slight pain. Now the uterus has grown so much that it is already palpable: to do this, empty your bladder, lie on your back and relax. Now try using your fingertips to carefully examine the area in the middle of the abdomen just above the pelvic bone. The protruding zone is your unborn child. If all else fails and you do not find the uterus, ask your doctor to teach you how to do it right.

At the 16th week of pregnancy, due to squeezing the intestines, problems with going to the toilet "in a big way" may appear. If it were only about discomfort, it would not be so scary, but prolonged constipation can increase the risk of miscarriage. Therefore, it is necessary to reconsider your diet and include in it products that have a laxative effect. To prevent problems with peristalsis at the 15th - 16th week of pregnancy, it is advisable to perform simple physical exercises daily and take a walk in the fresh air, it is also a good idea to visit the pool.

Your breasts continue to grow, the areolas become even larger and darker. The hormonal surge is over, and your appetite has increased. However, we must try not to overeat and constantly control body weight. Normal weekly weight gain varies from 300 to 500 g.

And at the stage of 15 - 16 weeks of pregnancy, your temperature may rise by 1 - 2 degrees. Do not worry: the body "overheats" due to intense work, and with the help of increased sweating and a feeling of heat, the body cools itself. The amount of vaginal discharge may also increase. Increased secretion is a kind of preparation of the genital tract for childbirth.

In general, the 16th week of pregnancy is a period when the emotional state of a woman normalizes and energy returns to her. There is a thirst for vigorous activity: I want to start repairs, large-scale shopping or even moving. But the expectant mother should be careful not to lift weights and not overwork, because this can adversely affect the health of her baby.

RISK FACTORS

If pregnancy develops without pathologies and complications, there should not be any special unpleasant sensations at this time. With prolonged physical exertion, you may experience pain in the lower back or legs, but in no case in the lower abdomen.

At the 16th week of pregnancy, the risk of developing iron deficiency anemia increases. This is due to an increase in the volume of circulating blood and a decrease in the number of red blood cells in it. To compensate for the lack of iron, the gynecologist may prescribe medications containing this element. Also, in the blood of the expectant mother, when the period has reached 16 weeks of pregnancy, a lack of calcium and magnesium is often found, which is fraught with the appearance of cramps in the legs (most often at night). In this situation, special magnesium preparations will help, and to fill the daily need for calcium, it is enough to eat a little cottage cheese every day and drink a glass of kefir or milk.

Allocations for a period of 16 weeks of pregnancy are white or yellowish, practically do not smell. When they cause itching, have a pungent odor and turn green, these may be symptoms of a genital infection that must be treated. And if the discharge turns brown, pink or red, this is a cause for serious concern. In combination with cramping pains, a feeling of tightness in the lower back and a “petrified” abdomen, they can be a sign of uterine hypertonicity. Take a supine position and immediately call an ambulance.

MEDICAL SUPERVISION

At the 16th week of pregnancy, in addition to a complete blood and urine test, you may have to donate blood for a coagulogram (to determine its clotting), free estriol, AFP and hCG. In diseases such as Down's syndrome, craniocerebral hernia and anencephaly, the level of these substances will deviate from the norm.

Usually, an ultrasound scan is not done at 16 weeks of gestation, but if it is prescribed, the expectant mother will be able to observe on the monitor not only the movements of her baby, but also his facial expressions. This time, using a conventional ultrasound machine, you can also determine the sex of the child, unless, of course, your baby turns to the right side.

In some cases, an amniocentesis is prescribed at the 16th week of pregnancy. For this study, the amniotic membrane is punctured and a small amount of amniotic fluid is removed with a needle. A diagnostic test allows you to determine with almost absolute certainty whether the fetus has this or that pathology. With this study, several hundred genetic defects can be identified. But this procedure is not safe: according to statistics, in one case in a thousand, infection occurs, and the risk of miscarriage as a result of amniocentesis is approximately 0.5 - 1%. Therefore, without extreme necessity, it is better not to do a puncture of the amniotic membrane at the 15th - 16th week of pregnancy.

RECOMMENDATIONS

For the 16th week of pregnancy, the recommendations remain the same. Now it is important for you to monitor weight gain. And in order to avoid obesity, it is necessary to exclude “fast” carbohydrates from the diet (buns, cakes, chocolate, sweets). Extra pounds can lead to complications and negatively affect the process of childbirth. When you are already 16 weeks pregnant, eat right: do not give up breakfast, choose nuts, fruits, biscuits, natural sugar-free yoghurts as snacks. And at night you can drink herbal tea with honey or a glass of kefir;
Some pregnant women are interested in the question of whether it is possible to visit a bath or sauna for a period of 15 - 16 weeks of pregnancy. You should not do this: like a hot bath or shower, bath procedures can harm the child, because if your body temperature rises even for a few minutes, great damage will be done to the baby's body.

Pregnancy: 4 months

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Putting order in our knowledge about what vitamins and minerals and in what quantity are necessary for the health of the child, and what foods contain them.

Sports during pregnancy

What is the use of sports during the period of expectation of a baby and which sport to choose?

Work during pregnancy

How to work during pregnancy? What benefits and guarantees does the expectant mother have?

Sex during pregnancy

Is it possible to have sex during pregnancy, what should be taken into account, what positions to choose?

Tests and examinations during pregnancy

Eating Right During Pregnancy

How to create a healthy diet for a pregnant woman, what vitamins should be present in the diet, how much liquid should be drunk, what drinks to prefer and what to avoid, what foods are considered harmful for pregnant women and how to keep weight under control while staying in a good mood.

16th week of pregnancy: sensations, size and development of the fetus

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Your baby is almost 13 cm long and moves around a lot, alternating periods of activity and rest. This helps the growth of the baby's muscles and the formation of connections in the nervous system - between the brain, spinal cord and muscles.

By the 16th week of pregnancy, you have probably already visited the doctor a couple of times. First trimester screening includes specialized blood tests. For your health and the healthy development of your baby, it is important that the laboratory checks your blood type, its characteristics and immunity to certain diseases.

If you are at high risk for a child's chromosomal disease, you may be referred for a genetic test using a chorionic biopsy or amniocentesis (amniotic fluid sampling). Chorionic biopsy can be performed up to 12 weeks or later. Amniotic fluid analysis is usually performed between 14-16 weeks of gestation, but sometimes later. When conducting any of these tests, the doctor controls his actions with the help of ultrasound in order to understand exactly where the placenta and the baby are located in the uterus.

So, what should I do now?

The practical, mundane phase of your pregnancy begins. Your energy levels are back to normal and you can focus on something other than your tiredness.

Now is the time to study the legal aspects of maternity leave and calculate how you and your partner will live on the same salary and benefits you are entitled to.

If you are planning to send your child to kindergarten, it is time to start research on this issue. It may seem premature, but in some places you need to book well in advance.

Consider redecorating your home. Where will the nursery be? Will your child live with you, apart from you, with a brother or sister? All these issues require time to be discussed, considered and resolved.

Physical changes at 16 weeks of gestation

The fundus (top) of the uterus is approximately 16 cm from the pubic bone this week. Perhaps your tummy is already visible, and it is obvious to other people that you are pregnant.
You may find that your gums become sensitive and bleed a little when you brush your teeth. Use only brushes with soft bristles and change them regularly. Brush your teeth twice a day, use dental floss, don't forget to brush the back of your tongue - bacteria that promote decay breed there. Visit the dentist at least once during pregnancy. Gingivitis i.e. Inflammation of the gums is one of the risk factors for preterm labor, so oral hygiene is now more important than ever.
You may still have constipation and lazy bowel syndrome. Water, roughage, fruits, vegetables, grains, and exercise are all natural and effective ways to keep your bowels functioning properly.
You may have increased vaginal discharge, which is annoying but not necessarily a sign of infection. During pregnancy, the discharge is usually clear or milky white, but if it is not accompanied by itching or odor, there is no cause for concern. Cells that produce mucus protect the genitals from infection.
You may sometimes feel sharp pains in the sides of your abdomen. The ligaments and muscles that support your expanding uterus are now actively working, and sometimes they can react to overload. Try not to make sudden movements, do not stand for a long time, sit when possible. If your job doesn't allow this, talk to your supervisor and ask for adjustments to your job responsibilities.

Emotional changes this week

You may feel as if the child is taking over your body, not to mention your mind! Sometimes it can be difficult for you to concentrate on work and household chores. Do not think that you are the only woman with such problems - this is a common occurrence during pregnancy.
If your pregnancy was not desired, now you have most likely changed your mind. By the time the baby's movements begin to be felt, many women are already getting used to the fact that they will have a baby. Don't worry if you're not overwhelmed with motherly love. At this stage of pregnancy, it is only important that you take care of yourself and not expose your body to unnecessary risks that may affect your health or the health of your baby.
The birth of a child can change a woman's attitude towards her own parents. Most likely, you will remember your childhood, analyze what was good and bad in it, how it affected you. All these thoughts are completely normal and demonstrate the importance of raising children for a woman.

What happens to the baby at the sixteenth week of pregnancy

Your baby's eyes can move left and right. Although the eyelids are still closed, the muscles that control the eyes are already starting to work. The child squints his eyes when a bright light penetrates your abdominal wall and he sees a reddish glow.
Your baby is actively moving. But, if this is your first pregnancy, you still don't feel anything.
The baby opens its small mouth and moves its tiny lips. He often makes respiratory and swallowing movements, so the amniotic fluid constantly passes through his small body. There isn't much of it around - just a glass or a little more - but it's enough to protect the baby and provide him with his own warm bath.
Your baby has probably found the umbilical cord this week and is holding onto it. Don't worry that he will squeeze it so hard that he will restrict blood flow - before this happens, the baby will open his fist.