How far is 16 weeks pregnant

Baby and You at 16 Weeks Pregnant: Symptoms & Development

In this article:
Key takeaways at week 16
Baby's development at week 16
3D anatomy views
Pregnancy symptoms this week
Your body at 16 weeks
Tips for week 16
Checklist for week 16

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.

Watch Week 16 Highlights

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.

3D Views: My Baby, My Body

See their progress for yourself with our 3D interactive tool.

See My Baby in 3D

See My Body in 3D

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 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

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. nine0005

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. nine0005

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. nine0005

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. nine0005

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. nine0005

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. nine0005

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. nine0005

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. nine0005

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. nine0005

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; nine0040
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.

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Pregnancy calendar 16 weeks - Miracle Doctor multidisciplinary clinic in Moscow

The growth of the fetus at the 16th week of pregnancy reaches 17 centimeters, and the weight is about 120 grams, the perimeter of the skull is 10 centimeters, the chest circumference is 9.9 centimeters, and the abdominal cavity is 9.6 centimeters. The sacro-parietal size is 12 centimeters. The volume of amniotic fluid is about 250 milliliters. The child is actively moving. His limbs are increasingly lengthening, this happens with the simultaneous development of the muscular system. For the formation of bones, the fetus needs a lot of calcium, and if it is not enough in the woman's diet, calcium begins to be withdrawn from the mother's body. Regularly making flexion-extension movements in the elbow, knee and hip joints, the child trains the muscles and prepares for life outside the fetal waters. nine0005

This week, the fetus already knows how to hold the head straight. The facial muscles of the child are fully formed and he has a rich facial expression. However, grimaces, squinting, wrinkling of the forehead, smiling and sticking out of the tongue are involuntary. The skin of the baby is thin without fatty tissue. The development of hair follicles on the head and body, as well as the growth of the nail plates, continues. Pronounced external genitalia make it possible to determine the sex of the fetus with ultrasound. The girl has already had a descent of the ovaries from the abdominal cavity to the pelvic area. nine0005

The baby's kidneys continue to function actively. Urine is regularly excreted in the amniotic fluid. The transfer of part of the excretory function to the kidneys reduces the load on the placenta. At the 16th week of pregnancy, there is an increase in liver function. The bile it produces enters the intestines and will remain there until the first independent bowel movement, which will occur shortly after childbirth.

Although the elements of the ear responsible for receiving sound have not yet fully formed, the fetus responds to sound. With a loud sharp sound, he may flinch. Also, the child distinguishes low tones. Scientists suggest that this reaction is due to bone sensitivity. nine0005

At the 16th week of pregnancy, an improvement in the hematopoietic system is noted. Before this period, fetal hemoglobin was present in the blood of the fetus, which is characteristic only for the period of intrauterine development. This week, the formation of normal hemoglobin in the blood of the fetus begins.

The cardiovascular system works regularly. The pumping of blood through the body of the fetus is carried out by a four-chambered heart. Blood supplies organs and systems with oxygen and nutrients, and also removes carbon dioxide and metabolic products. nine0005

The work of the endocrine glands improves in the child. The adrenal glands have learned to produce hormones and now contribute to the overall hormonal background.

To ensure the correct metabolism and gas exchange processes between the mother and the fetus, the supply of both organisms with hormones, the mother-placenta-fetus system is intensively functioning.

At 16 weeks pregnant, the woman's uterus continues to expand, which is required to accommodate the growing fetus. In some women (more often with re-pregnancy) at this time, the mammary glands begin to work and colostrum is formed. The weight of the expectant mother, compared with the prenatal one, increased by 2.5-3 kilograms. The belly begins to round, the waist disappears, the pigmentation of the nipples and areola increases. "Guilty" in the appearance of age spots on the body and face hormonal processes occurring in the body of the mother. nine0005

The time has come for the next analysis and tests. The woman will have to take an AFP test to determine the amount of alpha-fetoprotein secreted by the fetus. This analysis helps to identify possible deviations in the development of the child. Elevated levels of AFP may signal a violation of the formation of the spinal cord ("spin bifida"). Decreased alpha-fetoprotein in combination with elevated hCG syndrome is a symptom of downism or hydrocephalus.

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