Pregnancy Week – 16

Now that you’re 16 weeks pregnant, 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.

Sangeeta Jain Jun 2, 2018 2016 0

Pregnancy Week – 16

Now that you’re 16 weeks pregnant, 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. 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. Even your baby’s starting to be able to hear your voice—and he or she will recognize it at birth—so feel free to chat baby up any chance you get.

How big is your 16 weeks baby?

At 16 weeks pregnant, baby is the size of an avocado, measuring 4.6 inches long and weighing in at 3.5 ounces. In the next 3 weeks, he/she will be twice this size, and so will your belly.

Pregnancy Belly Week 16

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.
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.
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.

Pregnancy Symptoms Week 16

Some of the most common symptoms when you’re 16 weeks pregnant include:

Bigger breasts: 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.
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 Ultrasound Week 16

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.

Pregnancy Lifestyle Week 16

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: Try to keep exercising, but listen to your body and rest if you’re feeling dizzy or out of breath.

Pregnancy Checklist Week 16

Here is a checklist for week 16 pregnancy: