Dyanne HarveyTable of Contents
In fact, it’s a pretty significant time for your entire family all around. This week is one of many wonderful second trimester weeks.
So, let’s see what Mother Nature has in store for you!
How Big is Baby at 16 Weeks?
From crown-to-rump, your baby is measuring in at 4 1/3 to 4 2/3 inches (10.8 to 11.6 cm) this week. Needless to say, your little guy or girl is growing at a rapid pace.
Weighing about 2 3/4 ounces, he/she is about the size of an avocado. It might seem funny to compare your baby to a fruit or a vegetable, but when it comes down to practicality, the comparisons reach home for many people.
Tips for A Healthy Pregnancy at 16 Weeks
Down Syndrome – There are tests available to determine whether you might be carrying a child with Down syndrome or not.
One particularly popular one is called the triple-screen test. This test measures your alphafetoprotein, unconjugated estriol, and your hCG levels.
This unique combo can clue doctors into your baby’s genetics better than most other tests. While it’s not necessary, some parents do like to move forward with this type of genetic testing. It’s always a good idea to talk with your doctor in detail about all things related to genetic testing.
Over 35 – Although pregnancy after 35 has become increasingly popular, women who delay having children do face some special risks.
Some of these complications include premature birth, gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, high or low blood pressure, birth defects, and being pregnant with multiples.
While these all sound very scary, the best way to have a healthy pregnancy if you’re over 35 years old is simply to follow the doctor’s orders and guidelines.
It also must be said that many women over 35 have very healthy babies. Statistics aren’t predictors; they’re historical averages.
Kegel Exercises – Kegel exercises help to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles. Practicing them can help you in many ways during and after pregnancy.
They can help you with bladder control, hemorrhoids, and make sex more enjoyable by toning your vagina muscles. Plus, they’re easy to do!
Pretend like you’re trying to halt your urine flow (with an empty bladder, of course) then hold those muscles for 10 seconds. You can build yourself up to 10 sets 3x daily, but any more than that is too much of a workout.
How Many Months is 16 Weeks?
You are now three months and three weeks pregnant, mama!
You might have shifted away from talking in weeks to talking in months now.
At least to friends, acquaintances, and random (and inquisitive) strangers you meet in the grocery store. And that’s perfectly fine…maybe even easier.
Sometimes it’s hard for people without children to comprehend the whole “week” lingo anyway.
Ultrasound at 16 Weeks
There are now fine lanugo hairs covering your baby’s body and head. Of course, it’s too fine to see via an ultrasound, but it’s there nonetheless.
The umbilical cord might appear to have a lower placement on your baby’s abdomen this week.
You’ll be delighted to know that your baby’s tiny fingernails that started to develop earlier are now well-formed.
16 Weeks Pregnant: Your Belly
The amount of amniotic fluid surrounding your baby is steadily increasing, which causes your uterus to enlarge, as well.
There’s a good chance that you can feel your uterus a few inches below your belly button. It will only keep growing, too!
By now, you might be feeling a little crowded on the inside as your baby grows your intestines and organs shift to accommodate the growth.
16 Weeks Pregnant: Symptoms & Changes in Your Body
Quickening – Quickening is something that most moms look forward to, no matter the number of pregnancies. It’s also known as feeling baby’s first movements.
Although all babies are different in that some move a lot and others only move a little, a mom typically experiences quickening between 16 and 20 weeks pregnant. Y
our size will influence how soon you feel your baby move, as well. Often, it’s mistaken as gas or just a fluttery feeling. The more you feel it, the more familiar it will become. And, you will love it!
Appetite – Now that the days of first trimester morning sickness are behind you and you’ve regained your energy (hopefully), you might be feeling especially hungry.
With your renewed appetite, remember to feed your body what it truly needs. Keep nutritious snacks on hand so that you’re not reaching for those tempting snacks full of empty calories.
Weight Gain – The amount of weight an expecting mom should gain is a common topic. It seems that everyone has something to say about it. And, some people aren’t shy about preaching their opinion to you.
What you need to know is that your pre-pregnancy weight and health factors into your pregnancy weight gain goal more than anything.
While weight gain charts can be great guidance, your doctor knows you better than the internet, so always follow your doctor’s orders.
16 Weeks Pregnant: With Twins
Except for having larger baby bump, your symptoms might have seemed to be neck and neck with those of singleton moms.
Hopefully, you’re also feeling an exceptional feeling of renewed energy, too. This burst of energy is quite common in the second trimester.
Though yours might be slightly more short-lived, take advantage of it nonetheless.
Keep in mind that your doctor will want to know about any symptoms you’re experiencing. Since a twin or multiple pregnancy is considered higher risk, it might be a good idea to keep a daily log of how you’re feeling.
This will allow your doctor to keep a close watch on you and your babies.
16 Weeks Pregnant: A Checklist
- Solidify your babymoon plans.
- Hone in on your baby name list.
- Decide if you will learn baby’s gender.
Jennifer Brown
Mom Tricks
MomTricks Team
Lo Mansfield, MSN, RN
Sarah Bailey-Martin
Natalia Guilmino