At 16 weeks, you lot're officially iv months pregnant!

Every bit your second trimester hums along, your baby's growing chop-chop, and you lot might commencement seeing changes to your own body, too — and so if you haven't already gone shopping for maternity apparel, at present'south the time.

Your Baby at Calendar week 16

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What'due south going on inside your ever-expanding belly this calendar week? For one thing, your niggling boxer is working up to fighting weight. Sure, her body withal looks pretty thin and fragile — especially with but a translucent layer of peel covering those claret vessels and bones. And yes, she's only iv to five inches long and weighs just three ounces. But your little flyweight is starting to gain some muscle mass. Her dorsum muscles are getting stronger, enabling her to straighten her caput and neck even more. Stronger muscles as well allow her to make some of her very first facial expressions. Was that a smiling?

Talking most that getting-more than-adorable-by-the-mean solar day face up, your baby's eyes are facing fully forward and framed past a fringe of eyelashes and tiny eyebrows. And though her eyelids are nevertheless sealed shut and will stay that manner for another ten weeks or so, those tiny orbs will soon be able to perceive light…fifty-fifty though there's nothing to meet. It's always night, after all, in baby's hotel womb.

In other news, your fiddling ane's ticker is pumping effectually 25 quarts of blood per day through her growing body. That sounds similar a lot of pumping action going on, merely it'south only the outset. By the time your baby is ready for her debut, her heart will be pumping 1,900 quarts a day!

At a Glance

Sensitive to light

Your babe'southward eyes are making minor side-to-side movements this calendar week and can perceive some light, fifty-fifty though they're still closed.

The sucking reflex

That thumb-sucking habit of many newborns may have already begun. At xvi weeks, babies may be able to brand sucking motions.

Strong heart

Baby-to-be's circulatory arrangement is now up and (beginning) to run. In fact, that petty heart can pump most 25 quarts of blood a 24-hour interval.

16 weeks pregnant is how many months?

If y'all're sixteen weeks pregnant, yous're in month 4 of your pregnancy. Only 5 months left to go! Still take questions? Hither's some more data on how weeks, months and trimesters are broken down in pregnancy.

How big is my baby at sixteen weeks?

Your baby now weighs in at a whopping 3 to 4 ounces and is 4 to 5 inches in length.

The backbone and tiny muscles in your infant's back are gaining forcefulness, and so she tin can straighten out that head and neck fifty-fifty more.

Infant's eyes are working

Thanks to those developing facial muscles, your baby is capable of making a few expressive frowns and squints, even at this early phase.

Baby's beautiful eyes are finally working besides, making small side-to-side movements and perceiving light, although the eyelids are notwithstanding sealed. Peekaboo!

Baby's skin is transparent

Your fetus is becoming a looker too — with a face that's starting to look more man — only a skinny looker, since in that location's no baby fat yet.

And here's the skinny on baby skin: Information technology's practically translucent now, and then if y'all took a peek inside your uterus, yous'd be able to run across your baby'due south claret vessels under that sparse pare.

Babe will before long hear your voice

Listen up: Tiny bones in your fetus' ears are in identify, making it likely that baby will soon be able to hear your voice (or something similar it) when you're speaking. More often than not, babies fully develop the ability to hear in the womb by 18 weeks of pregnancy.

In fact, studies have found that babies who hear a vocal while they're in the womb recognize the same melody when information technology's sung to them later they're born — so choose your lullabies with that in mind.

Your Body at Week 16

baby size at 16 weeks pregnant

Rapid growth

At sixteen weeks pregnant, your uterus is growing at nigh the same pace every bit your baby's — aka pretty darn fast! — and it's getting to the bespeak where y'all may not be able to hide your pregnancy anymore, even if yous wanted to.

You're still also probable enjoying the relative bliss of trimester two, especially compared with trimester one, and volition soon exist able to see more of your infant at your ultrasound in a few weeks.

How Big Are sixteen-Week Bumps?

Your 16 weeks pregnant belly

At 16 weeks pregnant, you may now be at the phase where your bump clearly has a infant in there. Your weight gain and that of your baby have likely picked up considerably, and yous'll both keep to grow. But all baby bumps at sixteen weeks are different — and normal. Believe information technology or not, some women withal don't really show at 16 weeks pregnant, while others have pronounced bumps.

The wide variety of baby bumps can be attributed to everything from a woman's size and shape to whether this is the showtime pregnancy or the 2nd, third or fourth.

Whatever you lot do, don't compare your 16 weeks meaning belly to anyone else's and don't worry too much. Information technology's all proficient! If you're nevertheless concerned, though, or take questions well-nigh how big or modest you are, just talk to your doctor for some reassurance.

Your pregnancy weight proceeds

It may be hard to spotter yourself gain weight during pregnancy, fifty-fifty when you know in that location's a wonderful reason for information technology, only try to encompass your trunk'due south new shape and think of every pound yous put on as a sign of good health for you and your baby.

As long as you eat right during pregnancy, minimize junk and maximize nutrient-dumbo foods, and get regular exercise, you'll be fine in the long run. Remember, every adult female gains and loses weight during pregnancy at a different pace.

One way to prove your irresolute shape some beloved this week and feel amend nigh yourself in the process: Buy a garment or accessory that makes you experience pretty at your new size — and don't forget to purchase underwear that fits!

Nasal congestion

Your uterus is not the just thing that's starting to not bad. Then tin can the mucous membranes of your nose from all the pregnancy hormones circulating in your body, which are also increasing blood flow. The result? Your olfactory organ probably already knows: pregnancy congestion and possibly even nosebleeds.

Unfortunately, the stuffiness may just get worse equally your pregnancy progresses, simply your practitioner volition probably not prescribe any medications or antihistamine nasal sprays to help clear things up — but do ask if your doctor recommends something else instead.

You can safely effort saline sprays or nasal strips, specially if the congestion takes a plough for the truly uncomfortable. A humidifier in your room and a little petroleum jelly dabbed nether your olfactory organ may also aid overcome the dryness associated with any congestion.

Pregnancy Symptoms Week xvi

Continued breast growth

Feeling overwhelmed by your ever-growing breasts? Don't worry — later on giving birth and weaning, if yous cull to breastfeed, they should return to about their pre-pregnancy size. Read More

Constipation

Besides those pregnancy hormones causing your alimentary canal to go sluggish, your expanding uterus is now putting pressure on your bowels, which can back things up significantly. Try increasing the amount of liquid you drink to keep everything moving forth. Read More

Increased vaginal discharge

Though vaginal discharge is actually benign to your body — it protects the birth canal from infection — it may not feel comfortable. Don't exist tempted to try douches or feminine wipes, however, since they can irritate the genital tract and lead to infection. Read More

Varicose veins

One way to minimize the swollen blood vessels in your legs? Keep your weight proceeds healthy and gradual, and stick within the recommended range, considering extra weight increases the load on your circulatory system. Read More

Backaches

As your belly gets bigger, your lower dorsum curves more than usual to accommodate the load, resulting in strained back muscles. Try to soothe these sore muscles by getting a prenatal massage, fifty-fifty from your partner, or taking a warm bath or shower. Read More

Bleeding gums

Accept you noticed that your gums are haemorrhage subsequently brushing? That's considering pregnancy hormones are causing gum inflammation, making them more than susceptible to leaner, irritation and haemorrhage. While this is normal, it'due south important to keep flossing and brushing regularly. Also run into the dentist at least once during pregnancy to avert glue disease, which can cause pregnancy complications if untreated. Read More

Tips for You This Week

Choose soups

No thing the flavor, soups brand a great midday meal. They tin can be as hearty every bit you want, pair well with others — we're looking at y'all, sandwiches — and are oft full of protein and cobweb.

Eat em' cold or eat em' hot, and make a double batch of soup so you can freeze some for another time.

Switch to cotton underwear

An increment in vaginal belch — known in medical-speak as leukorrhea — is ofttimes one of the outset signs of pregnancy. It'due south too usually here to stay while y'all're expecting, and the corporeality will likely increase equally your pregnancy progresses.

Non to worry — this sparse, white belch is perfectly normal and healthy. Just keep the expanse clean and dry by bathing regularly and wearing breathable cotton underwear. If you're concerned about what you're seeing, call your dr..

Apply a humidifier

That annoying stuffiness in your nose — and sometimes fifty-fifty the nosebleeds that accompany it, peculiarly if y'all're blowing often — usually start effectually week 16 of your pregnancy.

Unfortunately, they usually stick with you and sometimes become worse until the very end. Endeavour using a neti pot with bottled, distilled water and a humidifier to moisten your dry nose.

Go for practiced calories when you exercise

When you're pregnant, you get to eat an extra 100 to 200 calories for every half hour of strenuous exercise you practise.

But choose those calories wisely by eating nutrient-rich foods that won't undo the benefits of all your hard work.

Try to laissez passer upward that chocolate bar y'all were about to reach for. (That energy bar probably isn't much meliorate, either.) Instead, go for a smoothie or a granola-yogurt parfait, some apple slices smeared with almond or peanut butter, or whole grain crackers and cheese.

Manage back hurting

Backache got you down? Instead of nursing it on the sofa, try doing some gentle yoga or Pilates. Both assistance stretch and loosen the spine and release tension — which tin be ane of the main causes of dorsum pain.

Some other plus: Yoga and Pilates boost your overall energy and mood levels, then you're better able to cope with the pregnancy pains that remain.

You can also do simple moves that strengthen your abdominal muscles, which will, in plough, reduce the amount of strain on your lower dorsum. (Simply remember, don't practice on your back now that you're well into your 2nd trimester).

Go for greens

Make a habit of having a salad or grilled veggies, or sauteéd leafy greens such as spinach, escarole or broccoli as a side.

Lentil, bean and vegetable soups are all great choices too, and aforementioned goes for tomato-based broths and chowders.

Fix for the quad screen

The quad screen is a blood test that measures the levels of four substances produced by the fetus and the placenta, which are then passed into the mother's bloodstream.

The results tell you lot what the probability is that you're conveying a child with a chromosomal abnormality or neural tube defect.

Quad screen results tin can be combined with those from the nuchal translucency (NT) screening or the noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) to give you a more accurate assessment.

From the What to Await editorial squad and Heidi Murkoff, author ofWhat to Expect When Y'all're Expecting. What to Await follows strict reporting guidelines and uses merely credible sources, such as peer-reviewed studies, academic enquiry institutions and highly respected health organizations. Learn how we keep our content accurate and up-to-date by reading our medical review and editorial policy.

  • What to Expect When Y'all're Expecting, 5th edition, Heidi Murkoff.
  • WhatToExpect.com, Nuchal Translucency Screening, December 2020.
  • WhatToExpect.com, The Quad Screen, Oct 2020.
  • WhatToExpect.com, Back Pain During Pregnancy, January 2020.
  • WhatToExpect.com, Vaginal Discharge During Pregnancy (Leukorrhea), Feb 2020.
  • WhatToExpect.com, Pregnancy-Safe and Family unit-Friendly Recipes, 2021.
  • WhatToExpect.com, Stuffy Nose and Nosebleeds During Pregnancy, April 2021.
  • National Institutes of Wellness, National Library of Medicine, Fetal Development, June 2021.
  • Mayo Clinic, Fetal Development: The 2nd Trimester, June 2020.
  • Food and Drug Administration, Is Rinsing Your Sinuses With Neti Pots Safe? Jan 2017.
  • National Institutes of Health, National Library of Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinics of North America, Prenatal Diagnosis Screening and Diagnostic Tools, June 2017.
  • U.Due south. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Health Tips for Significant Women, October 2019.
  • AboutKidsHealth, The Infirmary for Sick Children, The Second Trimester, September 2009.
  • National Institutes of Wellness, National Library of Medicine, Canadian Family Md, Treating the Cold During Pregnancy, May 2008.

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