Your baby at 16 weeks
Your baby is the size of a small apple during 16th week of pregnancy..
Sitting tall
Your little one is working on lifting his or her head and neck from the curved position.
Action figure
Baby is pumping those little arms and legs furiously this week. Sometime between now and 20 weeks, you may be able to feel movement for the first time.
Your pregnancy at 16 weeks
Taking sides
As you might have noticed, sleeping on your tummy is pretty much impossible at this stage. It's also thought that lying on your back can increase pressure on the vena cava, the blood vessel that returns blood to your heart, so lying on your left side is best. Sleeping in this position increases your circulation, which can help to minimize your chances of developing oedema (swelling) and varicose veins.
Heavy breathing
Pregnancy hormones cause fluid to collect in your lungs, making it harder for you to draw big breaths. Later on, your growing uterus will compound the problem by placing pressure on your diaphragm and reducing the space in which your lungs can expand.
Timely test
Now that you are 16 weeks pregnancy, it is time to speak with your healthcare provider about the pros and cons of the AFP (alpha-fetoprotein) test. This is a simple blood test that screens for birth defects like Down's syndrome and spina bifida, and must be performed between weeks 16 and 18.
Twin development at week 16
Do you feel any movement down there? Some women start to feel their babies moving around week 16, but women who are moms for the first time often don’t feel movement until much later. That’s ok.
Fetal movement, also called quickening, is a great sign that your babies are exercising their developing muscles. Over time, these little pokes and jabs will turn into rolls and kicks.
16 weeks pregnant symptoms
- brighter skin (due to increased blood flow)
- oilier or shinier skin (due to hormones)
- constipation
- heartburn
- nosebleeds
- congestion
- continued weight gain
- possible hemorrhoids
- forgetfulness
- trouble concentrating
Quick tip for moms
If you're craving sweet foods, reach for fruit or yogurt instead of that candy bar. Try snacking on string cheese if salty foods are more your thing. Your body and your baby will appreciate the protein and calcium.
Aim for 30 minutes of exercise a day. Swimming and walking are great low-intensity workouts. Just remember to speak with your doctor before beginning an exercise routine.
16 Weeks Pregnant: What's Happening in 16th Week of Pregnancy
Want to know more about your upcoming week? Find out what to expect during 17th week of pregnancy for you and your baby here.
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