Now that you’re 16 weeks pregnant, things must be getting pretty exciting. You may have another antenatal visit this week, where you will get to hear baby’s heartbeat again. You might also start to feel your baby kick subtly. Your baby can also hear your voice now and she’ll recognize it at birth, time to practice nursery rhymes!
YOUR GROWING BABY
Your baby weighs about 2.8 ounces (79 grams) and is about 4 1/2 inches from crown to rump, just about the size of an avocado. Her bones are growing stronger so you might start to feel movements.
16 WEEKS PREGNANT SYMPTOMS
Constipation
You’ll feel constipated most of the time because your uterus is starting to press on your intestines. To avoid this eat lots of fiber-rich foods and drink lots of water to keep things moving.
Glowing skin
It’s time to get that pregnancy glow that people are always talking about. You might find your skin looking radiant. Make use of it!
Backaches
This is a side effect of pregnancy hormones. To ease backaches, start some low-impact exercise. Sit and stand up straight and regularly stretch your body.
Bigger breasts
Your breasts have probably gone up a cup or two sizes by now and should be producing breast milk by the end of the second trimester.
Dry, itchy, sensitive eyes
This is another effect of pregnancy hormones. Try not to touch them too often. Consult your OB before choosing over-the-counter eye drops.
If you’re sixteen weeks pregnant with twins, you should definitely keep your doctor posted on all your symptoms. Your symptoms might not be any different from women pregnant with single babies but a twin pregnancy is considered at higher risk, so always talk to your OB.
Your Growing Belly and Body
At 16 weeks pregnant, your pelvic area will feel heavy and firm because of the amniotic sac. You’ll also feel heavier because your baby and your body are putting on extra weight, your placenta and your enlarging breast will also make you feel heavy. At this point, it’s normal to gain a pound a week. You might also find your hair and nails growing faster and healthier.
16 WEEKS PREGNANT ULTRASOUND
Your baby can listen to your voice from inside your belly, thanks to the tiny bones forming in his ears. He is growing hair, lashes, and eyebrows. And his taste buds are also forming.
PREGNANCY TO-DO LIST AT 16 WEEKS
>>Schedule your 20-week prenatal visit
>>Schedule your mid-pregnancy ultrasound
>>Start a baby name list (if you haven’t already!)
