16 Week Pregnant: Symptoms, Tips and Baby Development

August 10, 2023
Queens
Management Pregnancy, Overall Health, Pregnancy Week By Week
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As you reach the 16-week mark of your pregnancy, a new wave of vitality may wash over you, signalling the arrival of the second trimester—the delightful “honeymoon period” of this incredible journey!

At this stage, your baby bump might start to proudly announce itself, accompanied by the occasional flutter of tiny movements from your little miracle.

Continue reading to explore the significant milestones occurring during the 16th week of pregnancy, such as your baby’s growth and development, as well as the symptoms you might encounter.

In this Article

1 16 Week Pregnant – Baby Development
2 16 Weeks Pregnant Bump
3 16 Weeks Pregnant Symptoms
4 16 Weeks Pregnant – Tips to Follow
5 Takeaway at Sixteen Weeks Pregnant

16 Week Pregnant – Baby Development

At 16 weeks, your baby weighs an impressive 3 to 4 ounces and measures around 4 to 5 inches in length, comparable to the size of an apple.
The tiny heart of your baby is beating at a rapid rate of approximately 150 to 180 times per minute.
Taste buds and taste pores have fully developed by this week, allowing your baby to experience the flavours of the amniotic fluid.
Muscles and bones continue to grow, completing the formation of the skeleton.
The head is becoming more erect and aligning with the body.
Delicate hair is starting to emerge on the eyebrows, upper lip, and chin, adding to your baby’s unique features.
Between 16 and 18 weeks, the first eye movements become visible beneath the eyelids.
As eye motions begin, babies also start to touch their eyelids.
Although the ability to hear is still developing, your baby may begin to perceive limited sounds during this week.

16 Weeks Pregnant Bump

As you reach the 16-week mark of your pregnancy, you may find that your baby bump is now unmistakably indicative of the growing life within you. During the second trimester, it’s beneficial to understand that your uterus begins to shift higher and move forward as your baby and womb grow, eventually outgrowing the space within your pelvis.

It’s important to note that every baby bump at 16 weeks is unique and completely normal. Surprisingly, some women may still not show much at this stage, while others may proudly display more pronounced bumps. As your bump expands, it might be worth considering indulging in some maternity clothes to enhance your comfort and well-being.

16 Weeks Pregnant Symptoms

Skin Changes

Increased blood volume and hormonal shifts can give your skin a radiant appearance. Manage breakouts by washing your face twice daily with a mild cleanser.

Nosebleeds

Common during the 16th week, nosebleeds can be minimized by humidifying indoor air, moisturizing nostril edges, and clearing each nostril gently.

Lower Back Pain

Alleviate discomfort by taking warm baths, stretching regularly, maintaining proper posture, and wearing low-heeled shoes. Exercise and refer to a pregnancy exercise guide.

Dizziness

Hormonal changes affecting circulation can cause lightheadedness. Stay hydrated, avoid prolonged standing, and lie down on your side if dizzy. Seek guidance during exercise.

Bleeding Gums

Hormonal changes raise blood flow to the gums. Alleviate this symptom by maintaining good oral hygiene and using a soft-bristled toothbrush.

Gas

Hormonal fluctuations and a growing uterus contribute to increased gas. Manage it by eating smaller, frequent meals, avoiding gas-inducing foods, and practising gentle exercise.

Baby Flutters

Experience the sensation of baby flutters, known as quickening, as early as 16 weeks. First-time pregnancies may notice movements around weeks 18 to 20.

Food Cravings

After the first trimester, you may have food cravings due to hormones and nutrient needs. Cravings are common during pregnancy.

16 Weeks Pregnant – Tips to Follow

Stay comfortable and prevent infections by wearing breathable cotton underwear.
Relieve stuffiness and nosebleeds by using a humidifier.
Alleviate back pain with gentle yoga, Pilates, and abdominal exercises.
Include salads, grilled veggies, and leafy greens in your meals.
Control acne breakouts with gentle, oil-free products containing glycolic acid or benzoyl peroxide.
Update your bra collection with comfortable and supportive maternity or nursing bras.
Ensure proper back support while working by using a support pillow or ergonomic chair.
Sleep on your side to promote optimal blood flow to the baby. Use pillows for support and comfort.
Manage food cravings by choosing nutrient-rich options like smoothies, granola-yoghurt parfaits, or fruits with nut butter.

Takeaway at Sixteen Weeks Pregnant

At sixteen weeks pregnant, your baby is reaching important milestones, developing facial features and taste buds, and growing rapidly. You’ll notice a visible bump as your belly expands. Be prepared for symptoms like skin changes, nosebleeds, lower back pain, dizziness, bleeding gums, gas, and headaches. Remember to prioritize sleep by adopting a side-sleeping position. Embrace your food cravings with nutrient-rich choices to support your baby’s development. Stay organized with to-do lists to combat pregnancy brain. For comprehensive care and expert guidance, consider scheduling an appointment with Queen’s Gynecology to ensure a healthy and fulfilling pregnancy experience.

Summary

At 16 weeks pregnant, you’re entering the second trimester, a period of renewed energy and joy. Your baby is growing rapidly, weighing around 3 to 4 ounces and measuring about 4 to 5 inches long. Significant developments include the formation of taste buds, skeletal growth, and emerging facial features. You may experience symptoms such as skin changes, nosebleeds, back pain, dizziness, and food cravings. Follow tips like wearing breathable underwear, using a humidifier, practising gentle exercises, and prioritizing side sleeping. Don’t forget to go for regular checkups and follow your doctor’s advice.

Week	Pregnancy Symptoms	Tips and Advice	Baby Development
Week 1	– Missed period	– Take a home pregnancy test	– Fertilization occurs
Week 2	– Tender breasts	– Begin taking prenatal vitamins	– Blastocyst implants in the uterus
Week 3	– Fatigue	– Schedule your first prenatal visit	– Embryonic development begins
Week 4	– Morning sickness starts	– Avoid alcohol, smoking, and caffeine	– Neural tube forms
Week 5	– Increased urination	– Eat a balanced diet	– Heart starts beating
Week 6	– Mood swings	– Stay hydrated	– Brain and head development
Week 7	– Constipation	– Start gentle exercise	– Limb buds form
Week 8	– Food cravings	– Get plenty of rest	– Webbed fingers and toes develop
Week 9	– Weight gain begins	– Avoid raw or undercooked foods	– Tail disappears, now considered a fetus
Week 10	– Visible baby bump	– Wear comfortable clothing	– Organs continue to develop
Week 11	– Darkened areolas	– Practice relaxation techniques	– Baby can swallow and produce urine
Week 12	– Reduced nausea	– Consider prenatal classes	– Sex organs distinguishable
Week 13	– Increased energy	– Continue regular check-ups	– Baby’s fingerprints form
Week 14	– Less frequent urination	– Plan for maternity leave	– Baby’s facial muscles develop
Week 15	– Quickening (baby moves)	– Do pelvic floor exercises	– Baby can make facial expressions
Week 16	– Round ligament pain	– Stay active with low-impact exercises	– Develops sense of hearing
Week 17	– Nasal congestion	– Consider a prenatal massage	– Baby’s skeleton starts hardening
Week 18	– Belly button changes	– Stay well-hydrated	– Vernix caseosa covers the skin
Week 19	– Braxton Hicks contractions	– Eat small, frequent meals	– Baby’s kicks become stronger
Week 20	– Leg cramps	– Begin monitoring baby’s movements	– Baby is covered in lanugo (fine hair)
Week 21	– Shortness of breath	– Sleep on your side	– Eyebrows and eyelashes appear
Week 22	– Linea nigra (skin darkens)	– Practice relaxation techniques	– Rapid brain development
Week 23	– Backache	– Consider prenatal yoga or swimming	– Baby can recognize your voice
Week 24	– Swollen ankles	– Elevate feet when sitting or lying	– Lungs continue to mature
Week 25	– Increased appetite	– Continue regular prenatal check-ups	– Baby may respond to loud noises
Week 26	– Heartburn	– Sleep with extra pillows for support	– Eyes open for the first time
Week 27	– Braxton Hicks intensify	– Pack your hospital bag	– Baby can hiccup
Week 28	– Trouble sleeping	– Monitor blood pressure	– Baby’s kicks become more regular
Week 29	– Shortness of breath	– Avoid lifting heavy objects	– Baby’s bones fully developed
Week 30	– Swollen hands	– Stay hydrated and avoid salt	– Baby may be head-down in preparation for birth
Week 31	– Increased vaginal discharge	– Take childbirth classes	– Baby’s immune system develops
Week 32	– Hemorrhoids	– Practice perineal massage	– Baby’s toenails and fingernails grow
Week 33	– Trouble finding a comfortable position to sleep	– Rest and nap when possible	– Baby’s bones start to harden further
Week 34	– Frequent urination	– Prepare for maternity leave	– Baby’s central nervous system matures
Week 35	– Braxton Hicks increase	– Avoid prolonged standing or sitting	– Baby’s skin becomes less wrinkled
Week 36	– Pelvic pressure	– Finalize birth plan	– Baby continues to gain weight
Week 37	– Lightening (baby drops)	– Stay active with walking	– Baby’s head positions for birth
Week 38	– Fatigue increases	– Do pelvic exercises	– Baby’s lungs are fully mature
Week 39	– Cervix effacement	– Rest and conserve energy	– Baby’s immune system continues to develop
Week 40	– Contractions begin	– Monitor contractions	– Baby’s digestive system is ready for breast milk
Week 41	– Dilation of cervix	– Stay calm and patient during labor	– Baby’s head molds to fit through the birth canal

Please note that every pregnancy is unique, and symptoms and developments may vary from person to person. Always consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and care during pregnancy.