The 16th week of pregnancy falls in the second trimester, which, according to Mayo Clinic, is the most enjoyable phase because the initial bodily changes have passed but your belly is not yet uncomfortably large. This is the time to plan that last romantic getaway with your partner before the baby arrives, advises BabyCenter, because you may be too tired to do so later in your pregnancy.
Fetal Development
By your 16th week of pregnancy, your baby weighs approximately 3 ounces and measures between 4 and 5 inches in length. Her heart pumps around 25 quarts of a blood a day at this point. It is possible to feel your baby move by the 16th week, though if this is your first pregnancy, you may not begin to perceive such movements until later in the second trimester. The baby's hearing is also developed enough by the 16th week that she can hear you speak. Her eyes are also in their permanent position now and she can hold her head more erect than ever before.
Physical Changes
At 16 weeks pregnant, your uterus weighs around 8.5 ounces and your breasts are continuing to grow. Your heart is pumping 50 percent more blood than usual to support your pregnancy, which may be make your face appear brighter. You may also have more vaginal discharge than usual by the 16th week, which helps ward off infections. If you are putting on too much weight too quickly, you may notice swollen blood vessels in your legs, known as varicose veins.
Discomfort
The nausea and mood swings that may have plagued you during the first trimester tend to be milder by the 16th week, but may be replaced with sensitive gums that bleed when you brush your teeth and nasal congestion due to pregnancy hormones. These same hormones also stimulate your oil glands, so you may need to use an oil-free cleanser to keep your shine in check. Moreover, at this point, your growing uterus may be putting pressure on your intestines, causing constipation. Increased back pain may also be on the horizon as your belly gets larger.
Prenatal Visits
As of the 16th week, you may have the option of learning your baby's sex through an ultrasound, provided that the child is not positioned in a way that hides the genitals. Around this time, your health care provider may also ask if you are interested in undergoing a maternal blood screening test, which measures the baby's level of alpha-fetoprotein and the hormones hCG and estriol in your blood. Your doctor may also want to measure a substance known as inhibin-A. Collectively, these tests help calculate your risk of giving birth to a baby with a chromosomal abnormality such as Down Syndrome or other defects.
References
- American Pregnancy Association: 16th Week of Pregnancy
- BabyCenter: Your Pregnancy - 16 Weeks
- MayoClinic: Second Trimester Pregnancy: What to Expect
- KidsHealth: A Week-by-Week Pregnancy Calendar
- What to Expect: 16 Weeks Pregnant
- What to Expect: Baby's Hearing Develops
- BabyCenter: Ultrasound - What You Need to Know
