16 weeks pregnant: Symptoms and baby development
Everything you need to know about being 16 weeks pregnant, from nosebleeds and dental care to bump size and how your baby's developing.
At 16 weeks pregnant, you’re four months pregnant and well into your second trimester. You might be feeling a boost of energy or noticeable baby movements.
“Baby is continuing to grow steadily,” says Dr. Philippa Kaye, a London-based GP who specialises in paediatrics and gynaecology.
Some women notice that they gain weight at around 16 weeks, so this might be the time to think about upgrading your wardrobe to be a bit more maternity-friendly.
We asked Dr. Philippa about some of the biggest questions mums have at this stage of pregnancy, so here’s everything you need to know about being 16 weeks pregnant.
Your baby at 16 weeks
“By 16 weeks pregnant, your baby is approximately 11.6cm from head to bottom and weighs around 80 grams,” Dr. Philippa says. “Developing babies are often compared to fruits and vegetables, so right now your baby is about the size of an average avocado.”
Because their nervous system is better developed, babies might move more at 16 weeks.
“Your baby might start to move its arms and legs in a more co-ordinated way, including hand movements such as fist clenching. They can make facial expressions like grimaces,” she says. “They start to practice breathing, inhaling and exhaling amniotic fluid, too.”
“Some women will notice the first movements from as early as 16 or 17 weeks. Initially it feels like tiny flutters, almost like you need to pass gas,” Philippa says.
“You tend to notice this initial fluttering earlier if you have been pregnant before, because you have more experience in knowing what you are looking for. But don’t worry if you don’t feel anything just yet. The average time people notice it is around 20 weeks.”
Babies also have eyebrows and eyelashes by 16 weeks. That’s not the only hair they have — their skin is covered in a layer of very fine hair, called ‘lanugo,’ which provides protection and warmth. This is generally lost by the time a baby is born, or after the first few weeks.
“Their eyes also develop further. By now they can sense light through the womb, so will be able to tell the difference between you being in the light or dark,” Dr. Philippa says.
Your body at 16 weeks
“The womb has risen up and out of the pelvis now, so most people will have at least a small bump,” Philippa says. You might not be able to hide your pregnancy by 16 weeks, if you had been trying.
But “different women will show/have a bump at different times, related to whether it is their first pregnancy, how strong their tummy muscles are and how many babies they are carrying,” she said.
“Some people will notice pains on the sides of the abdomen, called round ligament pain, as the womb slowly begins to expand,” Philippa says.
“You might also notice an increase in appetite or even food cravings, and that you begin to gain weight.”
But hopefully any morning sickness and fatigue has improved by now.
“Many women feel that the second trimester is where they feel their best, with increased energy,” she says.
Common symptoms at week 16
“Don’t worry if you don’t have symptoms — many people feel extremely well,” Dr. Philippa says.
But you might notice some symptoms like constipation. This is due to hormonal changes in pregnancy. If you experience it, “try to increase your fibre intake, keep well hydrated, and keep moving. Laxatives safe for use in pregnancy are also available,” advises Dr. Philippa.
Bleeding gums or nosebleeds are also common in pregnancy, due to increased blood flow. Maintaining good oral hygiene helps with this so make sure to brush twice a day, avoid too much sugar, don’t smoke, and use alcohol-free mouthwashes to reduce plaque.
Other symptoms might include:
- Headaches
- Sore breasts
- Leg cramps
- Feeling hot
- Dizziness
- Swollen hands and feet
Tips for a healthy pregnancy at 16 weeks
“From now onwards, it is recommended that you try to avoid lying on your back for prolonged periods,” Dr. Philippa says, because the weight of your womb can compress the blood vessels supplying blood to the uterus and baby. Try lying on your side to sleep or using a pregnancy pillow.
“You can continue to exercise and don’t forget to do your pelvic floor exercises!” she says.
If you’re having dental troubles, remember that you are entitled to free NHS dental care during pregnancy and for a year after your baby is born. You can get this using a maternity exemption certificate, which your midwife, doctor or health visitor can apply for on your behalf.
Although it is generally offered at around 20 weeks, you are also eligible for a whooping cough vaccination when you’re at 16 to 32 weeks of pregnancy.
“This is given because whooping cough is increasing in the UK. The vaccine will mean that you produce antibodies to whooping cough which pass through the placenta to give your baby protection for the first few weeks of life until they have their own vaccinations,” Dr. Philippa says.